Obama HQ

Message from David Plouffe: "It's a go"

Christopher Hass — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 21:33:08 EDT

From David Plouffe:

Earlier in the week, we asked if you thought we should put the experiences of real American families on the air and online to show why we need heath care reform. The overwhelming answer? Yes.

Thanks to your support, we were able to spring into action and share with America the very personal reasons why we cannot afford to miss this one chance to finally reform our health care system.

I want you to be the first to see this powerful ad. It features real people telling their true stories of lost coverage, watching loved ones go without care, and making the case for why we need reform.

Once you watch this, you'll see what we mean about how powerful these personal stories can be -- and why we need to get them on the air right away.

Will you watch the video now, and then donate $25 or more to put it on the air?
As we speak, Congress is rapidly hammering out the details of the health care bill, and getting this message out now is crucial. Our representatives must understand how strongly we feel about the need for real reform -- and that we need it now.

In the next few days, we must decide how many of these ads we can make, where we can air them, and how many views we can guarantee. The more resources we have, the greater the impact we'll be able to make.

So watch this first video, and then please dig deep with a donation of $25 or more so we can get this ad and others like it on the air and online in key areas across the country.

https://donate.barackobama.com/healthcaread

Thanks for making it happen,

David Plouffe

P.S. -- Over 99,000 people have already donated to power our campaign for health care reform. This is the perfect time to join them, and help us hit our big goal of 100,000 donors for health care.

Full Video: A National Discussion on Health Care Reform

Christopher Hass — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 09:57:03 EDT

Here's the full video of yesterday's online town hall, in which the President answered questions submitted from Americans across the country:

Message from Mitch Stewart: "How big could this be?"

Christopher Hass — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 18:08:00 EDT

From OFA Director Mitch Stewart:

Did you see Vice President Biden's email last week, sharing personal health care stories from supporters across the country? Well, the stories have been read millions of times, and the reaction is an overwhelming, "Wow -- we've got to get to work."

It's not surprising -- these stories show the human face of the health care debate and inspire us all to act.

So here's our latest idea: Putting our supporters in coast-to-coast television and online ads, telling their own stories, in their own voice. It could be a breakthrough moment in this debate, when millions of Americans realize how urgent reform really is.

But recording and nationally broadcasting these stories won't be cheap. We can only go forward if you're ready to chip in. So what do you say -- should we do it?

Yes. I think this is a great idea, and I'm ready to contribute so it can happen.

No, I'm not ready to contribute to this plan.

How big could this be? Many experts believe health care reform was defeated in the early 90's by the infamous "Harry and Louise" ads. They featured actors sitting around a fake kitchen table, pretending to be a family that was frightened by reform.

So just imagine if this time around, the debate is shaped by real people, looking us in the eye, telling their actual story, and asking for our help to fix this broken system.

Phony stories helped defeat health care reform in the past. But this time, real stories could be the reason we win.

If enough Organizing for America supporters say yes and then donate the resources we need to pull it off, we'll start filming and distribution right away. So what do you say?

Yes, let's get these real stories on the airwaves. I'm ready to contribute.

No, I don't think this is a good idea or I can't contribute at this time.
We'll keep you posted with the results and what happens next.

Thanks, as always, for making it all possible.

Mitch

Mitch Stewart
Director
Organizing for America

LIVE: A National Discussion on Health Care Reform

Christopher Hass — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 12:47:40 EDT

President will hold a national discussion on health care today through an online town hall meeting at Northern Virginia Community College in Annandale. In addition to the live audience, questions will come from online communities such as Facebook, YouTube and Twitter. Senior advisor to President Obama Valerie Jarrett will moderate the town hall.

You can watch the event live at WhiteHouse.gov/live starting at 1:15 Eastern.

On the Ground: Minnesota

Christopher Hass — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 08:56:47 EDT

Today, volunteers throughout the Minneapolis area are organizing a series of health care related events -- canvassing, phone banking, and participating in public forums. OFA Minnesota State Director Jenn Brown explained in an email:

The fight to fix our broken health care system is heating up -- and we need your help to make sure all Americans have the care that many have lacked for far too long.

Our opponents have beaten back reform in the past, and they're ready again with seasoned lobbyists and big-money donors. But we've shown them before what our movement is capable of.

This Wednesday, we will show them again. Minnesotans from across the Twin Cities area will knock on doors, call neighbors, speak out at public forums, and build support for the President's principles for health care reform.
...When Americans get together and organize door-by-door, block-by-block, and neighborhood-by-neighborhood, we can build a movement from coast-to-coast. It's how we won a historic election -- and how we'll bring real change to America.

To fix our health care crisis, we need people like you to be part of the solution. With your help, we will prove that not only can we elect a new President -- we can build on that victory to tackle the problems facing Americans every day.

We'll have more info in the coming days on events like these throughout the country. If you live in or around Minneapolis, you can find an event today.

Statement from the President on Senator-Elect Al Franken

Christopher Hass — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 16:51:27 EDT

In a 5-0 decision, the Minnesota State Supreme Court today declared Al Franken the winner of the state's Senate race. Shortly thereafter, Franken's opponent Norm Coleman officially conceded.

In an official statement, President Obama congratulated Franken, saying:

"I look forward to working with Senator-Elect Franken to build a new foundation for growth and prosperity by lowering health care costs and investing in the kind of clean energy jobs and industries that will help America lead in the 21st century.”

Open Thread

Christopher Hass — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 09:59:36 EDT

"The first step we're taking sets new efficiency standards on fluorescent and incandescent lighting. Now I know light bulbs may not seem sexy, but this simple action holds enormous promise because 7 percent of all the energy consumed in America is used to light our homes and our businesses. Between 2012 and 2042, these new standards will save consumers up to $4 billion a year, conserve enough electricity to power every home in America for 10 months, reduce emissions equal to the amount produced by 166 million cars each year, and eliminate the need for as many as 14 coal-fired power plants."

Join the National Online Discussion on Health Care Reform

Christopher Hass — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 13:41:33 EDT

On Wednesday, President Obama will hold another online town hall, this time focused on health care reform. From WhiteHouse.gov:

This online town hall will be a little different than the last one. This time around, we are engaging online networks outside of WhiteHouse.gov, such as Facebook, YouTube and Twitter.
You can get started today by watching the President's video and posting your 20-30 second video response here:

Later this afternoon, Nancy-Ann DeParle will be hosting a live-streamed, online chat to discuss health care reform. You can take part using the White House Facebook live chat feature, starting at 5:00 PM Eastern.

Message from Joe Biden: "You've got to read these"

Christopher Hass — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 13:58:34 EDT

From Vice President Joe Biden:

A few weeks ago, President Obama asked you to share your personal story about how the health care crisis has affected you and the ones you love. Hundreds of thousands of stories poured in from every corner of the country. The President and I have read through many of them ourselves -- and now I'm encouraging you to do so as well.

Read these powerful, personal stories from people in your area and around the country.
And after you do, please forward this note on to as many people as you can.

For folks who don't yet understand why health care reform is such an urgent priority, these stories make the case far better than any statistics ever could.

For those who support health care reform but haven't yet found the time to join our campaign, these stories provide more motivation than any speech any politician could ever give.

So please read these stories, pass this note on to everyone in your address book, and help us show everyone in America why fixing our broken health care system is a necessity that just can't wait:

http://healthcare.barackobama.com/stories

Thank you,

Vice President Joe Biden

National Health Care Day Of Service

OFA Blogger — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 14:07:40 EDT

The National Health Care Day of Service is today, and volunteers across the country are taking place in thousands of events designed to raise visibility for health care reform in their communities. These health care service projects give volunteers a chance to make an impact in their own communities and improve the lives of their neighbors in the short term -- and they are just one step forward in the larger fight for long term, comprehensive health care reform.

Shonda from Greensboro, North Carolina, is making an impact on her community. Her National Health Care Day of Service event this Sunday will provide materials to local parents about State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). She is expecting about 70 people to attend, including families she met at schools, churches, day cares and summer camps.

The Family Fair is being held at the Greensboro Public Library. The focus of the fair is providing information and applications for SCHIP to families in need. There will be tables with SCHIP information and applications, as well as food and entertainment for the kids. Two guest speakers, whose families are enrolled in SCHIP, are set to speak at the fair. Shonda has even arranged for a Spanish translator. Despite her busy schedule, Shonda is passionate about the impact of her community service.

"We are really trying to make a difference and help out as much as we can," Shonda explained. "Even with our personal lives and schedules, we find ways to make it work."

Meanwhile Pat from Chesapeake, Virginia, is planning a similar event. This Saturday, Pat will provide SCHIP information and applications to customers at local businesses, such as shopping malls and grocery stores. He is expecting a diverse crowd of around 30 volunteers to help him. The group will include health care professionals, educators, and people who are struggling with their own health care.

These are two of the many of events taking place today, and with more events scheduled tomorrow as well. There may still be time to find a service event in your area this weekend. If you attended an event, let us know how it went in the comments below.

The President's Weekly Address: "The First Step Towards a New Energy Economy"

Christopher Hass — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 12:21:49 EDT

In his weekly address, President Barack Obama praised the House of Representatives for passing the American Clean Energy and Security Act last night. This historic piece of legislation will lessen our dependence on foreign oil and spark a clean energy transformation in our economy that will create millions of new American jobs -- jobs that are critical to building a new foundation for our economy.

"Now my call to every Senator, as well as to every American, is this: We cannot be afraid of the future. And we must not be prisoners of the past. Don’t believe the misinformation out there that suggests there is somehow a contradiction between investing in clean energy and economic growth. It’s just not true."

Open Thread: Service

Christopher Hass — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 23:26:54 EDT

"Now is the time to finally act"

Christopher Hass — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 09:06:17 EDT

Yesterday, President Obama urged the House of Representatives to pass the American Clean Energy and Security Act -- a bill that is expected to come to a vote later today. In his remarks, he explained:

Right now, the House of Representatives is moving towards a vote of historic proportions on a piece of legislation that will open the door to a new clean energy economy.

For more than three decades, we've talked about our dependence on foreign oil. And for more than three decades, we've seen that dependence grow. We've seen our reliance on fossil fuels jeopardize our national security. We've seen it pollute the air we breathe and endanger our planet. And most of all, we've seen that others countries realize a critical truth: The nation that leads in the creation of a clean energy economy will be the nation that leads the 21st century global economy.

Now is the time for the United States of America to realize this, as well. Now is the time for us to lead. The energy bill before the House will finally create a set of incentives that will spark a clean energy transformation of our economy. It will spur the development of low-carbon sources of energy -- everything from wind, solar, and geothermal power to safe nuclear energy and cleaner coal. It will spur new energy savings like the efficient windows and other materials that reduce heating costs in the winter and cooling costs in the summer.

And most importantly, it will make possible the creation of millions of new jobs.

...I've often talked about the need to build a new foundation for economic growth so that we don't return to the endless cycle of bubble and bust that has led us into this deep recession. Clean energy and the jobs it creates will be absolutely critical to that new foundation.

...I know this is going to be a close vote, in part because of the misinformation that's out there that suggests there's somehow a contradiction between investing in clean energy and our economic growth. But my call to those members of Congress who are still on the fence, as well as to the American people, is this: We cannot be afraid of the future, and we can't be prisoners of the past. We've been talking about this issue for decades, and now is the time to finally act.

There is still time to contact your representative in the House, and ask him or her to support the American Clean Energy and Security Act.

Tonight: Help Create a Clean Energy Economy

Christopher Hass — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 17:19:28 EDT

OFA Political Director Addisu Demissie just sent out the following update to the President's message on the American Clean Energy and Security Act:

Any minute now, Congress will vote on historic climate change legislation that will transform the way we use and produce energy in America.

The American Clean Energy and Security Act creates a framework of clean energy incentives that will spur the development of new technologies -- innovations that have the potential to create millions of new, good green jobs that can't be shipped overseas.

But its passage out of the House is in jeopardy -- will you make a call today to ensure that it passes?

Click here to find your representative's number.
And after you've made your call, let us know whether or not your representative committed to supporting this legislation.

Making sure this bill passes the House is an important first step towards a comprehensive energy policy that breaks our dependence on foreign oil, reduces dangerous carbon pollution, and will help create millions of new, green jobs here at home.

Call your representative today, and help ensure that this crucial legislation passes.

Then let us know how the call went, so we can keep track of where your representative stands:

http://my.barackobama.com/energycall

Thank you,

Addisu

Addisu Demissie
Political Director
Organizing for America

President Obama on the Importance of Passing Historic Energy Bill

Christopher Hass — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 13:55:46 EDT

In advance of an expected vote in the House of Representatives on historic energy legislation, the President will deliver remarks from the White House lawn.

You can watch a live stream of the President's remarks at WhiteHouse.gov/live.

UPDATED: From the Associated Press:

President Barack Obama is pressing again for passage of legislation that would confront the problem of global warming head-on.
Speaking in the Rose Garden of the White House, Obama said Washington must not miss the opportunity to work on cleaning the air and at the same time creating new "green" energy jobs. He called the measure "a jobs bill" and said the country for far too long has been too reliant on energy from fossil fuels.

The American Clean Energy and Security Act creates a framework of clean energy incentives that will spur the development of new technologies, and has the potential to create millions of new, good green jobs. The vote in the House is expected to be close, and could take place within the next 24 hours.

If you have a moment, you can use our online tool to contact your representative and ask him or her or support the American Clean Energy and Security Act. And after you've made your call, let us know whether or not your representative is committed to supporting this legislation.

The President and Health Care Reform on Prime Time TV

Christopher Hass — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 08:07:31 EDT

Last night, President Obama played host to ABC News and a 164 Americans from around the country at a special prime time White House in prime. The hour long program was dedicated to answering tough questions and concerns on the President’s proposals to reduce health care costs and provide quality health care for all Americans. The conversation then continued for an additional hour on Nightline, where the President discussed how the choice of a public option will affect you and your family.

We'll have more on last night's event later on, but you can watch clips from the program on ABC's website.

Message from the First Lady: "Serving together"

Christopher Hass — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 15:27:38 EDT

From First Lady Michelle Obama:

National and community service has been a cornerstone of my life, as I know it has been for many Americans. And with the daily struggles now confronting so many families, it's especially important for us to reach out to one another and offer a helping hand.

I've just launched United We Serve, a national initiative to tackle our toughest problems by working hand-in-hand in communities across the country. We aim to make a real difference right now and bring more and more Americans into a tradition of life-long service to make an even greater difference down the road.

I'd like to invite you to be a part of it by joining Organizing for America's National Health Care Day of Service this weekend. You can join up with other local OFA supporters to help improve health care services in your community and make a difference as we work to reform America's health care system.

Sign up now to participate in a National Health Care Day of Service event this Saturday, June 27th.
There's an old Thomas Edison quote I've always liked: "Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work." It's no secret that our country faces some enormous challenges right now, and meeting them will take a lot of hard work. But in that work lies an equally great opportunity -- a chance to serve. And I do believe the chance to serve is a precious gift indeed.

Service has played a transformative role in my life -- bringing me tremendous joy and helping me find the path that led to where I am today. As a parent, I believe service is a great way to demonstrate values and to teach our children firsthand what it means to commit to a purpose beyond ourselves.

It should be a part of everyone's life. From the moment someone can walk to the day they leave this planet, service should be a part of how we give back, how we say thank you, how we express our gratitude for the lives that we've been given.

So I'm deeply honored for this chance to support our United We Serve initiative and Organizing for America, and I hope you'll be able to participate this weekend.
Please sign up now to volunteer at a local event.

Thank you,

First Lady Michelle Obama

Tonight: Health Care Town Hall with President Obama on ABC

Christopher Hass — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 13:33:39 EDT

President Obama will be hosting a special Health Care Town Hall at the White House today, that will air on ABC tonight at 10:00 PM Eastern.

"Clean Energy, Green Jobs and Climate"

Christopher Hass — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 13:14:59 EDT

From the Democrats.org blog:

The Obama Administration is dispatching cabinet secretaries and senior officials around the country this week to highlight the need for comprehensive energy legislation that makes us more energy independent, reduces climate change-causing greenhouse gas emissions and creates millions of green jobs.
... In the lead up to the vote a diverse coalition of stakeholders have ramped up their efforts to build support for the bill. Late last week, the Political Economy Research Institute (PERI) at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, the Center for American Progress (CAP), Green for All and the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) released two reports that outline how investments in a clean-energy economy will produce significant economic and job creation benefits.
-- The Economic Benefits of Investing in Clean Energy: How the Economic Stimulus Program and New Legislation Can Boost U.S. Economic Growth and Employment: Report explains how the investment of $150 billion annually, through public spending and private investment, would produce a net gain of 1.7 million new jobs. CAP compiled state-by-state fact sheets of clean energy jobs creation.
-- Green Prosperity: How Clean-Energy Policies Can Fight Poverty and Raise Living Standards in the United States: Report shows that shifting from traditional fossil fuel to clean energy will improve the standard of living for millions of Americans across all skill and education levels, especially among lower-income families.
In Case You Missed It: Last week, the White House also released a new report from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) about the potential impact of climate change in the United States. The report lays out – in layman’s terms – how failure to take action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions will result in significant changes to temperatures, rainfall patterns and sea level. Grist.org had a good round up.

Last month, the American Clean Energy and Security Act (also known as Waxman-Markey), cleared the Energy and Commerce Committee. Yesterday the bill was added to the schedule for the House of Representatives, and could come up for a vote by the end of the week.

Streaming Live at 12:30: The President's News Conference

Christopher Hass — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 11:56:07 EDT

From WhiteHouse.gov:

The President will be holding a news conference today at 12:30 in the White House Rose Garden. He will be discussing topics ranging from the energy legislation moving through Congress, to Iran, to health care and the economy. As always, watch it streamed at WhiteHouse.gov/live, or go to our "White House Live" Facebook application where you can watch and discuss it with others.

Open Thread: Rolling Up Your Sleeves

Christopher Hass — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 09:42:45 EDT

President Obama to Sign Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act

Christopher Hass — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 12:50:19 EDT

President Obama will sign an historic bill into law this afternoon, giving the Food and Drug Administration authority to regulate tobacco for the first time. The Huffington Post reported:

The law allows the FDA to reduce nicotine in tobacco products, ban candy flavorings and block labels such "low tar" and "light." Tobacco companies also will be required to cover their cartons with large graphic warnings.

The law won't let the FDA ban nicotine or tobacco outright, but the agency will be able to regulate what goes into tobacco products, make public the ingredients and prohibit marketing campaigns, especially those geared toward children.

Anti-smoking advocates looked forward to the bill after years of attempts to control an industry so fundamental to the U.S. that carved tobacco leaves adorn some parts of the Capitol.

You can watch the signing live from the Rose Garden at WhiteHouse.gov/live, starting at 2:00 PM Eastern.

UPDATED: From the President's remarks at the signing:

The legislation I'm signing today represents change that's been decades in the making. Since at least the middle of the last century, we've known about the harmful and often deadly effects of tobacco products. More than 400,000 Americans now die of tobacco-related illnesses each year, making it the leading cause of preventable death in the United States. More than 8 million Americans suffer from at least one serious illness caused by smoking. And these health problems cost us all more than $100 billion a year.

What's even worse are the effects on our children. One out of every five children in our country are now current smokers by the time they leave high school. Think about that statistic: One out of every five children in our country are now current smokers by the time they leave high school. Each day, 1,000 young people under the age of 18 become new, regular, daily smokers. And almost 90 percent of all smokers began at or before their 18th birthday.

I know -- I was one of these teenagers, and so I know how difficult it can be to break this habit when it's been with you for a long time. And I also know that kids today don't just start smoking for no reason. They're aggressively targeted as customers by the tobacco industry. They're exposed to a constant and insidious barrage of advertising where they live, where they learn, and where they play. Most insidiously, they are offered products with flavorings that mask the taste of tobacco and make it even more tempting.

We've known about this for decades, but despite the best efforts and good progress made by so many leaders and advocates with us today, the tobacco industry and its special interest lobbying have generally won the day up on the Hill. When Henry Waxman first brought tobacco CEOs before Congress in 1994, they famously denied that tobacco was deadly, nicotine was addictive, or that their companies marketed to children. And they spent millions upon millions in lobbying and advertising to fight back every attempt to expose these denials as lies.

Fifteen years later, their campaign has finally failed. Today, thanks to the work of Democrats and Republicans, health care and consumer advocates, the decades-long effort to protect our children from the harmful effects of tobacco has emerged victorious.
...When I ran for President, I did so because I believed that despite the power of the status quo and the influence of special interests, it was possible for us to bring change to Washington.

Read the text of the full remarks . . .

Open Thread: Fatherhood

Christopher Hass — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 19:11:33 EDT

A Father's Day Message from the President

Christopher Hass — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 09:21:42 EDT

Today's issue of PARADE magazine includes a special Father's Day article written by President Obama, reflecting on the importance and responsibility of fatherhood. "On this Father’s Day, I think back to the day I drove Michelle and a newborn Malia home from the hospital nearly 11 years ago," the President writes, "I think about the pledge I made to her that day: that I would give her what I never had—that if I could be anything in life, I would be a good father."

As the father of two young girls who have shown such poise, humor, and patience in the unconventional life into which they have been thrust, I mark this Father’s Day—our first in the White House—with a deep sense of gratitude. One of the greatest benefits of being President is that I now live right above the office. I see my girls off to school nearly every morning and have dinner with them nearly every night. It is a welcome change after so many years out on the campaign trail and commuting between Chicago and Capitol Hill.

But I observe this Father’s Day not just as a father grateful to be present in my daughters’ lives but also as a son who grew up without a father in my own life. My father left my family when I was 2 years old, and I knew him mainly from the letters he wrote and the stories my family told. And while I was lucky to have two wonderful grandparents who poured everything they had into helping my mother raise my sister and me, I still felt the weight of his absence throughout my childhood.

As an adult, working as a community organizer and later as a legislator, I would often walk through the streets of Chicago’s South Side and see boys marked by that same absence—boys without supervision or direction or anyone to help them as they struggled to grow into men. I identified with their frustration and disengagement—with their sense of having been let down.

In many ways, I came to understand the importance of fatherhood through its absence—both in my life and in the lives of others. I came to understand that the hole a man leaves when he abandons his responsibility to his children is one that no government can fill. We can do everything possible to provide good jobs and good schools and safe streets for our kids, but it will never be enough to fully make up the difference.

That is why we need fathers to step up, to realize that their job does not end at conception; that what makes you a man is not the ability to have a child but the courage to raise one.

As fathers, we need to be involved in our children’s lives not just when it’s convenient or easy, and not just when they’re doing well—but when it’s difficult and thankless, and they’re struggling. That is when they need us most.

And it’s not enough to just be physically present. Too often, especially during tough economic times like these, we are emotionally absent: distracted, consumed by what’s happening in our own lives, worried about keeping our jobs and paying our bills, unsure if we’ll be able to give our kids the same opportunities we had.

Our children can tell. They know when we’re not fully there. And that disengagement sends a clear message—whether we mean it or not—about where among our priorities they fall.

So we need to step out of our own heads and tune in. We need to turn off the television and start talking with our kids, and listening to them, and understanding what’s going on in their lives.

We need to set limits and expectations. We need to replace that video game with a book and make sure that homework gets done. We need to say to our daughters, Don’t ever let images on TV tell you what you are worth, because I expect you to dream without limit and reach for your goals. We need to tell our sons, Those songs on the radio may glorify violence, but in our house, we find glory in achievement, self-respect, and hard work.

We need to realize that we are our children’s first and best teachers. When we are selfish or inconsiderate, when we mistreat our wives or girlfriends, when we cut corners or fail to control our tempers, our children learn from that—and it’s no surprise when we see those behaviors in our schools or on our streets.

But it also works the other way around. When we work hard, treat others with respect, spend within our means, and contribute to our communities, those are the lessons our children learn. And that is what so many fathers are doing every day—coaching soccer and Little League, going to those school assemblies and parent-teacher conferences, scrimping and saving and working that extra shift so their kids can go to college. They are fulfilling their most fundamental duty as fathers: to show their children, by example, the kind of people they want them to become.

It is rarely easy. There are plenty of days of struggle and heartache when, despite our best efforts, we fail to live up to our responsibilities. I know I have been an imperfect father. I know I have made mistakes. I have lost count of all the times, over the years, when the demands of work have taken me from the duties of fatherhood. There were many days out on the campaign trail when I felt like my family was a million miles away, and I knew I was missing moments of my daughters’ lives that I’d never get back. It is a loss I will never fully accept.

But on this Father’s Day, I think back to the day I drove Michelle and a newborn Malia home from the hospital nearly 11 years ago—crawling along, miles under the speed limit, feeling the weight of my daughter’s future resting in my hands. I think about the pledge I made to her that day: that I would give her what I never had—that if I could be anything in life, I would be a good father. I knew that day that my own life wouldn’t count for much unless she had every opportunity in hers. And I knew I had an obligation, as we all do, to help create those opportunities and leave a better world for her and all our children.

On this Father’s Day, I am recommitting myself to that work, to those duties that all parents share: to build a foundation for our children’s dreams, to give them the love and support they need to fulfill them, and to stick with them the whole way through, no matter what doubts we may feel or difficulties we may face. That is my prayer for all of us on this Father’s Day, and that is my hope for this nation in the months and years ahead. -- President Barack Obama

PARADE magazine also featured a special behind the scenes look on how today's article from the President came about.

The President's Weekly Address

Christopher Hass — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 09:14:07 EDT

On the Ground: Nebraska

Christopher Hass — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 20:28:03 EDT

From OFA Nebraska State Director Timothy Anderson:

The fight to fix our broken health care system is heating up... Our opponents have beaten back reform in the past, and they're ready again with seasoned lobbyists and big-money donors. But we've shown them before what our movement is capable of.

This weekend, we will show them again. Nebraskans will take our message door-to-door in canvasses all across the state -- from Omaha to Kearney, Lincoln to Scottsbluff -- asking their neighbors to sign on in support of the President's principles for health care reform.

... When regular folks get together, and organize door-by-door, block-by-block, and neighborhood-by-neighborhood, we can build a movement from coast-to-coast. It's how we won a historic election -- and how we'll bring real change to America.

We'll have more coverage from the Nebraska health care canvasses tomorrow. If you're on the ground in Nebraska, be sure to report back in the comments or email your photos and stories to blog@barackobama.com

LIVE: A Town Hall Conversation on Fatherhood

Christopher Hass — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 14:42:48 EDT

President Obama is scheduled to participate in a conversation on fatherhood today in the East Room, starting at 2:45 PM Eastern. The President will be joined by five fathers from a diversity of backgrounds who will be discussing their personal stories and commitment to fatherhood and personal responsibility. The session will also include questions from the audience.

You can watch the event live at WhiteHouse.gov/live.

Open Thread: Serve.gov

Christopher Hass — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 09:41:10 EDT

Take part in the OFA National Health Care Day of Service on June 27th.

Message from David Plouffe: "100,000"

Christopher Hass — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 17:01:01 EDT

This morning, David Plouffe sent out an email in response to President Obama's message to supporters:

We've seen a tremendous response to President Obama's email this week and, as of today, an important milestone is within reach -- 100,000 donors to OFA's health care campaign.

Many are new supporters who did not donate to last year's campaign but know how critical it is to end the broken status quo on health care.

Reaching 100,000 donors will send an unmistakable signal to the opponents of reform: the movement you built is prepared to knock on as many doors, call as many neighbors, and sacrifice as much time and energy as necessary to make health care reform a reality.

Will you donate $25 or more today and put us over the top?

Thank you,

David Plouffe

LIVE: White House Health Reform Chat at 2:30 PM Eastern

Christopher Hass — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 12:37:08 EDT

Today, Nancy-Ann DeParle, Director of the White House Office of Health Reform, and Michael Hash, Senior Adviser in the Office of Health Reform, will be hosting a meeting with physicians to discuss the importance of health reform this year. The meeting is another in a series of White House Stakeholder Discussions, and the physicians will discuss how prevention and wellness initiatives can keep Americans healthy, help prevent disease and illness, and lower health care costs.

For this meeting, the White House is trying out a new online chat feature that will allow you to watch the event live and ask questions through Facebook or the White House website. You can participate in the chat and watch the discussion at http://apps.facebook.com/whitehouselive, or www.whitehouse.gov/live.

The discussion with physicians and our online chat will begin today at 2:30 PM Eastern.

President Obama Issues Memorandum on Federal Benefits and Non-Discrimination for Same-Sex Parnters: "This is just a start"

Christopher Hass — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 20:22:19 EDT

President Obama just concluded signing a Presidential Memorandum directing the Secretary of State and the Director of the Office of Personnel Management to extend benefits to the same-sex partners of Federal employees, where doing so can be achieved consistent with Federal law. The President also added:

This Presidential Memorandum is just a start. Unfortunately, my Administration is not authorized by existing Federal law to provide same-sex couples with the full range of benefits enjoyed by heterosexual married couples. That's why I stand by my long-standing commitment to work with Congress to repeal the so-called Defense of Marriage Act. It's discriminatory, it interferes with States' rights, and it's time we overturned it.

Here's the full text of the President's statement:

In 2007, Michael Guest, the first openly gay Ambassador confirmed by the United States Senate, resigned from the Foreign Service. He loved his career, but he had to leave it in the end -- because he believed that the country he served was failing to implement the principles of equality it espoused abroad. His partner was ineligible for training provided to Ambassadorial spouses; he bore the costs of his partner's transportation to his placements abroad; and his partner did not receive the overseas benefits and allowances given to spouses of Ambassadors.

It is too late to prevent Ambassador Guest from having to make the choice he made, but today I am proud to issue a Presidential Memorandum that will go a long way toward achieving equality for many of the hard-working, dedicated, and patriotic LGBT Americans serving in our Federal Government -- Americans like Ambassador Guest. In consultation with Secretary Clinton, who in her role as Secretary of State oversees our foreign service employees, and Office of Personnel Management Director John Berry, who oversees human resource management for our civil service employees, my Administration has identified a number of areas in which greater equality can be achieved under existing law by extending to the same-sex partners of Federal employees many of the same benefits already available to the spouses of heterosexual Federal employees. I am therefore requesting the Secretary of State and the Director of the Office of Personnel Management to extend the benefits they have identified to the same-sex partners of Federal employees where doing so can be achieved consistent with Federal law. I am also requesting the heads of all other executive departments and agencies to conduct a review of the benefits they administer to determine which may legally be extended to same-sex partners.

But this Presidential Memorandum is just a start. Unfortunately, my Administration is not authorized by existing Federal law to provide same-sex couples with the full range of benefits enjoyed by heterosexual married couples. That's why I stand by my long-standing commitment to work with Congress to repeal the so-called Defense of Marriage Act. It's discriminatory, it interferes with States' rights, and it's time we overturned it.

I am also proud to announce my support for an important piece of legislation introduced in both Houses of Congress last month -- the Domestic Partners Benefits and Obligations Act of 2009. This legislation will extend to the same-sex partners of Federal employees the same benefits already enjoyed by the opposite-sex spouses of Federal employees. The legislation has a number of co-sponsors in both Houses of Congress, but among those many sponsors, I want to recognize one in particular -- Representative Tammy Baldwin, who has been a real leader on this issue, and more broadly on the LGBT struggle for equality. Representative Baldwin, I look forward to working with you to achieve the important objectives set out in this bill as it moves through the legislative process. I also look forward to working with the bill's Senate champions, Senators Lieberman and Collins; I know that they will approach this process with the same spirit of cooperation in pursuit of our shared goals that they bring to all of their work in the Senate.

Extending equal benefits to the same-sex partners of Federal employees is the right thing to do. It is also sound economic policy. Many top employers in the private sector already offer benefits to the same-sex partners of their employees; those companies recognize that offering partner benefits helps them compete for and retain the brightest and most talented employees. The Federal Government is at a disadvantage on that score right now, and change is long overdue.

As Americans, we are all affected when our promises of equality go unfulfilled. Through measures like the Presidential Memorandum I am issuing today and the Domestic Partners Benefits and Obligations Act of 2009, we will advance the principles upon which our Nation was founded and continue to perfect our Union.

The President's Plan for Financial Regulatory Reform: "A careful balance"

Christopher Hass — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 18:05:10 EDT

Today President Obama announced the details of a proposed plan to reform the financial regulatory system, the culmination of a months-long process that included the President, his economic team, experienced regulators, and leaders in Congress. In his remarks, the President explained:

It is an indisputable fact that one of the most significant contributors to our economic downturn was a unraveling of major financial institutions and the lack of adequate regulatory structures to prevent abuse and excess. A culture of irresponsibility took root from Wall Street to Washington to Main Street. And a regulatory regime basically crafted in the wake of a 20th century economic crisis -- the Great Depression -- was overwhelmed by the speed, scope, and sophistication of a 21st century global economy.
...Now, we all know the result: the bursting of a debt-based bubble; the failure of several of the world's largest financial institutions; the sudden decline in available credit; the deterioration of the economy; the unprecedented intervention of the federal government to stabilize the financial markets and prevent a wider collapse; and most importantly, the terrible pain in the lives of ordinary Americans. And there are retirees who've lost much of their life savings, families devastated by job losses, small businesses forced to shut their doors.

Millions of Americans who've worked hard and behaved responsibly have seen their life dreams eroded by the irresponsibility of others and by the failure of their government to provide adequate oversight. Our entire economy has been undermined by that failure.

So the question is, what do we do now? We did not choose how this crisis began, but we do have a choice in the legacy this crisis leaves behind. So today, my administration is proposing a sweeping overhaul of the financial regulatory system, a transformation on a scale not seen since the reforms that followed the Great Depression.

...In these efforts, we seek a careful balance. I've always been a strong believer in the power of the free market. It has been and will remain the engine of America's progress -- the source of prosperity that's unrivaled in history. I believe that jobs are best created not by government, but by businesses and entrepreneurs who are willing to take a risk on a good idea. I believe that our role is not to disparage wealth, but to expand its reach; not to stifle the market, but to strengthen its ability to unleash the creativity and innovation that still make this nation the envy of the world.

That's our goal -- to restore markets in which we reward hard work and responsibility and innovation, not recklessness and greed; in which honest, vigorous competition is the system -- in the system is prized, and those who game the system are thwarted.

Some of the specifics outlined by the President in his proposal today included:

• Providing clear accountability in financial oversight and supervision. Financial institutions that are critical to market functioning should be subject to strong oversight. No financial firm that poses a significant risk to the financial system should be unregulated or regulated only weakly.

• Establishing comprehensive supervision of financial markets. Our major financial markets must be strong enough to withstand both system-wide stress and the failure of one or more large institutions.

• Protecting consumers and investors from financial abuse. To rebuild trust in our markets, we need strong and consistent regulation and supervision of consumer financial services and investment markets. We should base this oversight not on speculation or abstract models, but on actual data about how people make financial decisions. We must promote transparency, simplicity, fairness, accountability, and access.

• Providing the government with the tools it needs to manage financial crises. We need to be sure the government has the tools it needs to manage crises, if and when they arise, so that we are not left with untenable choices between bailouts and financial collapse.

Read the President's full remarks . . .

President Obama to Announce Plan for Comprehensive Financial Regulatory Reform

Christopher Hass — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 11:59:52 EDT

This afternoon, President Obama will lay out a comprehensive regulatory reform plan to modernize and protect the integrity of our financial system. While the current financial crisis has had many causes, it is clear that the government could have done more to prevent these problems from growing out of control and threatening our overall economy.

The President is scheduled to deliver remarks at 12:50 PM Eastern, and will be joined by Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner, representatives from the regulatory community, consumer groups, the financial industry and members of Congress. We'll have more coverage of the announcement later in the day.

Open Thread

Christopher Hass — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 21:17:37 EDT

PHOTO: President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden meet in the Oval Office Wednesday, June 10, 2009 with (from left) Senate Finance Committee Chairman Sen. Max Baucus, (D-Mont.) Sen. Michael Enzi, (R-Wyo.) the ranking member on the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, Sen. Charles Grassley, (R-Iowa) the ranking member of the Senate Finance Committee, and Sen. Chris Dodd, (D-Conn.), the senior member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions to discuss health care reform.

Message from the President: "This is why"

Christopher Hass — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 12:47:17 EDT

This morning, President Obama sent the following email to supporters:

Last year, millions of Americans came together for a great purpose.

Folks like you assembled a grassroots movement that shocked the political establishment and changed the course of our nation. When Washington insiders counted us out, we put it all on the line and changed our democracy from the bottom up. But that's not why we did it.

The pundits told us it was impossible -- that the donations working people could afford and the hours volunteers could give would never loosen the vise grip of big money and powerful special interests. We proved them wrong. But as important as that was, that's not why we did it.

Today, spiraling health care costs are pushing our families and businesses to the brink of ruin, while millions of Americans go without the care they desperately need. Fixing this broken system will be enormously difficult. But we can succeed. The chance to make fundamental change like this in people's daily lives -- that is why we did it.

The campaign to pass real health care reform in 2009 is the biggest test of our movement since the election. Once again, victory is far from certain. Our opposition will be fierce, and they have been down this road before. To prevail, we must once more build a coast-to-coast operation ready to knock on doors, deploy volunteers, get out the facts, and show the world how real change happens in America.

And just like before, I cannot do it without your support.

So I'm asking you to remember all that you gave over the last two years to get us here -- all the time, resources, and faith you invested as a down payment to earn us our place at this crossroads in history. All that you've done has led up to this -- and whether or not our country takes the next crucial step depends on what you do right now.

Will you donate whatever you can afford to support the campaign for real health care reform in 2009?

It doesn't matter how much you can give, as long as you give what you can. Millions of families on the brink are counting on us to do just that. I know we can deliver.

Thank you, so much, for getting us this far. And thank you for standing up once again to take us the rest of the way.

Sincerely,

President Barack Obama

Creigh Deeds for Virginia

Christopher Hass — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 09:07:48 EDT

Yesterday, President Obama sent out an email congratulating Creigh Deeds on his victory in the Democratic primary for Governor of Virginia:

Last Tuesday, Creigh Deeds won the Democratic primary for Governor of Virginia. In a hard-fought race, Creigh ran a terrific campaign and beat two fierce competitors by winning votes in every corner of the Commonwealth.

I know a thing or two about tough primaries, and I know a thing or two about running tough races in Virginia. Creigh Deeds' victory once again shows the power of people at the grassroots to win elections and bring about lasting change -- and he will be a better candidate this fall because of his hard work to win the nomination.

Creigh has been a dedicated public servant his entire life. As a county prosecutor and state legislator, he's been a strong advocate for economic development, high-quality education, and affordable health care -- and he's gone to great lengths to protect the environment and institute smart public transportation.

Now he needs your help to make sure Democrats retain the Virginia governorship. Please visit his website and get involved today.

Creigh has an ability to bring people together, build consensus and deliver results. He will bring the same bipartisan, pragmatic approach to politics that former Governor and now Senator Mark Warner and my friend Governor Tim Kaine used to help Virginia move forward over the past eight years.

I know that approach works because I've spent some time in your great Commonwealth. In my experience, Democratic candidates with a pragmatic approach to solving problems can be successful. That's the approach my campaign took last November to put Virginia in the Democratic column for the first time since 1964. And that's how Creigh Deeds will win this fall.

Learn more about Creigh, and get involved today:

http://www.deedsforvirginia.com

I look forward to working with Creigh to keep the Commonwealth strong and to bring about the economic recovery and renewed prosperity Virginians demand and deserve.

Sincerely,

President Barack Obama

President Obama at the American Medical Association: "The cost of inaction is greater"

Christopher Hass — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 19:29:43 EDT

President Obama spoke to a crowd of over 2,200 medical professionals at the American Medical Association's annual meeting in Chicago today. The President reiterated that health care reform that brings down costs can't wait another year or another administration:

When it comes to the cost of our health care, then, the status quo is unsustainable. Reform is not a luxury, but a necessity. I know there has been much discussion about what reform would cost, and rightly so. This is a test of whether we – Democrats and Republicans alike – are serious about holding the line on new spending and restoring fiscal discipline.

But let there be no doubt – the cost of inaction is greater. If we fail to act, premiums will climb higher, benefits will erode further, and the rolls of uninsured will swell to include millions more Americans.

If we fail to act, one out of every five dollars we earn will be spent on health care within a decade. In thirty years, it will be about one out of every three – a trend that will mean lost jobs, lower take-home pay, shuttered businesses, and a lower standard of living for all Americans.

During his speech, President Obama reiterated the core promise and principle of the reform effort -- that people who like their health care can keep it, and that the President wants a plan that fixes what’s broken with our system and builds on what works.

The first thing we need to do is protect what’s working in our health care system. Let me repeat – if you like your health care, the only thing reform will mean is your health care will cost less. If anyone says otherwise, they are either trying to mislead you or don’t have their facts straight.

If you don’t like your health coverage or don’t have any insurance, you will have a chance to take part in what we’re calling a Health Insurance Exchange. This Exchange will allow you to one-stop shop for a health care plan, compare benefits and prices, and choose a plan that’s best for you and your family – just as federal employees can do, from a postal worker to a Member of Congress. You will have your choice of a number of plans that offer a few different packages, but every plan would offer an affordable, basic package. And one of these options needs to be a public option that will give people a broader range of choices and inject competition into the health care market so that force waste out of the system and keep the insurance companies honest.

Read the President's full remarks . . .

LIVE: President's Remarks at the AMA Annual Conference

Christopher Hass — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 12:05:29 EDT

President Obama is scheduled to deliver remarks on health care reform at the annual meeting of the American Medical Association at the Hyatt Regency Chicago today, starting at 12:15 Eastern. You can listen to iive audio from the event at WhiteHouse.gov/live.

UPDATED: The event is over, but we'll have more coverage of the President's speech later in the day.

Video: President Obama's Health Care Town Hall in Green Bay

Christopher Hass — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 07:53:45 EDT

In case you missed it, here's the full video of the President's Health Care Town Hall, held last Thursday in Green Bay, Wisconsin:

National Health Care Day of Service

Christopher Hass — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 12:03:53 EDT

From OFA Director Mitch Stewart:

We're working hard together to help pass real health care reform by the end of the year. We also know that for so many people in our communities, America's broken health care system is a daily crisis -- but there are ways that we can help right now.

So we're organizing a National Health Care Day of Service. On Saturday, June 27th, in thousands of communities across the country, Organizing for America volunteers will roll up our sleeves, raise awareness about the urgent need for reform, and do what we can to improve vital health care services for people in need. Join us!

Learn more and sign up to organize or participate in a National Health Care Day of Service event near you.
The individual projects will differ from area to area, depending on what's needed most.

Some groups will organize blood drives to boost local supplies and save lives. Others will volunteer at local clinics that provide free or discount services to those in need.

In some areas, we'll be helping low-income parents get information about how to enroll their children in their state's Children's Health Insurance Program. And some of us will run healthy food drives to promote health awareness and fight hunger in our communities.

You don't need to be an expert to help out. No matter which way you serve, you'll be connecting with like-minded supporters in your area, helping those who might otherwise fall through the cracks of the current system, and at the same time building awareness and support for the comprehensive health care reform our country so desperately needs.

And you'll be doing it all in your own community, helping out those near you who need it the most.

Please sign up today.

Organizing for America was launched after last year's campaign to pursue the same ultimate goal: improving the lives of our fellow Americans. That's what motivates our work together to help pass comprehensive health care reform, and it's why we're working together on the 27th to serve those in need. I hope you can join in.

Thank you for your service,

Mitch

Mitch Stewart
Director
Organizing for America

P.S. -- Have an idea for how to address the health care needs in your community? Sign up to organize an event on the 27th, and we'll help connect you with other supporters in your area so you can make it happen.

Weekly Address: Health Care Reform and the Key to Our Fiscal Future

Christopher Hass — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 11:13:57 EDT

Guest Post: My Health Care Story, by Kristine Reger

Christopher Hass — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 17:48:08 EDT

Yesterday, the Democrats.org blog featured an excerpt from a story we received from Kristine Reger, a life-long Wisconsinite and mother of three who attended President Obama’s Health Care Town Hall in Green Bay. Today, we asked Kristine to write a guest post to share her full story:

Hi everyone. I submitted my health care story to Organizing for America online, and they’ve asked me to write a guest blog about my experience. Here's what I can tell you:

Though I'm a lifelong Democrat, my husband and I raised our three kids in a mostly Republican suburb. For years and years, I kind of rolled over and skirted political conversations with my friends and neighbors. I didn’t want to engage in debate.

Then last fall, after more than 20 years, I finally decided to have the courage of my convictions. Barack Obama inspired me to get involved. I wasn’t happy with the direction of our country and I thought to myself: enough is enough. I spent lots of time researching the issues and learning about then-Senator Obama’s positions. Eventually, I figured out that I could make a real difference in my own network of family and friends by reaching out to people through email and responding to all the emails going around that I knew weren’t true. You know what I learned? My friends are still my friends. People have started coming to me to understand what’s going on; they rely on me to tell them the truth.

Since the election, President Obama has inspired me to stay involved. I think he’s so sensible and so right on so many of the issues I care about. I woke up at 5am yesterday to attend the Health Care Town Hall in Green Bay. It was fascinating – great questions, so much excitement and not an inch of space in the room.

Unfortunately my health care story is not unique, it’s typical. My husband and his business partner run a small machine shop their fathers’ founded in the 1950s. They’ve always provided their employees with single and family coverage, but as premiums have become more expensive, they’ve been forced to modify the kind of coverage they provide. Between this year and last, costs have increased 8 percent. In order to continue to provide health insurance, they’ve had to switch to a high deducible plan. Last year, they paid $132,000 in health care costs for a plan with a $2,500 deductible. Those costs are cutting into their profits and eating into our family income. Truth be told, the policy isn’t all bad – there are actually some great things about it. For example, all our preventative care, including physicals, mammograms and colonoscopies, are covered regardless of whether or not we’ve reached our deductible. That focus on preventative care is great - its something a reform plan should build on. But when you add up all the costs of our plan, we have to spend an awful lot to receive any of the benefits.

It’s true that we’re in the midst of a terrible recession. But I don't think maintaining the status quo when it comes to health care is an option. I keep thinking if small businesses like my husband’s are the life blood of our economy, how will it ever bounce back when small business owners can’t eek out a profit because health care costs are so high?

Everyone I know cares about this issue – my Republican friends care just as much as my Democratic ones. We’re all living with the consequences of a broken system. Though we might not all agree on the exact solution, we all agree something has to be done. If people see a part of themselves in my story, and are inspired to get involved, then maybe we’ll be able to make the people in Washington pay attention to us and get something done.

Kristine Reger is a life-long Wisconsinite and mother of three. She worked as a high school English teacher before staying at home to raise her children for 19 years. She is currently a self-employed travel agent. Kristine attended President Obama’s Health Care Town Hall in Green Bay, WI on Thursday.

President Obama on Health Care Reform: "We fix what’s broken and build on what works"

Christopher Hass — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 14:11:21 EDT

Read the President's opening remarks . . .