TX HQ Blog

Back in Texas

Christopher Hass — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 10:19:36 EDT

From Luke Hayes, the new Texas State Director for Organizing for America:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sign up now to attend a Listening Tour event.

I look forward to seeing you,

Luke

Luke Hayes
Texas State Director
Organizing for America

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

The President's Weekly Address: "Gearing up for a fight"

Christopher Hass — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 14:20:50 EST

On Thursday President Obama delivered his budget outline to Congress, a document that represents the ideas he campaigned on and millions of supporters fought for. "Because it represents real and dramatic change," the President explained, "it also represents a threat to the status quo in Washington." He acknowledged the fight ahead to bring this budget plan from outline to final legislation, but he also sent a clear message:

Two years ago, we set out on a journey to change the way that Washington works.

We sought a government that served not the interests of powerful lobbyists or the wealthiest few, but the middle-class Americans I met every day in every community along the campaign trail – responsible men and women who are working harder than ever, worrying about their jobs, and struggling to raise their families. In so many town halls and backyards, they spoke of their hopes for a government that finally confronts the challenges that their families face every day; a government that treats their tax dollars as responsibly as they treat their own hard-earned paychecks.

That is the change I promised as a candidate for president. It is the change the American people voted for in November. And it is the change represented by the budget I sent to Congress this week.
... I realize that passing this budget won’t be easy. Because it represents real and dramatic change, it also represents a threat to the status quo in Washington. I know that the insurance industry won’t like the idea that they’ll have to bid competitively to continue offering Medicare coverage, but that’s how we’ll help preserve and protect Medicare and lower health care costs for American families. I know that banks and big student lenders won’t like the idea that we’re ending their huge taxpayer subsidies, but that’s how we’ll save taxpayers nearly $50 billion and make college more affordable. I know that oil and gas companies won’t like us ending nearly $30 billion in tax breaks, but that’s how we’ll help fund a renewable energy economy that will create new jobs and new industries.
In other words, I know these steps won’t sit well with the special interests and lobbyists who are invested in the old way of doing business, and I know they’re gearing up for a fight as we speak. My message to them is this:

So am I.

The system we have now might work for the powerful and well-connected interests that have run Washington for far too long, but I don’t. I work for the American people. I didn’t come here to do the same thing we’ve been doing or to take small steps forward, I came to provide the sweeping change that this country demanded when it went to the polls in November. That is the change this budget starts to make, and that is the change I’ll be fighting for in the weeks ahead – change that will grow our economy, expand our middle-class, and keep the American Dream alive for all those men and women who have believed in this journey from the day it began.

Read the full text of the President's address . . .

Organizing for America

Christopher Hass — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 16:28:49 EST

In case you missed it, last Saturday then-President-elect Obama announced the next step for the unprecedented grassroots movement that grew out of this campaign: Organizing for America.

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

Christopher Hass — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 19:04:44 EST

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks,

David

David Plouffe
Campaign Manager
Obama for America

Thank You, Texas

Christopher Hass — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 18:07:41 EST

Video: Election Night Speech in Grant Park

Christopher Hass — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 11:06:36 EST

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

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

Texas: Polls Open 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Kevin Flynn — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 08:23:22 EST

In Texas, polls are open today from 7:00 AM until 7:00 PM local time. Anyone who is in line by 7:00 PM will be allowed to vote. You can find your polling location now.

For additional information or for any issues you may have with voting visit our Voter Information Center or call 1-877-US-4-OBAMA (877-874-6226). Answers to some of the most common voting questions are below:

Do I need to bring ID with me when I go vote?

You are required to show your voter registration certificate in order to cast your vote. If you have lost or misplaced your certificate, you must show another form of identification. Acceptable forms of identification include:

A driver’s license or personal identification card issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety
A similar document issued to you by an agency of another state, regardless of whether the license or card has expired
A form of identification containing a photograph that establishes the person's identity
A birth certificate
U.S. citizenship papers
U.S. passport
Official mail addressed to you from a government agency
A copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or other government document that shows your name and address
Any other form of identification presented by the secretary of state’s office

You may be required to show identification in addition to your voter registration certificate if you have not been issued a Texas driver’s license or personal ID number or a social security number or the information provided on your registration could not be verified.

What time will the polls be open on November 4?

7:00 am–7:00 pm

What about voters with disabilities?

Voters with a physical disability that renders the voter unable to write or see, or unable to understand the language in which ballot is written, are entitled to assistance in voting under Texas election law. Such a voter may receive assistance from either (a) two election officers of different political parties unless this is impossible or (b) someone other than that voter’s employer, employer’s agent, or officer or agent of labor union.

In a case where the individual assisting the voter is a non-election officer, the provider of assistance must swear an oath.

In either case, the assistance provided to the voter may only consist of reading the ballot, directing the voter to read the ballot, marking the ballot, and/or directing voter to mark the ballot.

Time to GOTV - Find a place to help make change

Kevin Flynn — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 13:39:25 EDT

We've reached the most important days of this entire campaign.

All of the voters we've registered, phone calls we've made, doors we've knocked on, friends and neighbors we spread the word to over the course of this campaign have brought us to where we are today: making Barack Obama very compettive in the race for the presidency of the United States.

Now we have to make sure all of that time and effort doesn't go to waste. It's time to once again take change into our own hands and get out the vote (GOTV).

As Barack explained in Nevada this morning:

Don’t believe for a second this election is over. Don’t think for a minute that power concedes. We have to work like our future depends on it in these last few days, because it does.

Join millions of Americans all over the country by volunteering in the last four days of this campaign. Everything we have worked for over the past 20 months will come down to what we do -- or don't do -- to help get out the vote.

Miss Laura from the DailyKos offered these words of wisdom from a veteran volunteer:

Before you hit your first door, or dial your first number...think about why you're doing it. Maybe it's your loved one in Iraq. Maybe it's wanting a Supreme Court that will preserve your right to control your own body. Maybe it's the healthcare you need and can't afford.
Take a piece of paper and a pen and write your reason down. Keep it in your pocket, and if you have a hard conversation or string of them, take that piece of paper out of your pocket and read it. Remind yourself that this is not an empty chore, it's a way to something really, really important. Carry that knowledge with you to each door or each dial.

So what can you do? Find a volunteer event near you and sign up to help between now and Election Day.

Texas Call Team Continues Phonebanking Challenge for GOTV

Kevin Flynn — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 17:03:58 EDT

In the final days of this historic campaign, the Texas Call Team has set a new goal of making 20,000 calls into battleground states between now and Election Day to help get out the vote (GOTV).

If you haven't started making calls yet, it's not too late. It only takes a minute to find a phonebanking event near you or to get started calling from home. You'll be provided with lists of targeted voters and a call script.

We only have a few days left to contact millions of voters. We've been gearing up for this moment for a long time, and now it's here. What we do in these next few days will make the difference.

Tennessee Call Team continues Phone Challenge for GOTV

Kevin Flynn — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 17:11:01 EDT

In the final days of this historic campaign, the Tennessee Call Team has set a new goal of making 3,500 calls into battleground states between now and election day.

We only have a few days left to contact millions of voters. We've been gearing up for this moment for a long time, and now it's here. What we do in these next few days will make the difference.

Join Fellow Texans on a Bus Trip to a Battleground State

Kevin Flynn — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 14:17:38 EDT

This weekend, Texans from all over the state will be coming together to board campaign buses and head into battleground states like New Mexico and Ohio to work for victory and help bring change to all of America. All travel and lodging expenses will be provided.

With only 7 days until Election Day, November 4th, Texans have one last chance to make a big difference and help change Washington.

This weekend, Texans from all over the state will be coming together to board campaign buses and head into battleground states like New Mexico and Ohio -- not just to reach out to swing voters and get folks to the polls, but to help bring change to all of America.

This nationwide grassroots movement for change was founded on the simple premise that we all have a stake in each other, and we can solve our common problems by working together.

Sign up now to join your fellow Texans on a bus trip to a crucial battleground state.

Barack is using his closing argument to remind voters about his plan for restoring our middle class and bringing change, but John McCain is continuing the same false, desperate attacks he's used for months.

This election will come down to the wire, and we can't afford to wake up on November 5th wishing we'd done more. The stakes are just too high.

And the face-to-face contact that Texas supporters can make with voters could tip a crucial battleground for Barack.

No experience is required to make a difference. Campaign for Change staff in a battleground state will welcome you with everything you need to succeed.

Just pack some warm clothes and join your fellow Texans in connecting with voters in New Mexico or Ohio.

Thanks for your support,

Juan

Juan Sepulveda
Texas State Director
Obama for America

P.S. -- Can't make it for the bus trip? You can still make a significant impact from here in Texas by joining your neighbors at a Last Call for Change phonebank or making calls from home using our online calls tool.

Look up a phonebank or get started from home now.

Tonight: Last Call for Change

Amanda Scott — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 14:02:24 EDT

If you live in a non-battleground state you can play an important role in deciding this election in key battleground states. Especially tonight.

The campaign will be airing a 30-minute special tonight called Barack Obama: American Promises from 8-8:30pm EDT.

Tonight supporters are gathering at Last Call for Change phonebanks across the country, calling voters in swing states to tell them where their polling location is.

There are only 6 days left to bring the change we need.

Barack is counting on your incredibly important phone calls. You can make sure Obama supporters know where to vote on Tuesday. Their polling location may have changed, or they may have never voted before.

No experience is required. You'll have a script to work from, and our staff will help you every step of the way.

Get together with fellow supporters in your community and attend a Last Call for Change phonebank near you tonight.

Texas Call Team - 8,659 Calls to Go

Kevin Flynn — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 14:10:13 EDT

Last week the Texas Call Team set a goal of making 20,000 calls into Missouri by October 30th. As of today at 9:30 AM CDT, 11,341 calls have been logged, putting us a little off course to meet the original target, showing the importance of the remaining days.

As Barack explained in Canton, Ohio yesterday:

Don't believe for a second this election is over.
Don't think for a minute that power concedes.
We have a lot of work to do.
We have to work like our future depends on it, in this last week, because it does depend on it this week.

If you haven't started yet, it's not too late. The Neighbor to Neighbor phonebanking tool allows anyone to get involved without any previous experience. It just takes a few minutes to set up and get started calling. You'll be provided with lists of voters and a call script. Watch this instructional video on how to use the make calls from home , or you can join an organized event and enjoy the company of other supporters.

You can also sign up to attened a Last Call for Change house party tomorrow, October 29. Invite everyone you know to watch Barack's 30-minute presentation and make important phone calls to voters in key battleground states. Click here for more details.

Sign up now: Last Call for Change

Abby from Austin, TX — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 17:56:48 EDT

This weekend and next, Obama supporters in your community are coming together to call voters in key battleground states.

You can make a big difference in states where the race is neck-and-neck by sharing crucial information about Sen. Obama and Sen. Biden.

Time is running out to make direct personal contact with potential supporters, especially since early voting is underway in many of these states. As the McCain campaign tries to smear Barack's character and distract voters from the issues that matter, your phone calls are more important than ever.

Sign up to join a Last Call for Change event near you.

Many people tell us they "can't" make calls. We'd like to share a story about limits and how you can exceed them if you try.

Diane stood out among all of our attendees in a training session in Austin. Diane is legally blind, but she hasn't let that stop her from taking on new challenges. We sent materials in advance to her for review, and she was well-prepared when she arrived. The reason she is so remarkable, though, is how she handled the "maze game".

Part of the training is an experiential. We have a 10' x 10' grid on the floor, outlined in chalk. There are no markings in the boxes, and the teams are given instructions but have to play without talking. There is only one route across the squares. When they hit an incorrect square, we make a sound. It's pretty difficult to do without visual signs and without being able to take notes or talk to your teammates.

One of our team leaders had asked explained the game to Diane on Sat. afternoon and asked her if she thought she could play with a replica on posterboard. She was willing to try. Our team leader created the board that night. It was amazing to watch her try to grasp the 'game' - it's difficult enough being sighted. At one point, she said, "I give up, I quit!"

The team leader suggested that she guide Diane's hand to the squares that were "good". By the time both teams were done, she had completed it herself without any help and was able to do it in front of the group. Everyone was so thrilled for her success. It was a definite testament to Barack Obama's mantra of "Respect, Empower and Include". Diane said she could not express her gratitude for being so included. She said she felt a genuine love for us because of the experience.

If Diane can work through a complicated maze without seeing it and have it be an incredibly positive experience, imagine how great you'll feel when you make phone calls to voters in swing states to help them get out to vote for Sen. Obama.

No experience is required, but please bring your cell phone. Staff will give you everything else you need to succeed.

Attend a Last Call for Change event near you.

Sunday: Join in a Conference Call with Campaign Staffers

Kevin Flynn — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 00:19:38 EDT

This Sunday, October 26th, at 6:30pm CDT, Texas supporters are encouraged to join an official conference call with campaign staffers to learn more about Neighbor to Neighbor and how they can make a huge impact for Barack in this historic election.

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

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

Here are the details:

Phone Number: 718-709-0655
Access Code: 144-389-508

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

http://my.barackobama.com/webinar24

I hope you can join us!

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

Texas Call Team - Friday Night Progress Report

Kevin Flynn — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 23:43:07 EDT

The Texas Call Team has set a goal of making 20,000 calls into Missouri this week between October 23rd and the 30th, and tonight we have a progress report. As of this writing on October 24 at 10:30 PM CDT, 2300 calls have been logged, putting us close to being on course to meet the target. Altogether over 153,000 calls have been made by this team of dedicated grassroots supporters from every corner of the state.

The most important thing to remember now is to not let-up. The past 20 months of hard work by millions of Americans comes down to these last few crucial days. The goal is 20,000 calls, and Texas should strive to shatter that goal to show that this election is too important to leave to chance.

If you haven't started yet, it's not too late. The Neighbor to Neighbor phonebanking tool allows anyone to get involved without any previous experience. It just takes a few minutes to set up and get started calling. You'll be provided with lists of voters and a call script. Watch this instructional video on how to use the make calls from home, or you can join an organized event and enjoy the company of other supporters.

You can also Host a Last Call for Change house party next Wednesday, October 29. Invite everyone you know to watch Barack's 30-minute presentation and make important phone calls to voters in key battleground states. Click here for more details.

Roadtrip to Change - Texas heads to New Mexico

Abby from Austin, TX — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 11:26:17 EDT

Below is a wrap-up of the recent Texas Roadtrip to Change to New Mexico, where you can learn more about the experiences of those traveled to New Mexico to canvass for the Obama campaign. The Texas team is prepping to go to Ohio next. The trip leaves October 24 to work through Election Day, turning out Democrats and persuading undecideds in Ohio to vote for Sen. Obama. You could be one of those who makes a new friend in your seatmate on the bus, who convinces a first-time voter or a long-time Republican or a family to vote for Obama/Biden.

Click here to sign up to Get in the Van to Get Out the Vote!

After a big send-off in Austin by State Director Juan Sepulveda and State Field Director JD Gins, over 90 Texans got on charter buses and spent 14 hours riding to Albuquerque, New Mexico.

The New Mexico staff greeted them at 8am on Saturday with handmade nametags and homemade omelets. One of the New Mexico volunteers even burst into tears as the bus pulled in. The Texans canvassed from 10am until 7pm on Saturday in a western neighborhood of Albuquerque, using their Texan charm to persuade potential voters. In combination with New Mexico volunteers, they nearly doubled the usual number of doors knocked on in the area where they worked.

Some of highlights of the trip were:

I looked at the sheet and it said "likely McCain" for this particular house. I thought "this will be quick", so I knocked on the door and waited impatiently. Two kids came to the door, and I asked for their parents. A long while later, a young-ish Hispanic man came to the door. I said my little spiel about early voting and Obama, and he became very excited and wanted to ask a lot of questions. Turns out that he had just registered and this will be his first election as a new citizen. He was very concerned that his voter registration card hadn't come yet - so I told him about early voting, how to do it, etc. The best part was the light in his eyes and huge smile on his face when he looked at me and said, "This is very important, yes? It's my first time and I want to make sure I get to do it. That I get to vote for Obama." I think he may not have voted at all if we hadn't helped him out. What a fantastic feeling.

I will never forget this trip. We travelled long and worked hard for a cause we love and believe in with all of our hearts. The volunteers and staff in NM took great care of us with lots of food and lots of love and appreciation. We'll all be together in spirit on November 4.

While my partner Denise and I were canvassing on the first day, we passed a family having a yard sale. A boy of seven years asked us what we were doing, and we told him we were telling people about Obama. He, his sister, and parents said they were supporters of Obama and would be voting early (despite being surrounded by a few McCain supporters).

I noticed that the boy was making a sign while we were talking to his parents, which I assumed was for the family's yard sale. But, several minutes later Denise and I passed a sign was posted in the neighborhood. It read:

KIDS FOR OBAMA!
GO-BAM
YAY OBAMA
no mccain

One highlight was meeting Cheryl. I sat next to her when we gathered prior to boarding the bus. We ended up being seat mates, walking buddies, and hotel roommates. Our personalities were compatible, so that made the experience even better. Cheryl said the last time she boarded a bus for a political cause was a trip to Washington in 1968 to protest the Vietnam War. She signed up for this trip at the last minute after seeing reports on PBS about the importance of New Mexico in the presidential election. And the best part was that Cheryl noticed the little old man selling tamales in the Walgreen’s parking lot – we gave him literature about Obama and had delicious tamales for lunch.

My most memorable experience was a couple who was leaning toward Obama but not quite sure. The lady (the wife of house) noticed my Texas for Obama button and asked was I from Texas. I told her yes and how we came on a 14 hour bus ride to show our support for this ticket of Obama and Biden. I also told her this was me and my husband's first time out of Texas in our 38 years and we picked to come to New Mexico because this election is just that important. She hugged me with tears in her eyes and said, "God bless you, and with people helping him (Obama) like you and your husband he will get to the White House."

Check out the photos from the Texans:

That night, everyone wound down with some much needed fuel at a local Mexican restaurant and got some sleep. After another scrumptious breakfast and a morning canvassing shift from 9:30am to 2pm, the New Mexico staff organized a picnic of hot dogs and homemade enchiladas for everyone. The Texas team left New Mexico about 5pm and rode home tired, with blisters on their feet, wearing brand new New Mexico Obama shirts and cheering about Gen. Colin Powell's endorsement of Sen. Obama. Thanks to New Mexico for welcoming Texas so warmly!

Wednesday: Join in a Conference Call with Campaign Staffers

Kevin Flynn — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 10:24:10 EDT

This Wednesday, October 22nd, at 7:30pm CDT, Texas supporters are encouraged to join an official conference call with campaign staffers to learn more about Neighbor to Neighbor and how they can make a huge impact for Barack in this historic election.

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

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

Here are the details:

Phone Number: 718-709-0655
Access Code: 400-001-195

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

http://my.barackobama.com/webinar18

I hope you can join us!

Vote Early in Texas

Kevin Flynn — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 13:00:08 EDT

Juan Sepulveda, Obama for America Texas State Director, wants you to vote early.

From now until the end of the month, every day is Election Day in Texas.

Early voting is fast, easy, and it could make the difference in this state. Show your friends and family that you've made up your mind and you're ready for change now.

Take the first step today. Find your Early Vote location.

Early voting is simple, safe, and convenient. It's also a vital part of our strategy.

The best way you can bring about change right now is voting for Democrats up and down the ticket.

The more supporters who make their voices heard now, the more energy and resources we can devote to our get out the vote efforts closer to Election Day.

Vote early for Barack and other Democrats, and see if you can get five or more friends to vote early with you.

All across the country, supporters like you are working together to grow this movement for change. We know that Texas families can't afford four more years of failed Bush-McCain policies.

That's why we need you to help make sure we have an advantage in Texas before Election Day.

Take a moment now to fill out some basic information and make your voice heard:

http://www.voteforchange.com

This is our chance to take America in a new direction -- so the next four years don't look like the last eight.

We can't do this without you.

Thanks,

Juan

Juan Sepulveda
Texas State Director
Obama for America

Texas Early Voting Begins

Kevin Flynn — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 12:30:11 EDT

In Texas, early voting begins today and runs through October 31st.

The Austin American-Statesman reports on the first day of early voters:

About 20 people stood outside waiting for the doors to open before 7 this morning at the Airport Boulevard early voting site so they could cast their ballots on the first day of early voting.
Lourdes Kneitz was one of the first people to walk out at about 15 minutes after early voting opened. She is going to be out of the country on Election Day and wanted to get it over with. “I’m ready,” she said, while rushing to her car to get to work.
Not everyone has specific reasons for voting so early on the first day of early voting. Gary Bowie said he’s an “early-morning person. I wanted to be sure to get it in without the lines.”

These Farmersville supporters have been active all year and are ready to get their votes in for Obama/Biden:

Drive for Change: Highways of Hope

Kevin Flynn — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 10:30:05 EDT

Americans love to drive, and what better way to enjoy that pursuit than by Driving for Change to help elect Barack Obama President? In a number of key states, this election will be incredibly close. There is no better way to help make a difference than by traveling to a battleground stake where your work will have the biggest impact.

Austin K. and his girlfriend Liz L. decided that a road trip from their home in Chicago to New Mexico was in order to do their part. That's a long way to drive, but the good news is you can visit one of many states nearby to your home. Our Drive For Change sign-up form will provide you with a detailed list of where and when you're needed most.

We drove all the way from Chicago down to Albuquerque to volunteer full-time until election day for Barack. Liz is originally from Springfield, Missouri so we also stopped in to visit her parents to break up our trip. Between now and election day, Liz and I plan to help in every way we can to make sure every person in South Albuquerque gets to vote, wants to vote, and that every vote is properly counted.

In only a few days since we've arrived, we've made phone calls, walked neighborhoods, signed up volunteers, and helped open a brand new office in the South Valley. It is a ton of fun, and includes everything from persuading independent voters in their front yards under the hot Sunday sun to doing data entry late at night. This is my first ever trip to New Mexico, and only the second time for Liz.

The people here are all very warm and friendly, and so is the weather. The food is delicious, and chilies are everywhere you look. Housing and food are comparatively inexpensive, and the campaign has supporter housing available. If anyone is thinking about drying out and warming up from a bad Chicago fall season, this just might be the place.

Even if you can't hit the road, the online tools on My.BarackObama.com allow everyone to get involved in their communities or help out from the comfort of their own home .

Final Debate Watch Parties

Kevin Flynn — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 14:19:05 EDT

Jon Carson, the National Field Director, is urging supporters across the country to get together for the final presidential debate this Wednesday. Sign up today to host a Debate Watch Party - or attend one near you

The final presidential debate is this Wednesday, October 15th, at 9:00 p.m. Eastern.

It's the last chance for undecided voters to see Barack and John McCain side-by-side and determine who will bring the change this country needs.

And it will be the final time before election night to come together in this way with your friends, family, and fellow supporters.

Make the most of this opportunity by signing up to host a Debate Watch Party -- or attend one near you.

If you've joined us for an event before, you know how powerful they can be to help build support and grow our movement. If you haven't, it's a terrific way to connect with fellow supporters and folks who may just be making up their minds.

If you can host an event, we'll make sure you have everything you need to make it a success. We're having a special conference call for Debate Watch Party hosts on Tuesday, when we'll give you ideas for how to get your guests involved in the rest of the campaign.

In these final weeks, each of us needs to do whatever we can to keep strengthening this campaign and encourage undecided voters to cast their votes for change.

Sign up to host or attend a Debate Watch Party now.

Thanks,

Jon

Jon Carson
National Field Director
Obama for America

Tuesday: Join in a Conference Call with Campaign Staffers

Kevin Flynn — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 10:42:41 EDT

This Tuesday, October 14th, at 6:30pm CDT, Texas supporters are encouraged to join an official conference call with campaign staffers to learn more about Neighbor to Neighbor and how they can make a huge impact for Barack in this historic election.

Phone Number: 718-709-0655

Access Code: 404-081-228

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

http://my.barackobama.com/webinar11

I hope you can join us!

Last Call for Change

Christopher Hass — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 22:50:49 EDT

Earlier today National Field Director Jon Carson sent our this important email to Texas supporters:

This weekend, Obama supporters in your community are coming together to call voters in key battleground states.

People are already casting early ballots in a number of states, which is why they need to hear from you now.

You can make a big difference in states where the race is neck-and-neck by sharing crucial information about early and absentee voting.

Sign up to join a Last Call for Change event near you.

With just 25 days left before the election, time is running out to make direct personal contact with potential supporters.

And there is no more powerful way to sway an undecided voter than a one-on-one conversation with a supporter like you. That's why we're organizing Last Call for Change events all over the country this weekend.

As the McCain campaign tries to smear Barack's character and distract voters from the issues that matter, your phone calls are more important than ever.

No experience is required, but please bring your cell phone. Staff will give you everything else you need to succeed.

Attend a Last Call for Change event near you.

And please tell your friends about the Last Call for Change event this weekend. Bring them along. The more voters we reach, the better our chances on November 4th.

Thanks,

Jon

Jon Carson
National Field Director
Obama for America

Austin Volunteers Break Single-Day Registration Record with 16,174 New Voters Registered

Abby from Austin, TX — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 23:31:53 EDT

30,869 Voters Registered in Austin Since May

Congratulations, voter registration volunteers! On Monday, October 6, volunteers with the Travis County Democratic Party helped register 16,174 Austin voters. This single-day record is a remarkable testament to your enthusiasm, dedication, and desire to bring positive change to our country. Your smiling faces at every Blockbuster Video, Thundercloud Subs, and a host of other local businesses helped register thousands of people who otherwise would not have had a voice in this historic election.

Check out this slideshow of their efforts!

But that's not all. Since May 10th, volunteers with Austin Vote for Change registered 30,869 voters.

How exciting to see how many citizens are now engaged in the political process and excited to vote this November thanks to you! Best of all, each of you helped contribute to this remarkable accomplishment. Congratulations on all of your efforts! Whether you registered one voter or one thousand voters, you all helped 30,869 people register to vote!

Texans Take In Second Presidential Debate

Kevin Flynn — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 11:17:09 EDT

Michele De La Garza, President of the Young Democrats of Montgomery County, hosted a debate watch party at Fox and Hound Pub last night. Montgomery County (just north of Houston) is a traditionally red county. Michael filed this report:

This election has brought out the Democrats of all ages. Our group, the Young Democrats, just formed in August and we are rapidly growing. We have so many young people ready to get out there and make a difference. And some not so young people joined us and of course are welcome.

Michele also shared some of the comments from attendees:

'Obama is the man'

'I'm pumped about this election'

'Ready to do all I can to get Obama elected'

'Obama is the best candidate'

'Barack Obama has to win this election...we need him'

'People need to get out and vote'

'He is the Bobby Kennedy of this generation'

With just under four weeks to go, Texas is fired up and ready to help Obama win this election on November 4th. With the powerful grassroots tools this website offers, there are many ways to help. Supporters can phonebank from home using the Neighbor to Neighbor tool, sign up to travel to neighboring battleground states as part of the Drive For Change program, host fundraisers, and more.

Monday: Join in a Conference Call with Campaign Staffers

Kevin Flynn — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 17:16:41 EDT

This Monday, October 6th, at 7:30pm CDT, Texas supporters are encouraged to join an official conference call with campaign staffers to learn more about Neighbor to Neighbor and how they can make a huge impact for Barack in this historic election.

Phone Number: 703-259-9001
Access Code: 113-850-671

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

http://my.barackobama.com/webinar4

I hope you can join us!

Texans Ready for Registration Deadlines and Early Voting

Kevin Flynn — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 12:11:33 EDT

The October 6th deadline to register to vote in Texas is almost here. Texans are also eligible for early voting from October 20th through October 31st.

According to the Abilene Reporter-News, Secretary of State Hope Andrade and her staff have been making the rounds of the Lone Star State to make sure Texans know as much about the voting process as possible. Between now and election day, they will travel the entire state:

"Together our goal is simple ... to have fair, credible elections that Texans can be proud of," she said. "We want to make sure voting in Texas is easy, transparent and open to all."

This year has seen record registrations in Texas ...

"About 13.1 million have registered," she said. "That is about 75 percent of the people of voting age."

Andrade reminds constituents that October 6th is the registration deadline and encourages them to vote early to avoid lines and last minute snafus.

"People are excited about the election," she said. "We want to be sure they understand everything about the process."

Katherine Haenschen, Voter Registration Coordinator of the Travis County Democratic Party shared her photos and gives a shout out to all her wonderful fellow volunteers:

You can visit our Vote For Change website for all things voting related.

Texas: Register before it's too late

Kevin Flynn — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 19:22:19 EDT

The last day to register to vote in Texas is next Monday, October 6th.

Are you registered? Are your friends and family?

If you only forward one email to your friends, family, and neighbors today -- make it this one.

Each and every vote in Texas is absolutely crucial to victory on Election Day.

Visit VoteForChange.com, our one-stop voter registration website, and register before the Texas deadline.

Supporters like you have built the biggest grassroots movement in the history of American politics.

But in just 8 days, the time for bringing new voices into the political process will be over.

You need to be certain that you, your friends, and your family are registered by the deadline -- it's a small step that will have a huge impact on our Election Day results.

This election is too important to leave anything to chance. Make sure your voice is heard.

Thanks,

Barack

The Debate and What's Next

Christopher Hass — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 15:19:44 EDT

There was news this morning that tonight's presidential debate will proceed as planned, with both candidates in attendance. Last night, National Field Director Jon Carson sent out a message inviting supporters to attend debate parties, and explaining what comes next for the campaign . . .

The election is less than 40 days away, and the American people deserve to hear directly from the candidates about how they intend to lead our country.

You're invited to join a Debate Watch Party in your community and discuss the issues that are most important to you and your family, friends, and neighbors.

Find a Debate Watch Party in your area and RSVP today.

These parties will allow you to to get to know folks in your community, and continue building this campaign from the bottom up by reaching out to even more supporters using our Neighbor to Neighbor tool.

If you can't attend a party, you can still use our Neighbor to Neighbor tool to reach out to swing voters in a crucial battleground state who need to hear from you.

It's an extremely powerful way to build support for Barack.

Whether you can attend a Debate Watch Party or not, it's a great way to connect with fellow voters.

Get your list of potential supporters right now and start making phone calls today.

Neighbor to Neighbor gives you everything you need to get started.

As Barack prepares for the presidential debate, we'll be preparing, too -- by laying the groundwork for victory on Election Day.

Let's get to work.

Thanks,

Jon

Jon Carson
National Field Director
Obama for America

Phone Call by Phone Call

Christopher Hass — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 19:26:57 EDT

One of the newest features of our Neighbor to Neighbor voter contact system is the online phonebanking tool. During the primary, thousands of supporters used our old online calling system to make literally millions of phone calls that made the difference in hard fought primaries across the country. In November, these phone calls will once again be a key part of our strategy.

Here is a quick tour of the new phonebanking tool:

The phonebanking tool provides you with lists of targeted voters in your community, a brief calling script, and an easy interface to enter your results. You can print off call lists and make calls offline, or you can make calls while at your computer.

When you’re done calling, report your results back to the campaign so we can update the system and let our staff and volunteers on the ground know where are supporters are and who needs more information.

In the coming days, we'll be adding more features and more calling campaigns that will allow you to make calls to key battleground states. In some areas, you'll be able to make peer to peer phone calls to talk to students, veterans, women, Latinos, and other important groups. If you're interested in making peer to peer calls, visit our People page and sign up for the constituency groups and demographics that apply to you.

No matter who you are or where you live, if you can make time during the coming weeks to help reach out to other voters, sign up now.

When campaign manager David Plouffe talked about a "persuasion army" he meant nothing more, and nothing less, than millions of volunteers doing their part talking to friends, family, and neighbors one person at a time.

"Now it's our turn."

Christopher Hass — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 17:24:43 EDT

From the earliest days of the campaign, Barack has closed his speeches not just with an ask for a vote, but with a call to action. From the beginning, this campaign has been built on the belief that ordinary people can make a difference in their lives and in their nation's government, but only if they act.

In his closing remarks in Daytona Beach this morning, Barack made this case as clear as ever:

I hope you'll join me. I hope you'll walk with me, so that we can turn the page on the failed policies of the past. And if you make that commitment, if everybody out here is getting registered, if everybody is out there volunteering, if all of you are doing a little community organizing, if you're making phone calls, sending out emails, knocking on doors, talking to folks at church, if you've decided that you want to roll up your sleeves and join with me and change this country, block by block, neighborhood by neighborhood, county by county, state by state, then I promise you this -- we will not just win Florida. We will win this general election, and then you and I together are going to change this country and change the world.

In his speech in Wooster, Ohio last Wednesday, Joe Biden referred to this moment as an "inflection point" on the issues of war, global warming, the economy and more.

But it is more than just that. This moment is a leverage point, in which the work you do over the next 45 days will have a greater impact than at perhaps any other point in your life.

Right now, this race is neck-and-neck. In over a dozens states, the margin between winning and losing -- the margin between a government that institutionalizes the policies and mistakes of the last eight years and an administration that brings real change to Washington -- will be the work done on the ground by ordinary people.

Over the course of the evening, we'll be showing you a number of ways in which you can get involved, no matter where you live or what your past political experience is.

This first step is simple:

Message from David Plouffe: How we're going to win

Amanda Scott — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 19:27:27 EDT

Campaign Manager David Plouffe just sent out this email...

Amanda --

Want a look inside our strategy to win the battleground states?

I recorded a video on my laptop yesterday to brief you on the plan -- including details that haven't been shared publicly before.

Our fight in the battleground states is going to be tougher than a lot of you may think. Take Florida, where George Bush won by just 381,000 votes in 2004. The campaign we're running there is going to cost more than $39 million.

That can only come from supporters like you -- unlike John McCain, we don't take money from Washington lobbyists or special interest PACs.

To reach our goal, we need 50,000 new donors by Friday at midnight.

You can inspire a fellow supporter to make their first donation -- and make your donation go twice as far.

Will you watch the video and double your impact with a donation today?

This race has come down to a matter of weeks, and it could pivot on a few tremendously important swing states.

Supporters like you are strengthening this campaign in amazing ways -- voter registration efforts, organizing in your communities, and bringing folks into the political process like never before.

Barack and Joe can't win this without you.

Make a donation of $25 or more right now to provide the resources we'll need to make victory a reality:

https://donate.barackobama.com/promise

This campaign is committed to winning in every state we can. But it's the support of folks like you that will decide this election.

Thanks for everything you're doing,

David

David Plouffe
Campaign Manager
Obama for America

Women Back Obama-Biden on the Issues

Amanda Scott — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 14:32:56 EDT

While John McCain has been distracting from the issues at hand with the sleaziest campaign Americans have ever seen, Barack Obama and Joe Biden are traveling the country discussing the issues that women and families care about, such as ensuring women are paid the same as men for equal work, the right for women to make their own family planning choices, reforming our health care system, and rebuilding an economy that strengthens the middle class.

This week the Obama campaign is highlighting the stark differences between McCain-Palin and Obama-Biden on the issues women and families care about with events across the country and new advertising. A new ad - called “Burden” - highlights John McCain’s failure to stand up for equal pay for women at a time when more and more families depend on the income earned by working women.

Watch “Burden” below....
The ad will air in key battleground states on Tuesday and DC/Northern VA markets. The ad will run during programming with large female audiences, including morning shows, soap operas, daytime TV, cable channels like Lifetime, Oxygen, E!, HGTV, and Bravo and during the fall premieres of several prime time shows. There will be a companion radio spot that goes up on Tuesday that will be in similar markets and a web ad appearing on sites that women frequent such as iVillage and magazine sites.

To kick-off the week of activities, the Obama campaign announced an impressive list of national women leaders who stand with the Obama–Biden ticket because of their record of fighting for women and families and the change they will bring to all Americans. On Tuesday the National Organization for Women and Feminist Majority endorsed the Obama-Biden ticket for the change women need.

On Wednesday, the Obama-Biden campaign received the endorsement of Lilly Lebetter at an event with Michelle Obama and Jill Biden in Virginia. On Wednesday night, Joe Biden and Hillary Clinton will participate in one of the largest women’s web forums, reaching tens of thousands of women in their living rooms.

On Friday, Barack Obama, Joe Biden & Jill Biden will hold women’s rallies in battleground states and over the weekend women leaders will be joining with Obama supporters to hold Women for the Change We Need events in all 50 states.

There’s a reason why 53% of women voters believe that Obama-Biden better understands the issues and concerns important to women, compared to 35% for McCain-Palin, according to a September poll for Emily’s List. While Obama and Biden have a record of fighting to strengthen families and provide women with the rights and support they deserve, John McCain and Sarah Palin offer just more of the same.

Continue reading to see where Barack and McCain stand on women's issues...

Obama Directly Addresses America in Two-Minute Ad: Plan for Change

Sam Graham-Felsen — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 08:35:26 EDT

CHICAGO, IL – The Obama campaign today released a two-minute advertisement in which Senator Obama will speak directly to the nation on his view of the state of the economy and what he would do to fix it if he is elected president. The ad will begin today nationally and in battleground states around the country.

Watch the ad...

Visit BarackObama.com/plan to read Obama's plan for the economy now.

Please donate now to help put this ad on the air and help deliver this important message to voters across America.

Continue reading for the script of the ad...

Vote For Change

Christopher Hass — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 22:44:23 EDT

As we gear up for an historic election, we've launched a new website designed to simply the voting process and make it easy for voters across the country to participate. VoteforChange.com is a new voter registration tool that allows you to verify your registration status, register to vote for the first time, or get the relevant absentee voting information for your state – all online.

As deputy campaign manager Steve Hildebrand told the Boston Globe:

We think the turnout will be beyond record turnout, and if we're effective, we will have done two additional things -- brought in millions of new people who are registered to vote and we will increase the percentage of registered voters who will turn out.

This race is too close and too important to stay home on Election Day. Often the reason that people don't vote is because they don't understand how easy it is to register to vote. VoteforChange.com simplifies the process. It allows voters to register, check registration status, or find a polling location – all at the click of a button.

Grassroots Fundraising: Elizabeth from Texas

Molly Claflin — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 23:20:47 EDT

Elizabeth, 59, from Austin, Texas wanted a way to get involved in the Obama campaign but as a busy English professor, she didn’t find herself with a lot of time to spare. “I’m a guilty supporter,” she says. "I would like to be out registering voters, but I don’t have much free time. So donating money is the best thing I can do – it’s easy and takes almost no time. "

Elizabeth set up a grassroots fundraising page on her My.BarackObama.com account in order to get friends to donate as well and to do as much as she could for the campaign. She emailed friends and family to donate and was pleased with the enthusiastic results.

“The ‘remind’ feature was especially helpful. People liked getting the reminder to donate.”

One things that Elizabeth found especially effective was posting a diary on DailyKos with a link to her donate page. She posted the diary on August 4, Barack’s birthday, and challenged people to donate $47 as a birthday gift to Barack. She’s hoping to do another Kos fundraiser soon.

She just started her personal fundraising page just three weeks ago and has already raised over $900.

Elizabeth has one important tip for people starting their own personal fundraising pages:

Re-write the message and personalize it. I wrote the email differently for different people, so it looked like an email from me rather than from the campaign. It’s all part of the grassroots idea.

Elizabeth supports Barack because she like his ideas.

My politics are more ideological than personal. My biggest concern is the war. His speech about not being again war but being against this dumb war really resonates with me. I have a 22-yer-old son, and if there was a draft, my son could be drafted. So the war matters to me. I’m also concerned about the environment and like Barack’s ideas on that issue. And the economy as well – his tax plan is going to help a lot of people. Everything else he wants to do is just gravy.

Elizabeth is just glad that she had a candidate to stand behind. "I’ve had a severe case of political depression," she explained. "And Barack Obama is the first thing that’s cheered me up in eight years.”

Setting up a personal donor page is a great way to get more involved in the campaign and bring others into our movement. You can join Elizabeth and supporters like her by starting your own personal fundraising page on my.barackobama.com.

Voices for Change: Chelsie in Texas

Molly Claflin — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 21:37:26 EDT

A single mom with a three-year-old son, convention delegate Chelsie from Rosenberg, Texas considers herself a very blessed person.

Two years ago, Chelsie, now 22, was in an abusive relationship. When she broke up with her abusive ex-boyfriend, he continued to follow her. She got a protective order from a judge, but that didn’t stop him. One day he followed her home and shot her in the head with a gun he stole from a neighbor’s house.

If it wasn’t for the grace of God I wouldn’t be here today. But also thanks to Joe Biden and his Violence Against Women Act, my ex is in prison and can’t hurt me again.

Chelsie’s ex-boyfriend was convicted and will spend the next 25 years in prison. And Chelsie came out of the experience a strong advocate for smarter gun control.

There are too many instances of people committing crimes with guns they’re not supposed to have. We need to control that better. In my home state of Texas, it’s very easy to get a gun. All you have to do is go to a pawnshop. They will hold it for three days ad if you pass a simple background check, they’ll give you a gun.

Chelsie hopes Barack will help create a smart gun control policy to help protect others from becoming victims of violence.

Since her ordeal, she’s become an advocate for the Violence Against Women Act.

So many people don’t realize what a problem domestic violence is. I know many women who have experienced violence at home and didn’t do anything about it. Joe Biden has brought some much-needed attention to this issue. I was thrilled to see him selected as the nominee for Vice President. We need to let people know that violence is not right, and there is help out there.

Vice Presidential Candidate Joe Biden drafted and sponsored the Violence Against Women Act in the 1990s. This act put violence against women on the national agenda and held batterers accountable.

Joe said, "I consider the Violence Against Women Act the single most significant legislation that I’ve crafted during my 35-year tenure in the Senate. [S]ince we passed the Act in 1994 over a million women have found justice in our courtrooms and obtained domestic violence protective orders."

Read more about the Obama-Biden plan to strengthen the lives of American women.

Chelsie was excited to attend the convention to share her story and bring attention to two important issues. She raised money to get to the convention by holding bake sales, yard sales, and passing around pledge forms to her friends and neighbors. She raised nearly $2,000 to pay for her flight and hotel.

I very much enjoyed the convention. This was my first convention, but it definitely won’t be my last. It’s been so great to be involved. I was deputized to register voters and have been doing that every day in a local minority neighborhood. If I’m not at work, I’m usually out registering new voters.

Chelsie says she supports Barack because he will work for ordinary Americans.

Barack represents all Americans. He ... understands we need important Democratic social programs to succeed. My son is on the SCHIP (State Children's Health Insurance Program) program in Texas, and I was on Medicaid when I first had my son. I used it as a stepping-stone until I got a better job that provided health insurance. I think I represent ... the kind of person Barack is working for.

Barack wants to do something to help everybody – no matter what color they are of what walk of life they come from. He’s lived the American dream, and it’s so beautiful to see someone actually make it.

Chelsie says she will do everything she can between now and November to get Barack elected.

I got a second chance in life. Now I want to be involved in politics so that my son will have a better future.

Join Chelsie and find out how you can get more involved in the Obama-Biden campaign and create a better future for all Americans.

Road to Denver: Alex from Texas

Bradley Portnoy — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 19:26:48 EDT

Alex has been involved in politics since he was 17, when he joined Congressman Lloyd Doggett's campaign. It was there that he learned the value of a strong grassroots organization. He spent his time phone banking, knocking on doors, and coordinating volunteers. After the election, he moved to the Congressman's district office, where he continued working with the community to make sure that ordinary citizens were getting the help they needed from the government.

Having worked at the community level, Alex understands that solutions to problems don't always fit into party molds. He appreciates that Barack is able to transcend partisan politics, reach across the aisle, and offer real solutions tot he problems that are facing our country.

It's always inspiring when intelligent people take office. Barack has this understanding that the world is nuanced and that things aren't always black and white. He's done a very good job of making a policy that is exactly what we need to get things done, even though it might not fit into any of the convenient party boxes that we've set up.

After being active the UT Austin Democrats, he decided that he wanted to work to elect Barack Obama. His work on the campaign ended up with him running a campaign of his own.

I decided I wanted to help Barack Obama and do things to try to get him elected so I worked here in Austin on it. Then I got the idea to try to be a national delegate...it was the first campaign I had ever run myself, and I ended up making a website and handing out flyers at all the local club meetings.

One of the reasons that he wanted to get involved is to make sure that his issues are discussed at the convention. He's especially concerned about repairing America's image in the world.

It was great to see Barack go to Europe. It's good when people overseas can see that we're the good guys and not the bad guys anymore. I'm looking forward to seeing Senator Obama recreate the kind of image that my grandfather created when he fought in World War II.

It's too late to become a delegate to the convention, but it's not too late to get involved. If you're still in school, join a local chapter of Students for Barack Obama. If you're not in school, look up a Generation Obama chapter in your neighborhood.

With 12 days to go until the Democratic National Convention, excitement is building in Denver and across America. Soon, delegates from all fifty states will convene in the Mile High City to cast their ballots for Barack Obama and witness his acceptance of the Democratic Party's nomination for president of the United States. As the convention approaches, we will follow these delegates and share stories of the grassroots supporters participating in this historic event.

Voices for Change: Michael from Houston, Texas

Bradley Portnoy — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 13:42:34 EDT

Michael is a former pastor living in Houston, Texas who's recently fallen on hard times. He worked his whole life to help reduce poverty and hunger, volunteering in soup kitchens and teaching special needs children. Now he's been laid off and is currently looking for a new job where he can continue to serve the community.

With two young boys to support, Michael is concerned about how he'll manage to pay for gas, put food on the table and still make sure that they can afford to go to college.

I do want my boys to make a full contribution to our society. And they’re very creative, very intelligent, and they should have the opportunity to do anything that they want. I’m worried about colleges because finding money for college is going to be difficult. And the more money that is available for their education, the further they can go. Most of us in our income bracket are going to need help with college expenses. I like that Barack is saying that there will be expanded opportunities for college.

He's also worried about his boys' health. Living outside Houston, the air quality isn't up to the standards Michael thinks they should be.

Pollution is a big issue. I’m real interested in seeing us move on the environmental side. And I’d like to see us work to reduce the amount of smog in the air. We have some neighborhoods where health is affected, with increased incidences of asthma and so forth. With two boys, you want them to have the best air possible to breathe.

As a pastor, Michael is also interested in matters of faith and has been pleased to see Barack reaching out to those who share in his Christian faith. He thinks that Barack can restore civility to our public discourse and bring Americans together, regardless of religion, race, creed, etc.

I like his emphasis on a new kind of politics...I’m ready for us to have a new tone in Washington. That as much as anything is what attracted me to him. I think it’s so important that everybody in the US work together to solve our problems. And if we’re going to keep calling each other names, we’re never going to tackle our problems. We have to try to talk about what are reasonable solutions.

A first step toward restoring civility in politics was, for Michael, a small grassroots donation to Barack's candidacy. Despite his worries about finding a new job and paying for college for his two boys, Michael gave what he could to help get Barack elected.

Voices for Change is a series featuring profiles of Barack Obama's grassroots supporters from across the nation. The people who make up this movement come from all walks of life, but they share a common goal: to help bring about fundamental change in Washington.

Voices for Change: Channa in Fort Worth, Texas

Molly Claflin — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 14:58:26 EDT

When Channa, 27, a teacher in Fort Worth, Texas, donated to the Obama campaign, she made sure we knew what a big step this was for her. “I’m the most frugal person you will ever meet. The fact that I would consider donating to a campaign – you better know I must be inspired,” she said.

Paying back her college loans and living on a teaching salary, Channa doesn’t have a lot of extra money. But she found enough to donate not once – but multiple times.

I’ve never donated to anything before, and this is the first election I’ve ever been involved in. Obama came to town in the spring, and I decided to go to the rally. I’ve never seen anything like it! There were people from every culture you could ever imagine. This is the one event I’ve ever seen in this country that brought so many different people together.

Channa currently teaches high school chemistry, but she is hoping to go back to school in the next few years to be a doctor. Because of her students and her own studies, Channa says education is one of the most important issues for her in this election.

When we go into classrooms, we are teaching for tests – not helping the kids prepare for college and careers. We need to be educating the next generation. As a teacher, I feel responsible. I want to make sure the kids are prepared for the SAT and to go to college.

Channa says:

My kids are very concerned that they won’t be able to afford college. One of the things Obama wants to do is create more scholarships and funds for education but require that kids give back and volunteer. I think that’s awesome because people seem to appreciate things more when they have to earn them.

Her own educational costs are also on her mind. “I’m paying for college out of my own pockets, and teaching is one of those professions where if you are trying to do it on your own, you need a second job.” Student loans only add to the burden.

As she struggles under her teaching salary, Channa is also concerned about the economy.

With all the recessions and foreclosures, it makes it really hard for young people like me who are looking to buy a home in the future.

But Channa has hope that an Obama administration can bring much needed change and make the American dream more affordable and possible to young Americans just starting out.

Even with her self-described frugality, Channa felt inspired to give what she could to the Obama for America campaign. Join Channa and be a part of the movement.

Voices for Change: Carolyn in Giddings, Texas

Molly Claflin — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 14:05:46 EDT

Before the 2008 election cycle, 69-year-old Carolyn of Giddings, Texas had never voted Democratic before. She had also never caucused in her state or been elected delegate. She had never volunteered for a campaign before or donated money or registered voters. But even at age 69, there’s a first time for everything.

Carolyn, now retired, has nine grown children, 17 grandchildren, and 17 great-grandchildren with three more on the way. In her spare time she enjoys gardening, sewing, and mentoring teenagers in her community.

"All my kids are registered, and they’re all voting Obama,” she says. “Every month we all chip in a little bit, and we send the campaign a donation together. We’re an Obama clan! My mother is 93, and you better not say anything bad about Obama to her!"

Before this election, Carolyn always voted Republican. However, Barack’s message of change changed her mind.

I changed because I didn’t like the way things were going – on the economy, education, immigration, and Iraq. The citizens are losing.
The economy is so bad. I really have to budget myself these days. I used to give what I could to my community, but I can’t help people as much as I used to these days.
So I thought to myself, let’s see what these young people can do! The older people in government have their minds set in the old ways. It’s time to move in a different direction. You don’t have to be 60 or 70 years old to be a leader today. We need younger leaders. So I’m praying that Obama can bring this change. He’s going to need the prayers and the support of the whole nation. He must win. It’s just time.

Despite never having been interested in politics before, Carolyn is giving lots of her time to the Obama campaign.

I’ve never been interested in volunteering or donating before, but this time, I see a young man who really is trying hard to do something different.

Carolyn began by caucusing in her home precinct. “I chose to caucus because it’s important for Obama to win,” she says. “I didn’t know anything about caucusing, but I know if you don’t go out and make the change, it’s not going to happen.”

She has also been busy registering voters in her community.

I’ve been asking everybody to register. I just know that when you register people, you give them a voice. When I talk to young people, I tell them that this is their time.

The effect Obama had on young people moved Carolyn to volunteer in her community. “Obama began to speak, and young people began to listen, and he pulled them out of the slump of fear. He put the spirit back in them,” she says. “I began to see how alive and involved the young people were to go out in the hot sun and knock on doors for him. This is the generation that’s going to bring it around. And this is what inspired me.”

We’re excited that Barack Obama helped bring Carolyn into the political process and proud that her first-ever campaign contribution will go to support our efforts to bring change to Washington. You can join Carolyn and our millions of grassroots supporters across the country and be a part of our campaign for change.

Camp Obama in Austin, August 15th - 16th

Molly Claflin — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 11:56:43 EDT

Join other Obama supporters in Texas and play a major role in this nationwide movement for change.

Volunteers like you have brought us this far. But to execute our strategy for the general election, we need supporters to step into one of the most important roles of our campaign.

If you are ready to get more involved in the campaign, attend a two-day Camp Obama training session near you.

Learn more about this special opportunity and apply to attend Camp Obama.

Camp Obama trainings offer a unique, in-depth look at the strategies and techniques that have driven this campaign.

These two-day sessions, to be held August 15th - 16th in Austin, are led by experienced Obama campaign staffers and other professional organizers who are eager to empower dedicated supporters like you.

After completing a camp session, attendees will be asked to fill essential volunteer positions in Texas or another battleground state -- these important roles are a vital part of our election strategy.

Supporters with experience in community organizing or political campaigns are encouraged to apply. But no experience is necessary. The only requirement is that you support Barack and be ready to turn your enthusiasm and energy into action.

Here are some of the skills you'll learn at Camp Obama:

Tactics that will help you creatively and effectively organize voters
Tips to increase the visibility of the campaign in your area
Keys to mobilizing other volunteers to join our movement

Apply now for a Camp Obama training near you.

Howard Dean Tours Texas for Democrats

Molly Claflin — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 18:10:07 EDT

Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean is rolling through Texas on the DNC’s national voter registration tour.

The DNC campaign aims to help both Barack Obama and other Democratic candidates in local and state-wide races.

Democrats hope that by registering more voters in the South, they can change the historical trends. To this end, Obama supporters across the state are following Dean’s lead by organizing voter registration drives.

The bus tour started in Crawford, Texas, home of President Bush’s own ranch. The Daily Texan reports:

A lot of people want change in this country, even in Crawford, Texas," said DNC spokeswoman Stacie Paxton. "To have a hundred people come out in a town, that's 700 in population I think says something about people wanting change in this country."

Help the Democrats efforts by volunteering on a voter registration event near you. Some upcoming events in Texas include Heights White Linen Groove Party on August 2 in Houston, or the Coryell County Texas Democratic Women’s voter registration drive on August 2.

For six weeks, Dean will be touring the country, culminating in a swing through the Midwest on his way to the Democratic Convention in Denver in August.

Teachers Use MyBO to Organize for Obama in Texas

Molly Claflin — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 18:00:39 EDT

On June 29, 2008, Obama supporter Karen hosted her first political event. And Karen didn’t start small. Since this is Texas, after all, Karen went big and had over 200 people show up to her event.

The EdTech Meet Up for Obama was centered around a conference on Education and Technology in San Antonio. The organizers decided that with so many people coming into the area, it was perfect to try to get them all to come together and support Barack.

Held at San Antonio’s historic Sunset Station, local volunteers sold buttons and t-shirt, volunteers enjoyed a jazz band, and supporters discussed why they support Barack. They even invited a Hillary Clinton supporter from Louisiana to take the stage and express her support for uniting for change.

Event organizer Karen notes:

Many people live in conservative parts of the country and it is hard for them to express their enthusiasm for Barack Obama so this eventt gave them a chance to be public and vocal, sharing the evening with like-minded people.

To publicize their event, the EdTech for Obama group sent emails out to friends and supporters, contacted local volunteers, created a group on Facebook, and handed out flyers around San Antonio. They also created a my.barackobama.com event, which they posted to relevant local Obama groups.

Karen writes:

It was an amazing and inspiring experience. Without this candidate, this campaign, and this online organization tool, it would not have happened. MyBO is fantastic!

Karen says:

Sometimes you have to stand up for what you believe in and take a risk. Colleagues, friends, and potential clients now know that I stand for Barack Obama.

You can join Educators for Obama or look for other grassroots events in your area.

Texans Unite for Change

Molly Claflin — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 17:29:11 EDT

On June 28, Obama supporters in Texas came out in droves to connect with other supporters in their communities.

Texans across the state met with the neighbors to discuss Barack and what they could do for the campaign. No matter which meeting they attended, Barack supporters left the meetings fired up and ready to go.

Barbara from Katy says:

It was life changing! I am an invested supported in Senator and Mrs. Obama's journey to the presidential victory. … Our time as a nation, as a people who believe in each other beyond the past shortcomings and flaws. The June 28th event was a great reflection of everything I have learned and believe about the Obamas: professional, energetic, positive, prepared, hopeful, and realistic. The grassroots meeting propelled me further to invest a higher energy level and sacrifice by rallying others to take action for change.

Lorie from Austin says:

We had 18 people at my home from south Austin. We were so pleasantly surprised at the turnout, which we attribute to the event being listed on the Obama site. We watched the video that was sent, and we shared our stories. It was very inspiring to hear old-timer ‘Yellow Dog’ Democrats' stories as well as those like me who have never been involved in politics before. We also had at least one ‘Republican convert’ who was a very active participant. We decided that we want to operate together as a group, and we have organized a mass deputization for becoming a voter registrar, and are doing a voter registration booth at the local farmers' market. We're fired up!

Many supporters have found the meetings to be a great way to meet other Democrats in their towns.

Meredith of Coppell writes:

Two attendees received special recognition as the most unique voters in our group. One, a young man who recently celebrated his 18th birthday and will be casting his first presidential ballot in November, was given a Barack Obama yard sign. The second individual, my father, Houston Lewis, is 88 years old, and was recognized as the one at the gathering who has been a registered voter the longest.He participated in his first presidential election when he voted for Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1944! He was given a Texas Democrat t-shirt.

One of the best things about the meetings is that they brought together long-time Obama supporters with Independents, Republicans, and a diverse array of people in their communities.

Robyn from San Antonio:

Diane hosted a hamburger grill at her and her husband's home and it was wonderful. About 20 people there, young and old, straight and gay, whites and Latinos ... even a white middle aged Republican woman (that would be me). It was great to hear 20 different, yet similar, reasons for folks being involved in the campaign. More unites us than divides us.

Michael of Spring says:

What surprised me most was the diverse group - diverse in age, gender, ethnicity, experience, socioeconomic level, and ideas for the future. It was a wonderful, challenging, intriguing evening.

If you missed these events, don’t worry – there will be more meeting in Texas in the months to come. Visit Texas for Obama to learn what you can do in Texas to support Barack.

ALAMOBAMA!

Amanda Scott — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 12:40:16 EDT

Despite the 100-degree heat, the 5th annual San Antonio PRIDEFEST had a turn out of thousands! OBAMA PRIDE was among 50 of the different contingencies that marched on June 14th with 40 Obama supporters marching. The theme, patriotic pride, could not have been more perfect for the supporters that showed up to march for Obama. It was UNBELIEVABLE and we appreciate everyone who braved the excruciating sun and heat!

Check out the great pictures! Even the dogs are spreading Obama Pride!

National Voter Registration Kickoff Today

Christopher Hass — Fri, 09 May 2008 13:47:13 EDT

Today is the official kickoff of Vote for Change, an unprecedented 50-state voter registration and mobilization drive. In over 100 cities across America, from Anchorage, Alaska to Miami, Florida, grassroots supporters will hit the streets to register voters. With events planned in every single state, no matter where you live, you can find an event near you.

As Democratic Governor Kathleen Sebelius of Kansas explained,"This could change the face of American politics for decades to come."

Our efforts across the country have already yielded incredible results. According to a recent Associated Press survey, over 3.5 million people registered to vote in the first three months of 2008. Now we're expanding our approach to every single state, as part of a sustained, six-month effort that could reshape the electoral map.

Most events will begin in the late morning or early afternoon, and will run approximately four hours. No prior experience is necessary, and materials and training will be provided at each location.

There is no better way to start your weekend, and no more important work to be done right now than bringing more voters, and more voices, into the political process. Click on a state below to find an event near you:

National Voter Registration Day: This Saturday

Christopher Hass — Wed, 07 May 2008 21:07:57 EDT

This Saturday, we're launching Vote for Change, an unprecedented 50-state voter registration and mobilization drive. In one day more than 100 events will be held across the country, with at least one event in every single state. No matter where you live, you can find an event near you. After a brief training, we’ll hit the streets to register voters.

The events this Saturday will kick-off of a six-month voter registration drive that could reshape the electoral map. If more Americans get involved, get registered and show up to vote, we can change Washington this November.

Recent voter registration drives have registered more than 200,000 new Democrats in Pennsylvania, more than 165,000 new Democrats in North Carolina, and more than 150,000 new Democrats in Indiana. Those numbers just scratch the surface of what's possible.

With this election, we have the chance to ensure that more voters than ever take an active stake in our country’s future.

Click on a state below to find an event near you:

Message from David Plouffe: In Sight

Sam Graham-Felsen — Wed, 07 May 2008 17:10:40 EDT

Campaign manager David Plouffe just sent out this email...

Friend --

News broke this morning that Senator Clinton made three separate loans to her campaign in the past 30 days -- including one as recently as Monday.

These loans total more than $6.4 million, which combined with her previous personal loans, add up to at least $11.4 million she's loaned her campaign since February.

A spokesman said she may continue to "loan the campaign additional money out of her jointly-held assets" -- which include more than $100 million in income since her husband left the White House.

Meanwhile, by winning a double-digit victory in North Carolina and closing the gap in Indiana, Barack won another 100 delegates.

Barack Obama is now just 169 delegates away from winning the Democratic nomination. It's within sight.

This is a decisive moment in this race.

Barack has already won more votes, more delegates, and more than twice as many states as Senator Clinton, whose path to the nomination has grown extremely narrow. But these loans show that her campaign will continue to contest the remaining primaries vigorously.

We need to show that the voices of more than 1.5 million ordinary people donating whatever they can afford are more powerful than one person giving more than $11 million to their own campaign.

Now is the time add your voice to our historic movement. Make a donation of $25 to match Senator Clinton's loan:

https://donate.barackobama.com/results

Here's the math of where we stand ...

There are only six contests remaining on the Democratic primary calendar and only 217 pledged delegates left to be awarded. Only 7% of the pledged delegates remain on the table. There are 253 remaining undeclared superdelegates, for a total of 470 delegates left to be awarded.

With North Carolina and Indiana complete, Barack Obama only needs 169 total delegates to capture the Democratic nomination. This is only 36% of the total remaining delegates.

Conversely, Senator Clinton needs 326 delegates to reach the Democratic nomination, which represents a startling 69% of the remaining delegates.

With the Clinton path to the nomination getting even narrower, we expect new and wildly creative scenarios to emerge in the coming days.

While those scenarios may be entertaining, they are not legitimate and will not be considered legitimate by this campaign or its millions of supporters, volunteers, and donors.

You can help make sure Barack Obama is the nominee. Please make a donation of $25 now:

https://donate.barackobama.com/results

We want to be clear -- we believe that the winner of a majority of pledged delegates will be and should be the nominee of our party.

And we estimate that after the Oregon and Kentucky primaries on May 20th, we will have won a majority of the overall pledged delegates.

Evidently, the Clinton campaign agrees. According to a recent news report, by even their most optimistic estimates the Clinton campaign expects to trail by more than 100 pledged delegates and will then ask the superdelegates to overturn the will of the voters.

But we have our own case to make: that millions of Americans volunteering their time and donating in small amounts have built a campaign that has won the most delegates, the most states, and the most votes.

And this campaign -- your campaign -- will be the one that wins the presidency in November and delivers a wave of support for Democrats at every level of office.

Now is the time to step up and make it happen by owning a piece of this campaign. Make a donation of $25 today:

https://donate.barackobama.com/results

We'll be in touch as the situation evolves.

Thank you,

David

David Plouffe

Campaign Manager

Obama for America

One Million Calls: The Work You're Doing

Christopher Hass — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 14:12:53 EDT

Last Thursday Jon Carson, the Obama National Voter Contact Director, spoke on the National Call Team conference call. He broke down the Pennsylvania results and the current delegate count, discussed the remaining nine contests, and talked about the real impact that your calls have had so far. As Jon explained:

"The work you've done has meant dozens and dozens of pledged delegates that we wouldn't have won without the [calls] that you're making."

You can listen to Jon Carson's full analysis here:

Over the past four months, our grassroots phonebanking operation has exceeded all expectations and has become a key part of our voter contact efforts. But here in the final stretch, your phone calls are as valuable as ever.

There are less than 10 days before polls close in Indiana and North Carolina, in what will be two of the final big contests of the primary. With the combination of Early Voting in Indiana and One-Stop Early Vote in North Carolina, we have a unique opportunity in the next few days not just to identify supporters, but to bank actual votes. That's why we've set an ambitious goal of one million calls by May 6th.

It will take a committed, continued effort across the next week and a half to meet that goal, but never forget that the work you're doing makes a difference . . .

May 6th: One Million Calls

Christopher Hass — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 17:10:02 EDT

We're eleven days away from one of the last big markers on this long primary campaign: the May 6th primaries in Indiana and North Carolina. Of the 408 pledged delegates remaining, nearly half will be decided in these two states. Not since March 4th have this many delegates been up for grabs on a single day.

We've been running aggressive field efforts in both of these states for weeks, and now we're turning to our grassroots supporters across the country to do their part. Last night on the National Call Team conference call, online organizer Nikki Sutton announced the goal for our grassroots callers:

One million phone calls by the close of polls on May 6th.

At every step along the way, your phone calls have been a key part of our strategy. You've identified countless supporters, persuaded undecided voters and provided valuable information to millions of Americans. We've seen the results in primaries and caucuses across the country, and we know that we can do the same in Indiana and North Carolina. But we can't afford to wait.

In both of these states, we have a unique opportunity to make an impact right now, today.

In Indiana, early voting is underway now through noon on May 5th. In North Carolina, supporters can register and vote all at once through One-Stop Early Voting, now until May 3rd. Many people in North Carolina aren't aware of One-Stop Early Voting, and many unregistered voters may incorrectly think that it's too late for them to participate. That's why these calls are so important — every call can mean another vote in the places we need them most.

Our new system allows you to work online or offline, and it only takes a minute to get started. If you're one of our phonebanking veterans who has made countless calls to places across the country, we need you now. If you're someone who has never made a call before but wants to do more, there's no better time, and no better way, to start working for change.

Eleven days, two states, 187 delegates, one million phone calls.

Let's get started:

Message from David Plouffe: Who's out of touch?

Christopher Hass — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 12:05:03 EDT

David Plouffe sent out this email today...

Friend --

You've probably heard about the latest dust-up in the Democratic race.

A few days ago, Barack spoke about the frustrations that working people in this country are feeling and said what we all know is true: that many people are bitter and angry because they believe their government isn't listening to them.

You and I both know that the hope of changing that reality is what drives the unprecedented support for this campaign from ordinary people in every part of the country.

But our opponents have been spinning the media and peddling fake outrage around the clock. John McCain's campaign, which will continue the George Bush economic policies that have devastated the middle class, called Barack out of touch and elitist. And Hillary Clinton, who is the candidate who said lobbyists represent real people, didn't just echo the Republican candidate's talking points: she actually used the very same words to pile on with more attacks.

These comments show just how out of touch Senator McCain and Senator Clinton are with the reality of what's happening in this election.

We've built the broadest campaign of ordinary people in the history of presidential politics -- and more people across this country have voted for Barack Obama than either one of them.

And we've done it the right way: our campaign is funded by everyday people giving $5 or more. That's distinctly different from Senator McCain and Senator Clinton, who both rely on money from Washington lobbyists and special interest PACs.

There's nothing elitist about a movement of more than a million people standing up for a different kind of politics.

If you're fed up with these kinds of tired attacks, you can do something about it right now. We're setting a goal of 1.5 million people giving to this campaign by May 6th.

Right now, one of those million people who have already given to our campaign is waiting to match your first donation. No matter what amount you choose to give, our system will match you with a supporter who has promised to match someone's first donation today.

You can see for yourself exactly what kind of movement this is. When you make your donation, you'll see the name and town of the person just like you who matched your gift. You'll also see a note from them with their story and why they gave, if they chose to write one.

You'll double the impact of your donation if you make a matching gift right now. Will you help fight back now?
continue reading . . .

The Meaning of Community Organizing

Christopher Hass — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 16:20:58 EDT

"What if a politician were to see his job as that of an organizer, as part teacher and part advocate, one who does not sell voters short but who educates them about the real choices before them?" — Barack Obama, December, 1995

Barack often speaks of the time he spent as a community organizer and the lessons he learned on the streets of Chicago. Over twenty years later, you can still see these ideals and experiences embedded in the foundations of this campaign for the presidency — a campaign that has inspired a new generation to organize and engage in the political process.

In Pennsylvania, organizers like Ashley Baia helped run an unprecedented voter registration drive in just three weeks, and are now gearing up for an aggressive Get Out the Vote effort for the April 22nd primary.

With less than four weeks to go before the Indiana primary, supporters are working to replicate the kind of grassroots field effort that has proven successful in Iowa, in South Carolina, and in dozens of other states. Earlier in the week we launched a program to connect volunteers across Indiana with local staff organizers in every township and county in the state. If you live in Indiana, you sign up now for your local Township Team and take part in this ambitious effort.

Michelle Obama herself explained:

Grassroots organizers have a special place in my heart. My dad was an avid Democrat and a Precinct Captain in Chicago. He was a blue collar city worker who put two kids through college despite being stricken with multiple sclerosis in the prime of his life.

But my dad got up every day, driven to create a better life for our family and our community. And one way he worked for change was by talking to his neighbors, knocking on their doors, and helping get them to the polls.

Across the country, our grassroots supporters have built networks and organizations that will continue on long after this campaign has ended. Together, they have strengthened communities and helped bring hundreds of thousands of new voters into the political process.

Build Your Own Map

Christopher Hass — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 18:25:37 EDT

When we launched this site over a year ago, many of our earliest blog posts received only a handful of comments each. One year later, the discussions on the HQ blog can easily reach 1000 comments on a single post, and we routinely see close to 10,000 new comments every day.

The community here has become an essential part of the site itself, and it is often the first place that supporters turn to for help. In February, under the subject heading "Where to start?", Terri from Washington asked:

I am completely new to political activism and I need a map of what to do and how to get things done. Like most people, I think, I have absolutely no idea how the candidates get chosen in WA and what I can do to impact that choice.

Shortly thereafter, one of our online supporters responded:

Hi Terry,

Sometimes, we have to build our own map. It starts with looking at the condition of our society and our populace, and seeing what is going so terribly wrong. If you can see that much, you are well on your way.

After that, the only other requirement is to take action – to take personal responsibility the best you can according to your understanding and ability.

No one can do this by themselves, which is truly one of the beauties of the Obama candidacy. He is asking us not to simply vote for him. He is asking us to join him, and to take personal responsibility in redirecting our great nation to one of social equity.

… To me, the most important thing is to get involved and to take personal responsibility. We can take personal responsibility to support the Obama candidacy. We can also take personal responsibility in beginning to tackle some of the larger problems in this great nation of ours.

I would tend to believe that, if you were to get involved with other like minded individuals, the map which you seek would soon draw itself. It won't happen overnight, but, it will happen.

Kurt

We've built a tremendous number of online tools at My.BarackObama.com, but they are just that: tools. What you do with them is up to you.

If you haven't before, or if you haven't tried lately, take a moment and click on the FIND EVENTS button. Type in your zip code and press "enter." You just might see something like this:

Through My.BarackObama.com, you can connect with supporters and groups in your own community. Using our phonebanking tools, you can help impact primaries and caucuses across the country. And through group email discussions and here in the comments of the blog, you can connect with people all over the world. Together, you can build connections and find countless ways to make a difference in this presidential race and in your own community.

Together, you can build your own map.

More Voices: Project Vote!

Christopher Hass — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 12:43:38 EDT

Last week, we shared with you the incredible story of Project Vote!, a massive voter registration drive that helped changed the political landscape of Chicago in the early '90s, led by a young Barack Obama. In case you missed it, here it is again:

Read more about Barack's involvement in Project Vote!

From the beginning, the goal of this campaign has been to bring people back into the political process, to give voice to the voiceless, and to inspire a new generation of citizens to organize, to engage, and to vote.

Over the next few weeks, we're running ambitious voter registration drives in all of the upcoming primary states. No matter where you are, you can help by making calls from home using our online phonebanking tools. Today we're focusing on Indiana, where the voter registration deadline is April 7th.

We're reaching out to all of our Indiana supporters to make sure they know how, where and when to register to vote. With every voter we register, with every new voice we bring into this campaign, we're building momentum not just for the upcoming primaries, but for the general election in November and beyond.

Help bring more voices into the political process:

Back to Texas: County Convention Reports

Christopher Hass — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 13:10:51 EDT

The Texas County Conventions are underway today, the second step of the Texas caucus process that will eventually determine the final delegates for the Democratic National Convention in August. Our Texas staff and volunteers have been working on the ground non-stop since the March 4th caucuses, and grassroots supporters across the country helped out by calling delegates and alternates over the past week to make sure they were ready for today's conventions. In Iowa, we saw the results this kind of sustained effort and enthusiasm can have in a caucus state.

The Texas blog Burnt Orange Report is providing ongoing coverage of today's conventions:

We are pleased to announce that we at Burnt Orange Report will be reporting the results of this weekend’s county and senate district conventions. We will be partnering with the campaigns of both Senator Hillary Clinton and Senator Barack Obama – with the support of the Texas Democratic Party and countless county and local party leaders – to provide you the most accurate, up-to-date vote totals of this weekend’s extraordinary process.
This is an extraordinary opportunity for our community to demonstrate the virtue and value of a people-powered movement.

You can check at the action as it unfolds at BOR, and we'll have updates here throughout the day. If you have any first or second hand reports from the conventions themselves, be sure to share them in the comments below.

Reminder for Delegates and Alternates: County and Senate District Conventions Tomorrow!

Zachary Scott Edwards — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 16:35:17 EDT

**Update**
If you received a call about your precinct Recaucusing, click here to visit the Recaucus Headquarters for more information.

Thank you for signing up as a Barack Obama delegate or alternate at your Texas County or Senate District Convention tomorrow -- Saturday, March 29th.
With your help, tomorrow we will preserve -- and potentially strengthen -- our delegate lead from the Texas Primary and Caucus on March 4th.
Find your County or Senate District Convention location now using our interactive map:
http://tx.barackobama.com/TXCountyConvention
When you get to your County or Senate District Convention, just look for Obama signs and the other Obama supporters.
In the meantime, please share this information with other Obama delegates and alternates. We have less than 24 hours to get our supporters out to the conventions and their continued support is important for Barack to maintain his strong position in this race.
If you are a delegate or an alternate, and you cannot attend, please call our office at (512) 476-2008.
Thanks again for working so hard for this movement,
Ashley
Ashley Walker
Texas State Director
Obama for America

If you have any problems at your County or Senate District Convention, or if you have questions about the process, call our County Convention Hotline at 512-476-2002.

Sunday Feature: Project Vote!

Christopher Hass — Sun, 23 Mar 2008 15:43:25 EDT

Huge voter turnout in November 1992 altered Chicago's electoral landscape — and raised a new political star: a 31-year-old lawyer named Barack Obama.

"I wanted to do community organizing, and I couldn't think of a better city than one as energized and hopeful as Chicago was then." – Barack Obama, Chicago Magazine, January 1993

I can still remember the very first Obama campaign sign that I ever saw, plastered high on the side of a brick building, seen out the corner of my eye while riding the train home one night. As someone who has lived in Chicago since the summer of 2000, I've caught glimpses and echoes of Barack for years now, small rumors and random mentions of an extraordinary man working as an organizer, as an Illinois State Senator, as a U.S. Senator, and now a presidential candidate.

As unlikely as Barack's story is, when you look back with hindsight you can see the beginnings of it all in plain view. One example: an article clipped from a January 1993 issue of Chicago Magazine, about a young lawyer and organizer who had just finished leading an unprecedented voter registration drive called Project Vote!.

After graduating from Harvard Law School in 1991, Barack had returned to the city where he began his career as a community organizer. At the time, black voter registration and turnout in Chicago were at their lowest points ever. Sandy Newman, a lawyer and civil-rights activist, had founded Project Vote! the year before to promote registration among low-income and minority voters. Newman had decided to open a Project Vote! office in Chicago, but first he needed to find someone to lead it.

The name Barack Obama surfaced. "I was asking around among community activists in Chicago and around the country, and they kept mentioning him," Newman says. Obama by then was working with church and community leaders on the West Side, and he was writing a book that the publisher Simon & Schuster had contracted for while he was editor of the law review. He was 30 years old.
When Newman called, Obama agreed to put his other work aside. "I'm still not quite sure why," Newman says. ''This was not glamorous, high-paying work. But I am certainly grateful. He did one hell of a job."
Within a few months, Obama, a tall, affable workaholic, had recruited staff and volunteers from black churches, community groups, and politicians. He helped train 700 deputy registrars, out of a total of 11,000 citywide. And he began a saturation media campaign with the help of black-owned Brainstorm Communications. (The company's president, Terri Gardner, is the sister of Gary Gardner, president of Soft Sheen Products, Inc., which donated thousands of dollars to Project Voters efforts.) The group's slogan — "It's a Power Thing" — was ubiquitous in African-American neighborhoods. Posters were put up. Black-oriented radio stations aired the group's ads and announced where people could go to register. Minority owners of McDonald's restaurants allowed registrars on site and donated paid radio time to Project Vote! Labor unions provided funding, as, in late fall, did the Clinton/Gore campaign, whose national voter-registration drive was being directed by Chicago alderman Bobby Rush.
"It was overwhelming," says Joseph Gardner, a commissioner of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District and the director of the steering committee for Project Vote! "The black community in this city had not been so energized and so single-minded since [Chicago Mayor Harold Washington] died."
Burrell agrees. "We were registering hundreds a day, and we weren't having to search them out. They came looking for us. African Americans were just so eager to have a say again, to feel they counted."
"I think it's fair to say we reinvigorated a slumbering constituency," says Obama. "We got people to take notice."
... As for Project Vote! itself, its operations in Chicago have officially closed down. Barack Obama has returned to work on his book, which he plans to complete this month. He also is teaching a class at the University of Chicago law school, and is an attorney at Davis Miner Barnhill & Galland. But he continues to consult with the church, community, and political groups involved in the monumental registration drive. "We won't let the momentum die," he says. "I'll take personal responsibility for that. We plan to hold politicians' feet to the flames in 1993, to remind them that we can produce a bloc of voters large enough that it cannot be ignored."

Nor can Obama himself be ignored. The success of the voter-registration drive has marked him as the political star the Mayor should perhaps be watching for. "The sky's the limit for Barack," says Burrell.

Some of Daley's closest advisers are similarly impressed. "In its technical demands, a voter-registration drive is not unlike a mini-political campaign," says John Schmidt, chairman of the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority and a fundraiser for Project Vote! "Barack ran this superbly. I have no doubt he could run an equally good political campaign if that's what he decided to do next."
Obama shrugs off the possibility of running for office. "Who knows?" he says. "But probably not immediately." He smiles. "Was that a sufficiently politic 'maybe'? My sincere answer is, I'll run if I feel I can accomplish more that way than agitating from the outside. I don't know if that's true right now. Let's wait and see what happens ..."

Sixteen years later, you can still see the ideals and experiences of a lanky young community organizer embedded in the foundations of his campaign for the presidency. From the beginning, the goal of this campaign has been to bring people back into the political process, to give voice to the voiceless, and to inspire a new generation of citizens to organize, to engage, and to vote.

Earlier this month, we launched an ambitious voter registration drive in Pennsylvania that has already helped bring over 111,000 new voters into the Democratic party. We're following up with similar efforts in North Carolina, Indiana and all of the remaining contests. Together, we're building the foundation for a stronger party in November and beyond; a bloc of voters – a chorus of voices – that cannot be ignored.

No matter where you live, you can register to vote now for this November's historic presidential election.

Help Barack at your Texas County Convention

Christopher Hass — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 16:52:19 EDT

Thanks to your hard work, Barack earned the most delegates in Texas on March 4th. But our job isn't finished yet.

The County Conventions on March 29th are the next step in the Texas caucus process, and Obama supporters like you can make sure we have a strong showing.

Whether you were elected as a delegate or alternate, or just supported Barack in your community, you can play an important role in organizing for the County Conventions.

Learn more and sign up now to make a difference in Texas.

Several National Convention delegates are at stake in the Texas County Conventions. And the more prepared and organized we are, the more delegates we can secure.

If you were elected as a delegate or alternate, now is the time to start getting ready:

Attend a delegate training session and make sure you're prepared for March 29th.
RSVP and let us know you're attending your convention so we can help organize all of Barack's delegates and alternates.
If you cannot attend, arrange for an alternate to take your place.

If you were not elected as a delegate or alternate at your precinct caucus, there are still several ways to get involved:

Sign up to join a County Convention Volunteer Team and help identify, contact, and organize the thousands of delegates and alternates who were elected at the caucuses on March 4th.
Attend you County Convention as an observer -- help make the convention run smoothly and support Barack's delegates.

Learn more and sign up now to make a difference in Texas.

Your active support will make the difference for Barack in Texas -- and help bring change we can believe in to the whole country.

Thank you again for all your help,

Ashley

Ashley Walker
Texas State Director
Obama for America

"A More Perfect Union"

Sam Graham-Felsen — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 11:33:09 EDT

As Prepared for Delivery...

“We the people, in order to form a more perfect union.”

Two hundred and twenty one years ago, in a hall that still stands across the street, a group of men gathered and, with these simple words, launched America’s improbable experiment in democracy. Farmers and scholars; statesmen and patriots who had traveled across an ocean to escape tyranny and persecution finally made real their declaration of independence at a Philadelphia convention that lasted through the spring of 1787.

The document they produced was eventually signed but ultimately unfinished. It was stained by this nation’s original sin of slavery, a question that divided the colonies and brought the convention to a stalemate until the founders chose to allow the slave trade to continue for at least twenty more years, and to leave any final resolution to future generations.

Of course, the answer to the slavery question was already embedded within our Constitution – a Constitution that had at is very core the ideal of equal citizenship under the law; a Constitution that promised its people liberty, and justice, and a union that could be and should be perfected over time.

And yet words on a parchment would not be enough to deliver slaves from bondage, or provide men and women of every color and creed their full rights and obligations as citizens of the United States. What would be needed were Americans in successive generations who were willing to do their part – through protests and struggle, on the streets and in the courts, through a civil war and civil disobedience and always at great risk - to narrow that gap between the promise of our ideals and the reality of their time.

This was one of the tasks we set forth at the beginning of this campaign – to continue the long march of those who came before us, a march for a more just, more equal, more free, more caring and more prosperous America. I chose to run for the presidency at this moment in history because I believe deeply that we cannot solve the challenges of our time unless we solve them together – unless we perfect our union by understanding that we may have different stories, but we hold common hopes; that we may not look the same and we may not have come from the same place, but we all want to move in the same direction – towards a better future for of children and our grandchildren.

This belief comes from my unyielding faith in the decency and generosity of the American people. But it also comes from my own American story.

I am the son of a black man from Kenya and a white woman from Kansas. I was raised with the help of a white grandfather who survived a Depression to serve in Patton’s Army during World War II and a white grandmother who worked on a bomber assembly line at Fort Leavenworth while he was overseas. I’ve gone to some of the best schools in America and lived in one of the world’s poorest nations. I am married to a black American who carries within her the blood of slaves and slaveowners – an inheritance we pass on to our two precious daughters. I have brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, uncles and cousins, of every race and every hue, scattered across three continents, and for as long as I live, I will never forget that in no other country on Earth is my story even possible.

It’s a story that hasn’t made me the most conventional candidate. But it is a story that has seared into my genetic makeup the idea that this nation is more than the sum of its parts – that out of many, we are truly one.

Throughout the first year of this campaign, against all predictions to the contrary, we saw how hungry the American people were for this message of unity. Despite the temptation to view my candidacy through a purely racial lens, we won commanding victories in states with some of the whitest populations in the country. In South Carolina, where the Confederate Flag still flies, we built a powerful coalition of African Americans and white Americans.

This is not to say that race has not been an issue in the campaign. At various stages in the campaign, some commentators have deemed me either “too black” or “not black enough.” We saw racial tensions bubble to the surface during the week before the South Carolina primary. The press has scoured every exit poll for the latest evidence of racial polarization, not just in terms of white and black, but black and brown as well.

And yet, it has only been in the last couple of weeks that the discussion of race in this campaign has taken a particularly divisive turn.

On one end of the spectrum, we’ve heard the implication that my candidacy is somehow an exercise in affirmative action; that it’s based solely on the desire of wide-eyed liberals to purchase racial reconciliation on the cheap. On the other end, we’ve heard my former pastor, Reverend Jeremiah Wright, use incendiary language to express views that have the potential not only to widen the racial divide, but views that denigrate both the greatness and the goodness of our nation; that rightly offend white and black alike.

I have already condemned, in unequivocal terms, the statements of Reverend Wright that have caused such controversy. For some, nagging questions remain. Did I know him to be an occasionally fierce critic of American domestic and foreign policy? Of course. Did I ever hear him make remarks that could be considered controversial while I sat in church? Yes. Did I strongly disagree with many of his political views? Absolutely – just as I’m sure many of you have heard remarks from your pastors, priests, or rabbis with which you strongly disagreed.

But the remarks that have caused this recent firestorm weren’t simply controversial. They weren’t simply a religious leader’s effort to speak out against perceived injustice. Instead, they expressed a profoundly distorted view of this country – a view that sees white racism as endemic, and that elevates what is wrong with America above all that we know is right with America; a view that sees the conflicts in the Middle East as rooted primarily in the actions of stalwart allies like Israel, instead of emanating from the perverse and hateful ideologies of radical Islam.

As such, Reverend Wright’s comments were not only wrong but divisive, divisive at a time when we need unity; racially charged at a time when we need to come together to solve a set of monumental problems – two wars, a terrorist threat, a falling economy, a chronic health care crisis and potentially devastating climate change; problems that are neither black or white or Latino or Asian, but rather problems that confront us all.

Given my background, my politics, and my professed values and ideals, there will no doubt be those for whom my statements of condemnation are not enough. Why associate myself with Reverend Wright in the first place, they may ask? Why not join another church? And I confess that if all that I knew of Reverend Wright were the snippets of those sermons that have run in an endless loop on the television and You Tube, or if Trinity United Church of Christ conformed to the caricatures being peddled by some commentators, there is no doubt that I would react in much the same way

But the truth is, that isn’t all that I know of the man. The man I met more than twenty years ago is a man who helped introduce me to my Christian faith, a man who spoke to me about our obligations to love one another; to care for the sick and lift up the poor. He is a man who served his country as a U.S. Marine; who has studied and lectured at some of the finest universities and seminaries in the country, and who for over thirty years led a church that serves the community by doing God’s work here on Earth – by housing the homeless, ministering to the needy, providing day care services and scholarships and prison ministries, and reaching out to those suffering from HIV/AIDS.

In my first book, Dreams From My Father, I described the experience of my first service at Trinity:

“People began to shout, to rise from their seats and clap and cry out, a forceful wind carrying the reverend’s voice up into the rafters….And in that single note – hope! – I heard something else; at the foot of that cross, inside the thousands of churches across the city, I imagined the stories of ordinary black people merging with the stories of David and Goliath, Moses and Pharaoh, the Christians in the lion’s den, Ezekiel’s field of dry bones. Those stories – of survival, and freedom, and hope – became our story, my story; the blood that had spilled was our blood, the tears our tears; until this black church, on this bright day, seemed once more a vessel carrying the story of a people into future generations and into a larger world. Our trials and triumphs became at once unique and universal, black and more than black; in chronicling our journey, the stories and songs gave us a means to reclaim memories tha t we didn’t need to feel shame about…memories that all people might study and cherish – and with which we could start to rebuild.”

That has been my experience at Trinity. Like other predominantly black churches across the country, Trinity embodies the black community in its entirety – the doctor and the welfare mom, the model student and the former gang-banger. Like other black churches, Trinity’s services are full of raucous laughter and sometimes bawdy humor. They are full of dancing, clapping, screaming and shouting that may seem jarring to the untrained ear. The church contains in full the kindness and cruelty, the fierce intelligence and the shocking ignorance, the struggles and successes, the love and yes, the bitterness and bias that make up the black experience in America.

And this helps explain, perhaps, my relationship with Reverend Wright. As imperfect as he may be, he has been like family to me. He strengthened my faith, officiated my wedding, and baptized my children. Not once in my conversations with him have I heard him talk about any ethnic group in derogatory terms, or treat whites with whom he interacted with anything but courtesy and respect. He contains within him the contradictions – the good and the bad – of the community that he has served diligently for so many years.

I can no more disown him than I can disown the black community. I can no more disown him than I can my white grandmother – a woman who helped raise me, a woman who sacrificed again and again for me, a woman who loves me as much as she loves anything in this world, but a woman who once confessed her fear of black men who passed by her on the street, and who on more than one occasion has uttered racial or ethnic stereotypes that made me cringe.

These people are a part of me. And they are a part of America, this country that I love.

Some will see this as an attempt to justify or excuse comments that are simply inexcusable. I can assure you it is not. I suppose the politically safe thing would be to move on from this episode and just hope that it fades into the woodwork. We can dismiss Reverend Wright as a crank or a demagogue, just as some have dismissed Geraldine Ferraro, in the aftermath of her recent statements, as harboring some deep-seated racial bias.

But race is an issue that I believe this nation cannot afford to ignore right now. We would be making the same mistake that Reverend Wright made in his offending sermons about America – to simplify and stereotype and amplify the negative to the point that it distorts reality.

The fact is that the comments that have been made and the issues that have surfaced over the last few weeks reflect the complexities of race in this country that we’ve never really worked through – a part of our union that we have yet to perfect. And if we walk away now, if we simply retreat into our respective corners, we will never be able to come together and solve challenges like health care, or education, or the need to find good jobs for every American.

Understanding this reality requires a reminder of how we arrived at this point. As William Faulkner once wrote, “The past isn’t dead and buried. In fact, it isn’t even past.” We do not need to recite here the history of racial injustice in this country. But we do need to remind ourselves that so many of the disparities that exist in the African-American community today can be directly traced to inequalities passed on from an earlier generation that suffered under the brutal legacy of slavery and Jim Crow.

Segregated schools were, and are, inferior schools; we still haven’t fixed them, fifty years after Brown v. Board of Education, and the inferior education they provided, then and now, helps explain the pervasive achievement gap between today’s black and white students.

Legalized discrimination - where blacks were prevented, often through violence, from owning property, or loans were not granted to African-American business owners, or black homeowners could not access FHA mortgages, or blacks were excluded from unions, or the police force, or fire departments – meant that black families could not amass any meaningful wealth to bequeath to future generations. That history helps explain the wealth and income gap between black and white, and the concentrated pockets of poverty that persists in so many of today’s urban and rural communities.

A lack of economic opportunity among black men, and the shame and frustration that came from not being able to provide for one’s family, contributed to the erosion of black families – a problem that welfare policies for many years may have worsened. And the lack of basic services in so many urban black neighborhoods – parks for kids to play in, police walking the beat, regular garbage pick-up and building code enforcement – all helped create a cycle of violence, blight and neglect that continue to haunt us.

This is the reality in which Reverend Wright and other African-Americans of his generation grew up. They came of age in the late fifties and early sixties, a time when segregation was still the law of the land and opportunity was systematically constricted. What’s remarkable is not how many failed in the face of discrimination, but rather how many men and women overcame the odds; how many were able to make a way out of no way for those like me who would come after them.

But for all those who scratched and clawed their way to get a piece of the American Dream, there were many who didn’t make it – those who were ultimately defeated, in one way or another, by discrimination. That legacy of defeat was passed on to future generations – those young men and increasingly young women who we see standing on street corners or languishing in our prisons, without hope or prospects for the future. Even for those blacks who did make it, questions of race, and racism, continue to define their worldview in fundamental ways. For the men and women of Reverend Wright’s generation, the memories of humiliation and doubt and fear have not gone away; nor has the anger and the bitterness of those years. That anger may not get expressed in public, in front of white co-workers or white friends. But it does find voice in the barbershop or around the kitchen table. At times, that anger is exploited by politicia ns, to gin up votes along racial lines, or to make up for a politician’s own failings.

And occasionally it finds voice in the church on Sunday morning, in the pulpit and in the pews. The fact that so many people are surprised to hear that anger in some of Reverend Wright’s sermons simply reminds us of the old truism that the most segregated hour in American life occurs on Sunday morning. That anger is not always productive; indeed, all too often it distracts attention from solving real problems; it keeps us from squarely facing our own complicity in our condition, and prevents the African-American community from forging the alliances it needs to bring about real change. But the anger is real; it is powerful; and to simply wish it away, to condemn it without understanding its roots, only serves to widen the chasm of misunderstanding that exists between the races.

In fact, a similar anger exists within segments of the white community. Most working- and middle-class white Americans don’t feel that they have been particularly privileged by their race. Their experience is the immigrant experience – as far as they’re concerned, no one’s handed them anything, they’ve built it from scratch. They’ve worked hard all their lives, many times only to see their jobs shipped overseas or their pension dumped after a lifetime of labor. They are anxious about their futures, and feel their dreams slipping away; in an era of stagnant wages and global competition, opportunity comes to be seen as a zero sum game, in which your dreams come at my expense. So when they are told to bus their children to a school across town; when they hear that an African American is getting an advantage in landing a good job or a spot in a good college because of an injustice that they themselves never committ ed; when they’re told that their fears about crime in urban neighborhoods are somehow prejudiced, resentment builds over time.

Like the anger within the black community, these resentments aren’t always expressed in polite company. But they have helped shape the political landscape for at least a generation. Anger over welfare and affirmative action helped forge the Reagan Coalition. Politicians routinely exploited fears of crime for their own electoral ends. Talk show hosts and conservative commentators built entire careers unmasking bogus claims of racism while dismissing legitimate discussions of racial injustice and inequality as mere political correctness or reverse racism.

Just as black anger often proved counterproductive, so have these white resentments distracted attention from the real culprits of the middle class squeeze – a corporate culture rife with inside dealing, questionable accounting practices, and short-term greed; a Washington dominated by lobbyists and special interests; economic policies that favor the few over the many. And yet, to wish away the resentments of white Americans, to label them as misguided or even racist, without recognizing they are grounded in legitimate concerns – this too widens the racial divide, and blocks the path to understanding.

This is where we are right now. It’s a racial stalemate we’ve been stuck in for years. Contrary to the claims of some of my critics, black and white, I have never been so naïve as to believe that we can get beyond our racial divisions in a single election cycle, or with a single candidacy – particularly a candidacy as imperfect as my own.

But I have asserted a firm conviction – a conviction rooted in my faith in God and my faith in the American people – that working together we can move beyond some of our old racial wounds, and that in fact we have no choice is we are to continue on the path of a more perfect union.

For the African-American community, that path means embracing the burdens of our past without becoming victims of our past. It means continuing to insist on a full measure of justice in every aspect of American life. But it also means binding our particular grievances – for better health care, and better schools, and better jobs - to the larger aspirations of all Americans -- the white woman struggling to break the glass ceiling, the white man whose been laid off, the immigrant trying to feed his family. And it means taking full responsibility for own lives – by demanding more from our fathers, and spending more time with our children, and reading to them, and teaching them that while they may face challenges and discrimination in their own lives, they must never succumb to despair or cynicism; they must always believe that they can write their own destiny.

Ironically, this quintessentially American – and yes, conservative – notion of self-help found frequent expression in Reverend Wright’s sermons. But what my former pastor too often failed to understand is that embarking on a program of self-help also requires a belief that society can change.

The profound mistake of Reverend Wright’s sermons is not that he spoke about racism in our society. It’s that he spoke as if our society was static; as if no progress has been made; as if this country – a country that has made it possible for one of his own members to run for the highest office in the land and build a coalition of white and black; Latino and Asian, rich and poor, young and old -- is still irrevocably bound to a tragic past. But what we know -- what we have seen – is that America can change. That is true genius of this nation. What we have already achieved gives us hope – the audacity to hope – for what we can and must achieve tomorrow.

In the white community, the path to a more perfect union means acknowledging that what ails the African-American community does not just exist in the minds of black people; that the legacy of discrimination - and current incidents of discrimination, while less overt than in the past - are real and must be addressed.   Not just with words, but with deeds – by investing in our schools and our communities; by enforcing our civil rights laws and ensuring fairness in our criminal justice system; by providing this generation with ladders of opportunity that were unavailable for previous generations. It requires all Americans to realize that your dreams do not have to come at the expense of my dreams; that investing in the health, welfare, and education of black and brown and white children will ultimately help all of America prosper.

In the end, then, what is called for is nothing more, and nothing less, than what all the world’s great religions demand – that we do unto others as we would have them do unto us. Let us be our brother’s keeper, Scripture tells us. Let us be our sister’s keeper. Let us find that common stake we all have in one another, and let our politics reflect that spirit as well.

For we have a choice in this country. We can accept a politics that breeds division, and conflict, and cynicism. We can tackle race only as spectacle – as we did in the OJ trial – or in the wake of tragedy, as we did in the aftermath of Katrina - or as fodder for the nightly news. We can play Reverend Wright’s sermons on every channel, every day and talk about them from now until the election, and make the only question in this campaign whether or not the American people think that I somehow believe or sympathize with his most offensive words. We can pounce on some gaffe by a Hillary supporter as evidence that she’s playing the race card, or we can speculate on whether white men will all flock to John McCain in the general election regardless of his policies.

We can do that.

But if we do, I can tell you that in the next election, we’ll be talking about some other distraction. And then another one. And then another one. And nothing will change.

That is one option. Or, at this moment, in this election, we can come together and say, “Not this time.” This time we want to talk about the crumbling schools that are stealing the future of black children and white children and Asian children and Hispanic children and Native American children. This time we want to reject the cynicism that tells us that these kids can’t learn; that those kids who don’t look like us are somebody else’s problem. The children of America are not those kids, they are our kids, and we will not let them fall behind in a 21st century economy. Not this time.

This time we want to talk about how the lines in the Emergency Room are filled with whites and blacks and Hispanics who do not have health care; who don’t have the power on their own to overcome the special interests in Washington, but who can take them on if we do it together.

This time we want to talk about the shuttered mills that once provided a decent life for men and women of every race, and the homes for sale that once belonged to Americans from every religion, every region, every walk of life. This time we want to talk about the fact that the real problem is not that someone who doesn’t look like you might take your job; it’s that the corporation you work for will ship it overseas for nothing more than a profit.

This time we want to talk about the men and women of every color and creed who serve together, and fight together, and bleed together under the same proud flag. We want to talk about how to bring them home from a war that never should’ve been authorized and never should’ve been waged, and we want to talk about how we’ll show our patriotism by caring for them, and their families, and giving them the benefits they have earned.

I would not be running for President if I didn’t believe with all my heart that this is what the vast majority of Americans want for this country. This union may never be perfect, but generation after generation has shown that it can always be perfected. And today, whenever I find myself feeling doubtful or cynical about this possibility, what gives me the most hope is the next generation – the young people whose attitudes and beliefs and openness to change have already made history in this election.

There is one story in particularly that I’d like to leave you with today – a story I told when I had the great honor of speaking on Dr. King’s birthday at his home church, Ebenezer Baptist, in Atlanta.

There is a young, twenty-three year old white woman named Ashley Baia who organized for our campaign in Florence, South Carolina. She had been working to organize a mostly African-American community since the beginning of this campaign, and one day she was at a roundtable discussion where everyone went around telling their story and why they were there.

And Ashley said that when she was nine years old, her mother got cancer. And because she had to miss days of work, she was let go and lost her health care. They had to file for bankruptcy, and that’s when Ashley decided that she had to do something to help her mom.

She knew that food was one of their most expensive costs, and so Ashley convinced her mother that what she really liked and really wanted to eat more than anything else was mustard and relish sandwiches. Because that was the cheapest way to eat.

She did this for a year until her mom got better, and she told everyone at the roundtable that the reason she joined our campaign was so that she could help the millions of other children in the country who want and need to help their parents too.

Now Ashley might have made a different choice. Perhaps somebody told her along the way that the source of her mother’s problems were blacks who were on welfare and too lazy to work, or Hispanics who were coming into the country illegally. But she didn’t. She sought out allies in her fight against injustice.

Anyway, Ashley finishes her story and then goes around the room and asks everyone else why they’re supporting the campaign. They all have different stories and reasons. Many bring up a specific issue. And finally they come to this elderly black man who’s been sitting there quietly the entire time. And Ashley asks him why he’s there. And he does not bring up a specific issue. He does not say health care or the economy. He does not say education or the war.   He does not say that he was there because of Barack Obama. He simply says to everyone in the room, “I am here because of Ashley.”

“I’m here because of Ashley.” By itself, that single moment of recognition between that young white girl and that old black man is not enough. It is not enough to give health care to the sick, or jobs to the jobless, or education to our children.

But it is where we start. It is where our union grows stronger. And as so many generations have come to realize over the course of the two-hundred and twenty one years since a band of patriots signed that document in Philadelphia, that is where the perfection begins.

Slideshow: Barack and Michelle

Sam Graham-Felsen — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 18:38:54 EST

Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer David Turnley snapped some photos of Barack and Michelle on their way to San Antonio last night. Check them out...

Click here to learn more about the Obama family. Please make a contribution and help bring the Obamas to the White House.

Obama Wins Delegate Fight in Texas

Sam Graham-Felsen — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 16:29:10 EST

AUSTIN -- Obama Texas State Director Adrian Saenz issued a statement on the projected primary and caucus results that show Senator Obama won more Texas delegates than Senator Clinton.

“By fighting the primary to a near-draw and earning a resounding victory in the caucus, the people of Texas have moved Barack Obama one step closer to claiming the Democratic nomination for president,” said Adrian Saenz. “Texans in both parties and of all ages sent a clear message that the American people are ready for the kind of change that Barack Obama will bring to Washington, DC as our 44th President."

Because of the close finish, Senator Clinton will likely net only two delegates up-for-grabs in the Texas Primary. Based on a large sample of caucus results in all 31 state senate districts, Senator Obama is projected to post a substantial victory in the Texas caucus and, thereby, net at least seven delegates. This means that Senator Obama will win at least five more pledged delegates from Texas than Senator Clinton.

Slideshow: Barack and Michelle in San Antonio

Sam Graham-Felsen — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 01:04:26 EST

Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer David Turnley documented the event in San Antonio tonight...

Please donate to build this movement. We fuel this campaign. We can make history.

Yes we can.

Stand for Change Today in Texas

Zachary Scott Edwards — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 23:59:00 EST

Today, the entire world will be watching Texas as we head to the polls. We want to thank everyone for their support and their work in building this grassroots movement all across the Lone Star State.

We are going to need all of you to bring your friends, family, and neighbors with you to vote and caucus. Multiply your voice and join the millions of other Americans around the country who are standing up for change we can believe in.

Click here to find your Voting and Caucus location.

We also wanted to make sure everyone knows that the election process today won't be complicated as long as you know a few rights that every voter is allowed. Below, we have broken down a few general rules and tips to help simplify the process.

If you have any problems before, during, or after the voting and caucusing begins, call 1-866-675-2008.

Yes We Can!
Sí se puede!

Washington Post on the Obama Movement

Sam Graham-Felsen — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 15:55:12 EST

The Washington Post describes the Obama movement in this must-read article...

Obama's movement began online, at least according to supporters such as Friedberg.
It was online that she first gave $100 to his campaign last year, followed months later by another $50. It was on Obama's Web site that she studied his stance on issues: health care, Social Security, the environment, education. It was on YouTube that she watched his speeches and found Will.I.Am's "Yes, We Can" viral video hit.
Ask Friedberg about the moment, the exact moment, she realized she was voting for Obama and all she can tell you is, "I don't know. I found it all online." She only turns on her television to watch DVDs.
Friedberg isn't alone. Like-minded supporters have largely funded Obama's campaign, allowing Obama to top the prodigious Clinton fundraising machine and push his movement-style message in ads, in mailers, through door knockers and the like. A few days ago, Obama crossed the millionth online donor mark, a feat that Sen. John Kerry, the 2004 Democratic nominee, barely achieved before the convention.
Then there's his popularity on social networking sites. Not just on YouTube and Facebook but also on LinkedIn, the soc-net of choice for many higher-income professionals, and BlackPlanet, the MySpace for African Americans. Online, a movement formed by a diverse electorate has grown.
And then there's his own Web site, which adapted Howard Dean's 50-state strategy to garner support not just from reliably blue states but also from traditionally red ones. On Texas.barackobama.com, the biggest grass-roots volunteer groups (Austin for Obama, San Antonio for Barack Obama, etc.) were created on Feb. 10, 2007, the day Obama announced his White House bid.

Check out the accompanying video too...

If you're from Texas, find your polling and caucus locations!

Folks from around the country, we've got a few hours left to make calls into Texas. Our moment is now. My.BarackObama.com/call.

Slideshow: Barack at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

Sam Graham-Felsen — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 14:53:31 EST

Barack visited the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo this morning. Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer David Turnley documented the action...

If you're from Texas, find your polling and caucus locations!

Folks from around the country, make some calls into Texas now. If you've never been active before, now is the time. This is our moment -- let's hit the phones. My.BarackObama.com/call.

Slideshow: Barack in Houston

Sam Graham-Felsen — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 11:36:44 EST

Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer David Turnley documented last night's rally in Houston on the eve of the Texas primary and caucus...

Texans: find your polling and caucus locations...

For folks around the country, help us win Texas -- get on the phone now and make some calls to the Lonestar State. There are only hours until the polls close -- your voice can make a critical difference.

And if you can, please donate and help us throw more rallies like this one across the country...

Video: Barack in Carrolton, Texas

Sam Graham-Felsen — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 10:33:28 EST

Barack talks about the impact young people can have in Carrloton, Texas...

Check out Students.BarackObama.com for more on Obama's support from young people.

As Barack says, your voice matters. Use it -- take a study break and pick up the phone and make some calls today.

Today is the day.

Video: Barack meets with veterans in San Antonio

Sam Graham-Felsen — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 19:45:04 EST

Barack took questions from an audience of veterans in San Antonio, Texas this morning...

Check out Veterans.BarackObama.com for more on Barack's support for our veterans.

And make some calls into Texas now!

Road to Change: Texas

Sam Graham-Felsen — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 16:16:09 EST

Here's our video tribute to the Texas for Obama movement...

If you're from Texas, click here to find your polling and caucus locations.

Folks from around the country, we know folks are buys, but need all of you to take an hour and make some calls tonight. This is the final stretch. This is the time to make history.

Obama in San Antonio: "We Will Not Leave Any of Our Veterans Behind"

Sam Graham-Felsen — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 15:23:19 EST

SAN ANTONIO, TX—Senator Barack Obama hosted a town hall meeting with Texas veterans today at the American G.I. Forum’s Veterans Outreach Program, a transitional facility for homeless veterans in San Antonio, to talk about his commitment to combating homelessness among veterans and pledged a zero-tolerance policy for homeless veterans when he is President.

“We need to have zero tolerance for homeless veterans,” Obama said. “On any given night in America, while we go to sleep in our homes, there are hundreds of thousands of Americans who have fought for our freedom who go without their own home. Veterans make up 11 percent of America’s adult population, but 26 percent of the homeless population. Already, we are seeing homeless vets from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. That’s just not right. That’s just not who we are as a country.”

Obama, who sits on the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, has passed legislation to expand and improve services for homeless veterans including increasing rental vouchers to bring homeless veterans off the street, expanding treatment for veterans with mental illnesses, and facilitating transfer of property from the Veterans’ Administration to homeless shelters. Obama has also introduced the Veterans Homelessness Prevention Act – a bill that would provide supportive services like mental health counseling, financial planning, and job training to ease the transition from military service to civilian life and prevent veterans and their families from sliding into homelessness.

“There is a U.S. military principle that we all admire: leave no one behind,” Obama said. “That’s the principle that we need when it comes to homeless vets. That is what I have fought for in the Senate. And that is why I have recently introduced the Veterans Homelessness Prevention Act, so that our vets have the skills and tools that they need to build a life after their service. This is not a partisan issue. This is a moral obligation. When I am President, we will not leave any of our veterans behind.”

As President, Obama will maintain a zero-tolerance policy for homeless veterans. The Obama plan would:

Increase access to long-term, affordable housing for veterans and their families
Focus on preventing homeless by targeting at-risk populations with housing supportive services
Expand rental assistance programs to get homeless veterans off the streets
Create a Special Assistant for Veterans Affairs within the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

In addition to his work on veteran homelessness, Obama has compiled a track record of standing up for veterans on a range of issues. His accomplishments include:

Obama passed legislation in the U.S. Senate to improve care and slash red tape for our returning wounded warriors and their families who face deplorable conditions at places like Walter Reed Army Medical Center.
Obama passed a bill to give family members health care while they care for wounded troops and introduced legislation to provide them a year of job protection, so they never have to choose between caring for a loved one and keeping a job.
Obama passed laws to provide comprehensive supports to homeless veterans.
Obama led a bipartisan effort in the Senate to try to halt the military’s unfair practice of discharging service members for having a service-connected psychological injury.
Obama passed an amendment to give recovering service members free meals and free telephone calls at military hospitals.
Obama passed legislation to stop a VA review of closed PTSD cases that could have led to a reduction in veterans’ benefits.
Obama passed an amendment to ensure that all service members returning from Iraq are properly screened for Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).

Read more of Senator Obama’s plan to keep our sacred trust with veterans HERE.

Firing up the midnight oil in Corpus Christi

Greg Hauenstein — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 14:44:07 EST

In less than 24 hours the polls will open here in Texas. Rubber will meet the road tomorrow and all the hard work of the last few weeks will pay off.

Last night at our Corpus Christi office we had a bunch of our great volunteers stay late into the night organizing for the next day's Get Out the Vote effort.

Find your nearest office and sign up for a GOTV shift! We can't do this without your help!

Canvass Kickoff with Michelle Obama Today

Christopher Hass — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 10:44:07 EST

Michelle Obama will be in Austin Monday, March 3rd, where she will speak to volunteers before they go knock doors across Travis County and remind everyone to vote and caucus on Tuesday.

Please join Michelle for the canvass kickoff -- and be ready to hit the streets and canvass with us immediately afterwards!

Canvass Kickoff with Michelle Obama

Obama for America Campus Office
2025 Guadalupe St.
Austin, Texas

Monday, March 3, 2008
Event Begins: 4:30 p.m.

'Leader'

Sam Graham-Felsen — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 00:33:28 EST

This ad will run in Texas tonight during broadcast news programs...

We know who can take us in a fundamentally different direction. Let's make this happen. Pick up the phone and make some calls into Texas today.

Working on their Texas Two-Step

Michael Negron — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 19:55:53 EST

Our Austin office is filled with volunteers, calling Texans to remind them of the “Texas Two-Step” voting process in which Texans can cast primary ballots from 7am to 7pm on Tuesday, March 4th and then caucus at a convenient location starting at 7pm. Making sure Obama supporters from all corners of the Lone Star State do the Two-Step is a key to a victory here on Tuesday.

Texans like Karen know the stakes, and have been putting in long hours to ensure that voters know about the Two-Step.

“This is one of those times when it is so important to do something positive to improve our country,” said Karen, a postal clerk from Austin.

Karen’s daughter Amber serves as a mechanic in the U.S. Army and recently returned to the states after spending over a year in Afghanistan.

“I couldn’t watch the news, I was too nervous,” she recalled of her daughter’s time overseas, “I decided to work for the campaign because I wanted to stop complaining about the leadership that sent us into Iraq and wanted to take a stand.”

Karen was among over a hundred volunteers working the phones today. You can join her and other Obama supporters at our Austin HQ or any one of our 25 offices located across the state. You can also call Texan voters from home.

Find the office closest to you.

if you’re ready to support Barack by doing the Texas Two-Step, click here for information on the caucus location nearest you.

Tireless volunteers, getting out the TX Two-Step.

Baked goods a plenty in the Austin HQ kitchen.

Lisa Ling in Austin

Greg Hauenstein — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 15:22:02 EST

Polls open in less than 48 hours here in the Lone Star State, so all hands are on deck making sure people know where to go on March 4th to vote in the primary and participate in the caucus that evening.

You can find your polling and caucus locations here.

Our office here in downtown Austin is packed with people making phone calls and getting lists of doors to knock on.

Among our volunteers making phone calls yesterday was journalist Lisa Ling. We sat down with Lisa after she finished her calls to hear why she's become such a strong supporter of Barack Obama.

The primary-caucus is almost here! Find your nearest campaign office and do your part to change this country!

'Una Voz'

Sam Graham-Felsen — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 15:01:41 EST

Check out this great mashup video a supporter just sent to us...

Send your mashups and supporter videos to blog@barackobama.com...

And check out Latinos.BarackObama.com for more on Barack's support among Latinos.

Video: West Side San Antonio Volunteers

Greg Hauenstein — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 19:02:44 EST

Yesterday we visited our West San Antonio office. Based in a house on W Commerce St. -- it’s right in a neighborhood that usually doesn't receive attention from a national campaign.

People were in and out all day in anticipation of Senator Obama's visit to San Antonio this evening.
Working in the office is Michael. A lifelong San Antonian, he knows from campaigns past that it takes hard work to win.

Here's a video of Michael:

Offices like this need your help. Our Get Out the Vote campaign has started and we need everyone to take up the torch. Sign up for a volunteer shift here.

Video: Barack in San Antonio

Greg Hauenstein — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 18:58:29 EST

Senator Obama came to the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater last night and got thousands of San Antonians fired up for Tuesday's primary-caucus.

The cheers were deafening all night, especially when he described his plan to make college affordable for every American by offering a $4,000 tax credit per year in return for public or national service.

He also spoke about changing the way politics is conducted in this country. "You won't see me using terrorism as a way to scare up votes," he said, dismissing the politics of fear that has held this country hostage for the last seven years.

Here's a video of Senator Obama that night responding to a recent television ad put up by Senator Clinton.

San Antonio Slideshow

Sam Graham-Felsen — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 16:19:33 EST

Some great shots from the San Antonio event last night...

Only a few more days... Every bit of effort you put into helping Barack win will make a difference on March 4th. Please pick up the phone and make calls to Texas.

Barack makes a surprise stop at the Sombrero Festival in Brownsville, Texas

Sam Graham-Felsen — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 12:41:24 EST

Yesterday, Barack made a surprise visit to Sombrero Fest in Brownsville, Texas, part of the city's famous Charro Days.

Barack had "torta de carne desebrada," a BBQ shredded beef sandwich, with everything on it. Looks good, huh?

He was enthusiastically recieved by Brownsville locals -- check out this video from the Brownsville Herald...

Check out Latinos.BarackObama.com to learn more about Barack's support in the Latino community and if you're from Texas, check out TX.BarackObama.com to find out how you can get involved locally and make a difference in this final weekend before the election!

Video: Barack in Beaumont, TX

Sam Graham-Felsen — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 11:46:59 EST

Here's video of Barack in Beaumont, Texas...

Only a few more days till Texas votes... Help make a difference and make some calls into Texas today!

Obama Supporters Organizing Across Texas

Christopher Hass — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 11:13:18 EST

All across Texas over the next four days, Obama supporters will knock doors, make phone calls, train for the caucus and host rallies in preparation for Tuesday's primary and caucuses. Volunteer events will be taking place throughout the state. These last few days are critical, and this is your chance to help make a difference in Texas. You can contact your local headquarters, sign up for a volunteer shift at our GOTV page, or search for events in your own community:

Fired Up and Ready to Rally San Antonio

Zachary Scott Edwards — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 18:37:25 EST

All over San Antonio, grassroots organizers and field staff are working together to reach out to supporters and undecided voters. No matter where you are in this town, you can probably find someone passing out literature or reaching out from one of our field offices.

Several of our grassroots organizers went down to the river walk today, and were passing out fliers letting locals know about Barack’s visit this evening. For those of you who didn’t see one of the fliers or hear about it from one of the San Antonio volunteers, the doors of the Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre open at 6 PM. Click here for more details.

The excitement for Barack’s visit today was everywhere, and there was an overwhelming interest here in downtown San Antonio for Barack and his message of change.

Join Barack Obama at a Stand for Change Rally in San Antonio, Tonight
Stand for Change Rally with Barack Obama
Verizon Wireless Amphitheater
16765 Lookout Road
Selma, TX 78154
Friday, February 29
Doors open: 6:00 p.m.
This event is free and open to the public; however space is limited and an RSVP is required. Space is available on a first come, first served basis.
Get more information and RSVP here.

Video: Barack at Austin Town Hall

Sam Graham-Felsen — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 17:12:41 EST

Here's Barack at the town hall meeting in Austin yesterday...

Visit TX.BarackObama.com for more on Barack in Texas, and please make a contribution to help us hold more events like this across the country...

Video: Alamobama

Zachary Scott Edwards — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 15:46:47 EST

Long before our campaign set up shop in Texas, AlamObama was laying the ground work for us.

What began in a book store by eight people a year ago is now a group of hundreds of dedicated volunteers that are engaging their communities and spreading Barack's message of change.

We visited the office and spoke with one of the co-founders, Judy Hall, earlier today:

NOW is your opportunity to get involved! You can sign up for a volunteer shift at our GOTV page.

We also did another video with Alamobama a few months ago. Check it out.

Standing for Change--- Two Blocks from the Alamo

Lucas Fleischer - Ohio HQ — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 14:29:10 EST

When you walk into the San Antonio Obama HQ at 309 E. 3rd Street -- just blocks from the Alamo-- one of the first friendly faces you are likely to see is one of our most committed local volunteers, Sloan. A few weeks ago, he and a fellow volunteer, Gretchen, agreed that any time the office was open, one or both of them would be there.

Sloan’s persistent optimism and his inviting personality are great additions to this office, and he is always welcoming to new volunteers and undecided voters. "I really believe in Barack’s message and the spirit of inclusion-- not simply trying to win, but trying to make the process better for everyone. You can't just vanquish your enemies—in the future you are going to need to work with everyone to get things done.”

Volunteers like Sloan have taken leadership positions and are not only working for change—but inspiring and empowering other volunteers to do the same thing.

Sloan spent 26 years in the army (stationed in Texas for a large portion) and then retired here at the end of his service. He is the kind of dedicated volunteer who starts the day by getting call sheets organized and handing out walk packets to the volunteers, but then after getting the volunteers out the door, grabs a carpet sweeper and says with a quiet grin, "This is how you clean up politics."

San Antonio Ready to Get Out the Vote

Zachary Scott Edwards — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 12:24:22 EST

Barack is going to be in San Antonio tonight, but everyone here is Fired Up and ready for the final weekend before Texas holds it’s Primary-Caucus on Tuesday, March 4th. Today is also the first day of Get Out the Vote (GOTV) and volunteers are busy making sure we reach out to our local communities to make the biggest impact.

It’s also the last day to vote early for Barack – if you haven’t done so yet – click here.

Volunteers have been pouring into offices since early this morning to pick up policy papers, make calls, and get volunteers scheduled to fill all of the GOTV shifts these next 4 days. There is an amazing energy here at the San Antonio HQ— volunteers that have been actively involved in grassroots organizing since the beginning of this campaign are now ready to do their part.

Volunteers at the San Antonio HQ making signs and GOTV signup forms

On Tuesday, March 4th, the entire country will be watching the important contests going on across the country—but Texas will award the most delegates and it’s extremely important for us to ramp up our operations. We need everyone to get out there and make calls, reach out to their friends, family and neighbors, and get involved.

If you’re in Texas we need you to sign up for a GOTV shift and volunteer your time.

If you can’t make it to Texas we need you to be calling Texans and making sure that they know about the “Texas Two-Step.”

Organizers and volunteers have been reaching out to ensure that everyone knows about the importance of Tuesday’s election here in Texas.

Join us at one of the San Antonio offices--- and help us prepare to Get Out the Vote.

San Antonio HQ
309 Third St.
San Antonio, TX
Phone: 210 300 3357
View map

2935 W. Commerce
San Antonio, TX 78207
Phone: 210 431 7200
View map

10415 Perrin Beitel Road
San Antonio, TX 78217
View map

We’ll be in San Antonio all day - check back soon!

Photos: Barack in Fort Worth

Sam Graham-Felsen — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 22:23:06 EST

For those of you who missed the live feed, here are some photos from the Fort Worth rally...

If you're from Texas, check out TX.BarackObama.com to find out how you can vote early and get involved locally... For folks around the country, please donate and help us expand our total for the month -- tomorrow is the last day of the reporting period.

Former Texas Governor Mark White Supports Barack Obama

Greg Hauenstein — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 18:54:21 EST

Earlier this week, Former Texas Governor Mark White endorsed Senator Obama's candidacy for President. Governor White served as Governor from 1983 to 1987, before that he was Texas' Attorney General and before that he was Texas' Secretary of State.

While in office, Governor White fought hard for education and health care reform. He led efforts to expand South Texas Hospital to provide comprehensive health services in the Lower Rio Grande Valley, and establish the Task Force on Indigent Health Care.

We spoke with Governor White earlier today and asked him why he supports Senator Obama.

"When I listen to Barack Obama I hear an eloquent voice of hope and
inspiration. I also hear the voice of a healer and doer and achiever who
knows how to turn hope into reality.

When I look at Barack Obama I see the future.. I see a man who is turning
the nation around politically. I see a man who has been able to do what no
other politician has done in my lifetime: to unite the American people of
all persuasions -- politically, regionally, racially, ethnically -- behind
a shared purpose. Barack Obama as President will give new meaning to the
words on the seal of the United States, "e pluribus unum," -- "Out of Many,
One."

He is truly America's candidate"

We thank Governor White for his service to the State of Texas and his support for Senator Obama.

The primary is next week and we need everyone to get involved! Sign up for a Get Out the Vote volunteer shift right now!

Photo courtesy of the Texas State Library and Archives Commission.

Barack holds town hall in Austin, Texas

Sam Graham-Felsen — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 14:56:17 EST

Barack held a town hall meeting in Austin, Texas today...

From the AP report...

"We are not standing on the brink of recession because of forces beyond our control," Obama told a town hall forum in Austin. "This was not an inevitable part of the business cycle. It was a failure of leadership in Washington — a Washington where George Bush hands out billions of tax cuts to the wealthiest few for eight long years, and John McCain promises to make those same tax cuts permanent, embracing the central principle of the Bush economic program."

Let's help Barack win in Texas so he can advance to the general election and fight for a new direction for our economy... Pick up the phone and make some calls now -- it's a great way for each of us to make a personal impact on this campaign.

Video: Obama in San Marcos, Texas

Sam Graham-Felsen — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 14:47:52 EST

Obama rallied 12,000 Texans in San Marcos last night... Check out this crowd...

And watch the video...

Please help us make one million calls by March 4th. Visit My.BarackObama.com/call and get started!

Houston Superdelegate Switches to Obama

Sam Graham-Felsen — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 09:37:56 EST

The AP reports that another Houston superdelegate state Rep. Senfronia Thompson is now supporing Obama...

AUSTIN -— Democratic superdelegate and state Rep. Senfronia Thompson, of Houston, defected from Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton's presidential candidate Wednesday and joined a growing list of superdelegates to endorse Sen. Barack Obama for president, according to his campaign.

"I'm honored to have earned the support of Representative Thompson and am pleased that she'll play an important role in advancing our grassroots movement for change in Houston and across Texas," Obama said in a statement. "Throughout her three decades in the Legislature, she's been a tireless advocate for working families and when I'm president we'll work together to put the American dream within reach of every child in Texas and across our country."

Thompson, one of the longest serving Democrats in the state House, is one of the party insiders who, as a superdelegate, help choose the Democratic nominee at the national convention this summer in Denver.

Her defection was the second loss of the day for Clinton: Civil rights leader and Atlanta congressman John Lewis, a Democratic congressman from Atlanta, is the most prominent black leader to defect from Clinton's campaign in the face of recent near-unanimous black support for Obama.

Obama has won 11 straight primaries and caucuses since Super Tuesday, increased his advantage in the all-important delegate count and has attracted the support of his congressional colleagues.

In recent weeks, more than two dozen superdelegates have climbed aboard Obama's campaign.

Video: Barack in Duncanville, Texas

Sam Graham-Felsen — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 09:29:05 EST

Here's some video from Barack's appearance in Duncanville, Texas yesterday...

Click here to make calls into Texas and help meet our goal of 1,000,000 calls!

Photos: Obama in Duncanville, Texas

Sam Graham-Felsen — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 20:15:38 EST

Here's a few photos of Barack rallying Texans in Duncanville...

The town hall event was so crowded he went ouside to address the overflow crowd...

Check out TX.BarackObama.com for info on how you can vote early if you're from Texas. And for folks around the country -- it's important that everyone try to make a few calls so we can reach our goal of one million calls by March 4th!

Dallas Stands for Change

Greg Hauenstein — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 16:30:31 EST

Yesterday in Dallas, District Attorney Craig Watkins and President of Independent Texans Linda Curtis made public endorsements of Senator Obama for President.

Linda Curtis said,

"We came to deliver our endorsement today - we had a raging debate in our organization... It is pretty clear to anyone who tries to be objective that Obama is the candidate for Independent Texans right now. He is the person who is speaking to us. He's made it clear that he's building what he calls a majority coalition. And he understands that 42 percent of the electorate now is independent and they must be included."

People of all political backgrounds are interested in reducing the influence of money in politics and by refusing PAC and federal lobbyist money, Senator Obama has made sure that the American people are the only ones he is accountable to.

The movement for change continues to build in Dallas, just a few days earlier, former Dallas Cowboy Emmett Smith spoke at a rally for Senator Obama and got the crowd fired up. Here's a video of the event.

If you're ready to stand for change with Dallas, make sure join a Get Out the Vote shift this weekend!

Ethel Kennedy Hosts Houston Event for Barack Obama

Christopher Hass — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 14:19:19 EST

Today, Ethel Kennedy, widow of Robert F. Kennedy, and her son Max Kennedy, will host Community Gatherings in Houston in support of Senator Obama's presidential campaign. Max and Ethel will speak with voters about why Barack Obama is the only candidate who can inspire and instill hope in Americans of all backgrounds and deliver real change we can believe in. This event is free and open to the public.

Wednesday, February 27

Community Gathering with Ethel Kennedy

Obama Campaign Office
3710 Travis
Houston, TX 77002
Program Begins: 4:00 PM

Caroline Kennedy in Texas

Greg Hauenstein — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 20:42:18 EST

On Monday. Caroline Kennedy spoke to Texans about why she feels Barack Obama is the best candidate in the race for President of the United States.

Her January 27th New York Times op-ed entitled "A President Like My Father" left a strong impression on the electorate because she rarely involves herself in Presidential politics. Senator Obama's candidacy, however, has that effect on people. Thousands who were previously uninvolved, are now leading their communities towards the American Dream.

Here's a video of Caroline speaking in Austin.

Stand up for change in your community, by helping us Get Out the Vote!

One Week to Texas Two Step!

Zachary Scott Edwards — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 13:48:13 EST

There is just one week left before the March 4th contests and only one week left to get involved. Texas plays an extremely important role in this nominating process and we need everyone to help us reach out to Texans to talk about Barack’s ability to bring us together to change Washington.

If you are in Texas, you can show your support by voting early TODAY. Please find an Early Voting Location using our Online Lookup Tool. We also need you to sign up for our critical Get Out the Vote shifts.

If you are in another state, we need you to use our online phone banking tool to reach out to Texans. We also have a Spanish Language Phone banking tool.

Stand with us in Texas and make a direct impact by giving us your time and your voice in this final week.