Minnesotans for Barack Obama

Presidential Candidate Barack Obama: 9th February Nebraska Democrats Will Choose Presidential Candidate

EsquireUK — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 11:08:08 EST

Richard Perry/The New York Times

Senator Barack Obama eyed the crowd on Wednesday at a rally at St. Peter’s College in Jersey City.

OMAHA, NE – Nebraska's Senator Ben Nelson (D-NE) today endorsed Barack Obama www.barackobama.com for President, citing Obama's ability to bridge the partisan divide and to carry Democratic candidates across the country to victory in 2008.

"Those of us on both sides of the aisle who have made it our purpose to set aside partisanship to address some of the important issues of the day want a president that will join the effort, not foil it. Barack Obama, to me, represents the best hope for our own political reconciliation and a future where the cogs of government are working smoothly for progress instead of being gummed up by partisanship," said Senator Nelson. "Barack Obama will be the strongest candidate in the heartland, because he puts solutions and consensus fist and he inspires great crossover appeal among Republicans and independents."

"Senator Nelson represents how Washington should work – he reaches across the aisle to make progress where there is common ground," said Senator Obama. "Senator Nelson understands that Americans in the heartland do not believe the country is divided into red states and blue states, they are ready to unite around a common purpose to bring the change we so desperately need. As a Governor and a Senator, Ben Nelson led the fight to bridge the divide between urban and rural communities, to expand health care for children, to boost the production of renewable fuels, and to strengthen our military. Independent-minded leaders across the country are joining my campaign because they know we'll need to unite Americans of all ideologies and from all walks of life to bring change we can believe in."

Ben Nelson, serving in his second term in the U.S. Senate, also served as the two-term Governor of Nebraska. As Governor, Nelson expanded health care for children, produced balanced budgets, cut taxes for the middle class, expanded ethanol production, and launched a "One Nebraska" initiative to combat disparities between urban and rural communities. As Nebraska's Senator, Nelson has been a consensus builder who has worked to strengthen our homeland security, keep our promise to our veterans, and to support our agricultural economy.

Nelson, McCaskill Backing Obama

By ANNA JO BRATTON and SAM HANANEL – 13 hours ago

Presidential hopeful Barack Obama www.barackobama.com has won the endorsement of two fellow Democratic senators from the heartland — Ben Nelson, a popular moderate in largely Republican Nebraska and Claire McCaskill from Missouri, historically a bellwether in presidential contests.

Nelson said Saturday he believes Obama has ability to bridge the partisan divide and to carry Democratic candidates across the country to victory in 2008. Nelson, pledging his support for his Illinois colleague, said Obama has "the greatest potential to ending the bitterness and poisonous atmosphere in Washington."

McCaskill plans to announce her support for the Illinois senator Sunday, according to an Obama aide and a McCaskill staffer who spoke Saturday on condition of anonymity so as not to upstage the announcement.

Her endorsement is expected to be a major boost for Obama in Missouri, one of nearly two dozen states holding primaries or caucuses on Feb. 5, and could help Obama woo female voters in his race against New York Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, his chief rival for the Democratic nomination.

The backing from Nelson and McCaskill caps a slew of big-name endorsements for Obama over the past week, including former Democratic presidential nominee John Kerry and Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano.

McCaskill has praised Obama often and was widely believed to favor the Illinois senator over Clinton. But the Senate freshman had resisted openly supporting a candidate until now, saying she wanted to preserve working relationships with Senate colleagues.

She said last week that she identifies with the desire for change that Obama supporters have reported to pollsters.

Nelson said Obama's victory speech after winning Iowa's Jan. 3 caucuses was an effort to reach out to Democrats, independents and "enlightened Republicans," and that Obama's campaign epitomizes what Nelson has tried to do in Washington.

Obama is the "prototype of what we need today," said Nelson, who served two terms as governor.

Nebraska Democrats will choose a presidential candidate Feb. 9.

Nelson often votes with his GOP colleagues, and in 2005 won praise from President Bush, who called Nelson "a man with whom I can work."

Republicans hold all statewide offices in Nebraska except Nelson's seat, and enjoy a heavy majority among voters.

Anna Jo Bratton reported from Omaha, Neb., Sam Hananel from Washington.

http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/sarahramey/CjPd

Community Blogs Welcome, Raphael.
Manage | Logout | Search Blogs Post from Sarah Ramey's Blog: Obama launches first ads in February 5th StatesBy Sarah Ramey - Jan 12th, 2008 at 12:30 pm EST Comments | Mail to a Friend | Report Objectionable Content Tags: Arizona, California, Feb 5

Arizona and California -- two crucial Feb. 5th voting states -- began airing two ads for Barack Obama today.

You can watch the ad "Mother" currently airing in Arizona here:

And here's the ad, "Quiet" which is currently on the air in California:

For more happening in these Feb. 5th voting states, visit AZ.BarackObama.com and CA.BarackObama.com.

Participation in MN DFL Caucuses

Tom Hayes, working for change — Sat, 12 Jan 2008 11:46:44 EST

Most of you already know this, but below is a copy of email sent to make sure folks in the Northfield for Obama group are fired up and have good information when talking to friends. If you re-use it be sure to tailor it to your own CD/precinct/etc.

SENIORS SUPPORT OBAMA!!!

Matthea Little Smith — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 17:12:46 EST

We need to work on a National Level and address the fact that many, many seniors support Sen. Obama for president. I am starting a MN Seniors for Obama group. My hope is by the end of the month we will have Seniors for Obama groups in every state!

www.myspace.com/obamamn08

Lane — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 03:46:25 EST

CHECK OUT THIS NEW MINNESOTA OBAMA SUPPORT PAGE

http://www.myspace.com/obamamn08

LETS GET FIRED UP!!!

First NH votes in: Obama leads with 70% of the vote!

Nathan — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 00:14:32 EST

Okay, it's only tiny Dixville Notch, N.H., the town that votes at midnight on primary morning, in order to call itself "first in the nation" to vote in each presidential election. But with all seventeen (!) Dixville Notch votes counted, the Democratic primary currently stands at Obama 7, Edwards 2, Richardson 1, Clinton 0. (In related news, on the Republican side it's McCain 4, Romney 2, Giuliani 1.)

How does winning New Hampshire by 50 points sound to you?

Okay, I fearlessly predict that Obama's lead will shrink. But it would be pretty cool if Obama continued to collect as many votes as all of the Republicans put together!

Update: There's one other tiny New Hampshire hamlet that votes in the middle of the night, a town called Hart's Location. With those 13 Democratic votes added in, the election now stands at Obama 16, Clinton 3, Edwards 3, Richardson 1. So Obama's lead has actually grown from 50% to 56.5%--woo-hoo!

New Hampshire Polls: Big O has Mighty Mo....

Nathan — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 03:43:37 EST

I know that plenty of folks are opposed to poll-watching, because (theoretically) it takes our eye off the ball.

I understand the sentiment... but for the moment I say nuts to that, because the news out of New Hampshire is looking stunningly good for our guy--and it's the post-Iowa polls that show him with a big lead:

Reuters/C-SPAN/Zogby (in a poll conducted January 4-6) has Obama leading by 10%:
Obama 39%, Clinton 29%, Edwards 19%, margin of error 3.4%.
American Research Group (ARG) (in a poll conducted January 5-6) has Obama leading by 11%:
Obama 39%, Clinton 28%, Edwards 22%, margin of error 4%.
CNN/WMUR/University of New Hampshire (in a poll conducted January 5-6) has Obama leading by 10%:
Obama 39%, Clinton 29%, Edwards 16%, margin of error 5%.
Gallup (in a poll conducted January 4-6) has Obama leading by 13%:
Obama 41%, Clinton 28%, Edwards 19%, margin of error 4%.
Rasmussen Reports (in a poll conducted January 4-5) has Obama leading by 12%:
Obama 39%, Clinton 27%, Edwards 18%, margin of error 3%.
McClatchy/NBC (in a poll conducted January 2-4, i.e., mostly before the late-January-3 news from Iowa) has Obama leading by 2%.:
Obama 33%, Clinton 31%, Edwards 17%, margin of error 5%.
(Then came Iowa!)

Looking good, huh?

Okay, now back to work!

(Update: I fixed two clerical errors in the Rasmussen item and added the Reuters/C-SPAN/Zogby poll.)

"Effective in the campaign," is neither sufficient, nor inherently synonymous with being worthy of our votes.

Tom Hayes, working for change — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 21:56:17 EST

Among the nuances that get glossed over amid the fervor of this process is precisely what the campaign reveals and/or doesn't about the aspirants. The attributes voters admired in the previous general elections gave us George W. Bush, resulting in a series of policy decisions that at best leave the economy and our standing in the world in a shambles for whoever is elected to clean up. Nobody can deny that he was an effective campaigner.

In the current race Senator Clinton, too, is running a polished, effective campaign. She's got good people, effective fund-raisers, and reacts adeptly to adversity, having preserved plausible deniability when a viral smear linked back to her organization emerges.

The challenge is to help voters see that while Senator Obama is undeniably a politician, he uses politics as a means to demonstrably noble goals, which is why so many believe he will wield the power of the Presidency in pursuit of bettering the country.

Unfortunately the qualities we need in our next President are not simply those of the veteran campaigner; being effective in the race is neither sufficient, nor inherently synonymous with being worthy of our votes.

Senator Clinton is as aware of what's going on with progressive voters as the rest of us are, likely more so. Naturally she's disappointed and doing all she can to regain the spotlight and momentum in the fight for delegates. I was stunned to hear her in the New Hampshire debate claiming 35 years of experience yet finding fault with John Edwards when his patient bill of rights stalled in the House of Representatives despite being passed by the Senate. The two are same sort of "experience," working hard on something you believe in which flounders - and ultimately sometimes fails, as was the case with her laudable health care initiative while First Lady. Yes, that's experience, and doubtless Senator Clinton and Senator Edwards both learned from the process.

Ironically, every experienced Democrat persisting after Iowa has taken up Obama's message, each claiming to be an Agent of Change. Yet Senator Clinton, for example, has resorted to very old-school ad hominem sound bite politics as her inevitability has evaporated.

In fact, if all we needed in the White House could be summed up as "effective campaigner" she might be the best. What we need, however, is not somebody who smiles and orchestrates a slick, effective campaign, but rather a visionary capable of reversing the disenfranchisement of the citizens of this country while restoring the integrity of the office of the President.

After Iowa comes Minnesota

R from Minneapolis, MN — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 12:23:56 EST

I've just come back from Iowa totally inspired.....

It's great to win an election, but even better when it's done in a way that brings people together. Those of us who have spent a lot of time in politics know that too often people win by ripping others apart. Barack and the campaign, from the start, have been about something much more...about finding a way to unify a deeply divided country....and we saw that repeatedly in Iowa.

There was the lifelong Republican precinct captain who showed up at the Obama rally on election eve....he turned in his caucus materials to the Republicans and went to his first Democratic caucus for Barack. There were people who hadn't voted before. And there were scores and scores of young voters who have been told over and over again that they won't matter because they won't show up...

I even had one conversation that started bad, but got better: At a senior center I walked up to a woman named Pearl. She said she was going to the caucus but "wasn't sure about Obama.....I'm a little worried about his name." When I asked her want she meant she was embarassed to say it but thought with a name like his he could be a terrorist. I was pretty upset to hear this, especially because there were emails going around later traced to the Clinton camp that alleged he was a Muslim terrorist...and apparently those rumors got to Pearl.

I stumbled around for a response for a while but finally said: "Pearl, do you remember that in World War 1 and World War 2 people suspected Americans with German names could be spies...but they ended up fighting for and dying for our country." She thought about that an eventally came around.

As the results came in and the hall began to fill, you heard these wonderful stories about how Barack brought them into politics, or about how they saw this campaign as the hope to change the way poltiics happen in this country.

I could go on with great stories from down there but the better news is they mirror what I've been seeing here in Minnesota for months as the campaign has built. A year ago there were a handful of us marching in Uptown to try to convince Obama to run...and month after month more and more people got on board....coming from all parts of the state and politics. Now we get a few weeks to make it a real movement.

So let's keep it rolling. We should all be thinking right now about people we know who haven't gone to caucuses, including people who are independents and Republicans. Talk to them in the wake of this big Iowa win about coming with you to the Minnesota caucuses on Feb. 5. Wear your button around, especially in unlikely places, and talk to strangers about the chance we will have in a few weeks to pick a president.

I really look forward to seeing you all on the campaign these next few weeks. History is really being made in America right now, and Minnesota is about to get its chance.

My Saturday in Iowa Farm Country

Carl — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 10:26:19 EST

I took up the request by out Mason City office for door knocking on Saturday, I was sent to a very rural area of Iowa near the Minnesota border. These were doors that have never been knocked on during an Iowa caucus and seen as a conservative area of the district. It is a testament to all the hard work that we are at the point where we can have volunteers door knocking on the remote areas of the county. Thanks to the staff and all the volunteers both Iowans and Minnesotans.

Voter Likens Presidential Candidate Barack Obama To John F. Kennedy

EsquireUK — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 13:11:00 EST

Voter likens Obama to Kennedy
The Hawk Eye | December 28, 2007
By WILLIAM SMITH
Marjorie Marsh has been participating in caucuses since John F. Kennedy ran for president in 1960. He remains her favorite president.
She hadn't seen a presidential candidate like Kennedy until she saw Barack Obama.
"I see many of Kennedy's attributes in Obama," she said.
A self-professed "die-hard" Democrat, Marsh has never voted for a Republican presidential candidate in her life.
Marsh, 94, is taking an even more active role this year drumming up support for Obama. The Fort Madison woman is a precinct captain for the Jan. 3 caucus and makes her way to Obama's Fort Madison headquarters three times a week to campaign.

Read the full article from The Hawk Eye

Community Blogs Welcome, Raphael.
Manage | Logout | Search Blogs Post from Eddie Lee's Blog: Fulfilling a Generation's Promise: Real Leadership for SeniorsBy Eddie Lee, NH Obama Staff - Dec 28th, 2007 at 10:37 am EST Also listed in: 6 groups Comments | Mail to a Friend | Report Objectionable Content Tags: Barack Obama, Longterm Care, Medicare, seniors, social security Rate this Post:
(What is this?)
Often labeled “the greatest generation,” our senior citizens have seen a lot in their time. Many of them marched for equality beside Martin Luther King Jr., fought for justice with Bobby Kennedy, or answered a timeless call to service under President John F. Kennedy.
But now, many of them need help. They’re concerned about Social Security or dealing with the maze of coverage for Medicare Part D. They’re paying too much for prescription drugs and coping with rising costs on everything. More than anything, they’re worried about the country they’re leaving behind to their children and grandchildren.
Across New Hampshire, they’re ready for new leadership. They're ready for the torch to be passed to a new generation to bring about change we can believe in.

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  "You're So Lame" video | Report to Admin Reply By rich Today at 10:51 am EST new video song called

"You're So Lame":

Link   Everybody's president | Report to Admin Reply By David Williams from Knoxville, TN Today at 10:52 am EST President Obama will be everyone's president! Not just the president of certain demographics or interest groups.   In dealing with Seniors... | Report to Admin Reply By Aunt Becky Today at 10:58 am EST it's important to know that most are fearful of change. It comes with growing older. We hang so long, we get used to hanging!

I find it helpful to let folks talk about their fears. The poor dears are frightened and need to articulate what they're feeling.

Empathy is of utmost importance.

Auntie B. (who is pushin' 60 and is well aware of what happens as we reach Codgerhood) Re: In dealing with Seniors... | Report to Admin Reply By rich Today at 11:17 am EST Even middle agers are fearful of change.

Good point, Aunty Becky, about showing empathy towards those who fear CHANGE. Having a sense of humor can help too:

Link Re: In dealing with Seniors... | Report to Admin Reply By Desert Rat Dan Today at 11:44 am EST Auntie B,

My dad is 77 and I can tell that he "wants" to believe in Senator Obama but that he is still too cynical. He doesn't think ANYBODY will be able to change the system. Please, I need some words of wisdom and/or inspiration to get him over the hump. Thanks.

p.s. He watches Fox News Re: In dealing with Seniors... | Report to Admin Reply By Brian S. Today at 11:54 am EST Dan, is he religious at all? (doesn't matter what religion)

If so, forward him Barack's speech on religion and politics. I just watched it again and forwarded it to a few friends at church who are "on the fence." It is truly AMAZING...we NEED a President who thinks like this and sees the issues like this.

To find it, click on BarackTV and it's under the "speeches" section...Good luck!!! Re: In dealing with Seniors... | Report to Admin Reply By Mildred 16 minutes ago Dan, tell your grandfather that Barack is an amalgam of JFK and Adlai Stevenson. Your grandfather will remember Stevenson's campaigns and his intellect. Barack embodies the humane and political visions of both leaders. Our generation will not witness many more elections. Here's our opportunity to grasp this chance. Re: In dealing with Seniors... | Report to Admin Reply By Mile High Girl 16 minutes ago Thanks for the video suggestion. I'll check it out.

I would love to find a way to bridge the gap between people who vote for intellectual reasons and people who vote for religious or other convictions (e.g. abortion, or racism as mentioned by Stephanie below).

Now, THANKS!!! to everyone working hard out there in Iowa!

I had the chance to christen my new "Got Hope?" t-shirt on Christmas Eve, and had a nice chat with a friend's sister from San Francisco, who said, "I've thought from the very beginning that he was the candidate capable of doing the job." I also heard from an old friend in Michigan after forwarding the Obama family "Happy Holidays" video, who said that he "will vote for the man". (However, he said that Sen. Obama took his name off the MI primary ballot. Does that sound right?)

You are working for all of us, IOWA. I did another matching donation last night, as my way to help out. We really appreciate you!!! Re: In dealing with Seniors... | Report to Admin Reply By Novlette 53 minutes ago Dan:

Some quotes stay with me. These two may be helpful to you.

"Perfection is unobtainable, but it is the quest for it that makes life worth living."
- from an article on Jason Green, Nevada field staff

"Don't vote your fears, vote your aspirations"
- I believe from the Deval Patrick endorsement speech Re: In dealing with Seniors... | Report to Admin Reply By Ruckus83 46 minutes ago Im very happy to report that my 67 year old grandmother, who had been a Clinton supporter originally, last night said with complete confidence that Obama WILL be the next President, and my 69 year old grandfather had been on the fence between Edwards and Obama but they are both now in Obama's court. Re: In dealing with Seniors... | Report to Admin Reply By Amy 33 minutes ago I love hearing things like that. Thanks, Ruckus. I think the negative ads with Edwards' face on them will hurt him. Re: In dealing with Seniors... | Report to Admin Reply By Steven R 38 minutes ago Dan, it's sad that people have grown to this point where they've lost the ability to believe in change. You have got to tell him that change can happen if you believe in it. I can happen if we all work together. I'd send him right to the best parts of yesterday's speech to give him some very eloquent reasons why change and hope count especially in todays world where the problems seem insurmountable. Re: In dealing with Seniors... | Report to Admin Reply By Amy 35 minutes ago Dan, only worry about it if he plans to caucus for someone else in an early or Feb. 5 state. Otherwise, just be positive about our candidate and leave it at that. Plenty of time to convince him before the general!

I've got some cynics in my neck of the woods, too. These two men really like Obama, but they think we need a white man as the nominee in order to win. ;-) They don't plan to caucus, either, and I'm not encouraging them. Our caucus is Feb. 9. Re: In dealing with Seniors... | Report to Admin Reply By Amy 31 minutes ago Let me add that these two men are Democrats! I've got a whole bunch of former moderate Republicans who can't wait to caucus for Obama.

I think people who are rational and common sense and not ideological in the extreme are the ones who support Obama. Young people have grown up in a more postmodern world, where they see the limitations of ideology better than my generation does. Re: In dealing with Seniors... | Report to Admin Reply By Arizona Grandma 55 minutes ago These song lyrics are for you Auntie B. First from my favorite musical "South Pacific". (Because I grew up hearing that I look like Mitzi Gaynor)

When the skies are brighter canary yellow
I forget ev'ry cloud I've ever seen,
So they called me a cockeyed optimist
Immature and incurably green.

I have heard people rant and rave and bellow
That we're done and we might as well be dead,
But I'm only a cockeyed optimist
And I can't get it into my head.

I hear the human race
Is fallin' on its face
And hasn't very far to go,
But ev'ry whippoorwill
Is sellin' me a bill,
And tellin' me it just ain't so.

I could say life is just a bowl of Jello
And appear more intelligent and smart,
But I'm stuck like a dope
With a thing called hope,
And I can't get it out of my heart!
Not this heart...

And this one - remember Connie Francis? - and used for JFK!!! High Hopes

Once there was a silly old ram
Thought he'd punch a hole in a dam
No one could make that ram scram
He kept buttin' that dam.

'Cause he had high hopes
He had high hopes
He had high apple pie
In the sky hopes.

So any time your feelin' bad stead of feelin' sad
Just remember that ram
Oops there goes a billion kilowatt dam
Oops there goes a billion kilowatt dam.

So keep those high hopes
Keep those high hopes
Keep that apple pie
In the sky hopes.

All problems just a toy balloon
They'll be bursted soon
They're just bound to go pop
Oops, there goes, another problem, kerplop.

Oops, there goes, another problem, kerplop... Re: In dealing with Seniors... | Report to Admin Reply By Aunt Becky 22 minutes ago Thanks, Ariz Gram.

Another one that's appropriate (with respect to Dubya) "I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Outta My Hair!" LOL

Auntie B. Re: In dealing with Seniors... | Report to Admin Reply By Arizona Grandma 2 minutes ago PERFECT! LMFAO! Here's some of those lyrics. (And, I really need to get to work. I'm spending too much time at this computer today)

Oho! If you laugh at different comics,
If you root for different teams,
Waste no time, weep no more,
Show him what the door is for.
Rub him out of the roll call
And drum him out of your dreams.

(I can't wait to "drum him out of my..." nightmares) Re: In dealing with Seniors... | Report to Admin Reply By waterprise2 21 minutes ago On the Seniors CERTAIN to vote for Obama side: we live in MI--the crazy primary state. However, we CAN vote "non-committed" to show our support for anyone but HRC! (She's the only one who kept her name on the ballot--against the "rules"...)
My 84-year-old mother is just TOO excited for Change and Obama! Because she and most of her friends vote "Absentee", she is calling TODAY all of her friends to make sure that they understand how the crazy vote in MI goes before they send in their ballots...

We'll vote "non-committed" instead of HRC...that'll send a message!

Like a lot of seniors we see here on the blog, there are many who lived through the Depression, all of the wars, JFK, MLK, RFK...and they're FIRED UP and READY TO GO!! Re: In dealing with Seniors... | Report to Admin Reply By Theresa in Maine 12 minutes ago Aunt Becky: I officially qualify as a senior citizen at 65 years old.

I welcome change. I want to have hope again. I want to trust that our broken system will change from the same old Washington insider policies and big money fat cats.

The ONLY president who can do this for my children and grandchildren is Senator Obama --- OF THIS I AM CERTAIN.

If folks want to elect a mediocre president who is a white male and whose presidency could be similar Jimmy Carter (mind you - I have great great respect for Jimmy Carter due to his Habitat for Humanity work,) then they can vote of John Edwards.

If folks want to elect someone who is burdened with baggage, among other things, if they want to revisit the 90's and take this country backwards then vote for Hillary.   Not quite a senior | Report to Admin Reply By Arizona Grandma Today at 11:06 am EST I will be turning 55 in March. Time for my Tuesday discount at IHOP. I have NEVER seen a better candidate for President than Barack Obama.

Hope drowns cynicism. Change defeats anger. I am tired of hearing the angry cynics. IMO if you don't vote (and do your homework about the candidates before doing so) you don't deserve to be angry or cynical. The only people to blame for the mess that this country is in are the people who didn't take the time to educate themselves and vote responsibly. It's not American Idol...it's our lives and the health and stability of the world that's at stake here.

My brother teased me about my Obama bumper sticker on Thanksgiving. He said, "They're all the same!" (meaning politicians). So, I asked him, "What do you know about Obama?"...no reply...and, "When is the last time you voted?" I said, "Do me a favor, do my grandchildren a favor, do the world a favor...learn as much as you can about the candidates and vote. Things will never change until the disenfranchised start to become involved."

O.K. - that's it! On to work. Thank all of you for your hard work, for your intelligence and thoughtfulness, and for caring enough about our world to become involved! Re: Not quite a senior | Report to Admin Reply By Desert Rat Dan Today at 11:22 am EST Beautiful post. Thank you for articulating it so well. Re: Not quite a senior | Report to Admin Reply By Amy 28 minutes ago Arizona Grandma, thanks for that lovely post! Very inspiring.   "I choose change and I choose Obama!" | Report to Admin Reply By Donna - NH Today at 11:08 am EST Excellent diary on DailyKos by dengre.

"I choose change and I choose Obama!

"The race is close and it is time to get off the fence.

"I have.

"I have chosen the only candidate who seems to understand that FEAR is the obstacle to progress.

"I have chosen the only candidate to consistently confront the culture of FEAR with a platform of HOPE.

I have chosen to support Barack Obama."

Full diary here.
Link   Change | Report to Admin Reply By Strong Heart Today at 11:18 am EST I'm ready to pass the Torch but I wont let go I'll help them carry it too... Re: Change | Report to Admin Reply By Arizona Grandma 26 minutes ago This one's for you Strong Heart - you with the impeccable taste in music!

High Hopes by Pink Floyd Link

And my favorite part...

Looking beyond the embers of bridges glowing behind us
To a glimpse of how green it was on the other side
Steps taken forwards but sleepwalking back again
Dragged by the force of some inner tide
At a higher altitude with flag unfurled
We reached the dizzy heights of that dreamed of world

Thank you for all of your hopeful words!   So wonderful! | Report to Admin Reply By Peter from Switzerland Today at 11:25 am EST Oh sweet Lord! What a wonderful video, what an uplifting feeling, I am overwhelmed, close to tears. This is a masterpiece of compiling fragments of interviews and speeches. Can there be anything more authentic than this? History is about to take a sharp turn for the better, brighter future for all. Re: So wonderful! | Report to Admin Reply By Peter from Switzerland Today at 11:26 am EST And that new animated Obama'08 logo at the end is awesome! Good Weather for Caucus night | Report to Admin Reply By Luis Today at 11:31 am EST For the past 2 weeks,I haved been postng the latest model guidance for January 3rd,and all along it has been with good weather.No snostorms,and temperatures will be in the high 30s to low 40s.So in terms of the weather is concerned,there will not be any problems with ice or a blizzard being a problem so go in full force and caucus for the next president of the United Staes,Barack Obama.

OBAMA 08

Link Re: Good Weather for Caucus night | Report to Admin Reply By rich Today at 11:39 am EST Luis -

Thanks for providing these forecasted Jan 3 weather links. Yes, it looks good with clear skies over Iowa that day. Re: Good Weather for Caucus night | Report to Admin Reply By Laura Hubka Today at 11:41 am EST Yes, it will be great here. I wish I could give you more info. But all eyes are watching.

It is gonna be a great night. Sorry I cant be on here much. We are so busy. We have great help in our little field office. Re: Good Weather for Caucus night | Report to Admin Reply By Aunt Becky 10 minutes ago Laura, reading between the lines, it appears that all is well.

Love and hugs,
Auntie B. Re: Good Weather for Caucus night | Report to Admin Reply By Amy 53 minutes ago Thanks, Luis! We love your good news, you're a sweetie!   depression antidote | Report to Admin Reply By dorothy Today at 11:41 am EST This video of a mix of young and old, professional, military, blue collar, students, etc. is the perfect antitidote for depression. Sometimes I get so irritated with these "little pundits" and their spins. So when I see what they do not report, it is salve to the soul.

Let us continue to encourage folks to stomp in Iowa and New Hampshire. I am so proud to be a part of it.   No more questions? | Report to Admin Reply By Ernie Today at 11:45 am EST Apparently Hillary is taking no more questions now at her appearances. See Drudge link. Re: No more questions? | Report to Admin Reply By William from Gainesville, FL Today at 11:54 am EST Each and every presidential candidate should be open and forthright, answering all questions that voters might have. Our next president must be a strong leader who is not afraid to stand up for their opinions and beliefs. They should be willing to face their opponents and clearly explain to them why they believe what they do. Barack Obama is a man who has strong convictions and is not afraid to explain his positions.

Go Barack! Re: No more questions? | Report to Admin Reply By Donna - NH 15 minutes ago Here is the link.

Link

Clinton's "don't ask" policy

"As she races through Iowa in the days before next week's caucuses, Hillary Clinton is taking few chances. She tells crowds that it’s their turn to “pick a president,’’ but over the last two days she has not invited them to ask her any questions."   Yahoo | Report to Admin Reply By marytnurse Today at 11:55 am EST On my yahoo email account home page, I find at the top this FABULOUS logo/banner with a bunch of Obama stickers staggered in a diagonal line across the banner, and from the bottom right they begin to peel away, displaying a 'find your caucus location' and a picture of our guy. I started applauding!

I'm not going to get to go to the Coralville speech, as the door knockers aren't here yet to pick up their packets from me yet. I love listening to his question and answer times, this is when he wins 'the wizened ones' over! I'll live lol. Re: Yahoo | Report to Admin Reply By Amy 54 minutes ago OH, poor you! I was sick with the flu when he came to my neck of the woods, and I'd paid for a ticket!

Hope it all works out well today. Thank you so much for all you're doing, mary. You're an inspiration to us all. Re: Yahoo | Report to Admin Reply By marytnurse 21 minutes ago lol I'll trade for the waiting for door knockers! I hope they make it, this is more rural and it's snowing...they are supposed to go through town, and they have hiway driving, but if they are from....hee hee just then they knocked! There are three of them, and they are ON THEIR WAY OUT KNOCKING!!!   Super video! | Report to Admin Reply By Amy 56 minutes ago It's the best way to start the day - coming here to this positive, inspiring place, the Obamablog. There's nothing like it to lift the spirits at the end of a long day, either.

The blog is a testament to the kind of positive thinking and hard work that Obama personifies. Kudos to all our blog hosts, and a big, enthusiastic hug to all of you out there, too!

Thanks!   Some Encouraging News... | Report to Admin Reply By Marcus @ SDSU 54 minutes ago I mentioned this in a earlier thread, but for any doubters or those feeling anxiety, yesterday when I was making phonecalls to voters I found out that throughout the whole day at the Campaign office there were about 200 or more people that were supporting Obama while 130 or so supported Clinton, and John Edwards supporters were somewhere around 30-50...

I Would say that out of all the calls normally made, about 80% of the Iowans don't pick up, 10% just straight out either hang up or don't want to talk, about 8% are undecided, and the 2% are actually for a candidate.

So while this definitely is not an official poll or anything, I hope that it encourages all us Obama supporters who can't donate money (like myself) b/c lack of money, to help out the campaign, make phonecalls and really make a difference.

We got a LOT of hard work to do, b/c it looks like a DEAD HEAT...I just hope and pray all these students come back to caucus.... Re: Some Encouraging News... | Report to Admin Reply By Theresa from NY 19 minutes ago Hi Marcus,

I applaud you and your efforts. Thank you for your perseverance and dedication. If you have touched one caucus goer, you have made a difference.

I have also started calling and reaching out to voters in New Hampshire to join the team and do GOTV activities. It's very different than what you are doing in that these are Barack Obama supporters, but I still found it hard!

And I also found that the more phone calls you make the easier it gets.

Keep up the great work and know that you are appreciated.

Obama 08! Re: Some Encouraging News... | Report to Admin Reply By Marcus @ SDSU 14 minutes ago Thanks Theresa, I really appreciate the uplifting, kind words...

But you're definitely right that the more calls you make, the more comfortable and rewarding it is..

I know all of us are working really hard to make a difference and I just hope and pray that all are hard work will pay off come Jan. 3rd... Re: Some Encouraging News... | Report to Admin Reply By Athena 4 minutes ago Hello, Marcus,

Thank you for your hard work - it is priceless!

Actually, it appears that Obama is way ahead in your little poll. Six months ago, those numbers would have been very different.

We have much work to do, because the toil never ends - but that is what a champion's life is all about. You work as though you were last in the line so that you come out a winner.

That is what Barack has done. He has been humble, hard working, has taken nothing for granted and has won the hearts and minds of millions.

That is the stuff that true victors are made of.   almost there | Report to Admin Reply By Ilya 50 minutes ago Very inspirational video!
Only 5 days and 7 hours left till the caucus!   be Inspired | Report to Admin Reply By John_M 47 minutes ago In these last few days before Iowa - when the whole world is watching, perhaps it's time to let go of all those words and every little gesture by the press, the polls - the other candidates, and let us hope for what might be.

I know - no matter what any of us say - we'll keep on searching for that turn of phrase - that one last poll - that final confirmation that our hearts will soar on Jan 3, but nothing, until that final count in Iowa, will calm us - so, I made a video for the people of Iowa.

Let's hope they 'reach for what is possible'.

Iowa - listen to your heart - be inspired.

Link   PLEASE READ!!! | Report to Admin Reply By Stephanie 46 minutes ago Reading the blogs yesterday I came upon the story of a woman in Iowa whose house had been vandalized with racial slurs aimed at Obama. They also stole the Christmas presents they had in their garage. Well, little did I know I would be dealing with racism again that night.

It started when my husband went to a friend’s house. Politics was brought up somehow and my friend says to my husband "You're not going to vote for that N***** are you?” My husband was totally shocked all he could say is you're racist? Our friend then went on to say he is a democrat and he has absolutely no idea where Obama stands on the issues but he did not want a black president telling him what to do.

This is someone we have known for 7 years and I had no idea!! He isn’t someone who was around in the 60’s, he is 30 years old. When my husband came home and told me that I couldn't believe it. I was totally disgusted and most of all disappointed! I'll never be able to look at him the same!

So I thought about it all night……and thought what do we here on the Obama blog do with something like this? WE DONATE! I made a matching donation yesterday before all this happened but I am going to make another donation. Will you please do the same? Do it for the woman in Iowa, do it for my racist ex-friend, do it for the racism you have encountered, do it for Obama!!!

Let's see how much we can raise. I'll start it with $50. What can you give? PLEASE READ!!! | Report to Admin Reply By Michele B 22 minutes ago I'm donating $50 as well, for the Marshalltown incident, your racist acquaintance, and all the sickening comments I read on other blogs. God help these ignorant people. Re: PLEASE READ!!! | Report to Admin Reply By Desert Rat Dan 10 minutes ago Amen Michele. Re: PLEASE READ!!! | Report to Admin Reply By marytnurse 11 minutes ago I am working with a woman here in my precinct, that I have known for a few years since she came to town and I love, who will not be a Precinct Captain because she's AA and this is a small community; she's afraid others will think she's only for Barack because of their shared melatonin levels. I've encouraged her that I don't THINK that will be an issue, but I can't promise her that. MAN I wish I could promise her that! I worry that my disability will affect how people see me, and thus discount my support of Barack, so I know what she's talking about.

Bottom line, I abuse Barack's statement with those who will openly tell me this or who I can't get an indication from as to why they are resisting, 'if not now, when will be the right time for us to have a President who has the face of the world?' They at least get quiet if that is the reason for their resistance. Re: PLEASE READ!!! | Report to Admin Reply By Theresa from NY 5 minutes ago Dear Stephanie,

I am so sorry to hear that you and your husband had to go through that.

It's funny, now that the prospect of Barack actually winning in Iowa is becoming real, the race issue is rearing it's ugly head.

Lately, I have been hearing some negative thoughts about Barack and how prejudice will keep him from taking the White House. These are from members of my own family, who are from India. They really think he's not going to make it. It's not because they dislike Barack, very much to the contrary, it's more because of their own experiences with prejudice and fighting the glass ceiling, that informs this opinion.

In the end, I do what I can to reassure them that Barack the reason he has been so successful is because he speaks to the commonalities that bind us, not on what divides us.

I also point out that Barack's supporters span every race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation and age. His appeal rises above the myopic thinkers out there in this country.

There will be those who are racist and use this as an excuse not to support Barack but I see them as the minority. I believe in the goodness and common sense of the majority of the American people to rise above this prejudicial thinking.

It's happening now in Iowa (a state that is 90% white). If Iowans can accept and love our guy, I believe America will too.

I am also donating $50.00 to prove my point! :-)

Hang in there my friend, and we will win this together.   Experience | Report to Admin Reply By lvampa 45 minutes ago Is this the type of "experience" Hillary can bring to the table?

Link

NBC News has obtained, exclusively, extraordinary secret video, shot by the U.S. government. It illustrates an enormous opportunity the Clinton administration had to kill or capture bin Laden. Critics call it a missed opportunity. Re: Experience | Report to Admin Reply By Time from Atlanta, GA 41 minutes ago From the Department of Silver Linings

Link Re: Experience | Report to Admin Reply By Time from Atlanta, GA 37 minutes ago From the Department of Silver Linings

Link Re: Experience | Report to Admin Reply By TheBlackKnight aka Isaac 15 minutes ago I've long since said that Bill Clinton and not George Bush is responsible for 9/11, now we have the proof. This is post dynomite.

Note to the campaign, don't sit on this one, the more Hillary boast of her experience, the more inept she and Bill look.

We don't want to hear it Hillary, tell it to the victims of 9/11. The Republicans can't wait to use this on Hillary. Re: Experience | Report to Admin Reply By Aunt Becky 14 minutes ago re Ivampa's above link...

HOLEEEKRAP! Wait till this is aired! Kids, how exciting IS this?

Auntie B. (who just got back from a routine physical. Blood pressure elevated. Big surprise, eh?)   Positive Blogs | Report to Admin Reply By Marcus @ SDSU 32 minutes ago There are tons of negative blogs out there against Obama, so when they talk about Pakistan or the whole nonsense about how he doesn't have experience we should post this:

"It is time to turn the page. When I am President, we will wage the war that has to be won, with a comprehensive strategy with five elements: getting out of Iraq and on to the right battlefield in Afghanistan and Pakistan; developing the capabilities and partnerships we need to take out the terrorists and the world's most deadly weapons; engaging the world to dry up support for terror and extremism; restoring our values; and securing a more resilient homeland.

The first step must be getting off the wrong battlefield in Iraq, and taking the fight to the terrorists in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

As President, I would make the hundreds of millions of dollars in U.S. military aid to Pakistan conditional, and I would make our conditions clear: Pakistan must make substantial progress in closing down the training camps, evicting foreign fighters, and preventing the Taliban from using Pakistan as a staging area for attacks in Afghanistan.

I understand that President Musharraf has his own challenges. But let me make this clear. There are terrorists holed up in those mountains who murdered 3,000 Americans. They are plotting to strike again. It was a terrible mistake to fail to act when we had a chance to take out an al Qaeda leadership meeting in 2005. If we have actionable intelligence about high-value terrorist targets and President Musharraf won't act, we will." - Sen. Barack Obama

"the issue that I would like to stress is that Barack Obama also said, if Pakistan won't act. And that's the critical issue, that the government has to act. And the government has to act to protect Pakistan's own serenity and integrity, its own respect, and to understand that if it creates a vacuum, then others aren't going to just twiddle their thumbs while militants freely move across the border." -PM Benazir Bhutto

Link
http://www.cfr.org/publication /14041/ Re: Positive Blogs | Report to Admin Reply By Time from Atlanta, GA 24 minutes ago Politico
Obama and Pakistan

Link   BREAKING NEWS: THIS IS IMPORTANT | Report to Admin Reply By John from Las Vegas, NV 19 minutes ago Former Edwards supporters from 2004 state in a letter that he is a hypocrite. Yeah, this will convert a lot of Edwards to Obama!

Link   No Endorsement Coming...:( | Report to Admin Reply By Donna of MD 16 minutes ago You know I am somewhat disappointed in Mr. Gore with this. I know he wants to keep his global climate change aspirations alive for the next President and does not want to step on anyones toes but hasn't Obama taught us that you have to step outside that box and have hope and not fear.

I like Gore but I think his endorsement would sent Barack right over the

top.Link   The fierce urgency of now - fundraising | Report to Admin Reply By Athena 16 minutes ago Yesterday, we were all so caught up in the excitment of how well Obama did in the CNN interview, that some of you may have missed this:

Members of the Grassroots Finance Committee have each pledged to raise $1,000 by year's end. As you know, Barack is not accepting money from federal lobbyists or PACs. Meanwhile, other candidates are receiving millions from these groups or benefitting from millions coming from 527s.

We mostly rely on small donors, and we face some hideous expenses when we get to the Feb. 5th states, so the urgency of recruiting new donors cannot be underestimated.

This was underscored yesterday in the last conference call for GFC members. Here are some tips that were shared with us which may help us to raise the funds we need:

At the outset of this campaign, Our Candidate began with 20,000 potential donors and ended up, in the first quarter, with 100,000 donors - an unprecedented fourfold giving rate.

HRC had started with 250,000 names and got 50,000. Traditionally a great score, but nothing compared to what Obama did.

After Q2, we got to 260,000 and HRC's campaign stopped reporting these numbers...

Now we are trying for 500,000....

What we GFCers were doing was planting seeds, farming. (This speaker spoke from KY)

Tactical advice: go back out and ask people again - those who did not donate. Plant a seed. Send the exact same message you first sent. Write: Dear x, happy holidays, just checking in, I am reaching my goal, hope you got my previous message, I am trying to fulfill my own pledge"....it's amazing how quickly people will respond to that second e-mail.

They are sometimes embarrassed that they did not answer back.

Also go back to those people who said "yes" but never donated. If they have given their word, 95 percent are good for them.

(cont'd) Re: The fierce urgency of now - fundraising | Report to Admin Reply By Athena 14 minutes ago THEN follow up with those who said "maybe" - they may have questions or doubts. Address those. Give them little factoids, such as his electability, then include the link.

THEN go back to those people you THOUGHT of asking but did not. Your pitch: Talk a lot about the progress and the success you have had - say: "I made this pledge, I am almost there, please help my get to my goal." Say that you don't have a lot of time left.

One of the things about money in politics: tell people, this is a new kind of politics, a new kind of campaign. Say to people "look, I just need $5, $10 and they sometimes will give more. We will reach our goal of 500,000 donations.

We are so close! We can do it, concludes Matthew
Barzun, a member of our National Finance Committee - who has said all of the above in this thread.

(cont'd) Re: The fierce urgency of now - fundraising | Report to Admin

Iowa Canvass!!

Matthea Little Smith — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 23:30:33 EST

Our van trips to Iowa have been a huge success thus far. This weekend volunteers got a special treat and attended a rally that Barack hosted in Mason City. Photos from the event can be found at the link below.

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=9927&l=5433f&id=529339527

Now, more than ever, is the time to do the hard work that will get Barack the nomination. The Iowa Caucus is only 16 days away and we still need to contact thousands of Iowa Democarats and ask them to caucus. Help our supporters spread the word of why Barack Obama should the the Democratic Nominee by joining us on our Saturday trips to Iowa!

Why Do We Do This? Drive to Iowa to Walk in the Cold.

Carl — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 16:50:13 EST

I have had the opportunity to go to Iowa the last 2 Saturdays and walk the streets of Iowa going "door-to-door" for Barack Obama. As I get some quizzical looks from some friends/family who I have talked to when I say that I am spending my Saturday walking in Iowa.   I spent sometime this past week on why I do this.
I truly believe that we are making a difference by realizing the importance of the next election and having conversations with people about issues that face our nation, our caucus/primary process and our candidate, Barack Obama, and other candidates.

Presidential Candidate Barack Obama Receives New Minnesota Endorsement

EsquireUK — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 03:31:54 EST

Obama snares new Minnesota endorsement
The Star-Tribune | December 13, 2007
By Bob von Sternberg
Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama snared a new Minnesota endorsement today, winning the backing of U.S. Rep. Betty McCollum.
"Senator Obama is a leader I respect and has sound judgment on the most important issues facing the nation," McCollum said. "That judgment is desperately needed in the White House."
She also cited Obama's longstanding opposition to the war in Iraq: "I voted against giving President Bush a blank check to wage a war of choice. Many others in this race signed that check."

Read the full article from The Star Tribune
  December 13, 2007Four More Iowa Democratic County Chairs Back Barack Obama
The Obama Campaign today announced that 4 more Democratic County Chairs have endorsed Senator Obama's campaign to challenge the conventional thinking in Washington, D.C. and truly transform our country. These local Democratic leaders from Appanoose, Benton, Lucas, and Monroe counties will reach out to Democrats in their county and discuss Barack Obama's ability to bring America together and bring change to Washington, D.C.
"Barack Obama and I share the same vision and hope for the future of our country," Ron Donald, Benton County Democratic Committee Chair said. "I want to support a candidate who will inspire us to rise above the petty partisan bickering and finally make progress on the real issues my family and my county face, and Barack Obama is that candidate."
"After decades of partisan politics that haven't produced results that look out for average Americans, it is time for a leader who can inspire trust and unify Americans again," said Lucas County Democratic Chair Buzz Malone. "Barack Obama has proved that he respects the Iowa caucus process and gained our trust by talking to real Iowans about the issues that matter to them most, and I know this is the sort of respect and trust that he will bring to the White House."
"Senator Obama's Iowa campaign has proved the most respectful, considerate and inclusive of any I have seen in many years in this state. This is of course a reflection of Barack, who is the most thoughtful and genuine candidate in a generation," Jim Jameson, Appanoose County Democratic Chair. "When Senator Obama is president, the voices of all Americans will be heard in the White House. His vision to bring us together and move past failed Washington politics will enable him to bring about the change we demand as a nation."
"I am supporting Senator Obama because America is tired of the divisive politics that have failed us in Washington," said Joe Judge, Monroe County Democratic Chair. "When it comes to bringing people together to find solutions, Barack Obama is the most talented and experienced candidate in the race. We need a president that recognizes our similarities are greater than our differences, Barack Obama would be that president and that makes him a candidate who can deliver change all Americans can believe in."
Democratic County Chairs from across the state will play a vital role in Barack Obama's Iowa campaign. Active in their local communities, these county chairs will provide advice and support to the Obama Campaign as they continue to build Obama's grassroots movement for change.
"I'm thankful to have the support of these community leaders ready for change in Washington, D.C.," Senator Obama said. "With the help of these dedicated Democrats, we will strengthen our grassroots movement for change and transform our country."
Source: Barack Obama campaign
Posted at 05:54 PM in Endorsements | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Technorati Tags: 4 additional county chairs back Obama, Barack Obama, Iowa
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Iraq War Vet, Bobby Wise - an Obama campaign volunteer
Throughout this adventure being part of the Barack Obama campaign, I have met people from all walks of life. I have been inspired by the dedication and the strength of all of Senator Obama's volunteers, inspired by the wonderful Students for Obama as they engage in politics and working for their future, but this video of an Iraq War Vet brings it home and makes it so clear exactly why Senator Obama is the man we have been looking for. Take a look. I hope it inspires you as it has inspired me.

Posted at 07:06 AM in Grassroots Campaigns, Iraq | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Technorati Tags: Barack Obama, Bobby Wise, Iraq, Iraq war vet
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ANOTHER SILLY NEGATIVE ATTACK BY CLINTON TEAM AGAINST OBAMA
The Clinton campaign continues to plant negative statements against Sen. Barack Obama showing signs of internal turmoil and a desperation over his continued rise in support and her drop in the polls. I thought attacking his grade school paper's about "wanting to be President' was stooping to a new low, but rather than focus on their differences in policy and platforms which are legitimate forms of debate, the Clinton campaign yet again chooses to now go back to Sen. Obama's HIGH SCHOOL years, which he had written about in his first book, and spoken about with young people across the country in full disclosure of the mistakes he made as a teen, to attack him, and state it as an example of what Republicans would attack if he were the Democratic nominee.
For the much touted "controlled" campaign of Clinton, this is yet another low in their negative attack mode and one they ASSUME the American people will turn against Obama. For someone who says that speaking about her past is "slinging mud", I think Senator Clinton and her staff need a reality check. Attacking an opponent's TEEN YEARS goes beyond the pale. You are showing your desperation and take a little piece of advice, voters DO NOT LIKE NEGATIVE campaigning and it will only serve to shine the light on the type of candidate Clinton is. Win at all costs, attack the character of your opponents when your own candidate and her husband have character issues they DON'T WANT brought to light.
A story by the AP shines a light on yet another NEGATIVE ATTACK and now the Clinton campaign wants to distance themselves from it? They put out the attack about Obama's grade school paper as proof he wanted to be President since a child and that turned against them so they backed off that one, now they are attacking him as a teen which he himself wrote candidly about in his book and has talked about. Gather they are going through his books and scrambling to go through his high school and college years day by day, examining every paper he wrote to get ANYTHING they think will help them stop the rise in his popularity and his increasing strength as a candidate.
The AP writes:
A top adviser to Hillary Rodham Clinton's campaign said that Democrats should give more thought to Sen. Barack Obama's admissions of illegal drug use before they pick a presidential candidate.
Obama's campaign said the Clinton people were getting desperate. Clinton's campaign tried to distance itself from the remarks Wednesday, and the adviser said later he regretted making them.
Bill Shaheen, a national co-chairman of Clinton's front-runner campaign, raised the issue during an interview with The Washington Post, posted on washingtonpost.com.
Shaheen, an attorney and veteran organizer, said much of Obama's background is unknown and could be a problem in November 2008 if he is the Democratic nominee. He said Republicans would work hard to discover new aspects of Obama's admittedly spotty youth.
"It'll be, 'When was the last time? Did you ever give drugs to anyone? Did you sell them to anyone?'" said Shaheen, whose wife, Jeanne, is the state's former governor and is running for the U.S. Senate next year.
"There are so many openings for Republican dirty tricks. It's hard to overcome," Shaheen said.
Clinton's campaign said it had nothing to do with his comments, and Shaheen said later he regretted them.
"I deeply regret the comments I made today and they were not authorized by the campaign in any way," Bill Shaheen said in an e-mail released by the campaign.
A campaign spokeswoman, Kathleen Strand, earlier had said "Senator Clinton is out every day talking about the issues that matter to the American people. These comments were not authorized or condoned by the campaign in any way."
Obama campaign manager David Plouffe said in response to Shaheen's remarks:
"Hillary Clinton said attacking other Democrats is the fun part of this campaign, and now she's moved from Barack Obama's kindergarten years to his teenage years in an increasingly desperate effort to slow her slide in the polls. Senator Clinton's campaign is recycling old news that Barack Obama has been candid about in a book he wrote years ago, and he's talked about the lessons he's learned from these mistakes with young people all across the country. He plans on winning this campaign by focusing on the issues that actually matter to the American people."
Obama wrote about his teenage drug use in his memoir, "Dreams from My Father." His rivals have largely remained silent on the subject.
"Junkie. Pothead. That's where I'd been headed: the final fatal role of the young would-be black man," Obama wrote. Mostly he smoked marijuana and drank alcohol, he wrote, but occasionally he would snort cocaine when he could afford it.
Speaking to Manchester high school students earlier this month, Obama said he was hardly a model student and had experimented with drugs and alcohol.
"You know, I made some bad decisions that I've actually written about. You know, got into drinking. I experimented with drugs," he said. "There was a whole stretch of time that I didn't really apply myself a lot. It wasn't until I got out of high school and went to college that I started realizing, 'Man, I wasted a lot of time.'"
New polling shows Clinton and Obama basically tied in New Hampshire. A CNN-WMUR-TV poll conducted by the University of New Hampshire shows Clinton at 31 percent support, Obama at 30. The same poll had Obama trailing by 20 points in September.
Clinton's campaign has distributed its first flier that criticizes Obama's health care plan for leaving 15 million people without insurance. TV ads following the same theme also have been prepared.
"This is not the time to go back to the same old politics of, 'now I'm going to smack you over the head with a baseball bat and call into question your character,'" Obama co-chairman Ned Helms told reporters in a conference call earlier Wednesday, decrying what he said was Clinton's negative campaign.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Now the Clinton camp is distancing themselves from the attack. In my opinion she should have issued a campaign directive to EVERYONE in her campaign to stop these attacks, that is IF SHE HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THEM, which I highly doubt.
This is just another example of how divisive Clinton is, and I must give some credit here to the Edwards campaign for refusing to go that direction. They can argue policy and platform all they want, that is expected in politics, but going negative and attacking one's faith, or teen years is only going to highlight exactly the type of campaign and candidate you are.
I may not agree with a lot of what Senator Edwards says, though he is on the same page of much of what Senator Obama says, but I have to credit him for not going the route Clinton is in attacking a person's character.
My advice to Senator Obama is to just ignore it and continue on with our POLICY AND PROPOSALS and don't be drawn into her negative campaign tactics. Stay above it and in today's debate ignore her "baiting" to get you into a negative discussion. By ignoring her tactics, you show you are above what Senator Clinton is all about and will show us that you have too much class to engage in the "slinging of mud" to degrade another candidate. And you would have a ton more ammunition against Clinton, but you have shown class in not going that route.
The difference is, you don't NEED to go negative, SHE DOES, those are her methods and have been for years.
You are doing fine Senator Obama and your supporters are behind you 100% and you know that. Rely on that and it will bring you to victory.
Posted at 06:50 AM in HILLARY - GATE | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
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December 12, 2007RASMUSSEN REPORTS: BREAKING NH POLL

Just Released report by Rasmussen Reports polling for New Hampshire:
New Hampshire:
Obama 31%
Clinton 28%
National Polling Update: 12/12/07
Date
Giuliani
Huckabee
Thompson
Romney
McCain
Date
Clinton
Obama
Edwards
Date
12/12/07
20%
23%
10%
14%
8%
12/12/07
36%
28%
13%
12/12/07
12/11/07
21%
22%
12%
14%
9%
12/11/07
39%
28%
10%
12/11/07
Clinton drops 3 points nationally in one day. According to Rasmussen polling her lead now nationally is in the single digits.
Posted at 05:49 PM in Poll Updates | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Technorati Tags: Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, Rasmussen reports
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Obama picks up South Carolina endorsement

Barack Obama's Democratic presidential campaign picked up another endorsement today, this one being from a former chairman of the Democratic Party in South Carolina.
Saying Obama could "change the course of American politics," Joe Erwin announced his endorsement on a conference call this afternoon with reporters.
Erwin said he plans to work aggressively with the campaign to boost Obama in the early voting state of South Carolina.
"It's a first-rate team," Erwin said. "They're on fire. And I anticipate a victory here."
Erwin also said Obama can win in South Carolina -- a state where racial conflict has a long history -- even though he is black.
"White Democrats are ready to support Barack Obama," he said. "Times have changed."
Speaking to reporters who might be spending more time in colder climates in Iowa or New Hampshire, Erwin gave a weather report of 80 degrees and sunny. "We can't wait for you to spend more time in sunny, warm South Carolina," he said.
That doesn't sound bad.
Posted at 05:15 PM in Endorsements | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
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MINNESOTA CONGRESSWOMAN BETTY MCCOLLUM ENDORSES OBAMA
Congresswoman Betty McCollum (MN04) today endorsed Barack Obama for President.
“The Iraq War has been the most disastrous foreign policy decision of our lifetime and Barack Obama got it right when he opposed this war of choice from the start,” said Congresswoman McCollum. “Barack Obama has the courage to move our country forward by challenging Washington’s tired conventional thinking. I’m endorsing Barack Obama for President because I trust his leadership – for my family, for our country and for a more secure world. We need a President who can unite the American people to confront the serious challenges facing our nation, especially ending the war in Iraq, and that is Barack Obama.”
“Congresswoman McCollum has been an outspoken leader on the challenges facing communities across America, and I’m grateful for her endorsement,” said Senator Obama. “Betty McCollum had the judgment to oppose authorizing the war in Iraq, and she has worked to end the war as quickly and responsibly as we can. As a former teacher, McCollum has fought for strong schools, well-trained teachers, and affordable and accessible education programs for all students. Above all, Congresswoman McCollum knows that to make progress, we need leadership that will unify the nation to get things done.”
In 2000, McCollum made history as the second woman in Minnesota state history to be elected to Congress. McCollum serves as a member of the House Appropriations Committee, is a Senior Democratic Whip, as well as a co-founder of the Global Health Caucus.
In Minnesota, Obama has also been endorsed by Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak and Congressman Keith Ellison. Obama for America was the first presidential campaign to open an office in the state – the headquarters is located in St. Paul. In the past ten weeks since that opening the campaign has held a caucus and grassroots training in St. Paul that drew a crowd of 400; caucus and grassroots trainings in every congressional district, every week; an eight-city canvass of Minnesota where 80 supporters knocked on over 2,500 doors on a single Saturday; individual canvasses every weekend in cities across the state; phonebanks every night of the week; and a Turn the Page in Iraq rally at Macalester College.
Senator Obama was endorsed earlier this week by Congresswomen Barbara Lee (D-CA) and Carol Shea-Porter (D-NH).
Posted at 03:00 PM in Endorsements | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Technorati Tags: Barack Obama, Congresswoman Betty McCollum, Minnesota
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OBAMA WINS FIRST EVER NATIONAL PRESIDENTIAL CAUCUS
FIRST EVER INTERNET DRIVEN NATIONAL PRESIDENTIAL CAUCUS:
PRESS RELEASE OF RESULTS:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
National Presidential Caucus Announces Results From First-Ever National Caucus
-- Barack Obama Wins Democrat Caucuses; Ron Paul Dominates Both GOP And "Open" Caucuses --
Washington, DC (December 12, 2007) -- On December 7, 2007 in cities and small towns across the country, Democrat, Republican and "Open" Caucus groups formed independently online and Caucused face-to-face on National Caucus Day. The first-ever National Presidential Caucus is now history and the results are in.
Barack Obama wins over Democrat voters generating 40% of Democrat Caucus voter preferences. Obama was followed by a three-way tie for second, with John Edwards, Bill Richardson and "Undecided" each generating 20% of Democratic Caucus preferences.
On the Republican side, Ron Paul obliterated the field for the GOP generating the preference of 50% of GOP Caucuses. Mike Huckabee and Fred Thompson follow, generating 33.3% and 16.6% of Republican Caucus preferences, respectively.
Among votes in Open Caucuses, Ron Paul wins with 62.5% of Open Caucus votes, followed by Barack Obama (18.75%), Fred Thompson (12.5%), and Hilary Clinton (6.25%).
Results were tallied from 19 independently formed Caucus groups (Republican, Democrat, and Open) that met on Friday, December 7th, 2007 in Dallas, TX (2D); Sarcoxie, MO (O); Boise, ID (R); Needham, MA (D); Carthage, MO (O); Manhattan, KS (D & R); Pineville, MO (O); Richmond, MO (O); Costa Mesa, CA (O); Springfield MO (R); Winston-Salem, NC (O); Overland Park, KS (R); New York City, NY (O); and Joplin, MO (R), Warrensburg, MO (R), Roselle Park, NK (D), and Philadelphia, PA (O).
Some caucuses used multiple voting rounds with minimum vote thresholds to give citizens a chance to change their minds and switch candidate preferences, but all meetings were built on a first round of issue discussion and deliberation. Multiple rounds of voting were not prohibited and each group was encouraged to create the most engaging caucus format possible. However, threshold voting eliminates all but the top vote-getters. While that may have been the intention for some groups, the NPC feels obligated to recognize the efforts and opinions of all caucus goers.
Issue results reflected opposition to Iraq involvement, foreign intervention in general, and health care, immigration and erosion of civil liberties rounding out the top concerns of all caucusers.
Self-organized and independent, most gatherings were small, informal discussion sessions, while others attracted hundreds of participants including party officials and campaign operatives in a raucous bid for supporters. The NPC feels that the results at each caucus is of greatest importance and relevance to those in that caucus room and to that local community where those ideas were exchanged, relationships were created, passions were shared. We believe this is social capital formation at its finest.
The NPC was previewed by major media from CBS News, The Washington Post and The New York Times, among others. The actual Caucuses are receiving a fair amount of local attention from the mainstream media, including front page newspaper coverage in Greensboro, NC and TV coverage by WNBC news in NYC, the largest NBC affiliate in the nation.
But even better, people reported on their own caucus events. Using numerical reports, commentary, pictures & video, and through a growing number of blogs, each caucus tells its own story. Some reports from those who participated, include Kansas City: "Wow, what a great evening it was in Kansas City!"; New Jersey: "It was a fun night with close to 200 people participating in this exercise."; Chicago: "It was a very informative experience."; Boise, Idaho: "It was an extremely fun event..." Video footage is being compiled on the official National Presidential Caucus channel on YouTube. Visit http://www.youtube.com/NationalCaucus to view.
"The NPC wants to applaud everyone who took the time and made an effort to engage their neighbors in this evening of passionate civic discourse, said Don Means, NPC's primary organizer. "You have just ushered in a new era of participatory democracy in America. Your country should be proud of you!"
National Presidential Caucus is the product of a consortium of partisan, bi-partisan and non-partisan interests who seek to demonstrate how local, self-organized, web-enabled face-to-face gatherings is the new basis for participatory democracy. To view National Caucus endorsers visit: http://www.nationalcaucus.com/endorsements . For more information about the National Presidential Caucus vision visit: http://www.nationalcaucus.com/about
CONTACT:
Myles Weissleder
National Presidential Caucus
myles@nationalcaucus.com
Posted at 02:42 PM in Caucus Results | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Technorati Tags: Barack Obama, first ever, National Presidential Caucus, Obama wins Democrat caucuses
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BREAKING NEWS: OBAMA UP BY 8 POINTS IN IOWA
BREAKING NEWS
Political Wire got an advance look at a new Strategic Vision poll in Iowa that shows Sen. Barack Obama leading the Democratic pack with 33%, followed by Sen. Hillary Clinton with 25%, and John Edwards with 24%.

Among Republicans, Mike Huckabee leads with 30%, followed by Mitt Romney with 25%, Fred Thompson with 13%, and Rudy Giuliani with 10%.

The full survey results will be released tomorrow.
Posted at 02:06 PM in Poll Updates | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Technorati Tags: Barack Obama, Iowa, Obama widening lead, Stategic Vision
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KIDZ IN THE HALL RECORD OBAMA SONG

Kidz In The Hall, a rap/R&B group have recorded a new song for the Obama campaign called "Work to do". You can download the mp3 here. Also, please visit their myspace page to listen, and post a note. This is another example of grassroots efforts on behalf of the Obama campaign. Please visit and say your thankyou's for this song from a great group.
Their myspace page is here.
Posted at 07:24 AM in Grassroots Campaigns | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Technorati Tags: Barack Obama, Kidz In The Hall, new Obama song recorded
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Barack Obama's Plan to Empower Americans with Disabilities
Obama’s comprehensive agenda to empower individuals with disabilities fits in with the campaign’s overarching message of equalizing opportunities for all Americans.

In addition to reclaiming America’s global leadership on this issue by becoming a signatory to – and having the Senate ratify – the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the plan has four parts, designed to provide lifelong supports and resources to Americans with disabilities. They are as follows:

First, provide Americans with disabilities with the educational opportunities they need to succeed.

Second, end discrimination and promote equal opportunity.

Third, increase the employment rate of workers with disabilities.

And fourth, support independent, community-based living for Americans with disabilities
Download full details of plan here (pdf format)
Posted at 06:41 AM in Platform Issues | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Technorati Tags: Americans with Disabilities, Barack Obama, Obama agenda, video remarks
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OBAMA TAKES SEATTLE BY STORM

Barack Obama returned to Seattle on Tuesday to whip up the local "Generation Obama" crowd and scoop up a big pile of money for his presidential campaign.
Obama, riding the momentum of his much-hyped weekend campaign tour with TV megastar Oprah Winfrey, was in Seattle for three scheduled events.
About 1,000 people shelled out $100 — $35 for students — for an event at the Showbox SoDo that was part concert, part pep rally, part fundraiser.
The crowd, somewhat subdued after the music sets, turned electric when Obama came out about 9:30 p.m.
In his 30-minute speech, Obama painted the 2008 election as a make-or-break moment for the nation. "America, our moment is now," he bellowed.
"I believe there is such a thing as being too late, and that moment is almost upon us," he said.
Some of Obama's stock attacks on the Bush administration drew the loudest cheers.
"The era of Scooter Libby justice and Brownie incompetence and Karl Rove politics will finally be over next year," he said.
But he also got in some not-so-subtle digs at other Democratic front-runners, including Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, who voted to send troops into Iraq.
"When I'm the Democratic nominee, my opponent won't be able to say that I, too, supported the war in Iraq, because I didn't," he said.
Earlier in the evening, Obama spoke at a $250- to $1,000-per-plate reception at the Bell Harbor Conference Center. Campaign organizers said they sold more than 500 tickets to the event. He also attended a private fundraiser at the home of Nick Hanauer.
Many people at the Showbox event echoed the theme on a giant banner above the stage: "Change we can believe in."
"I truly believe that he has the charisma to be a world leader," said Annette Ademasu, a state employee from Seattle who was working as a volunteer at the rally. At 48 years old, Ademasu was probably one of the older people in attendance.
Like others, Ademasu said Obama is the first politician she's gotten excited about.
Denielle Aduba, a 28-year-old home designer from Tacoma, said Obama has a "fresh new approach."
"I'm just inspired by him and his life story," Aduba said. "He motivates everyday people to get involved."
Elizabeth Evans, a 20-year-old University of Washington student, waited in line more than two hours to see Obama.
"I think he offers something completely new to the country," said Evans, who was studying for an exam as she waited to get into the Showbox. She said Obama could restore the United States' standing in the world.
"I think if we could elect someone like Barack Obama, people might think twice about this country," Evans said.
Farther back in line, Monique Duluoz, of Kent, was wearing an "Obama Mama" T-shirt and a pin that read, "Mommy make the scary Republican go away."
Obama spokeswoman Jan Psaki said the Washington campaign for Obama is starting to show clear signs of momentum.
"What we're seeing in Washington state is the same we're seeing elsewhere around the country, that people are watching the developments and seeing the exciting movement in the four early states," she said in an interview. "So we feel we have some real momentum here and we hope to be strong heading into the Washington primary (and caucuses)."
U.S. Rep. Adam Smith, one of Obama's earliest congressional supporters, is his state chairman. Others endorsing him include Seattle City Council President Nick Licata, state Sens. Ken Jacobsen, Derek Kilmer, Chris Marr and Ed Murray and a number of state House members.
Posted at 06:30 AM in Fundraisers, Grassroots Campaigns, Senator Obama Appearances | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Technorati Tags: Barack Obama, concert, Generation Obama, Seattle
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HILLARY CLINTON'S 'BACKDOOR' TO BUYING ENDORSEMENTS
Hillary Clinton's criticism of Senator Obama's HOPEFUND PAC and the fact the funds that were in the account were used to make donations to candidates for office across the United States as somehow proof of him "buying" endorsements is hypocritical and completely baseless.
Like many of her other attacks, her campaign staff fails to do it's homework, or have done it, but just want to throw mud, hoping something will stick in their apparent desperation with the current rise of Senator Obama in the polls. I guess they are thinking, "Why not?" It's a " Let's throw it out there and see what sticks" attitude. In their attack they fail to mention that in fact, the HOPEFUND PAC made two donations to Senator Clinton's senatorial campaign. Never mind that many of the donations were made to Democratic candidates that have endorsed Senator Clinton. No, that is not what they want you to know as it doesn't serve their purpose to slander the good intentions of what HOPEFUND PAC is all about. Helping to elect Democratic legislators so some work can get done in congress. Without a majority to override veto's, the congress has been defeated over and over again by Bush's vetoes and work has not been able to get done that needs to be accomplished.
But what the Clinton campaign also FAILS TO TALK ABOUT is her own willingness to find financial means in which to ensure endorsements and votes. I point to two particular examples in South Carolina, but pick your state, and I can show how her dealings have ensured endorsements and campaign donations.
A glaring example of endorsement buying, is the so-called "campaign adviser" label given the $30,000 per month deal given to two South Carolina African American political leaders who a day later endorsed Senator Clinton. I doubt she would allow them to advise her campaign on anything, but the $30,000 a month is currently going into their pockets.
Another little known and unpublicized FINANCIAL DEALING was the convenient donation by the Clinton private foundation of $100,000 to fund a library in Bennettsville, S.C. to be named after an African American female, Marion Wright Edelman. In the Hillary Clinton world of politics, it is always wise to put your money where it will be most useful. I doubt if this were not an election year, neither those political leaders who endorsed her would have received their $30,000 per month "advisory" deal, nor would a small town had received $100,000 for a library.
But Hillary Clinton learned well the art of "making the deal" and not from Donald Trump. No, when she was first elected Senator from New York State, she embarked on a non-stop process of "pork barrel" spending that rivaled anyone in the Senate. What is interesting about the hundreds of millions of dollars she tacked onto legislation that she would claim benefited New York State, is that money went to CORPORATIONS and indeed they did NOT benefit the people of this state. But they surely ensured the endorsements she wanted this year in her run for the Presidency.
Stay tuned for my report on the biggest take of all which led to not one single job in the state, but netted a corporation hundreds of millions of dollars, and oh, by the way, the head of the corporation held a major fundraiser for her this year and most of it's executives are also donors to her campaign, totally $1 million dollars.
Since taking office in 2001, Clinton has delivered $500 million worth of earmarks that have specifically benefited 59 corporations. About 64% of those corporations provided funds to her campaigns through donations made by employees, executives, board members or lobbyists.
Stay tuned for more details on Hillary's attempt to "buy a Presidency" for many years..........
So Hillary, it may be wise to stop digging and finding nonsensical items to attack Senator Obama on, for instance that document filled out by an aide of his who misstated his views on the Death Penalty and Gun Control when you know very well where exactly he stands on these issues? You also claim he has been running for President for years, yet YOU ARE THE ONE who has systematically used your position in Congress to attach "earmarks" for your friends to legislation, taking tax payer dollars to help your friends who would then support your candidacy. But then, one can not expect anything else from such a hypocrite, now can one?
Because of her perch on the Senate Armed Services Committee, Clinton has been able to earmark $1.4 billion for defense contractors in New York state since she arrived in the Senate, including $140 million this year, according to Taxpayers for Common Sense. Her record of home-state defense earmarking on that panel is second only to that of Sen. Carl Levin (D-Mich.), who is chairman of the committee and has served in the Senate since 1979.

Clinton has raised more than $270,000 for her campaigns from defense companies with New York operations that have received federal money with her help.
But then that is NEVER mentioned in her campaign now is it? Does anyone think she would not OWE defense contractors if elected? No, Senator Clinton's campaign fails to answer to her massive and gleeful gutting of funds from the Federal Government to feed her "friends", but instead attacks a small PAC formed by Senator Obama to help OTHER candidates for office, specifically NEWCOMERS to politics who want to run for office but need funding. Yes, he did help others more well known, ie., Hillary Clinton, but he also helped candidates running for office for the very first time as it his philosophy that new blood in the political arena is important and should be encouraged. I specifically point to Harold Ford, who HOPEFUND donated to and Senator Obama even went to campaign for him the final week before that election and yet Harold Ford has endorsed Senator Clinton. Do you see Senator Obama complaining about it? No, it was more important to bring new Democrats into politics.
But then Hillary Clinton, with her guilty conscience, always sees evil where it doesn't exist, dishonesty that isn't there, and impure motives that don't exist. But then, that's Hillary, now isn't it..............
Posted at 06:15 AM in HILLARY - GATE | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Technorati Tags: Barack Obama, Clinton donors, congressional earmarks, corporate support, endorsements, Hillary Clinton, HOPEFUND PAC
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December 11, 2007CLINTON IOWA CO-CHAIR DEFECTS TO OBAMA CAMPAIGN One time co-chair for Senator Hillary Clinton's Iowa campaign, Garry Thomas, announced he will be leaving Clinton’s camp in favor of a new candidate—Senator Barack Obama.

The Burlington county city council member reportedly made his decision after Clinton began to take an increasingly negative approach with her ads and rhetoric.

The question is: will Thomas be the first of many?

Clinton’s has been the primary target for months and while it should be no surprise that she is now returning the favor, the amount of blowback has been astonishing.

For all of her cheek turning in previous months, voters seem to have been caught off guard by the intensity in which she has launched her counter attack-- chiefly against Obama.Her polls numbers have dropped much to the delight of both Barack Obama and former Senator John Edwards, and with her indestructible image now fading, criticisms may increasingly ring true with voters.

While Thomas may not be a national figure, his departure will be another hit for a campaign that is once again feeling the heat intensify.IN OTHER NEWSIn a desperate attempt to attach the "dirty tricks" label to Senator Obama, the Clinton campaign has leveled a ridiculous charge that an Obama campaign volunteer was re-directing Clinton supporters to the wrong caucus locations. To support this allegation, they produced a retiree, and Clinton supporter to back up their claim. However, it appears in their eagerness to produce SOMETHING, ANYTHING, to attack Senator Obama on, they got this one wrong.As reported by MSNBC.com:"journalists scrambled after a tip -- courtesy of the Clinton campaign -- that an Obama staffer had misinformed a woman in northeastern Iowa about her precinct location. The claim was made by Jean Heidemann, a retiree and Clinton supporter from the tiny town of Garber. Hoping to put some meat on the bones of the "dirty tricks" allegations, reporters dutifully chased the story down.

By her fourth phone call from a reporter, Heidemann had to laugh. "I've never had the media call me before," she chuckled during a phone interview with NBC.
Heidemann says that she had just laid down for a nap when the phone rang on Tuesday afternoon. She says that the man on the phone -- she didn't know how old he might have been -- said that he was calling from the Obama campaign to inform her that her caucus location had been moved to Elkader, 12 miles away from the fire station where she believed that her precinct meeting will be held on January 3. When she asked where exactly in Elkader the caucus would be, the caller replied that he wasn't sure yet. (Heidemann's tiny town of Garber is in the Elkader area.)

Then, Jean identified herself as a precinct captain for Hillary Clinton. She says that the caller then immediately hung up.

Heidemann does not have a caller ID function on her phone, and she doesn't recall the name that the caller gave her. She says she thought little of the incident until she told the local field organizer from the Clinton campaign, who then raised the alarm. "At first I thought it was a kid pulling my leg," she said.

The twist to the story is that her leg wasn't exactly being pulled. Her caucus HAS been moved from the location where it has been in years past, but that change is recent within the last few days. According to Iowa Democratic Party spokeswoman Carrie Giddins, the party made a public list of over 1,700 caucus sites last Friday. But, because of pressure from campaigns and county officials to push that list out as quickly as possible, the party published a list with a few blanks for the 5% or so of caucus sites that have not yet been determined. The precinct where Garber is located is one of those blanks.

Earlier this week -- but probably after Heidemann received the call -- her caucus site had been confirmed; she won't be walking to the fire house where she has caucused in the past, but to the Anchor Inn Supper Club less than half a mile down the road. So, when the caller told her that her caucus would be moved "somewhere in Elkader," he was over-generalizing and -- if he did hang up the phone -- probably less than professional, but, it appears, not incorrect.

The caller "sounded really sincere," Heidemann acknowledged. "But they just didn't know what they were talking about."
Coming to Iowa? With the hunt on for "dirty tricks," make sure you buy a map before you hit the road."
Additional News:
The "Caucus" Blog at the New York Times is reporting the Clinton campaign apparently after 9 months have not done enough digging desparately attempting to find anything they can to attack Senator Obama on. Here is their report:
Obama, Under the Clinton Microscope
By Jeff Zeleny
DES MOINES – Presidential campaigns have unlimited appetites for information about their rivals. They track their whereabouts, they study their records and they obsessively follow nearly every movement. By this point in the race, though, it would seem a candidate’s work history would have already been sufficiently combed through.
Apparently not.
If there was any question whether Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton’s campaign was concerned about the rise of Senator Barack Obama, here is a fresh example: A deputy campaign manager for Mrs. Clinton sent an e-mail yesterday, trying to find out about Mr. Obama’s background as a community organizer in Chicago.
The deputy campaign manager is Bob Nash, who served as White House personnel director in the Clinton administration. In March, Mr. Nash left his position as vice chairman of Chicago ShoreBank to join Mrs. Clinton’s campaign.
Here is the text of his e-mail, with the addresses redacted:

From: Bob Nash
To:
Sent: Sun Dec 09
Subject: BARACK
HOW ARE YOU ?? I AM FIGHTING HARD >
SECOND ARE YOU PEERSONALLYAWARE OF TH EWORK BARACK DID ON THE SOUTH
SIDE WITH COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION S , ETC ./. BOB
WHAT DI DHE DO AFORE HOW LONG AND WITH WHO ??
PLS TELL BOB HELLO BOB
Bob J Nash
Deputy Campaign Manager
Hillary Clinton for President Exploratory Committee
4420 N. Fairfax Drive
Arlington, VA 22203
—
Mr. Nash, 59, did not respond to an e-mail request seeking comment. A campaign official said he was unaware of the matter, but would look into it.
Looks to me like the Clinton campaign is in desperation mode here. They put out a rediculous attack regarding Senator Obama's grade school essary on "I want to be President", yet they don't know anything about his work in the Southside of Chicago working for the inner city poor? Oh, that's right that would be a POSITIVE thing, now wouldn't it? They are still digging for dirt? If Senator Clinton wants to go that route I am perfectly willing to put out the dirt I have on her, if that is the way she wants to play. My sources close to the campaign tell me there is quite a bit of disarray in the Clinton campaign with accusations flying back and forth as to who did what wrong, Hillary furiously calling campaign team members telling them to get ANYTHING they can, Patti Solis-Doyle, Hillary's campaign manager sending out her daily email news updates and states with no factual information to back it up that the Obama campaign is "push-polling" and sending Clinton supporters wrong information on their Iowa caucus locations. They produce ONE person who claims to have received a call from someone who CLAIMED to be from the Obama campaign, with no facts to back THAT up, other than the claim and then the person states they didn't have caller ID so couldn't state with proof that in fact it was an Obama campaign volunteer who had called (it could have been a Republican volunteer for all they know) but they put it in their newsletter as FACTUAL, when facts they did not have.
The elderly lady produced who claimed she had been called telling her that her caucus had been moved, was used by Patti Solis-Doyle as an example of the Obama campaign re-directing Clinton supporters to different Caucus locations, when in fact, her location HAD BEEN CHANGED. I gather Patti Solis-Doyle just didn't want to bother putting in that little fact.
In New York, I have spoken with many "previous" Clinton volunteers and they are fed up with how they are treated. What Sen. Clinton apparently doesn't acknowledge, is that grassroots volunteers are the backbone of a cam

Presidential Candidate Barack Obama: Election 2008 Latest Polls

EsquireUK — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 18:25:44 EST

Election 2008 Latest Polls
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Wednesday, December 12RacePollResultsSpreadNew Hampshire Democratic Primary Rasmussen Clinton 28, Obama 31, Edwards 17, Richardson 8, Biden 4Obama +3Iowa Democratic Caucus Rasmussen Obama 26, Clinton 29, Edwards 22, Richardson 7, Biden 5Clinton +3New Hampshire Republican Primary Suffolk/WHDH Romney 31, McCain 19, Giuliani 17, Huckabee 10, Paul 5, Thompson 4Romney +12New Hampshire Democratic Primary Suffolk/WHDH Clinton 33, Obama 26, Edwards 15, Richardson 5Clinton +7Iowa Republican Caucus Strategic Vision (R)Huckabee 30, Romney 25, Thompson 13, Giuliani 10, McCain 5Huckabee +5Iowa Democratic Caucus Strategic Vision (R)Obama 33, Clinton 25, Edwards 24, Richardson 4, Biden 4Obama +8South Carolina Democratic Primary SurveyUSA Clinton 44, Obama 40, Edwards 11Clinton +4Georgia Republican Primary Strategic Vision (R)Huckabee 23, Thompson 20, Giuliani 17, McCain 11, Romney 10Huckabee +3Georgia Democratic Primary Strategic Vision (R)Clinton 34, Obama 27, Edwards 12, Richardson 5Clinton +7Republican Presidential Nomination ABC/Wash Post Giuliani 25, Huckabee 19, Romney 17, Thompson 14, McCain 12, Paul 3Giuliani +6Democratic Presidential Nomination ABC/Wash Post Clinton 53, Obama 23, Edwards 10, Richardson 3, Biden 3Clinton +30New Hampshire Republican Primary CNN/WMUR Romney 32, McCain 19, Giuliani 19, Huckabee 9, Paul 7, Thompson 1Romney +13New Hampshire Democratic Primary CNN/WMUR Clinton 31, Obama 30, Edwards 16, Richardson 7Clinton +1 Tuesday, December 11RacePollResultsSpreadIowa Republican Caucus Rasmussen Huckabee 39, Romney 23, Thompson 8, Giuliani 8, McCain 6, Paul 5Huckabee +16South Carolina Republican Primary SurveyUSA Huckabee 30, Thompson 18, Romney 19, Giuliani 13, McCain 10Huckabee +11Republican Presidential Nomination CNN Giuliani 24, Huckabee 22, Romney 16, Thompson 10, McCain 13, Paul 6Giuliani +2Democratic Presidential Nomination CNN Clinton 40, Obama 30, Edwards 14, Richardson 4, Biden 4Clinton +10General Election: Giuliani vs. Clinton CNN Giuliani 45, Clinton 51Clinton +6General Election: Romney vs. Clinton CNN Romney 43, Clinton 54, Und 1Clinton +11General Election: McCain vs. Clinton CNN McCain 50, Clinton 48McCain +2General Election: Huckabee vs. Clinton CNN Huckabee 44, Clinton 54Clinton +10General Election: Giuliani vs. Obama CNN Giuliani 45, Obama 52Obama +7General Election: Romney vs. Obama CNN Romney 41, Obama 54, Und 1Obama +13General Election: McCain vs. Obama CNN McCain 48, Obama 48, Und 1TieGeneral Election: Huckabee vs. Obama CNN Huckabee 40, Obama 55, Und 1Obama +15General Election: Giuliani vs. Edwards CNN Giuliani 44, Edwards 53, Und 1Edwards +9General Election: Romney vs. Edwards CNN Romney 37, Edwards 59, Und 1Edwards +22General Election: McCain vs. Edwards CNN McCain 44, Edwards 52, Und 1Edwards +8General Election: Huckabee vs. Edwards CNN Huckabee 35, Edwards 60, Und 1Edwards +25Democratic Presidential Nomination CBS News/NY Times Clinton 44, Obama 27, Edwards 11, Richardson 2, Biden 2Clinton +17Republican Presidential Nomination CBS News/NY Times Giuliani 22, Huckabee 21, Romney 16, Thompson 7, McCain 7, Paul 4Giuliani +1New York Democratic Primary Siena Clinton 50, Obama 19, Edwards 10Clinton +31New York Republican Primary Siena Giuliani 48, McCain 15, Thompson 7, Romney 7, Huckabee 7Giuliani +33New York: Giuliani vs. Clinton Siena Giuliani 41, Clinton 50, Und 9Clinton +9New York: Giuliani vs. Obama Siena Giuliani 43, Obama 47, Und 10Obama +4Wisconsin Republican Primary U. of WI Thompson 30, Giuliani 25, McCain 15, Romney 5, Huckabee 8, Paul 4Thompson +5Wisconsin Democratic Primary U. of WI Clinton 39, Obama 26, Edwards 15, Richardson 4Clinton +13 Monday, December 10RacePollResultsSpreadRepublican Presidential Nomination Rasmussen (Wed)Giuliani 20, Huckabee 23, Romney 14, Thompson 10, McCain 8, Paul 6Huckabee +3Democratic Presidential Nomination Rasmussen (Wed)Clinton 36, Obama 28, Edwards 13, Richardson 4, Biden 4Clinton +8South Carolina Democratic Primary Insider Advantage Clinton 22, Obama 28, Edwards 14, Biden 10, Richardson 2Obama +6 Sunday, December 09RacePollResultsSpreadSouth Carolina Republican Primary Mason-Dixon Huckabee 20, Thompson 14, Romney 15, Giuliani 17, McCain 10, Paul 4Huckabee +3Iowa Republican Caucus Mason-Dixon Huckabee 32, Romney 20, Thompson 11, Giuliani 5, McCain 7, Paul 2Huckabee +12Iowa Democratic Caucus Mason-Dixon Obama 25, Clinton 27, Edwards 21, Richardson 9, Biden 5Clinton +2New Hampshire Democratic Primary Mason-Dixon Clinton 30, Obama 27, Edwards 10, Richardson 7, Biden 3Clinton +3New Hampshire Republican Primary Mason-Dixon Romney 25, McCain 16, Giuliani 17, Huckabee 11, Paul 5, Thompson 6Romney +8South Carolina Democratic Primary Mason-Dixon Clinton 28, Obama 25, Edwards 18, Biden 2, Richardson 1Clinton +3Nevada Democratic Caucus Mason-Dixon Clinton 34, Obama 26, Edwards 9, Richardson 7Clinton +8Nevada Republican Caucus Mason-Dixon Giuliani 25, Romney 20, Huckabee 17, Thompson 9, McCain 7, Paul 5Giuliani +5 Saturday, December 08RacePollResultsSpreadIowa Republican Caucus Newsweek Huckabee 39, Romney 17, Thompson 10, Giuliani 9, McCain 6, Paul 8Huckabee +22Iowa Democratic Caucus Newsweek Obama 35, Clinton 29, Edwards 18, Richardson 9, Biden 4Obama +6General Election: Giuliani vs. Edwards Rasmussen Giuliani 44, Edwards 44, Und 12TieGeneral Election: Huckabee vs. Edwards Rasmussen Huckabee 40, Edwards 44, Und 16Edwards +4Michigan Republican Primary Rasmussen Giuliani 19, Romney 20, Thompson 9, McCain 8, Huckabee 21, Paul 7Huckabee +1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Next >>

Dear Presidential Candidate Barack Obama Supporter!
Last year, we as a nation asked and expressed our desire as voters to take America in a new direction. Presidential Candidate Barack Obama www.barackobama.com is leading and taking this challenge seriously every day to bring about that change. Together we can move forward. Together we can restore trust in our American values. Together we can reclaim that precious American dream of hope and opportunity for all. Together we can put Presidential Candidate Barack Obama on a firm path to victory in the 2008 Presidential General Election.
Presidential Candidate Barack Obama is committed to turning the page on textbook campaign politics, providing quality and affordable health care for 10 million American children - kids not poor enough to qualify for Medicaid and not lucky enough to have parents with health insurance - and passing a new national energy policy that lowers energy bills and begins to reverse global warming. And we are determined to end the war in Iraq responsibly. Presidential Candidate Barack Obama will use his power and leadership authority as our next president to help Americans live and prosper in a nation of bountiful hope and opportunity!
In a few weeks, the primaries will start across America and voters will again ask for a new direction. Let us offer with our ongoing support and dedication this nation and the world the new vision and hope which Presidential Candidate Barack Obama uniquely possess. We are all playing an important role in this historic Countdown To Change.
Wishing you best wishes this Holiday Season,
Raphael Holoman-Franklin
Presidential Candidate Barack Obama Supporter

p.s. "We are in a defining moment in our history" ... "Our nation is at war. The planet is in peril. The dream that so many generations fought for feels as if it's slowly slipping away. And that is why the same old Washington textbook campaigns just won't do it. That's why telling the American people what we think they want to hear, instead of telling the American people what they need to hear, just won't so it." "America, our moment is now," ..."I don't want to spend the next year, or the same four years, refighting the same fights we had in the 1990s. I don't want to pit red America against blue America. I want to be the president of the United States of America." (Presidential Candidate Barack Obama)

MN CONGRESSWOMAN BETTY MCCOLLUM ENDORSES OBAMA!

Alexandra S. — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 12:15:39 EST
MINNESOTA CONGRESSWOMAN BETTY MCCOLLUM

ENDORSES BARACK OBAMA FOR PRESIDENT

ST. PAUL, MN -- Congresswoman Betty McCollum (MN04) today endorsed Barack Obama for President.

“The Iraq War has been the most disastrous foreign policy decision of our lifetime and Barack Obama got it right when he opposed this war of choice from the start,” said Congresswoman McCollum. “Barack Obama has the courage to move our country forward by challenging Washington’s tired conventional thinking. I’m endorsing Barack Obama for President because I trust his leadership – for my family, for our country and for a more secure world. We need a President who can unite the American people to confront the serious challenges facing our nation, especially ending the war in Iraq, and that is Barack Obama.”

“Congresswoman McCollum has been an outspoken leader on the challenges facing communities across America, and I’m grateful for her endorsement,” said Senator Obama. “Betty McCollum had the judgment to oppose authorizing the war in Iraq, and she has worked to end the war as quickly and responsibly as we can. As a former teacher, McCollum has fought for strong schools, well-trained teachers, and affordable and accessible education programs for all students. Above all, Congresswoman McCollum knows that to make progress, we need leadership that will unify the nation to get things done.”

In 2000, McCollum made history as the second woman in Minnesota state history to be elected to Congress. McCollum serves as a member of the House Appropriations Committee, is a Senior Democratic Whip, as well as a co-founder of the Global Health Caucus.

In Minnesota, Obama has also been endorsed by Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak and Congressman Keith Ellison. Obama for America was the first presidential campaign to open an office in the state – the headquarters is located in St. Paul. In the past ten weeks since that opening the campaign has held a caucus and grassroots training in St. Paul that drew a crowd of 400; caucus and grassroots trainings in every congressional district, every week; an eight-city canvass of Minnesota where 80 supporters knocked on over 2,500 doors on a single Saturday; individual canvasses every weekend in cities across the state; phonebanks every night of the week; and a Turn the Page in Iraq rally at Macalester College.

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Barack Obama's message

Tom Hayes, working for change — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 12:56:57 EST

We are in a defining moment in our history:

"Our nation is at war. The planet is in peril. The dream that so many generations fought for feels as if it's slowly slipping away.
And that is why the same old Washington textbook campaigns just won't do. That's why telling the American people what we think they want to hear instead of telling the American people what they need to hear just won't do.
America, our moment is now. I don't want to spend the next year, or the next four years, re-fighting the same fights that we had in the 1990s. I don't want to pit 'red' America against 'blue' America; I want to be the President of the United States of America."

Hope in Obama

Jared — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 15:12:50 EST

One needs only to find a hint of hope to cause an uproar in the universe.
Barack Obama is this hope.
PEACE
Love Jared

Presidential Candidate Barack Obama: When A Movement Gains Momentum

EsquireUK — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 20:46:50 EST

When A Movement Gains MomentumThe Iowa Jefferson Jackson Dinner is one of the pivotal moments in the contest for the Democratic party's presidential nomination, and Barack Obama gave what could be the most important speech of the campaign to more than 9,000 Iowa Democrats in Des Moines this weekend.

He sparked new momentum on the ground in Iowa, where the January 3rd caucuses will be the first true test of our campaign and Senator Clinton's.
http://www.barackobama.com/2007/11/10/remarks_of_senator_barack_obam_33.php

See some of the overwhelming response to the performance and donate now so we can capitalize on this moment.

Des Moines Register (David Yepsen) "Yepsen: Obama's superb speech could catapult his bid":The six leading Democratic presidential candidates showed up for the Iowa Democratic Party's big Jefferson Jackson Dinner on Saturday night, and five of them gave very good speeches. Barack Obama's was excellent. It was one of the best of his campaign. The passion he showed should help him close the gap on Hillary Clinton by tipping some undecided caucusgoers his way. His oratory was moving, and he successfully contrasted himself with the others — especially Clinton — without being snide or nasty about it.
Read more from the Des Moines Register

The Garance (Garance):Barack Obama, on the other hand, finally gave the speech his supporters have been waiting for him to give all year. If anyone comes out of this dinner with The Big Mo, it will be him. Obama’s supporters used their voices, not tools, to make noise. The moment House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced his name in her introduction, she was met with screams, whoops, ululations, whistles, shouts, and cries of wordless enthusiasm. When she said, "Please welcome the next president of the United States" — a line she’d used in earlier introductions — the crowd burst into what my notes could only capture as "TOTAL ROAR."
Read more from The Garance

Washington Post (Dan Balz and Shailagh Murray) "Obama stands out in night of speeches":...In the view of many watching, he [Obama] emerged as the oratorical winner at the biggest Democratic political event in Iowa before the state's January caucuses....Before the Saturday dinner, Barbara and Mike Donnelly hadn't been certain which candidate to support in the Democratic caucuses. They left with colorful glow necklaces, handed out by Obama's campaign. "We just think he's a very strong character," said Barbara Donnelly. Obama's speech "crystallized it for me," said Mike Donnelly.
Read more from The Washington Post

ABC News (David Chalian/Eloise Harper/Sunlen Miller/Raelyn Johnson) "Democrats Rally the Troops in Iowa":... The Obama troops clearly won the contest for loudest cheers in the hall as they offered some call and response with the "fired up, ready to go" chants that have become the standard finale to the senator's stump speech.... In what appeared to be the most rousing speech of the evening, Sen. Obama was sure to revisit his theme of calling for a change in the political climate and again offering a thinly veiled swipe toward his main opponent. "This party -- of Jefferson and Jackson, of Roosevelt and Kennedy -- has made the most difference in people's lives when we've led, not by polls, but by principle; not by calculation, but by conviction," Obama said to applause.
Read more from ABC News

MSNBC (Aswini Anburajan) "Obama Shows Off Organizational Strength":Nearly one in three people at last night’s Jefferson-Jackson Dinner was an Obama supporter. The campaign brought 3,000 supporters to a dinner that had 9,000 attendees. They also made sure to have a representative from each of Iowa’s 99 counties in attendance. ... Obama’s speech was buoyed by his large crowd of supporters. They chanted, yelled and stood up and cheered as he evoked the civil rights movement to talk about how he could only stand on this stage because those who had come before him were not afraid to take the difficult positions that he is supposedly espousing now.
Read more from MSNBC First Read

Chicago Sun-Times (Jennifer Hunter) "Obama vows moral high ground for Dems, U.S.":About 9,000 activists turned up for the dinner... But Obama's followers were the most uproarious.
Read more from the Sun Times

Time (Anna Marie Cox):Obama: The excerpts give a flavor of what he delivered, but I have to say, given the low energy of the room, his performance was especially striking. Again, the applause at his introduction was thundering. He also drew the longest, loudest responses throughout his speech: hooting, hollering and he was the only candidate to draw an enthusiastic chant. He also was the only candidate that seemed, for lack of a better word, to be working it. He gave that speech as if he was trying to convince people, not just solidifying the support he already had.
Read more from Time.com

Barack Obama's Speech at the Jefferson Jackson Dinner

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Mrs. Clinton, Please Allow Your Experience To Be Evaluated

EsquireUK — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 20:09:17 EST
Secrecy Issues Dog Giuliani, Clinton

Tuesday December 4, 2007 12:31 AM
By LIZ SIDOTI
Associated Press Writer
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) - Rudy Giuliani and Hillary Rodham Clinton have secrecy issues dogging them.
The front-runners in national polls for their parties' nominations both are grappling with disclosure controversies as they seek to succeed President Bush, known as one of the most secretive chief executives in modern history.
For the Republican former New York mayor, the primary issue is Giuliani Partners, the consulting business he formed when he left City Hall. He still works for the firm but won't shed light on its business dealings or release a client list. He's not required to; the company is privately held.
``It isn't mysterious at all,'' Giuliani insists, arguing that the media has identified clients.
He's also battling - and dismissing - suggestions that security expenses for extramarital liaisons with current wife Judith Nathan were hidden in little-known city accounts. And, he is facing criticism for the handling of his mayoral records.
Clinton, the Democratic New York senator and former first lady, is taking heat over locked-away correspondence between President Clinton and her during their White House years. She often cites her experience in her campaign, and rivals argue she should expedite the opening of those records to allow her experience to be evaluated, particularly on health care policy.
She says the National Archives, which has custody of the records, ``is moving as rapidly as the Archives moves.'' Her husband said last week: ``I'm not trying to cover anything up.''
A direct comparison between the Giuliani and Clinton situations is difficult.
``There's a concern on the part of Giuliani about his behavior, a man known relatively little to the public except in flashes of post-9/11 take charge,'' said Thomas Mann, a political analyst at the Washington-based Brookings Institution. ``There are real questions about his probity, his choice of associates and potential conflicts of interest given the extraordinary amount of business he's done since leaving office and that touches on government policies.''
``With Clinton, it's a bit of a muddle,'' Mann said. ``It's appropriate that presidential documents be released and made public as soon as possible. It's a reasonable question to be raised,'' he said. But, he added: ``It's not like there's necessarily some crucial information in there that's not being revealed.''
Still, both candidates face lack-of-disclosure questions in a campaign marked by public concern about honesty and ethics.
A recent national survey by The Associated Press and Yahoo News found that both Democrats and Republicans rated those two issues as very important or extremely important qualities in a presidential candidate more often than any other trait measured.
Neither Clinton nor Giuliani was seen as particularly honest or ethical. Just 38 percent viewed Clinton as honest, while just 40 percent called her ethical. Forty-two percent called Giuliani honest, 40 percent ethical.
Secrecy questions about them could give voters pause - particularly after seven years of Bush's behind-the-curtain approach that included covert CIA prisons, warrantless wiretapping and classified memos on interrogation techniques.
Generally, a president prone to secrecy can have long-term implications for a democracy.
``The effect is sort of an imperialistic presidency that's unchecked,'' said Anne Weismann, chief counsel of Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington. With Bush, she said: ``We're pretty far down that road, but I don't think we're there yet.'' However, she added, given the outcry over Bush's actions, ``It's hard to imagine a president that will follow in that same course.''
Giuliani laughed, then grew agitated, when the AP asked recently whether he would ever outline his role with his firm or release a thorough client list. ``Everything I did at Giuliani Partners was totally legal, totally ethical,'' he said. ``There's nothing for me to explain about. We acted honorably, decently.''
The media have unearthed some client names that show his firm represents or has represented airlines, energy companies and communications businesses. One client, Purdue Pharma L.P., makes the controversial painkiller OxyContin.
Separately, Giuliani has called reports that he charged security expenses to obscure city offices as his affair began ``a typical political hit job with only half the story told.'' He also has dismissed criticism over the 2,000 boxes of his mayoral documents temporarily going to a private foundation his supporters ran and financed to be copied and archived.
Clinton, for her part, rejects charges that she's been secretive about her own documents. This month in Iowa, she said: ``My husband has not withheld a single document.''
But, like some of his predecessors, Bill Clinton had the power to limit what records the National Archives could immediately make public. In a 2002 letter, he asked that the archives consider withholding certain categories of information, including personal correspondence between himself and his wife.
``We're not trying to hold up anything,'' he told C-SPAN last week. ``We're getting this stuff out as soon as we can.''
^---
EDITOR'S NOTE - Liz Sidoti covers presidential politics for The Associated Press.
http://www.barackobama.com/2007/11/10/remarks_of_senator_barack_obam_33.php

Presidential Candidate Barack Obama Has Found His Voice: Reclaiming The American Dream

EsquireUK — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 15:02:29 EST

Dear Presidential Candidate Barack Obama Supporter!
The latest news from Iowa is exciting. The Des Moines Register shows that Presidential Candidate Barack Obama www.barackobama.com has pulled ahead of Mrs. Clinton and is now leading in Iowa. He is even leading among women by five points! This is superb!
The polls in Iowa show that Mrs. Clinton is running the most negative campaign of any presidential candidate. Today we need to respond to any attacks which Mrs. Clinton may direct at Presidential Candidate Barack Obama. We need to ensure that he has the resources to go from strength to strength. We need to put him firmly on a victorious path to the 2008 Presidential General Election!
We have an immediate challenge: In the next 48 hours, Presidential Candidate Barack Obama needs 10,000 people to donate.
https://donate.barackobama.com/costofnegativity
This response will show Mrs. Clinton and other opponents that our resolve to reclaim the American dream is real. The Countdown to Change movement is in full force. The momentum is starting to build.
Thank you very much,

Raphael Holoman-Franklin
Presidential Candidate Barack Obama Supporter

Op-Ed Columnist
Who’s Afraid of Barack Obama? By FRANK RICHPublished: December 2, 2007
JUST 24 hours after Hillary Clinton mowed down a skeptical Katie Couric with her certitude that she would win the Democratic nomination — “It will be me!” — her husband showed exactly how she could lose it.
Skip to next paragraph Fred R. Conrad/The New York Times
Frank Rich
Go to Columnist Page » Enlarge This Image Barry Blitt

By telling an Iowa audience on Tuesday night that he had opposed the Iraq war “from the beginning,” Bill Clinton committed a double pratfall. Not only did he refocus attention on his wife’s most hazardous issue, Iraq, just as it was receding as the nation’s Topic A, but he also revived unhappy memories of the truth-dodging nadirs of the Clinton White House.
Whatever his caveats, Mr. Clinton did not explicitly oppose the Iraq war from the beginning. But Al Gore did unequivocally and loudly in a public speech before the beginning, as did an obscure Illinois state senator named Barack Obama www.barackobama.com . What if Mrs. Clinton had led an insurrection against the war authorization in the Senate? Might she have helped impede America’s rush into one of the greatest fiascos in our history?
That history cannot be rewritten in any case, by Bill Clinton or anyone else. But future history is yet to be made. In the year to come, it will be written by the candidates and the voters, not by those journalists who, as the old saw has it, lay down history’s first draft.
Election year isn’t even here yet, and already most of the first drafts penned by the political press have proved instantly disposable, from Fred Thompson’s irresistible Reaganesque star power to the Family Research Council’s ability to abort the rise of Rudy Giuliani. The biggest Beltway myth so far — that the Clinton campaign is “textbook perfect” and “tightly disciplined” — was surely buried for good by the undisciplined former president’s seemingly panic-driven blunder last week.
The Washington wisdom about Mr. Obama has often been just as wrong as that about Mrs. Clinton. We kept being told he was making rookie mistakes and offering voters wispy idealistic sentiments rather than the real beef of policy. But what the Beltway mistook for gaffes often was the policy.
Mr. Obama’s much-derided readiness to talk promptly and directly to the leaders of Iran and Syria, for instance, was a clear alternative, agree with it or not, to Mrs. Clinton’s same-old Foggy Bottom platitudes on the subject. His supposedly reckless pledge to chase down Osama bin Laden and his gang in Pakistan, without Pakistani permission if necessary, was a pointed rebuke of both Mrs. Clinton’s and President Bush’s misplaced fealty to our terrorist-enabling “ally,” Pervez Musharraf. Like Mr. Obama’s prescient Iraq speech of 2002, his open acknowledgment of the Pakistan president’s slipperiness turned out to be ahead of the curve.
Now that the Beltway establishment, jolted by the Iowa polls, is frantically revising its premature blueprints for a Clinton coronation and declaring, as Time’s inevitable cliché would have it, that Mr. Obama has “found his voice,” it’s worth looking at some campaign story lines that have been ignored so far. They tell us more than the hyped scenarios that have fallen apart. Indeed, they flip the standard narrative of Campaign 2008 on its head: Were Mr. Obama to best Mrs. Clinton for the Democratic nomination, he may prove harder for the Republicans to rally against and defeat than the all-powerful, battle-tested Clinton machine.
The unspoken truth is that the Clinton machine is not being battle-tested at all by the Democratic primary process. When Mrs. Clinton accused John Edwards of “throwing mud” and “personally” attacking her in a sharp policy exchange in one debate, the press didn’t challenge the absurd hyperbole of her claim. In reality, neither Mr. Edwards nor any other Democratic competitor will ever hit her with the real, personal mud being stockpiled by the right. But if she’s getting a bye now, she will not from the Republican standard-bearer, whoever he may be. Clinton-bashing is the last shared article of faith (and last area of indisputable G.O.P. competence) that could yet unite the fractured and dispirited conservative electorate.
The Republicans know this and are so psychologically invested in refighting the Clinton wars that they’re giddy. Karl Rove’s first column for Newsweek last week, “How to Beat Hillary (Next) November,” proceeded from the premise that her nomination was a done deal. In the G.O.P. debates through last Thursday, the candidates mentioned the Clintons some 65 times. Barack Obama’s name has not been said once.
But much like the Clinton campaign itself, the Republicans have fallen into a trap by continuing to cling to the Hillary-is-inevitable trope. They have not allowed themselves to think the unthinkable — that they might need a Plan B to go up against a candidate who is not she. It’s far from clear that they would remotely know how to construct a Plan B to counter Mr. Obama. The repeated attempts to fan “rumors” that he is a madrassa-indoctrinated Muslim — whether on Fox News or in The Washington Post, where they resurfaced scurrilously on the front page on Thursday — are too demonstrably false to survive endless reruns even in the Swift-boating era.
Part of the Republicans’ difficulty in countering Mr. Obama, should they have to, is their own cynical racial politics. For the most part, race has been the dog that hasn’t barked in this campaign despite the (largely) white press’s endless fretting about whether the Illinois senator is too white for black voters and too black for white voters. Most Americans aren’t racist, most Republicans included. (Those who are won’t vote for the Democratic presidential candidate even if it’s not Mr. Obama.) But the G.O.P., by its own doing, is nonetheless saddled with a history that most recently includes “macaca” and Katrina, Mr. Bush’s appearance at Bob Jones University in 2000 and the nonexistent black population of its Congressional delegation.
As the Republican leadership knows, this record is an albatross, driving away not just black voters but crucial white swing voters, too. Ken Mehlman, the former G.O.P. chairman, and Mr. Rove, as recently as in that Newsweek column, have implored their party to reach out to minorities. So have Newt Gingrich and Jack Kemp. But not even conservative leaders of this stature could persuade their party’s top 2008 presidential contenders to show up for a September debate moderated by Tavis Smiley for PBS at the historically black Morgan State University.
It’s not because those no-shows are racists; it’s because they are defensive and out of touch. With the notable exception of Mike Huckabee, most of the party’s candidates have barricaded themselves from African-Americans for so long that they don’t know how to speak to or about them. As sure-footed as these Republicans are in attacking the Clintons and Streisand — or in exchanging fire with Al Sharpton and hip-hop moguls — they are strangers to the mainstream multiracial and multicultural America exemplified by an Obama or an Oprah.
An Obama candidacy would force them to engage. Or try to. A matchup between Mr. Obama and Mr. Giuliani, who was forged in the racial crucible of New York’s police brutality nightmares of the 1990s, or between Mr. Obama and Mitt Romney, who was shaped by a religion that didn’t give blacks equal membership until 1978, would be less a clash of races than of centuries.
But there’s another, even more fascinating hidden story line in the 2008 campaign that speaks to the potential prowess of an Obama candidacy. Despite the thuggish name-calling of a few right-wing die-hards (e.g., Rush Limbaugh mocking “Barack Hussein Odumbo”), the dirty secret of a number of conservatives is that they are disarmed by Mr. Obama even though they know his record is more liberal than Mrs. Clinton’s.
The drumbeat of approval has been remarkably steady. Last year Mark McKinnon, a top adviser to both the 2000 and 2004 Bush campaigns, admiringly called Mr. Obama “a walking, talking hope machine” who “may reshape American politics.” Andrew Ferguson devoted pages in The Weekly Standard to raving about “Dreams From My Father,” Mr. Obama’s memoir, before dismissing its political sequel, “The Audacity of Hope.” Rich Lowry, the editor of National Review, keeps trying to write anti-Obama articles but they’re so mild that they never really contradict his judgment of a year ago that the senator from Illinois “is the only presidential candidate from either party about whom there is a palpable excitement.” Even Tom Tancredo, the most virulent immigration demagogue of the G.O.P. presidential field, has spoken warmly of Mr. Obama.
Perhaps most striking is the case of Shelby Steele, the archconservative scholar who shares Mr. Obama’s mixed-race heritage. Though he has just written an entire book, “A Bound Man,” to argue (unpersuasively, in my view) that Mr. Obama “can’t win,” he can’t stop himself from admiring the guy throughout. Peggy Noonan wasn’t being tongue-in-cheek when she wondered in The Wall Street Journal last month whether Mr. Obama “understands the kind of quiet cheering he is beginning to garner from some Republicans.” In her view “they see him as a Democrat who could cure the Bush-Clinton-Bush-Clinton sickness.”
Or at least they do in the abstract. Should Mr. Obama upend the Beltway story line by taking Iowa, the Republicans will have every reason to be as fearful as the Clinton camp is now.

Presidential Candidate Barack Obama: Winning Iowa...Winning 2008 General Election

EsquireUK — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 17:59:36 EST
Obama, Huckabee lead 2008 race in Iowa: pollSun Dec 2, 2007 4:39pm ESTPostEmail | Print | [-] Text [+] 1 of 1Full Size
By John Whitesides, Political Correspondent
DES MOINES, Iowa (Reuters) - Democrat Barack Obama www.barackobama.com and Republican Mike Huckabee surged into narrow leads in Iowa in a poll released on Sunday, barely a month before the state holds the first contest in a shifting 2008 presidential race.
The poll by the Des Moines Register, the state's largest newspaper, showed Obama with a three-point edge over national front-runner Hillary Clinton in Iowa, 28 percent to 25 percent, and former North Carolina Sen. John Edwards third at 23 percent.
Among Republicans, Huckabee moved past previous leader Mitt Romney to take a five-point edge, 29 percent to 24 percent. Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, who leads national polls, trails in third place at 13 percent.
The poll of 500 likely Iowa caucus-goers in each party had a margin of error of plus or minus 4.4 percent.
The new poll follows other recent surveys showing Obama, an Illinois senator, and Huckabee, the former governor of Arkansas, picking up steam in Iowa and nationally one month before Iowa's January 3 contest kicks off the state-by-state battle to choose candidates for the November 2008 election.
Obama, campaigning in Iowa, said the shifting polls explained the growing frequency and intensity of attacks on him from Clinton, a New York senator and former first lady.
"Folks from some of the other campaigns are reading the polls and starting to get stressed, and issuing a whole range of outlandish accusations," Obama said.
"All these accusations that are starting to come out seem to correspond to shifting political fortunes," he told reporters.
Clinton's campaign on Sunday renewed its criticism of Obama for using his "Hope Fund" leadership political action committee for campaign contributions to politicians in crucial early voting states like Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina.
Clinton spokesman Howard Wolfson, appearing on CBS's "Face the Nation," called the committee "a slush fund" and asked Obama's campaign to shut it down.
WITHIN THE LAW
Obama said the fund operated within the law and suggested Clinton's campaign "focus on trying to get their supporters to caucus" in Iowa.
Clinton's campaign also attacked Obama for telling reporters in Iowa he had not been planning a presidential run "for however number of years some of the other candidates have been planning for."
Clinton spokesman Phil Singer said the comment was at odds with what Obama's teachers, classmates and staff have said about his ambitions. "Senator Obama's campaign rhetoric is getting in the way of reality," Singer said.
Huckabee, appearing on ABC's "This Week," said his campaign was "on fire" in part because voters were being drawn to his underdog candidacy.
"That's why there's an excitement about my campaign," he said. "It's about all those Americans out there who were told what they couldn't do, what they couldn't become."
Huckabee, a social conservative and former Baptist preacher, had lingered in low single digits all year and barely raised any money until a surprise second-place showing in the Iowa straw poll in August propelled him on a slow climb.
The Register poll showed Huckabee was winning the support of Iowa's large bloc of social and religious conservatives, and led Romney 38 percent to 22 percent among those who describe themselves as born-again Christians.
Romney, a former Massachusetts governor who has vastly outspent Huckabee in Iowa, lost five percentage points in support since leading the last Register poll in October.
Former Tennessee Sen. Fred Thompson was fourth in the Iowa poll with 9 percent and Arizona Sen. John McCain fifth with 7 percent, tied with Texas Rep. Ron Paul.
Giuliani, Thompson and McCain all have concentrated their campaigning on later states in the 2008 contest.
McCain on Sunday picked up the endorsement of the Manchester Union Leader newspaper, the state's biggest and an influential conservative voice in the state that holds the second nominating contest just five days after Iowa.
"I'm grateful for it and I think it will give us a boost," McCain, who has focused more of his effort on New Hampshire, said on CBS's "Face the Nation."
Among Democrats, the Register poll showed Obama leading among women, 31 percent to 26 percent for Clinton, who led among the older voters who dominate the Iowa contest.
(Editing by Vicki Allen)

Presidential Candidate Barack Obama: The Momentum Is Starting To Build

EsquireUK — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 16:32:40 EST
Community Blogs Login | Register | Search Blogs Post from Obama HQ: New Des Moines Register Poll: Obama leading in IowaBy Sam Graham-Felsen - Dec 1st, 2007 at 10:09 pm EST Comments | Mail to a Friend | Report Objectionable Content Tags: Iowa Bad? Brilliant?
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More from the DMR:
Barack Obama has pulled ahead in the race for Iowa's Democratic presidential caucuses, while the party's national frontrunner Hillary Clinton has slipped to second in the leadoff nominating state, according to The Des Moines Register's new Iowa Poll...
Obama spent weeks in October and November attacking Clinton's support for a measure that allowed President Bush to declare the Iran's Revolutionary Guard a terrorist organization, a move Obama said was a step toward war. Clinton said the measure enhanced U.S. negotiating strength with Iran.

"An Iran war terrifies me," said Browne, a 30-year-old University of Iowa student.

Browne said she feels Obama is a more inspirational candidate than Clinton, despite the intensifying crossfire between them.

"I just think that Obama is more of a positive candidate overall," she said...
On women voters...
In the new poll, Obama leads with support from 31 percent of women likely attend the caucuses, compared to 26 percent for Clinton. In October, Clinton was the preferred candidate of 34 percent of women caucusgoers, compared to 21 percent for Obama.
On younger voters...
Obama also dominates among younger caucusgoers, with support from 48 percent from those younger than 35. Clinton was the choice of 19 percent in that group and Edwards of 17 percent.
The momentum is just starting to build www.barackobama.com .
Obama Hit Stride and Leads Clinton In New Iowa PollThe Washington Post - The Fix | December 02, 2007
By Chris Cillizza
DES MOINES, Iowa -- As The Fix trekked back and forth on ice-slicked roads to a series of Democratic presidential forums today one thing became very clear: Barack Obama is hitting his stride.
At both the Heartland Forum Saturday afternoon and the Brown and Black debate later in the day, Obama displayed a deft political touch that was largely absent from his campaign in its early days.
(His Iowa campaign also got a very nice boost late Saturday when the new Des Moines Register poll put him at 28 percent as compared to 25 percent for Clinton and 23 percent for former Sen. John Edwards. The new poll also showed that Obama was doing better than Clinton among women likely to attend the Iowa caucuses next month, 31 percent to 26 percent. Women represent roughly six in 10 Democratic caucus goers, according to the new poll. )
At the Heartland Forum, a mother told Obama of her daughter's rare eye ailment and how the SCHIP legislation had allowed her to get the care she needed before asking about his plans to provide health insurance for all Americans -- a major (and growing) point of contention between himself and Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (N.Y.).
Before the candidate answered, the girl -- age 10 or so -- crossed the stage to "meet" Obama. He bent down and chatted for ten seconds or so with the girl before sending her back to her mom and answering the question. It was a compelling moment in what was generally a lackluster gathering.
It was a moment that even a few months ago Obama would not likely have capitalized on. Obama -- still new to the political game -- had shown an awkwardness earlier in the campaign when confronted with moments just like the one today; at an MTV/MySpace forum in Iowa in late October a young woman spoke very personally of the deportation of her father. Nearly in tears, she asked Obama what he would do to prevent situations like hers being repeated. Obama's answer was entirely sound but carried no real emotion and felt like a missed opportunity in retrospect.
Obama carried his strong showing into Saturday night as he -- as well as all the other Democratic candidates except former Sen. Mike Gravel (Alaska) -- participated in a debate (of sorts) focused on issues of import to African American and Latino voters.
Asked what he made of the fact that Clinton was leading him among black voters in national polling, Obama showed his improved ability to stay on message. He argued that African American voters were like any other voters in that until they get to know you and your track record they're going to be asking questions" before pivoting to the message at the heart of his campaign: "I believe I can bring the country together [and] overcome the special interests," he said.
Time and again, he touched on his unique ability to bring people together and break out of the political status quo -- closing his remarks at the debate by citing Martin Luther King Jr's declaration of "the fierce urgency of now."
It's worth noting that in both gatherings Obama was playing to friendly crowds. At the Heartland Forum there was a huge (and hugely vocal) group of activists from Illinois that hung on Obama's every word; at the Brown and Black debate, he benefited not only from an audience seemingly predisposed to his message but also a group of questions that played to his strengths.

Read the full article from The Washington Post

World Aids Day: Breaking The Silence

EsquireUK — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 09:09:00 EST
Dear Presidential Candidate Barack Obama Supporter!
More than 33 million people are living with HIV around the world today. World Aids Day was launched by the United Nations in 1988 to raise awareness of HIV/Aids, to urge leaders to help relieve suffering for those afflicted and to increase efforts to prevent HIV transmission.
On December 1, World Aids Day 2007 will highlight the importance of using open communication to break down the silence and stigma surrounding HIV and Aids and to get people talking to increase their understanding of the virus.
Presidential Candidate Barack Obama www.barackobama.com has a genuine understanding of the urgent need to break down the silence and stigma surrounding HIV and Aids. We can count on him to support and promote a brighter future of real hope for the millions living with HIV in America and around the world.
Raphael Holoman-Franklin
Presidential Candidate Barack Obama Supporter

Presidential Candidate Barack Obama: A Healthy America For All

EsquireUK — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 07:50:14 EST

Quality Affordable Health Care for All
by the End of Barack Obama's First Term in OfficeObama's Plan for a Healthy America

David Cutler Describes Obama Health Plan
"I...believe that every American has the right to affordable health care. I believe that the millions of Americans who can't take their children to a doctor when they get sick have that right...We now face an opportunity - and an obligation - to turn the page on the failed politics of yesterday's health care debates. It's time to bring together businesses, the medical community, and members of both parties around a comprehensive solution to this crisis, and it's time to let the drug and insurance industries know that while they'll get a seat at the table, they don't get to buy every chair."
-Barack Obama, Speech in Iowa City, IA, 5/27/07
THE PROBLEM
The U.S. spends $2 trillion on health care every year, and offers the best medical technology and scientific research in the world. Yet, the benefits of the American health care system come at a price that an increasing number of individuals and families, employers and employees, and public and private providers cannot afford.
Barack Obama discusses healthcare, and the personal story of one of his supporters in Iowa City on May 29, 2007.; Barack; Healthcare; Obama; iowa; http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid960399001 http://www.brightcove.com/channel.jsp?channel=353512430
47 million Americans - including nearly 9 million children - lack health insurance.
Health care costs are skyrocketing. Health insurance premiums have risen four times faster than wages over the past six years. Lack of affordable health care is compounded by serious flaws in our health care delivery system. About 100,000 Americans die from medical errors in hospitals every year.
Too little is spent on prevention and public health. The nation faces epidemics of obesity and chronic diseases as well as new threats of pandemic flu and bioterrorism. Yet, despite all of this, less than four cents of every health care dollar is spent on prevention and public health.
Barack Obama's Plan for a Healthy America: OverviewLowering health care costs and ensuring affordable, high-quality health care for all
Pauline Taylor, 55, a nurse who lives in Iowa City and is a member of SEIU Local 199, a health care workers' union, [said], "He touched on all the highlight"s...(Obama's plan) is wonderful." Taylor said she liked the emphasis on preventative care and getting more generic medications on the market. A nurse for 33 years, Taylor said she has seen what happens when medical conditions go unchecked for years. "People will not put off going to the doctor for so long," she said.
-Iowa City Press Citizen 5/30/07
Barack Obama believes we live in the greatest country in the world and that when it comes to health care, America can and must do better. The Obama plan will save a typical American family up to $2,500 every year on premiums by:
Providing affordable, comprehensive and portable health coverage for every American;
Modernizing the U.S. health care system to contain spiraling health care costs and improve the quality of patient care; and
Promoting prevention and strengthening public health to prevent disease and protect against natural and man-made disasters.
Quality, Affordable & Portable Health Coverage for All
Douglas Davis, an emergency room technician for the University of Iowa hospitals, said he believes Obama's plan gives hope to families. "I believe it's achievable but the most important thing I'm taking from the plan is the security for families," Davis said. "We can't idly sit by and let families take the burden when you have corporations making" billions of dollars.
-Des Moines Register (as reprinted on USAToday.com), 5/29/07
The Obama plan both builds upon and improves our current insurance system, upon which most Americans continue to rely, and leaves Medicare intact for older and disabled Americans.
1. Obama's Plan to Cover the Uninsured. Obama will create a new national health plan to allow individuals without access to affordable insurance coverage to buy coverage similar to that available to members of Congress. The Obama plan will have the following features:
Guaranteed eligibility. No American will be turned away from any insurance plan because of illness or pre-existing conditions.
Comprehensive benefits. The benefit package will be similar to the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP), and cover all essential medical services, including preventive, maternity and mental health care.
Affordable premiums, co-pays and deductibles.
Subsidies. Individuals who do not qualify for Medicaid or SCHIP but still need assistance will receive an income-related federal subsidy to buy into the new public plan or purchase a private health care plan.
Simplifying paperwork and reining in health costs.
Easy enrollment. The new public plan will be simple to enroll in and provide ready access to coverage.
Portability and choice. Participants in the new public plan and the National Health Insurance Exchange (see below) will be able to move from job to job without changing their health care coverage.
Quality and efficiency. Participating insurance companies will be required to collect and report data to ensure that standards for quality, health information technology and administration are being met.

2. National Health Insurance Exchange. Obama will create a National Health Insurance Exchange to help individuals who wish to purchase private insurance. 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. Insurers would have to issue every applicant a policy, and charge fair and stable premiums. The Exchange will require benefits comparable to those offered in the new public plan. Insurers would be required to justify an above-average premium increase. The Exchange would evaluate plans and provide information about differences between them.
3. Employer Contribution. Employers that do not offer or make a meaningful contribution to the cost of quality health coverage for their employees will be required to contribute a percentage of payroll toward the costs of the national plan. Small employers that meet certain revenue thresholds will be exempt.
4. Mandatory Coverage of Children. Obama will require that all children have health care coverage. Obama will expand the number of options for young adults to get coverage, including by allowing young people up to age 25 to continue coverage through their parents' plans.
5. Expansion of Medicaid and SCHIP. Obama will expand eligibility for Medicaid and the State Children's Health Insurance Program. Obama will expand eligibility for the medicaid and schip programs and ensure that these programs continue to serve their critical safety net function.
6. Flexibility for State Plans. Obama's plan allows states to continue innovating on health care reform. Due to federal inaction, some states have taken the lead in health care reform. The obama plan builds on these efforts and does not replace what states are doing. States can continue to experiment, provided they meet the minimum standards of the national plan.
Modernizing the U.S. Health Care System to Lower Costs and Improve Quality
Achieving universal coverage has long been a goal of Democratic presidential hopefuls. But Obama's emphasis on cost savings is bound to appeal to people who have insurance but still have seen their costs skyrocket... If Obama's plan helped a little it would mean a lot to her family and many others, Amy . . . said. "There are lots of factors that play into our success or failure, but in our case, the high cost of health insurance premiums is really dragging our family down," said [Amy]... "The month-to-month cost of the premiums is out of balance with the reality of our income. If we could have just a little help, if it could be reduced just a little, it would really help."
-Quad City Times, 5/29/07
On Tuesday in iowa city, U.S. Sen. Barack Obama of illinois, a democrat, announced his [health care plan] . . . One aspect is particularly noteworthy: it includes limits on the profits of private-sector health-care businesses. He believes that's the right move for consumers, but it risks offending some powerful interests. He did it anyway. That tells voters something important about him.
- Editorial, Des Moines Register, 6/1/07
The Obama plan will lower costs and improve efficiency in the health care system by: (1) offering federal reinsurance to employers to help ensure that unexpected or catastrophic illnesses do not make health insurance unaffordable or out of reach for businesses and their employees; (2) ensuring that patients receive and providers deliver the best possible care; (3) adopting state-of-the-art health information technology systems; (4) reforming our market structure to ensure fairness and increase competition.
1. Reducing Costs of Catastrophic Illnesses for Employers and their Employees. Catastrophic health expenditures account for a high percentage of medical expenses for private insurers. The Obama plan would reimburse employer health plans for a portion of the catastrophic costs they incur above a threshold if they guarantee such savings are used to reduce the cost of workers' premiums.
2. Lowering Costs by Ensuring Patients Receive and Providers Deliver Quality Care.
Helping Patients
Support disease management programs. Seventy five percent of total health care dollars are spent on patients with one or more chronic conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure. Obama will require that providers that participate in the new public plan, Medicare or the Federal Employee Health Benefits Program (FEHBP) utilize proven disease management programs. This will improve quality of care, give doctors better information and lower costs.
Coordinate and integrate care. Over 133 million Americans have at least one chronic disease and these chronic conditions cost a staggering $1.7 trillion yearly. More than half of Americans with serious chronic conditions have 3 or more different physicians, leading to duplicate testing, conflicting treatment advice and prescription drugs that may be contraindicated. Obama will support implementation of programs and encourage team care that will improve coordination and integration of care of those with chronic conditions.
Require full transparency about quality and costs and promote patient safety. More than half of Americans with serious chronic conditions have 3 or more different physicians, leading to duplicate testing, conflicting treatment advice and prescription drugs that may be contraindicated. Obama will support implementation of programs and encourage team care that will improve coordination and integration of care of those with chronic conditions.

Align incentives for excellence. Both public and private insurers tend to pay providers based on the volume of services provided, rather than the quality or effectiveness of care. Providers who see patients enrolled in the new public plan, the National Health Insurance Exchange, Medicare and FEHBP will be rewarded for achieving performance thresholds on outcome measures.
Support comparative effectiveness research. The U.S. provides some of the best health care and most sophisticated medical technologies in the world, but at a cost that is making the effort to expand access to care ever more difficult. Obama will establish an independent institute to guide reviews and research on comparative effectiveness, so that Americans and their doctors will have the accurate and objective information they need to make the best decisions for their health and well-being.
Tackle disparities in health care. Obama will tackle the root causes of health disparities by addressing differences in access to health coverage and promoting prevention and public health, both of which play a major role in addressing disparities. He will also challenge the medical system to eliminate inequities in health care through quality measurement and reporting, implementation of effective interventions such as patient navigation programs, and diversification of the health workforce.
Reform medical malpractice. Obama will strengthen antitrust laws to prevent insurers from overcharging physicians for their malpractice insurance, and will promote new models for addressing physician errors that improve patient safety, strengthen the doctor-patient relationship, and reduce the need for malpractice suits.

3. Lowering Costs through Investment in Electronic Health Information Technology Systems. Most medical records are still stored on paper, which makes it hard to coordinate care, measure quality, or reduce medical errors and which costs twice as much as electronic claims. Obama will invest $10 billion over the next five years to move the U.S. health care system to broad adoption of standards-based electronic health information systems, including electronic health records and will phase in requirements for full implementation of health it. Obama will ensure that patients' privacy is protected.
4. Lowering Costs by Increasing Competition in the Insurance and Drug Markets.
Increasing competition. The insurance business today is dominated by a small group of large companies that has been gobbling up their rivals. There have been over 400 health care mergers in the last 10 years, and just two companies dominate a full third of the national market. These changes were supposed to make the industry more efficient, but instead premiums have skyrocketed, increasing over 87 percent. Obama will prevent companies from abusing their monopoly power through unjustified price increases. His plan will force insurers to pay out a reasonable share of their premiums for patient care instead of keeping exorbitant amounts for profits and administration. His new national health insurance exchange will help increase competition by insurers.
Lowering prescription drug costs. The second-fastest growing type of health expenses is prescription drugs. Pharmaceutical companies are selling the exact same drugs in Europe and Canada but charging Americans more than double the price. Obama will allow Americans to buy cheaper medicines from other developed countries if the drugs are safe. Obama will also repeal the ban that prevents the government from negotiating with drug companies for the Medicare prescription drug benefit, which could result in savings as high as $30 billion. Finally, Obama will work to increase the use of generic drugs in federal benefits programs and prohibit drug companies from keeping generics out of markets.

Promoting Prevention and Strengthening Public Health
Obama's emphasis on reducing waste and inefficiencies and increasing spending on prevention appealed to Dr. George Weiner, director of the Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center at UI. The cost of providing health care to those without insurance often is more expensive than prevention would have been, he said. "I'm excited about his plan and others," Weiner said. "The time is right for universal health care."
-Cedar Rapids Gazette, 5/29/07
Obama believes that protecting and promoting health and wellness in this nation is a shared responsibility among individuals and families, school systems, employers, the medical and public health workforce, and federal and state and local governments. Each must do their part, as well as collaborate with one another, to create the conditions and opportunities that will allow and encourage Americans to adopt healthy lifestyles.
1. Employers. An increasing number of employers are offering worksite health promotion programs and many employers choose insurance plans that cover preventive services for their employees. Obama believes that worksite interventions hold tremendous potential to influence health and will expand and reward these efforts.
2. School Systems. Obama will work with schools to create more healthful environments for children. He will work to get junk food out of vending machines in schools and improve nutritional content of lunches through financial incentives, increase grant support for physical education, expand federal reimbursement for school-based health services, and provide grants for health educational programs for students.
3. Workforce. Obama will expand funding - including loan repayment, adequate reimbursement, grants for training curricula, and infrastructure support to improve working conditions - to ensure a strong workforce that will champion prevention and public health activities.
4. Individuals and Families. The way Americans live, eat, work, and play have real implications for their health and wellness. The Obama health plan will require coverage of essential clinical preventive services such as cancer screenings and smoking cessation programs in all federally supported health plans including Medicare, Medicaid, SCHIP and the new public plan. In addition, Obama will increase funding to expand community based preventive interventions to help Americans make better choices that can help ward off chronic and preventable diseases and improve their health.
5. Federal, State and Local Governments. . The federal government and state and local governments play critical roles in disease prevention and health promotion activities. First, working together, governments at all levels should develop a national and regional strategy for public health that includes funding mechanisms for implementation. Second, the field of public health would benefit from greater research to optimize organization of the 3,000 health departments in this nation, collaborative arrangements between levels of government and its private partners, performance and accountability indicators, integrated and interoperable communication networks, and disaster preparedness and response. Third, the government must invest in workforce recruitment as well as modernizing our physical structures. And finally, the government must examine its own policies, including agricultural, educational, environmental and health policies, to assess and improve their effect on public health in this nation.
As president, Barack Obama will prioritize these activities to strengthen prevention and public health, as well as fight for the following initiatives:
Advance the Biomedical Research Field: As a result of biomedical research the prevention, early detection and treatment of diseases such as cancer and heart disease is better today than any other time in history. Barack Obama has consistently supported funding for the national institutes of health and the national science foundation. Obama strongly supports investments in biomedical research, as well as medical education and training in health-related fields, because it provides the foundation for new therapies and diagnostics. Obama has been a champion of research in cancer, mental health, health disparities, global health, women and children's health, and veterans' health. As president, Obama will strengthen funding for biomedical research, and better improve the efficiency of that research by improving coordination both within government and across government/private/non-profit partnerships. An Obama administration will ensure that we translate scientific progress into improved approaches to disease prevention, early detection and therapy that is available for all Americans.
Fight AIDS Worldwide. There are 40 million people across the planet infected with HIV/AIDS. As president, Obama will continue to be a global leader in the fight against AIDS. Obama believes in working across party lines to combat this epidemic and recently joined Senator Sam Brownback (R-KS) at a large California evangelical church to promote greater investment in the global AIDS battle.
Support Americans with Disabilities: As a former civil rights lawyer, Barack Obama knows firsthand the importance of strong protections for minority communities in our society. Obama is committed to strengthening and better enforcing the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) so that future generations of Americans with disabilities have equal rights and opportunities. Obama believes we must restore the original legislative intent of the ADA in the wake of court decisions that have restricted the interpretation of this landmark legislation.

Barack Obama is also committed to ensuring that disabled Americans receive Medicaid and Medicare benefits in a low-cost, effective and timely manner. Recognizing that many individuals with disabilities rely on Medicare, Obama worked with Senator Ken Salazar (D-CO) to urge the department of health and human services to provide clear and reliable information on the Medicare prescription drug benefit and to ensure that the Medicare recipients were protected from fraudulent claims by marketers and drug plan agents.
Improve Mental Health Care. Mental illness affects approximately one in five American families. The National Alliance on Mental Illness estimates that untreated mental illnesses cost the U.S. more than $100 billion per year. As president, Obama will support mental health parity so that coverage for serious mental illnesses are provided on the same terms and conditions as other illnesses and diseases.
Protect Our Children from Lead Poisoning. More than 430,000 American children have dangerously high levels of lead in their blood. Lead can cause irreversible brain damage, learning disabilities, behavioral problems, and, at very high levels, seizures, coma and death. As president, Obama will protect children from lead poisoning by requiring that child care facilities be lead-safe within five years.
Reduce Risks of Mercury Pollution. More than five million women of childbearing age have high levels of toxic mercury in their blood, and approximately 630,000 newborns are born at risk every year. Barack Obama has a plan to significantly reduce the amount of mercury that is deposited in oceans, lakes, and rivers, which in turn would reduce the amount of mercury in fish.
Support Americans with Autism. More than one million Americans have autism, a complex neurobiological condition that has a range of impacts on thinking, feeling, language, and the ability to relate to others. As diagnostic criteria broaden and awareness increases, more cases of autism have been recognized across the country. Barack Obama believes that we can do more to help autistic Americans and their families understand and live with autism. He has been a strong supporter of more than $1 billion in federal funding for autism research on the root causes and treatments, and he believes that we should increase funding for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act to truly ensure that no child is left behind.

More than anything, autism remains a profound mystery with a broad spectrum of effects on autistic individuals, their families, loved ones, the community, and education and health care systems. Obama believes that the government and our communities should work together to provide a helping hand to autistic individuals and their families.

Increase Transparency in the Health Care Industry
"if we really want a health care system that works for the American people, we need to make it more transparent by putting it back in the hands of the American people. . . . No decisions are more important than the ones we make about our health. And you should have all the information you need to ensure that the decisions you make are the right ones."
- Barack Obama, speech in Storm Lake, Iowa, 9/5/2007
Health care quality and costs vary tremendously among hospitals and providers, but patients have limited access to this information. American health care consumers are not armed with the cost and quality information they need to make good decisions about their care. Obama believes all Americans should have access to information that provides them with what works and what does not work in our health care system. As President, Obama will work to implement important proposals that empower individuals, including:
Providing easy-to-understand comparisons of the medicare prescription drug plans. Since the creation of the medicare prescription drug benefit, seniors have been deluged with massive amounts of information about the various plans, but have received little guidance about which plans actually suit their unique needs. As a result, a significant number of seniors are enrolled in plans that are actually more expensive for them than other available medicare prescription drug plans. Obama will ensure seniors are provided with information about the best prescription drug plans for them every year.
Requiring full transparency about quality and costs. Under Obama's health care plan, hospitals and providers will be required to collect and publicly report measures of health care costs and quality, including data on preventable medical errors, nurse-staffing ratios, infections acquired while patients are in a hospital, disparities in care, and costs. Health plans will also be required to disclose the percentage of premiums that actually goes to paying for patient care as opposed to administrative costs.
Promoting patient safety through full disclosure. Obama will require providers to report preventable medical errors, and support hospital and physician practice improvement to prevent future occurrences.
Figuring out what works. The United States provides some of the most sophisticated medical care in the world, but there is no good system in place to figure out which treatments and procedures work the best. As president, Obama will establish an independent institute dedicated to guiding research into what drugs, devices and procedures work the best. This will help patients and their doctors make the best decisions for their health and well-being.

Barack Obama Wants to Hear Your Ideas on Health Care
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Obama Is A Post-Polarization Candidate And Oprah Is A Post-Polarization Celebrity

EsquireUK — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 01:43:47 EST
The Oprah Party Wants You Harpo Inc. via Reuters
AN EARLY CAUCUS Oprah Winfrey played host to Michelle and Barack Obama at a fund-raiser in September.

By KATHARINE Q. SEELYEPublished: December 2, 2007
BACK in 1992, the Bush White House deemed Oprah Winfrey’s daytime talk show insufficiently serious for the incumbent president to visit. But in the intervening years, Ms. Winfrey’s couch, along with the easy chairs on other chat shows, became so attractive to candidates that the political world is now wondering whether Ms. Winfrey might actually hold the Democratic nomination in her hands.
Evan Agostini/Getty Images
POWER BROKER Oprah Winfrey has endorsed Senator Barack Obama.
For the first time, the queen of daytime talk has endorsed a presidential candidate, bestowing her blessing on Senator Barack Obama www.barackobama.com , the Illinois Democrat. And next weekend, she takes to the hustings, appearing with him and his wife, Michelle, at campaign events in Des Moines; Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Manchester, N.H.; and Columbia, S.C.
Her arrival on the trail promises to be a glitzy, high-energy political moment — perhaps even more anticipated than the unprecedented moment last summer when a former president, Bill Clinton, first stepped out to campaign with his candidate wife, Senator Hillary Clinton.
While the moment is political, it will test whether Ms. Winfrey’s life philosophy — be true to yourself! be grateful every day! transform your life! help others! stay positive! — translates to the political arena. Does her formula work beyond the Oprah bubble? Can she translate her powers of suggestion — for a book, a hairstyle, an attitude toward life — into votes?
Certainly, on a meta-level, there is a harmony between Ms. Winfrey and Mr. Obama, both in outlook and promise. They both speak of the politics of hope. They speak of change and spiritual renewal. Ms. Winfrey’s philosophy carries the promise of self-improvement, and her endorsement, by extension, could carry the promise of nation-improvement.
“Obama is a post-polarization candidate and Oprah is a post-polarization celebrity,” said Ross K. Baker, a political scientist at Rutgers. “Whereas people like Barbra Streisand and Jane Fonda make you think of taking to the barricades, with Oprah it’s conciliation and brotherhood.” (Ms. Streisand endorsed Mrs. Clinton last week.)
There’s an extra bit of fortuitous timing for Mr. Obama. The enormously popular Ms. Winfrey is set to appear just as the race between Mr. Obama and Mrs. Clinton is tightening.
“All of us feel a sense of momentum, and Oprah adds to that,” said David Axelrod, Mr. Obama’s chief strategist.
Ms. Winfrey is adored by millions of women who might just as easily support Mrs. Clinton. In fact, if they voted in the 1990s, they probably voted for Mr. Clinton.
Of Ms. Winfrey’s daytime audience of 8.6 million viewers, 75 percent are women. More than half are older than 50, 44 percent make less than $40,000 a year and about 25 percent have no more than a high school diploma, according to Nielsen Media Research.
Many of these viewers fit the profile of a Clinton supporter, which is one reason Ms. Winfrey may be valuable to Mr. Obama.
Ms. Winfrey has already hinted at how she will court them.
“I believe in this person,” she told Larry King in May as she discussed her endorsement.
“I know him well enough to believe in his moral authority,” she told The Hollywood Reporter last week.
Such statements, at once simple and grandiose, break down the mystery of endorsement to a basic, Amazon.com-like formula: If Oprah likes Barack and the audience likes Oprah, then the audience will also like Barack.
It has worked with Ms. Winfrey’s book club. Oprah likes “Anna Karenina” and the audience likes Oprah, so the audience rushes out to buy Anna K. In 2004, when she recommended the 130-plus-year-old tome, it shot to the top of the best-seller list in one week.
In politics, it doesn’t usually work that way. William H. Gray III, a former Democratic congressman from Philadelphia and former president of the United Negro College Fund, recalled last week that during his first race for Congress in the 1970s, his opponent had brought in Muhammad Ali.
“There was no one bigger in the black community,” he said. Still, Mr. Gray won.
“Oprah may be shocked in this first foray into the political waters that her personal popularity doesn’t rub off on Obama,” said Mr. Gray, who is supporting Mrs. Clinton. Endorsements can bring money and news media visibility, he said, “but Oprah can’t turn Obama into Oprah.”
But this is not just an endorsement. “She’s a pastoral figure,” Mr. Baker of Rutgers said. “She’s soothing. Her message will be largely nonideological although clearly her political preferences are liberal. But the causes she espouses are ecumenical. They soothe people and make them feel virtuous.”
Steven J. Ross, a history professor at the University of Southern California, who is writing a book about how movie stars shaped American politics, said that if he were running for president and could have one celebrity endorse him, it would be Ms. Winfrey, who he said has become a role model for how to combine the personal and the political.
“She’s pitching Obama as part of her self-improvement campaign, saying, essentially, that he will improve your life and improve the nation,” he said.
With all the buildup of Ms. Winfrey’s transformational abilities, the Obama campaign is now lowering expectations of exactly what she can do. At the least, she may spur a second look at Mr. Obama by those who had written him off only to become discouraged with Mrs. Clinton.
Mr. Axelrod, the Obama strategist, is quick to say that the campaign does not expect her to secure votes on her own.
“Barack has said that this is not like Oprah’s book club,” he said. “We don’t expect people to vote for him just because she is supporting him. She can add some additional excitement and energy and she can open doors and we hope to walk through those doors. But Barack has to make the sale.”
In surveys, people generally resist the idea that their own vote might be influenced by an endorsement, but in Ms. Winfrey’s case, they think it could influence others. In September, 69 percent of those surveyed by the Pew Research Center said Ms. Winfrey’s endorsement of Mr. Obama would not influence their votes, but 60 percent said her endorsement would help him.
Random interviews last week with avid viewers of her show found that for some women, Ms. Winfrey’s endorsement is an important guidepost.
Kate Anderson, 20, a student at the University of Iowa in Iowa City, said she loves watching Oprah and that she and her mother “religiously read everything she has to say” in her magazine. She said she likes Mr. Obama and while the endorsement is not the only reason, it is part of the reason.
“I think what Oprah stands for to me is a sense of moving forward and hope, which I think is what Obama has come to stand for,” she said. Ms. Anderson said she was torn between John Edwards and Mr. Obama, “and I still kind of am, but I’m leaning more towards Obama, and that’s because of both Oprah’s support and what I’ve seen of him.”
But others said that, in accordance with Ms. Winfrey’s philosophy of self-reliance, they would not allow an endorsement to have undue influence.
Viola Martino, 58, who owns a salon in Summerville, S.C., takes Ms. Winfrey’s messages to heart. “She influences me by being such a beautiful human being,” Ms. Martino said. “She is almost like a godsend for a lot of folks.” But she will not influence Ms. Martino’s vote. “I’m a person of my own mind and opinion,” she said, sounding as if she had learned Ms. Winfrey’s lessons well.
Paula Schwartz in New York, John Rudolph in New Hampshire and Jennifer Seter Wagner in Iowa contributed reporting.

Presidential Candidate Barack Obama: Change We Can Believe In

EsquireUK — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 21:36:19 EST

In Remarks at DNC Fall Meeting, Obama Pledges to Deliver Change We Can Believe InWashington, DC | November 30, 2007
Remarks As Prepared for Delivery Provided Below
Washington, DC -- In remarks at the Democratic National Committee's annual fall meeting, Barack Obama www.barackobama.com today pledged to bring an end to the bitter partisanship that has divided the country and unite Americans behind a sense of common purpose. Rather than re-fight the partisan battles of the 1990s, Obama said he would build a new majority focused not just on winning, but on governing, and deliver change that is more than just a slogan - change we can believe in.
As Prepared for Delivery:
Remarks of Senator Barack Obama
Democratic National Committee Fall Meeting
Friday, November 30th, 2007
Washington, DC

Less than a year from now, you will go into the voting booth and you will select the President of the United States of America.
Now, here's the good news - the name George W. Bush will not be on the ballot. The name of my cousin Dick Cheney will not be on the ballot. We've been trying to hide that for a long time. Everybody has a black sheep in the family. The era of Scooter Libby justice, and Brownie incompetence, and Karl Rove politics will finally be over.
But the question you're going to have to ask yourself when you vote this year and next is this:
"What's next for America?"
We are in a defining moment in our history. Our nation is at war. The planet is in peril. The dream that so many generations fought for feels as if it's slowly slipping away. We are working harder for less. We've never paid more for health care or for college. It's harder to save and it's harder to retire. And most of all we've lost faith that our leaders can or will do anything about it.
We were promised compassionate conservatism and all we got was Katrina and wiretaps.
We were promised a uniter, and we got a President who could not even lead the half of the country that voted for him.
We were promised a more ethical and more efficient Washington, and instead we have a town that is more corrupt and more wasteful than it was before. And the only mission that was ever accomplished is to use fear and falsehood to take this country to a war that should have never been authorized and should have never been waged.
It is because of these failures that America is listening, intently, to what we say here today - not just Democrats, but Republicans and Independents who've lost trust in their government, but want to believe again.
And it is because of these failures that we not only have a moment of great challenge, but also a moment of great opportunity. We have a chance to bring the country together in a new majority - to finally tackle problems that George Bush made far worse, but that had festered long before George Bush ever took office - problems that we've talked about year after year after year.

And that is why the same old Washington textbook campaigns just won't do in this election. An electoral strategy that starts out leaving half the country behind just won't do. Telling the American people what we think they want to hear instead of telling the American people what they need to hear just won't do. Triangulating and poll-driven positions because we're worried about what Mitt or Rudy might say about us just won't do. If we are really serious about wining this election Democrats, we can't live in fear of losing it.
This party - the party of Jefferson and Jackson; of Roosevelt and Kennedy - has always made the biggest difference in the lives of the American people when we led, not by polls, but by principle; not by calculation, but by conviction; when we summoned the entire nation to a common purpose - a higher purpose. And I run for the Presidency of the United States of America because that's the party America needs us to be right now. A party that doesn't just offer change as a slogan, but real, meaningful change - change that America can believe in.
That's why I'm in this race. I am in this race to tell the corporate lobbyists that their days of setting the agenda in Washington are over. I have done more than any other candidate in this race to take on lobbyists - and won. They have not funded my campaign, they will not get a job in my White House, and they will not drown out the voices of the American people when I am President.
I'm in this race to take those tax breaks away from companies that are moving jobs overseas and put them in the pockets of hard working Americans who deserve it. And I won't raise the minimum wage every ten years -I will raise it to keep pace so that workers don't' fall behind.
That is why I am in it. I'm in this race because I want to stop talking about the outrage of 47 million Americans without health care and start actually doing something about it. I expanded health care in Illinois by bringing Democrats and Republicans together. By taking on the insurance industry. And I have put forth a universal health care plan that will do more to cut the cost of health care than any other proposal in this race. Here's the truth - if you can't afford health insurance right now, you will when I'm President. Anyone who tells you otherwise is more interested in scoring points than solving problems. And I'm in it because we've had enough of that.
I run for president to make sure that every American child has the best education that we have to offer- from the day they are born to the day they graduate from college. And I won't just talk about how great teachers are - as President I will reward them for their greatness - by raising salaries and giving them more support. That's why I'm in this race.
I am running for President because I am sick and tired of Democrats thinking that the only way to look tough on national security is by talking, and acting, and voting like George Bush Republicans.
When I am this party's nominee, my opponent will not be able to say that I voted for the war in Iraq; or that I gave George Bush the benefit of the doubt on Iran; or that I supported Bush-Cheney policies of not talking to leaders that we don't like. And he will not be able to say that I wavered on something as fundamental as whether or not it is ok for America to torture - because it is never ok. That's why I am in it.
As President, I will end the war in Iraq. We will have our troops home in sixteen months. I will close Guantanamo. I will restore habeas corpus. I will finish the fight against Al Qaeda. And I will lead the world to combat the common threats of the 21st century - nuclear weapons and terrorism; climate change and poverty; genocide and disease. And I will send once more a message to those yearning faces beyond our shores that says, "You matter to us. Your future is our future. And our moment is now."
America, our moment is now.
Our moment is now.
I don't want to spend 2008 re-fighting the same fights that we had in the 1990s. That's exactly what Mitt and Rudy want. That's they're only hope of winning because they know that if this election is about health care, or ending this war, or making college affordable, then they will lose. They are counting on the same bitter partisanship and the same electoral map we've had for far too long.
I believe I can transform that map. In my Senate race I won some of the reddest, most Republican counties in Illinois. In 2006, when House and Senate candidates in states like Missouri, and Nebraska, and Tennessee, and Virginia, and Indiana needed someone to come campaign for them, I was the one they called. And I'm attracting more Independents and Republicans to our cause than anyone else in this campaign.
It's because I believe we can build that new majority - not just to win, but to govern - to actually get something done. I don't want to pit Red America against Blue America, I want to be President of the United States of America. And that won't just be a Democratic victory; that will be an American victory.
And that is a victory America needs right now.
I am not in this race to fulfill some long-held ambitions or because I believe it's somehow owed to me. I never expected to be here, I always knew this journey was improbable. I've never been on a journey that wasn't.
I am running in this race because of what Dr. King called "the fierce urgency of now." Because I believe that there's such a thing as being too late. And that hour is almost upon us.
I don't want to wake up four years from now and find out that millions of Americans still lack health care because we couldn't take on the insurance industry.
I don't want to see that the oceans have risen a few more inches. The planet has reached a point of no return because we couldn't find a way to stop buying oil from dictators.
I don't want to see more American lives put at risk because no one had the judgment or the courage to stand up against a misguided war before we sent our troops into fight.
I don't want to see homeless veterans on the streets. I don't want to send another generation of American children to failing schools. I don't want that future for my daughters. I don't want that future for your sons. I do not want that future for America.
I'm in this race for the same reason that I fought for jobs for the jobless and hope for the hopeless on the streets of Chicago; for the same reason I fought for justice and equality as a civil rights lawyer; for the same reason that I fought for Illinois families for over a decade.
Because I will never forget that the only reason that I'm standing here today is because somebody, somewhere stood up for me when it was risky. Stood up when it was hard. Stood up when it wasn't popular. And because that somebody stood up, a few more stood up. And then a few thousand stood up. And then a few million stood up. And standing up, with courage and clear purpose, they somehow managed to change the world.
That's why I'm running, Democrats - to give our children and grandchildren the same chances somebody gave me.
That's why I'm running - to keep the American Dream alive for those who still hunger for opportunity, who still thirst for equality.
That's why I'm asking you to stand with me, that's why I'm asking you to vote for me, that's why I am asking you to stop settling for what the cynics say we have to accept. In this election - in this moment - let us reach for what we know is possible. A nation healed. A world repaired. An America that believes again. Thank you very much everybody.

Oprah To Campaign For Presidential Candidate Barack Obama

EsquireUK — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 19:51:38 EST
Oprah to campaign for Obama Rate the Story SMS NDTV For latest headlines SMS NEWS to 56388 (in India) 6388 (in UAE), to 63880(in UK)
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I am the best candidate: Hillary
First US presidential primary on Jan 8
ForumsUser NamePasswordNew User ? Sign In Sarah JacobThursday, November 29, 2007 (New York)When three years ago, Oprah Winfrey chose Tolstoy's Anna Karenina as the pick of the month in her book club, the epic shot to the top of America's bestseller list.

Now, presidential hopeful Barack Obama www.barackobama.com is hoping Oprah's magic touch will work for him too.

The Obama campaign has announced that the talk-show host and media icon will campaign with the presidential hopeful in the all important primary elections in Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina next month.

But while increasing the sales of a book might be easy, the verdict is not out on whether Oprah's magic touch extends to politics. ''It is not going to affect my vote. I love Oprah but it is not going to affect my vote,'' says a resident of the Lower East Side in Manhattan. However, other New Yorkers disagree.

According to a resident of Queens ''A lot of people listen to Oprah and they listen to her opinions so it is very possibly that she could sway women voters away from Hillary''.

The media mogul has twice topped Forbes's annual most powerful celebrity list. The Oprah Winfrey Show reaches almost 9 million Americans everyday and is syndicated to 135 foreign countries. Then there's O, her magazine, her website and her philanthropy that has made her one of the few persons in America who is recogonised by just one name.

In September, Oprah hosted a star-studded fundraiser for Obama, which raised about $3 million for the White House hopeful.

According to a poll by the Pew research centre taken shortly after, 69 per cent of respondents said they would not be influenced by Winfrey's endorsement of a political candidate but 60 per cent believed her support would help Senator Obama.

Much of Oprah's influence is with women viewers. Women voters are especially crucial in this presidential election, which for the first time has a woman candidate in the race for the White House.

According to Michelle Materre, a professor of Film and Media Studies at the New School in New York ''The gender issue is a big issue for Hillary Clinton. Having Oprah support a male is not going to look favorable for Hillary. People connect to Oprah because she has the ability to talk to you as if there is no body else in the room and that connection is going to be the difference in what she can state from the gender aspect than what Hillary Clinton can.''

When Oprah endorses people listen. But whether she can do for Obama what she did for Tolstoy's Anna Karenina is still unclear. One thing is for certain that if one is running for President in America

Presidential Candidate Barack Obama: The Road To The White House...Hope Still Holds Sway

EsquireUK — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 16:33:29 EST
Obama Finds His MomentThursday, Nov. 29, 2007 By KAREN TUMULTY Download | Subscribe at iTunesU.S. Senator and Presidential candidate Barack Obama holds a town hall meeting in Muscatine, Iowa.Callie Shell / Aurora for TIMEBarack Obama's Iowa head-quarters near the State Capitol in downtown Des Moines has the unmistakable décor of an insurgent operation: thinning, mildewed carpet; litter from sign-painting parties; recycling boxes full of canvassing tally sheets and empty Miller Lite cartons. But the deepening clutter hasn't covered up all the traces of what the building used to be: a hockey rink, which could hardly be a more fitting metaphor for a political contest that is suddenly getting a lot rougher. The old Dr Pepper scoreboard is still on the wall, but the largely twentysomething crew at Obama Central has another way of measuring the team's progress. Staffers ring a silver bellhop bell whenever an organizer signs up a new precinct captain who has agreed to stand up and argue the candidate's case before friends and neighbors at one of the 1,784 caucuses that will be held across Iowa on Jan. 3. Since Obama's speech at the Iowa Democratic Party's Nov. 10 Jefferson-Jackson dinner — his most acclaimed performance since the 2004 National Convention address that made him a celebrity — the bell has dinged more than 233 times. Related ArticlesQ
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As the contest for the Democratic nomination moves into the last weeks of exhibition season, it appears that Obama is turning this into a race. "This summer he seemed to still be finding himself," says John Norris, an Obama adviser who ran John Kerry's Iowa operation in 2004. "But he turned the corner and realized, 'This is going to work out if I make it work out.'"
For months — which can be several life-cycles on the campaign trail — it looked as if that turning point might not happen. Despite the record amounts of money he had raised, the organization he had built and the crowds he had drawn, the freshman Senator from Illinois with a message of conciliation and righteousness had seemed for most of the year to be unable — unwilling, actually — to put much of a dent in Hillary Clinton's trajectory of preordination and inevitability. He appeared destined for the same fate that had met a long line of Democratic insurgents — Gary Hart, Paul Tsongas, Bill Bradley and Howard Dean among them — whose promises of a new kind of politics had briefly enjoyed a vogue, only to be crushed into dust by a front runner who was using the standard playbook.
Some of the candidate's supporters and advisers found his genteel approach to campaigning admirable — and maddening. "There was a panic, particularly in the campaign fund-raising machinery, this summer," recalls Bill Daley, a top Obama adviser and presidential-campaign veteran who tried to tamp down the worriers. "They said, 'He's gotta punch harder; he's gotta engage.'"
The campaign had not lived up to the promise of Obama's February announcement on the steps of the Old State Capitol in Springfield, Ill., a black man standing in front of the building where Lincoln had delivered his famous "House Divided" speech against slavery in 1858 and decrying "the failure of leadership, the smallness of our politics." Crowds turned out by the thousands to hear him almost everywhere he went, but they often left feeling oddly underwhelmed.
Like a concert audience that wants to hear only the greatest hits, they didn't know what to make of Obama's unfamiliar material as he honed his message and started spelling out his policies. The candidate was confused as well. "The expectations," he tells TIME, "are elevated to this odd level. Even when we do the spectacular, people discount it. If we have a crowd of 23,000 people in a red state in the spring, people sort of say, 'Ho hum.' We've raised more money from small donors than all the other Democratic candidates combined, and from a standing start, we are competing with the dominant political organization in American politics that was built over the course of two decades by a two-term ex-President. That's pretty good."
But it wasn't good enough. Nowhere had Obama, with his almost cantankerous disdain for sound bites, been so frustrated as in the unending series of candidate debates that have punctuated the campaign season. In the first outing, he stumbled over a question about how he would react to a terrorist attack, sounding more like a candidate to head the volunteer fire department as he focused on disaster preparedness. Clinton, seeing her opening, spoke as a Commander in Chief: "I think a President must move as swiftly as is prudent to retaliate."
On the rare occasions when Obama's campaign decided to engage the Clinton campaign, such as when it was caught leaking opposition research done against Hillary to the media, it was deftly outmaneuvered. Her spokespeople were quick to characterize any engagement as a violation of Obama's pledge to practice a new kind of politics. In a series of meetings in Des Moines over the course of two days in early October, Obama's dismayed fund raisers made another run at him and his strategists, begging Obama to come down off his mountaintop and take her on. That's the old kind of politics, he told them. "That's not who I am."
Daniel Nasaw in Des Moines, Iowa
Tuesday November 13, 2007
Guardian Unlimited

Barack Obama hugs his wife, Michelle, before he speaks at a rally prior to the Jefferson Jackson dinner in Des Moines, Iowa. Photograph: Yana Paskova/Getty

According to the experts, Barack Obama's www.barackobama.com current resurgence in the polls is down to his recent willingness to attack Democratic frontrunner Hillary Clinton.
On cable television for example, an oft-repeated line from Obama's speech at last Saturday's Jefferson-Jackson dinner in Iowa is: "I am sick and tired of Democrats thinking that the only way to look tough on national security is by talking and acting and voting like George Bush Republicans."
Certainly, the Illinois senator has stepped up his criticisms of Clinton, and the Beltway audience has taken note. But interviews with more than 30 committed and undecided Iowa voters last week suggest that his criticisms are less important outside the Beltway than his uplifting rhetoric and personal magnetism. It is this, rather than his renewed aggression, that vaulted him to national prominence in 2004.
Indeed, some voters who were interviewed as Obama swung through the eastern portions of Iowa last week even said they were glad that he was not being as negative toward Clinton as John Edwards was.
"It's an advantage that he doesn't have the ferocious attack mentality," said Jay Mattsson, a Fairfield, Iowa casting director and Obama precinct captain. "Voters, especially in Iowa, don't care for that."
Viewed as a whole, the interviews suggested that while Obama's message of unity and freshness is often mocked in Washington as naive, it's still the central factor in his appeal to voters. Instead of longing for Obama to bare his knuckles and fight, Iowa voters last week spoke of an honesty they saw in him that they didn't see in other candidates.
That's a quality that Clinton's formidable campaign machine will be hard-pressed to counter. Her strategists can pillory what they say is the 46-year-old senator's naiveté and lack of experience, but they will find that argument plays better in Washington than around the country, where those who've seen Obama speak recognise his charisma and air of authenticity.
"He's one of the few that sounds like he's telling the truth," said Jack Cavenee, a 75-year-old former Fairfield, Iowa, fire chief, before a campaign rally on Thursday. "He seems sincere."
The rallies last week typically began with a campaign aide warming up the crowd, discussing Obama's biography or the complicated caucus process. The aides - fresh-faced, bouncy twenty and thirtysomethings - at times came across as patronising (a young woman in Chariton praised the audience's intelligence when they correctly answered trivia questions on Obama's background, for example).
When the meeting halls had filled to capacity, Obama would take the stage to often-raucous cheers. Dressed casually in dark slacks and an open shirt - never wearing a tie - Obama would grab the microphone and deliver a speech that included a blend of stand-up comedy, a plea for support and gentle jabs at Clinton. (Typically, he'll describe a "disagreement" with the New York senator, for example on her Senate vote for a nonbinding resolution calling for economic sanctions against Iran.)
Whether addressing elderly rural voters in a manure-scented barn in Fort Madison, Iowa, or a concert hall full of screaming college students in Des Moines, Obama's jokes hit the spot day after day, and his energy at the microphone never seems to languish.
Obama's stump message boils down to this: under the Bush administration, federal policy has come under the control of lobbyists, and pharmaceutical and energy companies, and the best presidential candidates can stand up to those interests for the little guy. With fewer than three years in Washington, Obama says he isn't beholden to the status quo.
"We have a special interest-driven Washington, not an American people-driven Washington," he declared in a typical refrain last week. "I am running for president of the United States to change that."
Obama pledges to undo Bush policies he says have damaged the nation's world standing, and rails against a Washington establishment that has long talked about energy independence and healthcare reform without making any changes.
He criticises administration "sabre rattling" on Iran, pledges to "restore habeas corpus" and says he'll close the US prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. "We will not torture in an Obama administration," he says. Pleading guilty to the charge that he's a "hope-monger," Obama ridicules the criticism advanced by the Clinton campaign that he's inexperienced.
"They say, oh yeah, Obama, he can talk good, he's done some good things, but he hasn't been in Washington long enough. They want me to stew in Washington a little longer so they can boil the hope out of me," he says to laughter. "Then I'll be ready."
The stump speech typically lasted about 25 minutes, after which the senator would take 15 - 20 minutes of questions from the audience. Audience members generally asked about immigration and other issues he didn't touch on in the speech. (Obama favours extending citizenship to otherwise law-abiding illegal aliens who've learned English, paid a fine and gone to the back of the line.
Obama finishes by leading the audience in his signature cheer: "Fired Up! Ready to go!" He then spends several minutes shaking hands, posing for pictures and talking with voters on the way out of the hall. Within about an hour of his entrance, he's back on the campaign bus.
In staging the events, the campaign seems to have taken a page from the old Michael Deaver media playbook: on a chilly evening at the Port of Burlington, for instance, the campaign opened enormous garage doors behind the speaking platform so the Mississippi River would appear unobstructed behind Obama.
Later that night, in a barn at the rodeo fairgrounds in Fort Madison, Obama paced, microphone in hand, before artfully piled bales of hay and dry corn stalks. The rally-goers typically file out with serious expressions, but in interviews afterwards, they admit to being fired-up.
After the last event of a long day, where Obama addressed several hundred voters at a roller-skating rink in Knoxville, Iowa, Pat Bennett, a 62-year-old hospital worker from Pleasantville, said that Obama had impressed her at a July event, but she nevertheless entered the skating rink undecided.
"He just relates a lot to what I care about," Bennett said after the event. Pressed to explain, she contrasted him with Edwards, whom she said "just didn't have it like [Obama] does".
Voters generally weren't able to say what it was about Obama they find appealing. "It's one of those gut feelings that you have on a person," said Chad Hamilton, a 35-year-old Iowa national guardsman and Afghanistan veteran, after a rally in Chariton last week. "It just sounds, to me, like he's telling the truth."
Terri Jones, whose 23-year-old son Jason Cooper killed himself four months after returning from a tour of duty in Iraq, said: "You can just tell he is genuinely caring about our soldiers and the care they need when they get home." But how, exactly, can she tell?"
"From the way I was raised," was the best the 43-year-old T-shirt printer from Russell, Iowa, could offer. "You can't really put your finger on it, but he's got it."
Leading up to the Democratic debate in Philadelphia on October 30, Washington conventional wisdom held that Obama had to go on the offensive against Clinton. NBC's Chris Matthews, for example, declared Obama foolish for refusing to "kneecap" her. The debate moderators that night offered Obama two quick opportunities, but he declined to strike hard, instead leaving Edwards to do so.
But in Iowa last week, many voters applauded Obama for refusing to engage in negative campaigning, saying that was part of his appeal. "He's not an attack dog, but he's bold," said Susan Conroy, a 60-year-old retired teacher from Sigourney, Iowa. "You want the fire in the belly. He puts it in mine."
It's unsurprising Obama's rhetorical skill and stage presence rouses supporters. That's what first brought him national attention in 2004, when he gave the keynote address to the Democratic national convention as a candidate for the US Senate in Illinois. Then a state senator, he called for a bridging of the gap between liberal and conservative America - a point he repeats now on the campaign trail.
But after a series of dreary debate performances over the summer, Obama had appeared to lose a lot of the momentum that drove the formal announcement of his candidacy in February. Many observers began to wonder if the magnetism that was on such ample display in that 2004 speech had evaporated.
"Having come onto the scene nationally in that convention, people maybe think that every time I speak I'm going to make them cry," he told reporters in Des Moines last week, deflecting suggestions he'd lost some of his early shine. "But that's not the nature of an ongoing campaign. We've got different forums. If I'm in a room with 20 people, I'm not going to be delivering some stem-winder."
It may be that Obama's brand of charisma doesn't come across well in the soundbite-friendly, 30-second ripostes that televised debates demand. In Iowa last week, in a hall packed with hundreds of friendly Democrats - and a few Republicans - he showed that he can rouse passion in person.
Eric Hanks, a 41-year-old chiropractor from Burlington, Iowa, summed up the appeal in a manner the Obama camp would love. After hearing Obama debate in his home town, Hanks said: "They say that in antiquity there were two kinds of speakers: one who when he spoke you clapped, the other when he spoke you were ready to march.
"When he speaks, I'm ready to march."

"With good judgment, little else matters. Without it, nothing else matters," write Warren Bennis and Noel Tichy, distinguished professors of business at the University of Southern California and the University of Michigan, in today's Wall Street Journal (subscribers only). Here are some excerpts from their article, "Judgment Trumps Experience":

...First, let us cite Ted Sorenson, one of John F. Kennedy's closest advisers and speechwriters. When asked about his former boss's judgment, Mr. Sorenson responded, "I cannot emphasize how important that elusive quality is; far more important than organization, structure, procedures and machinery. These are all important, yes, but nothing compared to judgment."
After a five-year study of leadership covering virtually all sectors of American life, we came to the inescapable conclusion that judgment regularly trumps experience. Our central finding is that judgment is the core, the nucleus of exemplary leadership. With good judgment, little else matters. Without it, nothing else matters.
...Leadership is, at its marrow, the chronicle of judgment calls. These will inevitably write the leader's legacy...
...Wisely processed experience, reflection, valid sources of timely information, an openness to the unbidden and character are critical components of judgment as well. As David McCullough reminds us over and over again, "Character counts in the presidency more than any other single quality."
...judgment, fed by solid character, should determine the choice of our next president.
Dear Presidential Candidate Barack Obama Supporter!
You should know that you are supporting the strongest U.S. Presidential General Election candidate. While the stakes are so clear, think about how important a Presidential Candidate Barack Obama victory in 2008 is to you, and help us get there. We'll make them feel the pain for this at the ballot box, but we have work to do.
While the Republican Party is coming apart, our Party is investing in infrastructure and grassroots development. We're not going to miss a single chance to cement a strong position and reach areas that Democrats ignored for decades.
I am confident that our Countdown To Change volunteers and grassroot supporters across America will give Presidential Candidate Barack Obama`s organizers on the ground the tools they need to target key areas and get out the vote on Election Day.
Come Election Day, we cannot leave anything out there on the field. Step up and do your part by donating $15, $25, $50 or more:
contribute today to: www.barackobama.com
We're building an amazing and effective movement, and Presidential Candidate Barack Obama needs your help. Countdown To Change is reaching more and more Americans who are ready to fight -- and vote -- for something better.
Please do what you can to help Presidential Candidate Barack Obama today. Remember, you are supporting the strongest U.S. Presidential General Election candidate www.barackobama.com
Thank you very much!
Raphael Holoman-Franklin
Presidential Candidate Barack Obama Supporter

Presidential Candidate Barack Obama: Mrs. Clinton Voted For The Iraq War

EsquireUK — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 00:23:19 EST
Bill's gaffe
Published: November 29 2007 02:00 | Last updated: November 29 2007 02:00
Bill Clinton's gifts as a politician are hard to deny. He is a tireless campaigner who can deliver a rousing speech, and he is a master political manoeuvrer.
So it is strange to see him making a political blunder that could cause headaches for his wife, Hillary, who faces a tight contest in the forthcoming Iowa caucus, which marks the start of the 2008 US presidential nomination process.
Clinton, campaigning for his wife in Iowa on Tuesday, commented that he opposed the war in Iraq "from the beginning". There does not appear to be anything wrong with this factually. But the comment is sure to reopen discussions about Mrs Clinton's vote in 2002 to authorise military action on Iraq. Since then, Mrs Clinton has said that President George W. Bush lied in making the case for the war.
But her opponents are likely to seize on the comment as proof that the Clintons are trying to blur impressions of Mrs Clinton's Iraq vote. For evidence of how hard it can be to explain "I voted for the Iraq war before I opposed it", just ask John Kerry.
John Edwards, who is running hard against Mrs Clinton in Iowa as candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination, may not be able to make too much out of this, since he voted to authorise the Iraq strikes too. (He later said the vote was a mistake.)
But Barack Obama www.barackobama.com should be able to take it and run. Obama has absorbed plenty of criticism from Mrs Clinton on his lack of foreign policy experience. Obama was not serving in the US Senate at the time of the Iraq vote, but he was vocal in his opposition to the war at the time.
Having Bill Clinton as a political adviser is certainly an asset. But with only five weeks to go until the Iowa caucus, he may need to shape up his game. He was known as "the Comeback Kid", but it is unlikely that his wife relishes the idea of having to run from behind.
observer@ft.com

Presidential Candidate Barack Obama: A Global Leader With New Diplomatic Approaches

EsquireUK — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 19:14:59 EST
Obama Touts New Diplomatic Approaches

Tuesday November 27, 2007 11:46 PM
By CHARLES BABINGTON
Associated Press Writer
PORTSMOUTH, N.H. (AP) - Democrat Barack Obama www.barackobama.com , confronting claims that he's light on foreign policy, surrounded himself Tuesday with heavyweights who said his differences with rival Hillary Rodham Clinton and others are just what the country needs: A new leader willing to talk with America's enemies and become a better friend to struggling nations.
Obama, closing the three-hour policy forum, said a president should be unafraid to meet with tyrants, and must restore the nation's moral authority by ending torture, closing Guantanamo Bay's military prison and helping fight global poverty and AIDS.
``Our ability to lead has been set back by our bluster and our refusal to talk to nations we don't like,'' the Illinois senator said. ``Our security and standing have suffered because of the misguided war in Iraq that should have never been authorized.''
Obama, who was elected to the Senate in 2004, never mentioned Clinton, a New York senator and the Democratic front-runner in national polls. But Obama underscored some of his main criticisms of her, recalling how he opposed from the outset a war that she voted to authorize and repeatedly calling for greater openness in setting policy.
In perhaps another veiled reference to Clinton's claims of deep experience in Washington, Obama said of Vice President Dick Cheney and former Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld: ``Their experience has not led to good judgment.''
Former Sen. John Edwards of North Carolina, another top Democratic contender, also voted in 2002 to authorize the Iraq war.
For months, Obama has portrayed himself as more willing than Clinton to veer sharply from Bush administration policies on many fronts. Foreign affairs may pose his biggest challenge, however, as the New York senator and former first lady has called him naive and irresponsible.
Obama has fired back, saying Clinton is too secretive and too wedded to existing or familiar ways of handling domestic and diplomatic matters. In this seaport town Tuesday, he was embraced by several foreign policy advisers, including three appointees from President Bill Clinton's administration: former national security adviser Tony Lake, former Navy secretary Richard Danzig and former Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Susan Rice.
``I cannot understand why he is attacked for a lack of experience,'' Lake told an audience of 150 before Obama arrived after touring a nearby Naval facility. Obama is older than Bill Clinton was when inaugurated, Lake said, and probably has more foreign policy experience than Presidents Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, Clinton and George W. Bush had when they took office.
``His life experiences of living abroad when he was young, traveling by bus in Kenya,'' Lake said, ``have given him a real grasp of the troubles around the world.'' Obama opposed the Iraq war ``for the right reasons, early on,'' when many other Democrats supported it, Lake said.
Campaigning in Iowa for his wife on Tuesday, Bill Clinton cast her as an experienced foreign policy hand, saying she had traveled abroad 82 times as first lady and had made history with a women's rights speech in China.
Sen. Clinton has mocked Obama for citing his childhood stints in Indonesia and elsewhere as a key element of his foreign policy experience. She also criticized his willingness to meet with leaders of Iran, Syria, Venezuela, Cuba and North Korea during his first year in office, saying a president must avoid being ``used for propaganda purposes.''
Tuesday's event was the latest in a series of speeches and articles in which Obama has rolled out his foreign policy proposals. He said he would bring U.S. combat troops out of Iraq by March 2008, and he cited his Senate resolution warning the Bush administration that Congress has not sanctioned military action against Iran.
Obama said he would give Iran ``a clear choice: stop their disturbing behavior and there will be political and economic incentives; continue doing what they're doing, and we will ratchet up the pressure.'' Other nations will support the effort, he said, ``if we go the extra mile diplomatically.''
Obama said the United States must kill or capture ``hard-core jihadists,'' but it should approach the world in general with more hope than fear.
Americans' fate is intricately linked to that of people in Asia, Africa, Russia and elsewhere, he said. ``Increasingly, their security and well-being and prosperity will help shape our security and well-being and prosperity,'' he said.
Obama said the United States must limit greenhouse gases, reduce its dependence on oil and help nations such as India and China develop economically without doing excessive environmental damage.
Obama outlines diplomatic path
The Concord Monitor | November 28, 2007
By SHIRA SCHOENBERG

To prosper in a global community, the United States needs economic and diplomatic expertise, Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama told voters yesterday in Portsmouth.
In a three-hour forum on foreign policy, the Illinois senator and his top foreign policy advisers stressed diplomacy and economics, rather than military reliance, and criticized the Republican party for doing otherwise.
"We know what we're going to get from the Republican nominee - more Bush-Cheney foreign policy," Obama said. "More support for open-ended war in Iraq. More saber-rattling toward Iran. More refusing to talk to countries we don't like. More exceptions for torture."

Read the full article from The Concord Monitor

Presidential Candidate Barack Obama: Winning Iowa...Yes We Can!

EsquireUK — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 17:41:47 EST
Clinton and Obama switch roles in IowaPolitico | November 26, 2007
By Mike Allen and Carrie Budoff Brown
In a reversal of fortune, Sen. Barack Obama www.barackobama.com (D-Ill.) is barnstorming Iowa with a front-runner's swagger while Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.) scrambles like an underdog.
In ways big and small over the weekend, the two campaigns exuded a sense of switched identities - a dynamic driven by poll-driven perceptions that Clinton's sense of inevitability is slipping and Obama is riding a bit of a wave amid the Midwestern seas of grain.

Read the full article from Politico

Barack Being Straight about Universal Health Care

Matthea Little Smith — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 11:15:00 EST

Barack Obama has a universal health care plan that will cover every American and bring down the cost of a typical family’s premiums by $2500 – more than any other proposal in this race. Once this plan is implemented, if there are still Americans who do not have health insurance, he will do whatever is necessary to cover every American. Senator Obama said this the day after he introduced his plan and it is still true today, no matter what the other candidates say.

Hillary Clinton has been attacking Barack Obama for days because she believes that the way to achieve universal coverage is by forcing everyone to buy health insurance.

Barack Obama disagrees. He believes the reason people are uninsured isn’t because no one’s forced them to buy health care, it’s because no one’s made health care affordable. That’s why his plan does more to cut the cost of health care than any other proposal in this race.

In Massachusetts, which has begun implementing a mandate of the type Hillary proposes, they are already doing one of two things with the people who still haven’t purchased insurance – they are either telling people who can’t afford it that they don’t have to buy it after all, or they are fining people for not buying it.

As the New York Times noted on Sunday, Hillary Clinton refuses to answer questions about which of these two things she would do, which makes this yet another issue where she is not being straight with the American people.

If Hillary Clinton plans to exempt people who can’t afford health care from buying insurance, then she actually agrees with Barack Obama and should stop playing politics with an issue as important as health care.

If Hillary Clinton plans to fine people who can’t afford health care, then Barack Obama simply disagrees with that approach.

But until Hillary answers that question, this is yet another calculation that’s more about getting through an election than actually solving the health care problems so many Americans are facing.

Barack Obama believes that if we truly want to solve the health care challenge, we need a President who can bring Democrats and Republicans together, stand up to the drug and insurance industry lobbyists, and create an open, transparent process so that the American people can participate in the debate. That’s how Barack Obama expanded health care coverage in Illinois, and that’s how he’ll do it as President.

It's always darkest before the dawn...

Katie in St. Paul — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 10:20:44 EST

I’m an optimist. My husband has made constant fun of me for the 12 years of our marriage because of this. I really don’t care. I still tend to look on the bright side of things. Lately that’s been difficult.

My optimism was tested shortly after GW got elected. 9/11 was a huge test. Invading Afghanistan made me uncomfortable, but I realized there probably needed to be some sort of military action taken—I just worried that it might be overkill in the worst sense of the word.

Paul Wellstone’s death was a serious blow to my optimism. I had been counting on him to bring Congress around on the issue of Iraq. The war in Iraq was also a serious test of my optimism. The lack of WMD, Abu Ghraib, Alberto Gonzales, Donald Rumsfeld, Dick Cheney, global warming and peak oil contributed mightily to a chink in my sunnyside armor. Iraq in general continues to sort of send me over the edge with respect to my optimism.

But now I understand. It was all a test. We weren’t really ready to tackle all of the problems of this new century. We had to bring them all to this critical juncture. George Bush had to bring us to the point where we are right now in order for us to fully understand what the lack of sunshine really means. If Al Gore had been elected in 2000, I never would have been able to appreciate Barack Obama for the godsend he is. I needed to earn this guy. We all did.


Presidential Candidate Barack Obama Participated In Iowa Health Care Roundtable

EsquireUK — Sun, 25 Nov 2007 18:40:46 EST
Post from Obama HQ: Health Care Roundtable in Des MoinesBy Jaime Mulligan - Nov 25th, 2007 at 3:12 pm EST
At Blank Children's Hospital in Des Moines this morning, Barack www.barackobama.com participated in a health care round table with six Iowans. From various backgrounds and experiences, all the attendees had a common link: an observation that the health care system is not working for average Americans.
We had:
A pediatrician who encounters children whose insurance has fallen through the cracks because of paperwork mix ups or whose insurance won't cover the preventative care that would improve their health and reduce long-term costs to the health care system.
A student with diabetes who discovered that her $275/month COBRA coverage runs out next April and a new insurance policy will cost at least $300 a month and will not include prescription drug coverage - and she has medications that cost $450/month.
A cosmetologist and her husband who bounce between different insurers and find that their employers either cannot or do not offer coverage - or the coverage that does exist is too restrictive and doesn't allow for preventative care.
A teacher who holds down three part time jobs and, as a breast cancer survivor, struggles to find affordable coverage that reimburses for all the necessary follow-up visits.
A director of a federally-qualified health clinic who said that "health care...is becoming more and more difficult to obtain."
The health care system forces Americans to choose between taking care of their health and paying for rent and food - and all too often puts hard-working people, whose only mistake was getting sick, close to or into bankruptcy.
Half of all personal bankruptcies in the United States are related to medical costs, and many of those who go bankrupt had insurance at the time of their diagnosis.
Barack has a comprehensive health care plan that focuses on making coverage affordable and accessible to average Americans. But, as Barack often says, the real issue with health care reform has not been a lack of plans over the years, but a lack of leadership in Washington, DC.
No one has been able to put together a transparent, comprehensive process that allows for the voice of the American people to triumph over special interests and partisan fights.
Barack's ability to unite and listen to Americans is what has been missing in our government, and would be the key to actually solving difficult problems like the health care crisis.
Check out this short video from the event. It features a conversation between Dr. Jennifer Groos, the pediatrician who participated in the forum, and Barack.

Presidential Candidate Barack Obama: Winning Iowa...Winning U.S. Presidential Election

EsquireUK — Sat, 24 Nov 2007 20:23:23 EST
Obama the comeback kid learns to talk tough

Clinton now has a fight on her hands as her rival's gloves-off relaunch puts him ahead in Iowa

Paul Harris in New York
Sunday November 25, 2007
The Observer

Democratic presidential hopeful Senator Barack Obama www.barackobama.com once electrified America by preaching a 'politics of hope' that would eschew negative adverts and attract voters put off by the divisive rhetoric of the campaign trail.
Unfortunately Obama then found himself outsmarted and outfought by his chief rival, Senator Hillary Clinton, and languished in the polls. Now Obama has, in effect, relaunched his campaign, coming out fighting against Clinton and slamming her record on everything from Iraq and Iran to education and trade.
It is working. Obama's support in the key state of Iowa - which votes first in the Democratic presidential nomination race - has moved up strongly. Last week a poll for the Washington Post put Obama four points ahead of Clinton. The news rocked the political pundits who for months had assumed that Clinton's lead there was virtually unassailable.
America is waking up to the fact that Obama's shift in tactics, and some critical missteps by the Clinton campaign, have left the Democratic field open again. 'It is back to being Obama or Hillary. It has tightened up in the last few weeks,' said Professor Bruce Gronbeck, a political specialist at the University of Iowa.
The signs of Obama's new aggression were everywhere last week. He did not hesitate to attack Clinton and defended himself against criticism. In Austin, Texas, he slammed her for being too calculating and cynical to be President, echoing a feeling among many Democrats that the former First Lady has shifted her principles to secure the nomination. 'Triangulating and poll-testing positions ... just won't do,' he said, attacking Democrats '... who think and act and vote like George Bush Republicans'.
His aggressive new stance continued in Iowa and New Hampshire as he descended on those states for a bout of intensive campaigning to shore up his new poll lead. When Clinton criticised Obama for his perceived lack of foreign policy experience, he responded by pointing out Clinton's support for the Iraq invasion. 'I was wondering which world leader told her that we needed to invade Iraq, because that is the sort of conventional thinking that we're going to have to break,' he said at a campaign stop in New Hampshire, which votes a few days after Iowa.
The outbreak of war in the Democratic race was kicked off by a bizarre newspaper column last weekend by conservative journalist Robert Novak. He alleged that Clinton's camp had gathered scandalous information on Obama but had decided not to use it. Obama responded furiously by comparing Clinton's tactics to the controversial 'Swift Boat' dirty tricks campaign that helped derail John Kerry's 2004 presidential bid by questioning his Vietnam record. 'She, of all people, having complained so often about the politics of personal destruction, should move quickly to either stand by or renounce these tactics,' Obama said in a rare official statement that he personally signed. Clinton's camp quickly denied the allegations and accused Obama of naively falling for a Republican trick. He then unexpectedly spoke openly about his use of drugs as a teenager to a group of New Hampshire school pupils, admitting he had made some 'bad decisions'. Obama's hair-trigger response showed that his campaign is now trying to win the race by using naked aggression against rivals as much as simple persuasion of voters.
It has also revealed a deep unease within a previously confident Clinton camp. In recent weeks Clinton has boosted her staffing levels and opened new offices in Iowa, where previously she had looked a runaway winner. The Clinton campaign has also launched a new series of adverts explicitly addressing her rival Democrats' attacks. They have taken on the allegations that she is untrustworthy or unprincipled and portrayed her as the one candidate that the Republican party fears most.
One advert features a man whose child received medical care after Clinton personally intervened. The man says in the advert: 'Her opponents are saying that Hillary can't be trusted. I trusted this woman to save my son's life and she did.' Such tough tactics are now the norm in the race as voting looms six weeks away. However, they are potentially dangerous for Clinton, Obama and John Edwards, who has also adopted an aggressive approach in Iowa. Iowa's voters traditionally regard overly negative tactics as distasteful. In 2004 John Kerry's remarkable last-minute win against the then Democrat frontrunner, Howard Dean, was attributed in part to his refusal to be as negative as Dean. That means, some experts warn, that Obama's tactics may win him some short-term relief in the polls but could backfire when it comes down to casting ballots. 'Iowa is a civil state. Negative campaigning has never played that well here. But we are at a stage of the race where it is time to take some risks. Those risks are only going to get bigger as the election date gets nearer,' said Gronberg.
However, Obama unveiled a tactic last week that could prove just as effective against his rivals as any attack advert. Oprah Winfrey, the queen of US daytime television who is beloved by Americans of every political stripe, has agreed to go on the stump to support him. Her first campaign stop is scheduled to be Iowa.

Presidential Candidate Barack Obama: Today! Fardo, North Dakota Office Grand Opening

EsquireUK — Sat, 24 Nov 2007 00:46:20 EST

Office by office, this grassroots movement is spreading out far and wide...and today, our newest addition opens its doors in Fargo, North Dakota.
It's the Obama for America Fargo Office Grand Opening!
North Dakotans will be heading over in the morning to meet other Obama www.barackobama.com supporters in their area to socialize and start planning ahead for the final two months before their critical 5th February, 2008 primary.
So, if you're in North Dakota or northern Minnesota, be sure to swing by this morning at 11am. Here are the details:

Fargo Office Grand Opening
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Doors open 11:00 a.m.

1137 19th Ave. North
Fargo, ND 58102
Congratulations, Fargo!

World-Class Education for Everyone

Matthea Little Smith — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 11:39:53 EST

      Senator Barack Obama believes this is a defining moment for education in this country. In this global economy, countries who out-educate us today will out-compete us tomorrow. That’s why Obama has introduced a plan to make college affordable by creating a $4,000 per year refundable tax credit and why he unveiled a proposal to strengthen our community colleges. Yesterday, in Manchester, New Hampshire, Obama spoke about his plan to prepare every student to succeed in college – preparation that begins at birth and continues with world-class schools, outstanding teachers, and transformative principals.
     The first part of his plan focuses on providing quality, affordable early childhood education to every American child. The second part of his education plan is to recruit, support, and reward teachers and principals to ensure that every school in America is filled with outstanding educators. The third part of his plan is to work with our nation’s governors and educators to create and use assessments that can improve achievement in school districts all across America by including the kinds of research, scientific investigation, and problem-solving that our children will need to compete in a 21st century knowledge economy. Finally, Obama understands that government alone cannot solve the problems in our education system and that parents have to meet their own responsibilities and get involved in their children’s education.
Obama believes our commitment to education has to be real and not just rhetorical. He often says the problem with No Child Left Behind is that George Bush left the money behind. But it wasn’t just Bush. It’s pretty popular to bash No Child Left Behind out on the campaign trail, but when it was being debated in Congress four years ago, Obama’s colleague Dick Durbin offered everyone a chance to vote so that the law couldn’t be enforced unless it was fully funded. Senator Edwards and Senator Clinton passed on that chance. Obama believes that was a serious mistake. As President, he will reform No Child Left Behind.

Funeral for a friend

Tom Hayes, working for change — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 11:35:49 EST

Yesterday I went to the memorial service for an old friend at Carleton College's Skinner Chapel in Northfield, MN. Warren Ringlien was a renaissance man, born in the 1930s. He had built everything from ski-jumps to pitching machines to telescope mounts. Warren put solar cells on his home, built an electric car, and still had time to string tennis rackets and bowl with the guys, play with his grandchildren, and go dancing with his wife. There was nothing he couldn't fix, or improve; he was the go-to guy for everybody who knew him, never passing up an opportunity to teach and empower those he helped. Warren might sound gruff when you brought him your problem, but his mind was already taking a shot at the challenge. You always sensed that both you and he had gained information - and competency - although in the way of such exchanges one knew clearly who had been less than adequate to frame the examination properly. The outcomes were more valuable and elegant than the needy could initially imagine.
Warren's creative 'streak' knew no limits. His vision, the vision that led to his glorious solutions, wasn't constrained by the thinking of the people asking for his help. His desire wasn't just to solve the problem, but to enable others to do so, too - to see beyond the immediate challenge, and to spur others to look at the bigger picture with him.
This morning, as the sundry eulogies I'd heard yesterday intersected with my reading about matters more political than physical, I had an epiphany. Senator Barack Obama brings his own fearless, boundless creativity to the political and social challenges which define our global culture, and so dominate our national dialog.
We all know the stereotypes of established politicians, from being part of some mysterious culture filled with back-room deals to making carefully scripted, risk-aversive non-answers when asked a direct question while implying informed expertise as they espouse expedient fixes that patch whatever problem the media wants to report on this week: offend nobody, look smart, preserve your power.
Yet Senator Obama defies that conventional wisdom; Obama's not scripted, not a slave to managing an oracular appearance. He's willing to take responsibility for his actions and positions today while taking a long view and seeking more information all the while. Not confirmation, not validation, this is a person who constantly owns his decisions while at the same time clearly yearning to do more than hand off solutions: Barack wants to teach and empower you, and me, and the world to seek and create something better than we have yet imagined.
That determination is what I'll miss about Warren Ringlien.
That same approach informs my abiding faith in Barack Obama's fitness to be our next President.

Momentum builds: An Iowa Republican's story of becoming an Obama supporter

Tom Hayes, working for change — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 19:18:42 EST

Diamond Ebs brought this to the attention of the Obama Rapid Responders email list. Read it, then send it to every Republican or fence-sitting Democrat you know. An Iowa Republican's description of her conversion, not just to being an Obama supporter, but being enthused about politics for the first time.

Many of Obama's rivals take similar positions on Iraq, health care, and bringing the country together, and other things. Why is he the one that grabbed your interest?
"I think other candidates polarize on issues. I don't think he does that. I have a lot of friends and family who are Republicans. Some of them are saying, ‘well I still have to vote Republican, but if we have a Democratic president, I sure hope it's Obama.' And I went, ‘ok, keep going with that thought...'"
So, this has appeared in several blogs already, but it's too good not to pass around a bit more. This is one encouraging interview, to say the least.

All fired up?

Regaining respect for America

R from Minneapolis, MN — Sun, 04 Nov 2007 21:36:31 EST

There is a fascinating story in the New York Times magazine today that tells a lot about the choice we have right now with this country. (Link at bottom of post).   It's about the way Barack Obama views the world.   It says he sees the world in a broader way and can bridge some of the world's divides because he's lived in another country, has a grandmother living in a village in Africa, family members who like him have parents from different continents. That's why most leading Democratic foreign polity thinkers now support him. I felt the same way when I read about his view that we have gotten into these messes around the world because we ignore those we don't agree with, or don't understand. I love my country, and hate what has happened to our reputation as people who can help other countries....and that's one of the reasons why I'm for Barack.   Here's the link to the story:
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/04/magazine/04obama-t.html?_r=1&oref=slogin

"...that bridge to the 21st century that Bill Clinton told us about. Its name is Obama."

Tom Hayes, working for change — Sat, 03 Nov 2007 21:28:09 EDT

A fascinating read from Andrew Sullivan on the current election cycle, and Obama's candidacy in particular, can be found online at The Atlantic.
A few excerpts:
...we are not talking about routine rancor. And we are not talking about normal times. We are talking about a world in which Islamist terror, combined with increasingly available destructive technology, has already murdered thousands of Americans, and tens of thousands of Muslims, and could pose an existential danger to the West. The terrible failures of the Iraq occupation, the resurgence of al-Qaeda in Pakistan, the progress of Iran toward nuclear capability, and the collapse of America’s prestige and moral reputation, especially among those millions of Muslims too young to have known any American president but Bush, heighten the stakes dramatically.
...Obama’s reach outside his own ranks remains striking. Why? It’s a good question: How has a black, urban liberal gained far stronger support among Republicans than the made-over moderate Clinton or the southern charmer Edwards? Perhaps because the Republicans and independents who are open to an Obama candidacy see his primary advantage in prosecuting the war on Islamist terrorism. It isn’t about his policies as such; it is about his person. They are prepared to set their own ideological preferences to one side in favor of what Obama offers America in a critical moment in our dealings with the rest of the world. The war today matters enormously. The war of the last generation? Not so much. If you are an American who yearns to finally get beyond the symbolic battles of the Boomer generation and face today’s actual problems, Obama may be your man.
...picking the next president will be in some ways a statement of America’s view of Iraq. Clinton is running as a centrist Democrat—voting for war, accepting the need for an occupation at least through her first term, while attempting to do triage as practically as possible. Obama is running as the clearer antiwar candidate. At the same time, Obama’s candidacy cannot fairly be cast as a McGovernite revival in tone or substance. He is not opposed to war as such. He is not opposed to the use of unilateral force, either—as demonstrated by his willingness to target al-Qaeda in Pakistan over the objections of the Pakistani government. He does not oppose the idea of democratization in the Muslim world as a general principle or the concept of nation building as such. He is not an isolationist, as his support for the campaign in Afghanistan proves.
To be black and white, to have belonged to a nonreligious home and a Christian church, to have attended a majority-Muslim school in Indonesia and a black church in urban Chicago, to be more than one thing and sometimes not fully anything—this is an increasingly common experience for Americans, including many racial minorities. Obama expresses such a conflicted but resilient identity before he even utters a word. And this complexity, with its internal tensions, contradictions, and moods, may increasingly be the main thing all Americans have in common.
Let's elect him to the Presidency.

"Goodbye to All That" by Andrew Sullivan

Dan Hannaher — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 14:58:42 EDT

The long awaited cover essay by The Atlantic's Andrew Sullivan is now available to read. It is long, but important - because as Sullivan concludes: "We may in fact have finally found that bridge to the 21st century that Bill Clinton told us about. Its name is Obama."
http://www.theatlantic.com/doc/200712/obama

Northfield, 20 October

Tom Hayes, working for change — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 20:08:48 EDT

Another opportunity to get out in Northfield. meet people, show your support for Obama, and raise visibility in the community is coming this Saturday, October 20th. You can view the details and/or sign up via this link, but the short story is meet at Buntrock Commons on the campus of St. Olaf at 10 a.m. wearing comfortable shoes and a big smile.
We work from lists the campaign provides to target likely Obama supporters, so you're not walking up to the door without knowing who you'll be talking to. IWe're NOT out begginb for contributions, we're talking and leaving literature. It's fun, it's simple, and in 2-4 hours you make a huge difference identifying other folks who want to volunteer or participate.
If you'd like a chance to learn more, there's also an information session on Thursday night at 7 in Sayles-Hill on the Carleton campus that will talk about caucuses and canvassing, providing you a chance to ask questions and get a feel for what's up. See you there!

Upcoming Events 10/14-10/20

Alexandra S. — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 17:07:50 EDT
Hi Minnesota supporters,

1. Last Saturday, October 13, we went door-to-door canvassing in all eight
congressional districts. We knocked on thousands of doors and signed up
hundreds of supporters. Thank you to everyone who came out to help.
Check out the Huffington Post article written about the Twin Cities Canvass
for Change here:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jason-barnett/uptakeorg-films-obamas-_b_68444.html

2. While we were knocking on doors across Minnesota 20 folks went to Iowa to go door to door with the Iowa campaign. We will be organizing groups from Minneapolis and St. Paul, and from around the state EVERY WEEKEND between now and January 5. Watch www.minnesota.barackobama.com to sign up to go to Iowa with us!

3. We have launched the Minnesota website! Watch here for upcoming events. Check it out at www.minnesota.barackobama.com

4. This week we plan to launch our statewide Obama Caucus Camp (On the Road) Watch www.minnesota.barackobama.com to find one near you and sign up today!

5. On Saturday, October 20, we will be canvassing in every Congressional
district again for a few hours. Look for more information soon!

In order to help build for Obama Caucus Training-On the Road on Thursday we need your
help!
a. Monday phonebankers/data entry RSVP here!
·     http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/manage/4vh28

b. Tuesday phonebankers/data entry RSVP here!
·     http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/4vh2b

c. Wednesday phonebankers/data entry RSVP here!
·     http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/4vh2s

d. Thursday phonebankers/data entry RSVP here!
·     http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/4vh2p

e. Friday phonebankers/data entry RSVP here!
·     http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/4vh23

Thank you everyone for your donated time and support.

--
Alexandra SovaASova@BarackObama.comMinnesota.barackobama.com

Hope without boundaries

Tom Hayes, working for change — Mon, 15 Oct 2007 10:23:53 EDT

In reading another blog, I was struck by the simple observation:
When Barack Obama speaks to a crowd he lifts them with his voice. He gives measure to the worries of a nation divided and provides us all with optimism and hope.
He is the embodiment of the american dream. For too long we have had to choose between mediocure [sic] candidates who cared more about political gain than the people they were supposed to be working for. Obama is different. He is diverse, his roots extend to the heart of America and they provide a tool for mending the fabric of our great nation.
I agree that Barack Obama's background provides him the means to mend the fabric. I like the metaphor; in reply I chose to extend it.

Senator Obama has experience with mending. He has been drawn, by his work within his community, to embrace Christianity despite what one might call a secular background. Barack Obama values the role of Christian teachings, and ethics, but has the wisdom to see it as a part of unifying people of diverse faiths and understandings rather than accepting the way the debate about religion in the context of U.S. governmental policy can be (and has been) used to rend apart our society. He recognizes that "reconciliation between faith and democratic pluralism requires some sense of proportion."

From the "Call to Renewal" Keynote address on June 28, 2006:
"Even those who claim the Bible's inerrancy make distinctions between Scriptural edicts, sensing that some passages - the Ten Commandments, say, or a belief in Christ's divinity - are central to Christian faith, while others are more culturally specific and may be modified to accommodate modern life.

The American people intuitively understand this, which is why the majority of Catholics practice birth control and some of those opposed to gay marriage nevertheless are opposed to a Constitutional amendment to ban it. Religious leadership need not accept such wisdom in counseling their flocks, but they should recognize this wisdom in their politics."

Beyond merely the means, I believe Barack Obama brings the talent, humility, experience, and dedication to the country that we have all been waiting and hoping for. The undertaking is nothing less than the preservation and enhancement of the fabric of our future - in this country and on this planet. The wise first-term Senator from Illinois is ready and able to unify all the willing into a strong, durable force for good, a community of hope without boundaries.

Finally! - Originally Posted to the Obama4America Group

Matthea Little Smith — Sun, 14 Oct 2007 12:42:07 EDT

Originally posted to the Obamaa4America Group by Sheldon Motley
Finally we have a candidate for the office of the President of the United States who understands that we are all part of one human family. Clearly, Barack Obama sees that we are all in this together. Quoting Barack Obama, "Part of what we've lost is a sense of empathy towards each other." We have lost a sense that we must stand in others' shoes, that we must see through their eyes.

Wonderful Blog from Virginia Velez in California

Matthea Little Smith — Sun, 14 Oct 2007 11:26:46 EDT
From: VCubed <boricuavv@gmail.com>
Date: Oct 13, 2007 2:44 PM
Subject: Obama's so-called "Sista Souljah tack"
To: hprzybyla@bloomberg.net, jgoldman6@bloomberg.net

Nice article on Obama's candidness in 10/12/07 Bloomberg, except for the title "Obama Takes `Sister Souljah' Tack to Gain Ground on Clinton". Yes, Obama will not pander to his audience and tell us what we want to hear, but it's not a new tactic to take on Clinton; it's his standard. Unlike Hillary Clinton, he won't dance around an issue; he'll tell you why he took a particular stand and agree to disagree if you don't like it. Obama especially won't leave out key parts of his policies when facing the very audience that might take issue with it: fuel efficiency standards with the auto industry, merit pay based on teachers' own performance standards to the NEA - the most powerful teachers' union in the U.S. These are things he's been doing since he started campaigning; why call it a new "tack" and make it all about Clinton?

Walk for Change: Northfield

Tom Hayes, working for change — Sat, 13 Oct 2007 20:18:00 EDT

In addition to a blitz that included every dorm on the Carleton College campus, we canvassed Northfield today dropping literature and meeting neighbors while recruiting new volunteers and generally making noise and being visible. While nearly half the homes we visited were empty at the time, the feedback from those we met was overwhelmingly encouraging. Slightly under 1% indicated a strong preference for another candidate, with another 4% leaning away from supporting Obama's candidacy. While nearly 3 times as many identified themselves as "undecided" compared to already being comfortable being in the "Pro-Obama" camp, we came away upbeat and optimistic based on the people we talked to.
It was a perfect day for getting out and about, mild and sunny. The most frequently identified issue was our involvement in Iraq (no surprise.) The only "negative" was echoed several times, that being that it seemed too early - which I attribute to people thinking the election is over a year off without focusing on how soon the caucuses are looming even when we mentioned it.
I think that's great - people assumed we're out campaigning not for the nomination, but for the presidential election! Let's prove them right!
From what I've heard the other walk events sound even more successful. All fired up?

I am on the Obama for President Staff!!!

Matthea Little Smith — Sat, 13 Oct 2007 10:39:35 EDT

Hey! I was officially offered a job as a field organizer last night! I will start on Wednesday! It is wonderful to work with an organization that you feel passionate about!
It will be an exciting 13 months!!
Obama WILL BE our next PRESIDENT!!!

Top 10 Reasons to Vote for Sen. Barack Obama

Matthea Little Smith — Thu, 11 Oct 2007 10:19:48 EDT

Taken From Todd Smyth's Goggle Pages
. Barack Obama has personal experience with poverty and the growing income gap, having grown up abroad in Indonesia and working as a community organizer in the south side of Chicago.

Great Day Phoning for "Turn the Page in Iraq" Door Knocking

Matthea Little Smith — Wed, 10 Oct 2007 23:15:48 EDT

I spent 5 hours calling folks for the October 13th " Turn the Page in Iraq" Door Knocking Event for the Obama in Minnesota Campaign. It was EXCITING!
It was great to call supporters and talk to them not only about the event, but to hear from them how things are going in their part of Minnesota.
If you haven't done phone calling yet, I encourage you to do some in your spare time. You can call from home using your My.BarackObama.com page. Call your local organizer to get information. It is a great way to connect with people around the stay and keep up with the campaign.

Armchair amateur speaking out against the use of divisive campaign tactics.

Tom Hayes, working for change — Tue, 09 Oct 2007 12:32:33 EDT

This is largely a re-posting based on my comments on the Obama HQ blog earlier today under the heading of the outreaches being conducted on various social networking sites.
I am weary of attack politics. I believe Barack Obama's vision, character, and eloquence make it possible for him to run with dignity and "presidential bearing" largely on his own positive attributes without spending inordinate amounts of time reminding the voters of his opponents. I'm all for differentiating the front-runners, but I assert we have two major re-unifications to accomplish en route to a successful Presidency. We must keep two turning points in mind:
First, after the nominating convention it must be reasonable for supporters of other candidates to get behind the Obama candidacy. Second, after the election we need open-minded Republicans who didn't vote for Obama to find a path to support a President from the "other" party. In both cases, individuals need a way to re-align their commitment while preserving their values, sense of honor, and personal integrity.
I'm inclined, accordingly, to favor approaches which leave fewer wounds to heal down the road; I think these positive outreach efforts on social websites are excellent, for instance, despite the somewhat skewed demographic slice(s) they likely reach.
I trust that strategists are considering many approaches. I know I'm not a campaign expert, but I am representative of some segment of the population. I don't want to see Senator Obama or his partisans descend (even on the advice of advisers) to muck-raking and name-calling. Simply put: if Clinton or Edwards supporters lose face by changing their allegiance after the convention we risk disenfranchising them during the rest of the campaign.
Hardened, divisive, adversarial positions do not serve the campaign any better than they do the country - or, for that matter, the world.

Precinct Caucus Trainings in Minneapolis, MN - Volunteers and locations Needed!

Matthea Little Smith — Mon, 08 Oct 2007 15:30:12 EDT

I am going to begin to organize Precinct Caucus Trainings in Minneapolis, MN in November. I would like to do these trainings at colleges and at City Park Buildings. The plan will give people a visual overview, some notes, and then we will have a mock precinct caucus. I'd like to have food at the event, because this training will be about 3 or 4 hours because of the mock caucus.
I am looking for volunteers to help with these trainings. What volunteers will need to do is help with organizing the food, help getting the word out in the different locations, help with the actual training. I will do a training for the volunteers the last week of October. It'll be fun!
Please reply to this Blog if you would like to be a part of the trainings.
Take good care!

Thank you, General Colin Powell.

Tom Hayes, working for change — Sun, 07 Oct 2007 11:51:08 EDT

Thank you, President George W. Bush, for elevating General Powell to such prominence in your administration. I neither know, nor care, what process and/or which advisers suggested his suitability for the role you entrusted to him. Perhaps the first thanks should even go back to Ronald Reagan, who tapped Powell for a stint as National Security Advisor.
Regardless, as speculation swirled in the run-up to the nominating conventions four years ago, the mere presence of Powell's name on the lists of possible contenders confirmed that this country's voters were, in fact, ready to seriously consider electing a President without reference to his skin color. I don't know that Powell would have been elected, let alone how his presidency would have played out. I respect the reasons he's cited for not venturing into the political arena.
To state the obvious, there will always be those who discount another's relevance, value, or suitability based on gender or skin pigmentation. For the foreseeable future we will have to remain vigilant, as Francis Holland does eloquently, and call out those who appeal to the electorate based on such deliberately divisive distinctions.
Should Senator Clinton get votes because she is female? Of course not.
Should Senator Obama get votes because he has darker skin than some, or lighter than others? Surely not.
Yet we have an election before us where we can see that the electorate is ready to accept and embrace one of these two Senators, either of which would represent the unprecedented shifting of the expressed will of the voters in this country away from "business as usual." And while it is the Democratic party which has advanced these two serious contenders for its nomination, I think the credibility of Senator Obama's run for the nomination stems in part from the serious consideration the country as a whole gave four years ago to a potential Powell presidency.
The Democratic electorate has seen the importance of selecting an electable candidate. Ironically at last the country is ready to elect a President without narrowing the choices based on anything but a candidate's intelligence, integrity, and vision. The voters are ready to unite behind a President based on hope, not the subtly divisive messages of fear that have characterized many political campaigns.
I rather doubt Barack Obama and his family and advisers gave much thought to skin color, which has played such an unfortunate role in the history of this melting pot nation. The chance that Powell might be a candidate had shined just enough light on the superstitious nature of skin-color-based marginalization that we now have this diverse field of candidates that most voters now see as viable in the run-up to the 2008 elections.
So thank you, Colin L. Powell, for simply being the person you are, for your decades of public service, for broadening awareness four years ago in such a way that your skin color wasn't relevant, even without your running for office. I think you're one of the pivotal individuals that makes it possible for us to elect Barack Obama as the next President of the United States of America, not because he's one or another color, but because he's a person of integrity and wisdom.

This is about knowing right from wrong, and acting on it.

Tom Hayes, working for change — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 23:22:48 EDT

If the standard we want to hold the world to is to avoid using "cruel," inhuman, and/or degrading treatment of prisoners, then we need a president who will not split hairs by choosing to define torture in such a way that it will not include head slaps, extreme temperatures, and/or waterboarding (intended to induce a real fear of imminent drownings.)
It's that simple. We need to restore integrity in the White House, and credibility to the statements our President makes to us and to the world. We cannot abide the circumstances, the outrageous policies, or the beliefs which have given us a "do as I say, not as I do" posture on the world stage. Business "as usual" cannot go on. We cannot change the past, but we can unite to reclaim the future.
This is not about political party affiliation; this is about right and wrong. We need Barack Obama to be the next president of the United States of America.

The Turning Point

Tom Hayes, working for change — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 23:17:26 EDT

The October 11 Issue of The New York Review of Books is out, and features excerpts from the journals of Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr., from 1966-1967. As somebody who was just coming to embryonic political awareness then I found the insider perspective compelling even without the obvious resonance with current events. Perhaps most fascinating was Schlesinger's assessment of RFK, which seems totally consonant with my perspective on Barack Obama.
No matter if you're a boomer who remembers the way the war escalated under LBJ or not, I urge you to get a copy of this issue and read those three pages.
"...determined to be the best senator he can and do what he thinks is right..."

Branstiter to Speak at Macalester Rally

Dan Hannaher — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 10:57:20 EDT

I encourage any of you in the area of the Twin Cities to try and take in tonight's rally on the campus of Macalester College commemorating Barack Obama's original anti-Iraq War message.
FargObama's own Allan Branstiter will be speaking at the event. Allan is an Iraq War veteran and currently a Fargo resident attending Minnesota State University Moorhead. He has shared his message with me, and hopefully he'll allow me to post it after tonight's rally. He delivers a clear and distinct message - that Barack Obama is the candidate who can and will end this war. With a personal message of patriotism and commitment to truth Allan's address makes me proud. Go see him!

Get a "doubter" to watch for the Dartmouth debate for integrity, ideals, and initiatives instead of staged talking points.

Tom Hayes, working for change — Wed, 26 Sep 2007 12:02:49 EDT

It's no wonder President Bush suggests Mrs. Clinton will get the nomination - he's projecting his desires. The members of the old guard evidently fear Barack Obama's optimistic integrity almost as much his power to energize progressive-minded voters who have wearied of the divisive messages that lately permeate the national dialog.
The entrenched in any organization always resist change; it is the natural dynamic. Fortunately for us as Barack Obama supporters, staying the course is neither viable nor the desire of the electorate, and our candidate articulates the need for a new vision guiding our strategic decisions eloquently.
Obama's intangible momentum is increasing. His vision represents hope to younger voters who are energized by his hopeful message of unity. His goals for the country resonate with formerly jaded veteran voters who see through the "staged talking point" style that other politicians are coached. Voters are increasingly enthusiastic about the integrity, ideals, and initiatives presented by Senator Obama.
While no proposal in any politician's platform will likely survive the Washington process "as-is," by providing a lofty initial target Barack Obama can and will lead the country to greatness as President.

Only by knowing one's enemies can they be turned into something else.

Tom Hayes, working for change — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 09:48:07 EDT

Nixon faced Mao, and the world changed. Reagan softened the rhetoric and built a bridge to Gorbachev. LBJ got caught up in proving to the world and Ho Chi Minh who was more powerful, and the quagmire of the conflict in Viet Nam dragged on as our military involvement escalated.
As the graduate of Columbia most in the spotlight presently, Senator Obama has issued the statement below on the heels of Ahmadinejad's visit to his alma mater.
"I would not have extended an invitation to give President Ahmadinejad another platform for his hateful rhetoric. Adolph Hitler was the worst mass murderer in the history of the world, and Ahmadinejad's denial of his crimes is offensive to Jews, to Americans, and to all people of goodwill. But this is America, and we should never be afraid to confront the ranting lies of dictators like Ahmadinejad with the power of truth and the strength of our own values. What Ahmadinejad will learn while he's here is that America is united in rejection of his hateful views, and in opposition to the Iranian government's support of terrorism and pursuit of nuclear weapons."
We have nothing to fear from letting Ahmadinejad speak in the USA. His philosophies and views are not made somehow stronger by having a platform at one of our institutions, even without the confrontational introduction he was treated to, nor will it draw new supporters to him. No, quite the opposite, his visit to Columbia focuses attention on the need for alternatives, the need to break the cycle of violence in the Middle East.
Barack Obama is willing to meet, and hold meaningful discussions, with those who do not see issues in the same light. The need for strong defense is a given, but the fundamental reason remains that we are all served best by peace - peace, which history suggests is built via diplomacy, which starts by talking.
One candidate is clearly brave enough and committed to leading us toward increased understanding, toward unity rather than increasing isolation and conflict. Bring one new supporter to this campaign (and website) by the end of this week.
The cycle of escalation must be reversed. We need Barack Obama in the White House.

Integrity and a poker face

Tom Hayes, working for change — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 09:22:50 EDT

A long-time acquaintance inquired in email last night why I'd support Senator Obama's candidacy. I found a timely AP Story that correlates with my perspective as I surveyed the news this morning. What follows is essentially the response I sent. It doesn't tell the whole Obama story, but it packages an illustrative anecdote.
According to a provocatively titled article by Christopher Wills, a writer for the Associated Press:

As a presidential candidate, Obama doesn't accept political contributions from lobbyists or political action committees. But as a legislator, he took thousands of dollars from the groups represented by some of his poker buddies. AT&T in its various incarnations, for example, gave more than $13,000 over the years.
Still, Obama routinely voted against the communications giant's interests. He opposed SBC Communications Inc. — as AT&T was then called — on a major initiative in 2003 that would have increased costs for the company's competitors.
Poker night also included a lobbyist for the Illinois Manufacturers' Association, and the game eventually was moved to the association's office. Obama often voted to raise taxes and fees for businesses.
Players say the poker game affected legislation only by building relationships, and lobbyists might get a more respectful hearing for their arguments.
Source: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070924/ap_po/obama_poker
Between that and the rest of what's written I see confirmation of the union of integrity and well-grounded principles I want in our President - a man who listens, who builds necessary bridges to allow persons representing disparate positions and goals to cross the divide separating them.
Barack Obama's not going say, "I didn't inhale." He's not going to adopt the protective coloration of a regular ol' Texan despite being born in Connecticut, attending Phillips Academy in Massachusetts, a degree from Yale, and so on. Obama's human, and he personifies the best of what that means.
Did I persuade my associate of my wisdom supporting Senator Obama's candidacy? I don't know yet.
Some will claim to be scandalized by 'gambling' revelations even on this petty scale; I'm reassured and encouraged, frankly. I'm glad that the man I want elected as our next President is human, thoughtful, creative, down to earth, and able to meet unfluential, persuasive lobbyists without losing his integrity or losing sight of his goals.

Fiscal responsibility

Tom Hayes, working for change — Sun, 23 Sep 2007 13:48:30 EDT

Even without the moral basis for wanting to draw a speedy conclusion to the misbegotten war in Iraq, the cost in sheer dollars is a drain on the economy of the United States. Between the expenses of transporting and maintaining the troops half-way around the globe, the countless no-bid contracts rife with accounting irregularities, and the increased security requirements for our diplomats that line the pockets of questionable organizations such as Blackwater, the taxpayers hard-earned cash is profligately squandered at astonishing rates.
Joe Bodell, in a September 23rd article about the political landscape in Minnesota, (published via the Huffington Post,) concludes with this insight:
"Fiscal conservative" and "Fiscally responsible" are two entirely different and, in recent history, contradictory concepts.
Senator Obama has consistently tried to extricate us from the unconscionable expense associated with the ill-conceived, ill-begun, poorly prosecuted War in Iraq. We need to recast "politics as usual" in such a way that the financial and ethical priorities of the U.S. Government resonate transparently with the desires of this great people, not the greed of those few positioned to profit from global conflict.
We need a change, a courageous new visionary to unify us in harmony, not isolate us via wars. The spin for eight years has been "compassionate conservatism," but the reality: divisive fear-mongering and hidden agendas that were anything but compassionate.
Mission Accomplished? The urgent mission now is to resist the spin, to restore the greatness of the United States of America, the pride of our diverse citizenry, and our credibility abroad.
We need to elect Senator Barack Obama as our next President.

Agents of Change: Saturday 6 October 2007

Tom Hayes, working for change — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 08:45:53 EDT

Obama for America is organizing this special event to prepare Minnesotans for their crucial role in the Democratic primary process.

Join me and hundreds of other supporters from all over Minnesota on Saturday, October 6th for an exciting Minnesota Caucus Convention:

http://my.barackobama.com/MNcaucus
Minnesota Caucus Convention
Saturday, October 6th
9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Caucus training
2 p.m. - 6 p.m. Grassroots strategy training (optional but encouraged)
Reception to follow
St. Paul Central High School
275 Lexington Pkwy N
St. Paul, MN 55104
You probably already know the Minnesota Caucus is scheduled for February 5th, 2008. You may even have been notified of this organizing event already via email from Chris Miller, from Obama for America. Come be an agent of change. RSVP by following the link right now, and forward it to a friend, too.

The national field staff and Minnesota leaders will brief you on the strategy to win Minnesota, teach you how to caucus, and give you opportunities to get involved in your local community. We will work with local grassroots supporters and make a change.
See you there!
http://my.barackobama.com/MNcaucus

"Members of Congress are putting health coverage for poor children at risk so they can score political points in Washington..."

Tom Hayes, working for change — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 10:29:37 EDT

According to the LA Times, during his September 20th news conference President Bush said, "Members of Congress are putting health coverage for poor children at risk so they can score political points in Washington," by increasing the funding for the State Children's Health Insurance Program by an amount of roughly $35 billion over five years - approximately a seven-fold improvement on the President's own proposed increase. Economics and finance looks different to us here in the midwest, evidently.
Drawing on that same Times article:
Sen. Charles E. Grassley of Iowa, the senior Republican on the Senate Finance Committee, said he had spoken during the morning with Bush and told him that the administration's plan was insufficient "to accomplish what he said he wants to do, and that's cover more kids."

"Drawing lines in the sand at this stage isn't constructive," Grassley said of the president's comments, adding in a written statement that Bush was mistaken in saying that the bill would help meet the healthcare coverage costs of children in households with incomes up to $83,000.
The Cost of just the Iraq War itself is set to reach $456 billion September 30, the end of FY 2007. How many days early would we have to leave Iraq to set aside $35 billion? I can think of many better ways to invest my money.
I'm not saying we can walk out of Iraq this week and feel good about what's likely to happen in the ensuing vacuum. We've followed the administration's policies into a position of being very mired down there in every sense. But maybe if we just started to scale back prudently on our war spending we'd have enough to address children's needs in the USA.
If de-escalation of our presence in the Middle East tended to lessen the anger at us, well, so much the better. That's just my midwestern sense of priorities talking, I suppose. Things must look very different in DC, or Kennebunkport.
Let's elect Senator Obama.

30th Harkin Steak Fry (Indianola, Iowa)

pm — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 23:28:57 EDT
~ Sunday, September 16th ~

Circle that date and join the Minnesotans for Obama contingency as we head to Iowa!

A group of us are planning on joining Senator Tom Harkin at the 30th Annual Harkin Steak Fry in Indianola, Iowa (just outside of Des Moines, Iowa).

Confirmed on the mailer and website are the following special guests: Senator Joe Biden, Senator Hillary Clinton, Senator Chris Dodd, Senator John Edwards, Senator Barack Obama and Governor Bill Richardson.

The Harkin Steak Fry is an excellent opportunity to see, meet and hear the presidential candidates along with enjoying the steak fry with thousands of other enthusiastic Democrats and political folks!

The gates open on Sunday at 12noon and the event runs from 1pm-4pm at th Indianola Balloon Field, Indianola, Iowa. (3 miles eat of Highway 65/69 and highway 92 Intersection on Highway 92).

You can purchase tickets at the door $35, $5 kid's meal. If you have questions about the Harkin Steak Fry you can call (515) 277.9966 or email molly@tomharkin.com.

I had the opportunity to attend in 2003 before the last presidential election and it was an excellent opportunity to hear the candidates live rather than only on TV and feel the energy of thousands of like-minded folks.

UPDATE!
Here's the final update before our adventure down to the Harkin Steak Fry.

Since the gates open at noon (event is from 1-4), the drive down is 4 hours (no stops) and they are expecting HUGE crowds this year, I’m recommending we meet in the parking lot at Best Buy (35W/494) between 7-7:30am, departing promptly at 7:30am.   Look for the car with the OBAMA sign. Here's the address for you to mapquest:

Best Buy (Richfield MN)
1000 West 78th St
Richfield, MN 55423

Remember the event is outside – under tents – no real shelter so dress warmly.

Here’s a couple of details from the Harkin Steak Fry website as of tonight (9/14):
° This year marks the 30th Harkin Steak Fry, and this year’s special guests are Democratic Presidential candidates: Senator Joe Biden, Senator Hillary Clinton, Senator Chris Dodd, Senator John Edwards, Senator Barack Obama, and Governor Bill Richardson.° Please join us at the Balloon Field in Indianola, Iowa on Sunday, September 16, 2007. ° Time is from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. Gates open at 12:00. (Indianola Balloon Field is located 3 miles east of the intersection of Highways 65/69 and 92) Feel free to bring lawn chairs or blankets into the Balloon Field.

Here’s a bit more detail from John W who will be joining us (thanks John!):
° Comment: Note: Indianola is south (not east) of Des Moines; take 65/69 south, drive through Indianola; Hwy 92 is the traffic signal just after the Godfather's Pizza; turn left at that signal, onto Hwy 92, go three miles to the Hot Air Balloon Field. Indianola.

I wasn’t able to get much more information from the Des Moines Obama office. Typically near the Balloon Field are picnic shelters where the candidate meets before the event for a pre-rally. If we arrive around noon – we can check that out and should be able to get in on that fun too!

As I mentioned on my earlier email, we can loosely caravan down together and once we get there – people can stay together or go their own way. And depending on your personal plans, departure times to return to MPLS/St. Paul is on your own.

THANKS! See you bright and early on Sunday! Pam Meier

You can see the details of this event and sign up by going to:

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

Volunteer with Minnesotans for Obama at the Minnesota State Fair!

Mandy in Mpls — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 17:16:49 EDT





Barack Obama Volunteers Needed for the Minnesota State Fair!
Join Us for Twelve Days of Fun Ending Labor Day!
Thursday, August 23rd - Monday, September 3rd
Sign Up for 1 of 4 Daily Shifts at:
www.minnesotansforobama.org/forms/volunteer_statefair.asp

WE HAVE GREAT NEWS!
Minnesotans for Obama is now officially part of the Minnesota State Fair with space inside the DFL building! And we want YOU to join in the fun!

WE NEED LOTS OF VOLUNTEERS -- LIKE YOU!
To show the strength of our grassroots movement, we need to be visible, talk with voters and sign them up for Barack Obama. Our table inside the DFL building also will be staffed every day from 9am-9pm with volunteer shifts from 9-12, 12-3, 3-6, and 6-9. And here's where we need your! help.

WE'VE MADE VOLUNTEERING EASY!
Click here to sign up by day for one or several shifts during the fair. Obama State Fair Team Captains will be in contact with you to confirm your schedule, cover your volunteer assignment and other detail.

MINNESOTA STATE FAIR INFORMATION.

Our Obama table is located inside the DFL building, at the corner of DanPatch Avenue and Cooper Street.
Since we're a grassroots movement, volunteers will need to pay for their admission into the Fair, parking, food, and beverages.
2007 ADMISSION PRICES - Regular admission at the gate: adults (13-64) $11; seniors (65 & over) $9; kids (5-12) $8. Children under 5 are always free! Discount admission tickets: $8 (more discount ticket information).
Discount admission tickets are available prior to the fair until Wednesday,Aug. 22, 2007.
Parking: $9 or one additional pre-fair discount admission ticket ($8).
For information about the fair, visit the official MN State Fair website, www.mnstatefair.org.

IT'S A MINNESOTA TRADITION!
During the State Fair over 1.7 million people from 87 Minnesota counties will come to the State Fair, go on rides, visit the animal barns, eat food on a stick and talk politics. It's a Minnesota tradition and so is grassroots politics!

So join us at the State Fair. Talk with Minnesota voters about Senator Obama's message of hope and change. Volunteer! (www.minnesotansforobama.org/forms/volunteer_statefair.asp)

If you have any questions, please e-mail us at volunteer@minnesotansforobama.org or call us at 763-588-7545.

Sincerely,

Minnesotans for Obama State Organizers
PS: Don't have time to volunteer but are planning on attending the fair? You can still participate in the MN Obama movement by wearing your Obama gear for visibility and direct interested parties to the DFL Booth!

Minnesota Kickoff Thoughts

Carl — Sat, 30 Jun 2007 10:19:29 EDT
As I sit here in my favorite coffe shop doing my normal Saturday morning ritual of getting my cup of joe and reading the Trib and Pioneer Press. Seeing the pictures and reading what the scribes have to say about last night's event. My mind continues to rewind back to special moments through last night.   Just a few of the many;

1. Assisting Former Minneapolis Mayor Sharon Sayles Belton down for a better view and talking with her about when Paul and I saw her on the Lake Street Bridge at the Minnesota Aids Walk this spring.   She had given us the "thumbs up" to our Obama sign and now she has endorsed Mr. Obama yesterday.
2. Walking out the door of the IMF for the 1st time and seeing that line of people waiting for Barack.   It made me think back to that first meetup that I attended with Paul, Wendy, Ross, Lori and a few others.   Look at where this movement has come.   As Barack said it not about us its about the winds of change.
3. Watching as our volunteers authentically in their own way welcoming people coming into the event after waiting in line in the hot sun.   Volunteers greeting people and being themselves and having FUN doing it.
4. Having an indepth discussion about faith as a progressive Protestant Christian with an Orthodox Jew.   We had traded emails about the event for about a week and finally met in person. Talking about what binds us together as persons of faith, as American, and as human being. Appreciating what makes us different instead of having what makes us different dividing us. And how can we be person's of faith in the public square yet not overstep that line of separation of church and state.
5. Feelings of being personally overwhelmed by an event issue last night or figuring out on the fly what a volunteer was going to do.   Thank you for all for your patience as volunteers during those moments.
6. Showing up at the House of Balls and sitting down with MJ and Jocelyn talking about this special night and about peace. Going out back in their parking lot and talking with Aaron, Leah, Chris, Paulina, and other volunteers about their experiences of last night and their ideas for upcoming events and the grassroots movement.
7. Getting a call from Phil Church telling me, as I'm greeting people at the door, that he is in line and seeing him and meeting his wife about 10 minutes later. That was a LONG line. Hopefully worth the wait.
8. Meeting this wonderful person called Yolanda from St. Cloud for the first time and feeling that I have known her for a lifetime after our many telephone and conference calls. Her infectious laugh.
9. Seeing my brother who had come late to the event from work & having that chance to bond in our own way as only siblings can.
10. Seeing and hearing that beautiful tapestry of people lining the railings and being energized by Keith, informed about grassroots by RT, and the imparting of the message of change from Barack.
11. Talking with Bill Wilson outside of the event and seeing that sparkle in his eye remembering back to our first meeting and that first meetup in St Paul.   Him talking about when he went to Iowa to support Kennedy and Carter.
.... more

The campaign for me is about being yourself and making everyone feel welcome who comes to this tent called the Barack Obama campaign and our Minnesota grassroots movement.   Geniune hospitality has become a lost art in this society. As volunteers you demonstrated what hospitality and making people feel welcome means to me. Whether the people who walked through the door were young or old, rich or poor, white or person of color, gay or straight, urban or rural, Christin or Jew or Muslim or ...., longtime Democrat or Republican (Current or Former like Myself) or Green or never been in politics before.   As Keith Ellison said because we want an America and world where everyone matters and is valued.

I want to remind everyone as Barack said that this is your movement and your campaign.   Take time the next few days of how you want to be a part of this Minnesota grassroots movement and remember that we are all here to make each other feel welcomed and valued.   Think about your talents and how you can share them with this grassroots movement. Together we can do great things and have FUN doing it.   Know that we together will be supporting wherever that path leads for you.

Again I personally thank all of you for last night.

Peace,
Carl Holmquist
Organizer Minnesotans for Obama
www.minnesotansforobama.org

Obama is Minnesota's Choice for President in '08!

Yolanda (MN) — Sat, 30 Jun 2007 00:24:36 EDT

If you were not at International Market Square today, June 29, 2007, you missed out on a tremendous treat! Barack Obama came to Minneapolis for his Minnesota kickoff. Approximately 3,000 tickets were sold for this great event!

As people began to file into the Atrium, it was quite a site to behold! Everywhere I looked I saw people with big smiles on their faces, some holding homemade signs, others toting children upon their shoulders. Everyone was pleased to find that there wasn't a bad "seat" in the house! Some people stood on the floor, others climbed into the balconies, but everyone could see center stage where we expected Obama to emerge with a message of hope and the promise of a brighter future for all.

First Congressman Keith Ellison came to the stage electrified, full of energy, and leading the crowd in chants of "OBAMA! OBAMA! OBAMA!" Next Mayor R. T. Rybak came forward stating, "I am so proud that Keith Ellison was the very first Congressman in the nation to endorse Obama, and I was the first mayor!" Cheers went up from the crowd as we saluted leadership that was unafraid to get out in front with a winner from the very start of Obama's campaign.

After R. T.'s declaration, he brought Obama to the stage. Obama seemed shocked by the size of the crowd saying over and over again, "Look at you!" His 100-watt smile lit up the stage as he reminded all of us that the Obama campaign is not about Barack; it is about the great people of our nation who have a strong desire for change. Obama reiterated his assertion that we all know the solutions to our manifold problems, but we have just lacked leadership in Washington with the political will to get things done.

Obama declared that under his presidency, the troops would be brought home in a phased withdrawal, all Americans would have affordable health care, our nation would once again begin to work with our allies in the world, and that we would find ways to be more "green" thereby reducing our dependence on foreign oil.

The crowd was energized by Obama's speech, often interrupting with cheers, clapping, and whistles. One of the most poignant moments in Obama's speech was when he talked about his recent commemoration of “Bloody Sunday” on Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama, which led to the passage of the Voting Rights Act. He said that many people think that this commemoration is a celebration of Black History. But, Barack Obama stated emphatically, "This is not just a celebration of Black History, this is a celebration of American history!"

This reminder is one of the things that is most compelling about Barack. As a multi-ethnic American, he can authentically speak about the importance of building one unified American people. He is living and embodied proof that we do not have to continue to allow our ugly and racist past to continue to divide us in the future. We can be red, yellow, black, and white—united in our desire to build an America that we can all be proud of. In the words of Obama, “When one of us is diminished, we are all diminished.” This statement hung in the air after it was spoken; it was a poignant call to the work of securing life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for all. It was a clarion call to all of us in the room to make the commitment to do justice and love mercy as we seek to live up to the promises and creed of our great nation. This final statement reminded me of the words of Margaret Mead who once said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”

As I looked around the room, the rich and diverse crowd of people assembled struck me. I saw college students, and I saw children. I saw white men, and I saw Asian women. I saw people in wheelchairs, on crutches, and using sign language to communicate with their friends. I saw wealthy looking folks, and I saw some poor people. Honestly, it was one of the first times in my life that I was a part of so diverse a crowd of people with one single agenda and purpose. We all agreed that Barack Obama would be the next president of the United States with our help!

Indeed, this is the miracle of Barack Obama. Rather than dividing us, he unites us. Rather than silencing, he gives us voice. Rather than peddling fear, he advocates hope. And rather than stripping us of our power and our rights, he seeks to empower his constituency to make real and lasting change.

When Barack says that together we can change our nation, we believe him. He is authentic, real, wise, humble, gracious, and strong. He has a vision for our country that has compelled over 250,000 donors to contribute to his campaign in the last six months. This historic figure simply underscores what all of us in International Market Square knew on today. Barack is a winner!

Barack Obama WINS Central MN DFL Straw Poll!

Yolanda (MN) — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 21:09:30 EDT

Central Minnesota is truly excited about the Barack Obama bid for the White House! On Saturday, June 23, 2007 St. Cloud for Obama marched in our city-wide parade. As the "Barack Obama" banner passed, citizens cheered, clapped, shouted, whistled, and waved. In the words of one person marching with us, "I feel like a celebrity!"
All of the excitement generated on Saturday was carried over to Monday, June 25, 2007 at the St. Cloud DFL Potluck Picnic and Presidential Straw Poll. Obama supporters arrived early, set up tables, and worked the crowd. Over and over we heard from area Democrats that they were really hopeful about Obama's campaign and more than ready to send him to the White House where he belongs.
Many people had on Obama stickers and T-shirts. Many others sat around picnic tables, discussing Obama's book, "The Audacity of Hope." When it came time for the presidential straw poll, Yolanda Lehman, organizer for St. Cloud for Obama, was holding her breath. Was it possible for Obama to win in Central Minnesota?
Well approximately 20 minutes later the Central Minnesota DFL had a very clear winner and it was BARACK OBAMA FOR PRESIDENT IN 2008!
As the announcement was read, cheers went up all over the crowd! St. Cloud for Obama has proven, beyond a shadow of a doubt that Obama is likeable AND electable! In short, Obama is a winner!
St. Cloud for Obama wishes to thank everybody who supported America's candidate today. Obama is truly red, white, and BLUE!
Don't forget that Barack will be here in Minnesota this Friday, June 29, 2007, 5:30pm, International Market Square, Minneapolis. If you don't yet have tickets, email ylehman@charter.net or purchase tickets at barackobama.com
Together, we are taking our nation back!
OBAMA!