The Hip Hop Generation for Obama

President Obama to Speak LIVE to American School Children on September 8th

Lynn Pinder — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 10:30:54 EDT

At 12:00 p.m., Eastern Time (ET), September 8, 2009, President Barack Obama will deliver a national address to the students of America. (Please note that this is a change from the originally scheduled time.) During this special address, the president will speak directly to the nation’s children and youth about persisting and succeeding in school. The president will challenge students to work hard, set educational goals, and take responsibility for their learning.

The U.S. Department of Education invites students of all ages, teachers, and administrators to participate in this historic moment by watching the president deliver the address, which will be broadcast live on the White House Web site (http://www.whitehouse.gov/live/) and on C-SPAN at 12:00 p.m., ET. We also encourage educators to use this moment to help students get focused and inspired to begin the new academic year. The Department of Education offers educators a menu of classroom activities—created by its teachers-in-residence, the Teaching Ambassador Fellows—to help engage students in the address and stimulate classroom discussions about the importance of education.

For more information from the U.S. Department of Education, click http://www.ed.gov/admins/lead/academic/bts.html. To read an online news article about the September 8th speech, click http://www.examiner.com/x-20015-Baltimore-Youth--Workforce-Development-Examiner~y2009m9d4-President-Barack-Obama--continuing-the-White-House-legacy-of-speaking-to-American-school-children.

BRAVO!!!!! PRESIDENT OBAMA

Bizwoman of Gaithersburg — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 07:41:40 EST

President Barack Obama you were perfect in the delivery and content of your speech on the 24th of Feb, 09. You are doing the best job anyone could ask for. You and your team have developed a very good plan to get us out of the financial mess we are in. And you have explained your plan and intentions to the fullest. No other President has been so open in the explanation of the plans for our country. I believe you will be successful in achieving the goals you have made for the improvements we need in this country. Mostly because it's a good plan but also because when you put your mind, heart and soul into something your level of success rates go up. And I can see that you believe what you are telling us and together we will fix the nation. Thank You for being who you are. Thank You for the HOPE you have given us all. Thank You for the wise decisions you have made for the betterment of our nation. Just Thank You, President Barack Obama I will pray for you, your family and your cabinet to be safe, make future good choices and to be successful.

Considering the past, Is playing dirty politics the' only way to win?

(((Wise for Obama))) — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 20:24:41 EDT

Unless you're in a bubble, You can alway's find people talking politics as if it were the norm, comparing Republican's and Democrat's. At times they'd be arguing,bullying,all sort's of stuff. But the big buzz around the Dem's corner(I'm a member,of course) is, Obama/Biden not being tough enough,they have so many fact's they can dwell on(unlike the lies the republican's continously report about our Obama, or conscrew his word's). They say we need a more aggressive team to show them were no sloutches. What do you all think? Should they be more aggressive? Or should they play it cool, like they're doing and not play old politic's?

sarah palin's rant

aaron keith wilkes — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 09:19:29 EDT

dont you get discouraged you have to fight her and the republican attack machine with every thing we have the fact that poor little sarah spent her time attacking barack and joe and did not state her positives or why she wanted to be vice president get out there and tell the truth dont let sarah and the republicans get away with thisand remember yes we can yes we did and yes we will and dear little sarah get your facts right

Obama / Biden the best ticket ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Bizwoman of Gaithersburg — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 02:26:43 EDT

Obama and Biden are the best ticket ever. They are two great men and they compliment each other perfectly. Together they are going to lead this country back in the right direction and beyond. America needs to get it's respect back, and with the help of the grass roots under their feet, they will glide thru this election as if on roller skates. And if they happen to fall we will be there to help pick them up together and let them know we have their back. Getting this country back on track and mending all of the problems that face the average American will take time and will not be easy. So get ready everyone, our Candidates are going to need us more than ever now. We must volunteer as much as we can, host parties, talk to our undecided friends, donate money, show our support by wearing our t-shirts and buttons. And most of all go to the Motor Vehicle Administration and pick up some voters registration cards, get as many new voters registered. Don't leave the card with the person, let them fill it in and take it, mail it for them so we know it is done. As long as we do not give up, we will be successful in the end. Please let's show the rest of the world exactly how great this country really is. A country where the people Rule and it's Rulers listen to the people. A Country where it's Leaders take into consideration the well being of each and every citizen no matter what they believe in, who they are, how much money they have, what color they are, what sex they are or who they voted for. This new leadership team is the best thing for this country. They have already given us back our Dreams, Hope, Faith, Charity, Pride and most of all UNITY!!!!!!!! Now if they can do all of that for us and they haven't even won yet, just imagine when they win it can only get better. THANK YOU Senator Joseph Biden and Senator BARACK OBAMA the next President Of the United States Of America!!!!!!!!!!!!

New Obama music video puts Oakland in the spotlight!

Trevor from Oakland, CA — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 15:52:18 EDT

Read The Article:

http://www.insidebayarea.com/oaklandtribune/localnews/ci_10285600

Watch The Video:

http://www.weneedapresident.com

Oakland Hip-Hop group creates OBAMA music video

Trevor from Oakland, CA — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 16:04:38 EDT

Eklectyk Creative Media has released an innovative music video for the group, Napalm Clique, in support of Barack Obama. The video begins with an excerpt from his "A More Perfect Union" speech, and launches into a multimedia celebration for the political candidate. The video-editing and creativity behind this video have truly raised the bar for independent Hip Hop artists. In this production, real Hip Hop is used as a vehicle to inspire youth to vote and become involved in national politics.

Check it out: "We Need A President" by Napalm Clique

WE NEED YOUR HELP-- We're looking for ways to make this video go viral, as we feel that this "anthem" could help to fuel the efforts of organizers and campaign supporters until November. If you have any blogs, websites, or mailing lists, please post this video and help us get the word out.

Thank You,

Trevor Parham

A teenager wonders...Was Imus in the wrong?

Ali — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 20:28:47 EDT

Imus comments come out as another racist statement.

The arrest of Dallas Cowboys quarterback, Adam Jones, sparked criticism on Don Imus's radio program. While recording the show, set to air on Tuesday, Imus commented on the unfair treatment of African Americans. "What people should be outraged about is that they arrest blacks for no reason," Imus said Tuesday. "I mean, there's no reason to arrest this kid six times. Maybe he did something once, but everyone does something once." The latest comments by Imus were aired on Monday's broadcast. During a conversation about Jones' arrest, Imus asked, "What color is he?" Sports announcer Warner Wolf said Jones - formerly known as Pacman - is "African-American." Imus responded: "There you go. Now we know."

Imus said in a public statement, that the remarks were meant to be sarcastic.

He called the flurry of criticism surrounding the comments "ridiculous" and said that his program's cast is now more diverse than ever - and includes a black producer and two black co-hosts, a man and a woman.

"How insane would I have to be? What would I be thinking?" Imus wondered aloud.

Now I would like to know if you thought that the comments made by Imus were racist or not?

Ali

Virginia Teens Against Racism

Southern California Native

caligirl00241@aol.com

(Story found on AOL)

Reach out and touch the DNC

Junius — Fri, 02 May 2008 16:10:22 EDT

Received via e-mail

Some leaders in the Democratic Party are playing with fire. They think that they can betray the will of millions of voters and choose Hillary Clinton as the nominee, regardless of whether or not she is the choice of the voters. We can't let this happen. It would be the largest disenfranchisement in modern history, and it would mean the Democratic Party giving their stamp of approval to a clear and consistent pattern of race-baiting by the Clinton campaign.

If we make our voices heard, we can stop it. Please join us in signing an open letter to leaders in the Democratic Party -- DNC Chair Howard Dean, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, and all superdelegates -- demanding that they reject an outcome that involves trampling voting rights and legitimizing the politics of division and fear:

http://colorofchange.org/dems/?id=1647-309967

By the time the last vote is cast on June 3rd under the rules of the Democratic Party, it's unlikely Hillary Clinton will beat Barack Obama among voters.1 But there's a chance that superdelegates will hand Clinton the nomination anyway.

This would be a shocking attack on democracy, and it would destroy the Democratic Party's credibility on protecting the right to vote. Black people have a long history of fighting against voter suppression, and now the Democratic Party will be the enemy in that fight. As bad as that would be, there's another reason that a coup by party insiders would threaten racial progress.

Senator Clinton's plan to have superdelegates hand her the nomination relies on a parallel strategy -- she has to stoke enough division and race-based fear among Democratic voters to convince superdelegates that white voters will not vote for Senator Obama in the general election.2 One of Clinton's key arguments to superdelegates is that America won't elect a Black man, and therefore she's the better choice for Democrats to beat John McCain.3,4 While she makes that argument in private to superdelegates, in public, Clinton's campaign and her surrogates are doing everything they can to damage Barack Obama by ginning up fear and division and playing to the worst instincts of our society. It's an insult to Black people and all Americans, Obama and Clinton supporters alike.

The pattern has been clear and consistent to some party leaders. Last week, according to the Washington Post, James Clyburn -- who as House Majority Whip remains neutral and is the highest ranking Black member of Congress -- accused the Clintons of marginalizing Black voters.5 Referring to this strategy in another interview, Clyburn said that "Nothing in this campaign has been by accident."6

Congressman Clyburn warned that "black people are incensed" over the divisiveness of the Clinton strategy and that it threatens an irreparable breach between Black people and the Democratic Party.7 He's right. And if superdelegates hand Clinton a victory despite her defeat among voters, they will be condoning and rewarding that strategy.

Some party leaders have expressed strong concern about superdelegates overruling voters.8,9 But as a whole, superdelegates have not made it clear that they will respect the will of voters. Today, we want to send a clear, unequivocal message to superdelegates and other party leaders: Reject the idea that the nomination can be won with a strategy that preys on racism, sows division, and disenfranchises millions of voters.

Please join us:

http://colorofchange.org/dems/?id=1647-309967

-- James, Van, Gabriel, Clarissa, Mervyn, Andre, and the rest of the ColorOfChange.org team
May 2nd, 2008

References:

1. "Analysis: Time, delegate math working against Clinton," AP, 04-18-2008
http://tinyurl.com/3rzn45

2. Keith Olbermann Special Comment on Clinton Campaign, MSNBC, 03-12-2008
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQ2JtUmB3kc

3. "Mark Halperin Explains the Clinton Argument for Staying In," Mark Halperin on FOX News, 03-28-2008
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zJ3Gyum4434

4. "Clinton ally: Some whites 'not ready' for Obama," AP, 02-12-2008
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23134717/

5. "Party Fears Racial Divide," Washington Post, 04-26-2008
http://tinyurl.com/4aoj6h

6. "Vexing Issue for the Clinton Campaign: What to Make of Bill?," New York Times, 04-29-2008
http://tinyurl.com/475g5b

7. "Black Leader in House Denounces Bill Clinton's Remarks," The Caucus, 04-24-2008
http://tinyurl.com/3hn8aj

8. "Brazile: I'll Quit DNC Position Over Superdelegates," News & Notes, 02-11-2008
http://tinyurl.com/4emgl3

9. "Brazile: Howard Dean And Other Party Leaders Should Be Prepared To Step In," TPM Election Central, 03-05-2008
http://tinyurl.com/3dfm6s

Ya know, it makes you pause...

Aaron Rich — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 22:38:09 EDT

I am a democrat who refuses to buy into dogma because I am told to do so. I think that exercising the rights that we have is as important as it is to help others. That being said, I found it sad that Obama felt compelled to say that Americans in small towns "cling to guns".

I refuse to bow to fear, and Obama's views on gun control amount to fear-mongering to me, and his recent comments concern me more. People have differing political views, but what I have never understood is why those that so dearly love the 1st amendment can so passionately hate the 2nd amendment. Is it not the 2nd that secures the right to the 1st?

I am not convinced that any of the candidates in the race can truly change this country, and that is a shame. Obama was the one who I thought might cut through all the crap and tell it like it is. But that is not the truth. The truth is that Obama is playing politics like any other candidate, and will act accordingly once elected.

I guess this should come to no surprise, considering that the wealthy tend not to understand common concerns. I would love to see a average american run for president... not this long and weary line of wealthy politicians.

In November I may vote for my dad, since I can write in whomever I want. At leas then I know that I won't be voting for a candidate I don't beleive in.

My Obama Soundtrack

G. Turner, Esq. — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 12:46:36 EDT

A couple songs I put on to get fired up before working on the campaign:

1. Steve Wonder - Signed, Sealed, Delivered

2. 3 Doors Down - Kryptonite

3. Hope - Lighthouse

4. Ohene - Barack 4 America

5. Suzie McNeil - Believe

6. India.Arie - Hope

7. Etta James - At Last

8. Random - Push

9. Sarah McLachlan - World on Fire

10. Kanye West - Stronger

11. Michael Jackson - Man In the Mirror

12. Trek Life - Price I've Paid

13. Dixie Chicks - I Hope

14. Ohene - I Put A Spell On You

15. K-Os - Highway 7

What We Don't Need

Alvin Misa — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 23:02:36 EDT

I guess Hillary Clinton has been too busy (trying to find dirt to throw at Senator Obama and attempting to change the DNC rules) to keep her stories straight. The odds of her "mispeaking" about her trip to Bosnia years ago are slim to none. Like being shot at and running for cover is somehow cool and makes you more qualified to be commander in chief... Thank God for the video proving that her "coming under sniper fire" was a straight up lie. Makes you wonder how many more lies have come out of her mouth during this campaign and during her entire political career in an effort to pander to certain interests just to further her career (as well as her husband's). Her candidacy is a problem. It is evident that she is playing the "divide and conquer" game using and pandering to race, gender and "class" issues and attempting to attack Senator Obama on "substance" when its clear that she's the one that ain't got it. It just shows us all that she is power hungry and desperate to win at all costs, that she is willing to sacrifice the Democratic Party and the future of America in her quest for the presidency. We don't need four more years with just another liar in that oval office not giving a damn about none of us. We don't need Hillary Clinton. (And we don't need Bill as vice president neither).

Hip-Hop Song for Obama

G. Turner, Esq. — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 19:34:01 EDT

A good buddy of mine, Ohene, penned a song in support of Obama - an excellent marketing tool for drawing in the youth. He's based out of Philly, so if anyone wants to book him for a rally or other event, let me know and I'll pass along the message.

Check it out, it's a free download on MySpace: myspace.com/ohene.

discouraged

aaron keith wilkes — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 15:11:46 EST

dont you dare allow the discouragement bug get in you and i obama supporters we have come a long way we are still ahead in the delegate count we will win saturday in wyoming and tuesday in mississippi and we have a month to turn around pennsylvania and remember yes we can and also are you fired up and ready to go.so get up off that pessimism and let's gowin this nomination what do you say.

Still ailing - should I go to work tomorrow?

Timothy O'Neill — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 01:06:49 EST

I am pretty sick still - trying to decide whether going to work this morning will just exacerbate my illness, or will staying home exacerbate my unholy mound of backlogged work worse? It's a tough call - I guess I'd better decide when I wake up. Although, I have a history of siding with staying home after waking up to the alarm clock.

Another consideration; I'd like to be home to watch the primary coverage on Tuesday, so if I can struggle through work today I'll also demonstrate that I'm really ill to my boss and co-workers and not a faker or an exaggerator.

Not to be so off-topic: Go Obama! Kick some Clinton ass in Wisconsin! My family is from Wisconsin (before I was born); they lived in Milwaukee and all three of my sisters were born there. My brother and I were born in Lansing, Michigan, where we lived until I was four years old. Then we lived in Connecticut until I was ten, and since then we've lived in Maryland. Well, Obama took Maryland, Connecticut, and he would have taken Michigan had his name been on the ballot. I'm pretty confident he'll take Wisconsin. My family's good at picking the Obama states :)

Houston volunteer office inadvertantly insults Cubans

Michael Blackburn — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 10:42:53 EST

I've reposted below the reply I wrote to Millie from Florida, who was upset about the image from a Houston Fox station of Che Guevera in a volunteer office. She is very clear in describing why this is a problem, making me aware of the insensitivity of honoring that man. Here's the original post:
http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/millie/C4fY

Here's my reply:

You're absolutely right. To be honest, I was ignorant of this aspect of Cuban history and culture. That ignorance is widespread in America due to the embargo; it's gone on longer than many of us have been alive. It's certainly not taught in public school US History. Without free movement to Cuba, there is no way many American youth could have known this.

Here's the hope: as English-only white male, I do not associate with many Spanish-speaking people, much less Cubans. But Barack's message is one of Unity, and it's brought the two of us together. By following his example of listening, I understand now why this image is so powerful. There's no way I could have known that without you.

Please, accept my apologies on behalf of every WASP kid who's been denied an opportunity to learn about the proud and beautiful Cuban culture and history. I know it's hurt your work for this campaign, but I believe it is not fatally wounded.

I understand your anger. But I have to call you to be responsible as well. I reject your argument that it is the volunteer's responsibility to "educate herself" about the issues of Cuban Americans before opening an office. How could she ever learn everything there is to know about every cultural subsegment of American society? How many Cubans has she had meaningful interactions with in her life?

This the core of the argument for unity, including a shared language and cultural integration into the US, a topic many immigrants resist. It's ultimately unfair to maintain a separate society, enforced with language, and yet be insulted when someone outside your culture makes a stupid mistake.

I can't speak for your family, but I know that every person can ultimately only control their own behavior. Your choice now is to retreat, insulted, away from this campaign, or engage, commit, and ultimately educate America.

You've taken the first step. Your message has reached me. I pledge to fight the "pop" usage of this image anywhere I see it in my everyday life. I get it now, and I didn't before. I think that should give you hope that this campaign really can change America. Barack challenges us to speak up, because he knows speaking honestly can heal.

I'm a volunteer, and don't speak for the campaign. I believe this campaign stands for the values honesty, empathy, and personal responsibility.

Ed Rendell

Aaron Rich — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 21:20:40 EST

Please, everyone, contact our Governor and tell him how disappointed we are that he has again brought race to issue for the Clinton campaign. I think the country is finally waking up to realize that the Clintons are a bunch of rich politicians who only care about their own gains. In that regard they are just like the Bush's. Obama will be a breath of fresh air, so we need to show Rendell that this state will not take his comments lying down!

Obama down by 30 points and 800 delegates!!!!!

Michael Blackburn — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 23:07:13 EST

Two words of recent history: New Hampshire.

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/2/11/91158/5807/161/454432

Make some calls!

Michael Blackburn — Sun, 03 Feb 2008 15:16:16 EST

T-minus four hours to Super Bowl kickoff. The great news of endorsements and polls CANNOT distract us from the work to be done. I believe this is how we lost New Hampshire. We must do all we can!!!!

Take a minute, go to the Action Center, and do ONE round of phone calls for the campaign, at least. We must talk to as many people as possible. There is a huge swell of support for Barack, and talking to people will further energize you.

I'm going to a watch the game, so no calls after kickoff. I'd guess for many Americans (especially in the NY/NE area), calls will not be welcomed during the game. Take this time to write an email to your addressbook, or call a friend you know won't be watching the game.

Words, Words, Words

Michael Blackburn — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 02:10:51 EST

On blogs, I'm seeing Obama detractors dismissing "soaring rhetoric" and "pretty speeches." They insist that getting legislation passed is something best left to the "experienced." I'm sorry, I must disagree.

You think a politician jumps when he gets a call from a donor? He jumps twice as high when he's getting a hundred calls a day from constituents. There is still fear in the Washington establishment of the power of the people. They call it the "bully pulpit" for a reason.

Let's take a trip down memory lane, shall we?

Name me an initiative G. Washington "managed through the process" as president that's read in a U.S. history class the way his Farewell Address is.

Can you name legislation Lincoln signed or failed to sign that is regarded higher than the Gettysburg Address? I'm sorry, the slaves were freed by executive order. Thanks for playing!

How many of your grandfathers can name more New Deal programs than they have teeth? How many of those same grandfathers can tell you exactly how they felt during at least one of FDR's fireside chats?

Republicans worship Reagan, but not because he slashed welfare and funded Contras. It's "Morning in America" and "Tear Down this Wall" that cast such a long shadow over their current candidates.

America IS an ideal. We started the whole idea of liberal democracy. It DIDN'T EXIST before us. Our contribution to humanity is NOT that people had a parliament and a vote. It's that the government was embodied in a DOCUMENT, in words, and not a MAN.

Is it a coincidence that democracy is faltering around the world today: in Pakistan and Kenya, in Iraq and Russia? Could it be because WE have faltered in leading the world with the conduct of our OWN democracy?

And some people want to go back to Don't Ask, Don't Tell. Deny the power of a President's words? Only someone who debated The Meaning of "Is" can get away with that.

THANKS TO ALL THOSE FROM MARYLAND WHO WENT TO SOUTH CAROLINA

aaron keith wilkes — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 09:16:58 EST

THANK YOU TO ALL WHO WENT TO SOUTH CAROLINA IT WAS YOUR HELP THAT MADE VICTORY POSSIBLE THANKS TODC FOR OBAMA FOR ALL YOU DID TO AID US IN SOUTH CAROLINA IT PAID OFF.ARE YOU STILL FIRED UP AND READY TO GO!

WE DID IT

aaron keith wilkes — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 09:13:22 EST

WE DID IT BY STAYING STRONG AND NOT GIVING UP.I WANT YOU ALL TO STAY FIRED UP AND READY TO GO.WE HAVE GREAT WORK TO DO.WE WILL WIN BUT I DONT WANT YOU ENGAGING IN TIT FOR TAT FIGHTS WITH THE CLINTON AND EDWARDS CAMPS,BECAUSE WE ARE BETTER THAN THAT AND BESIDES OUR MESSAGE IS SUPERIOR ANY WAY.AS SOUTH CAROLINA PROVED THE VOTERS ARE BETTER THAN THAT THEY KNOW THE TRUTH.MARYLAND YOUR TURN IS FEBRUARY 12.MARYLAND CAN WE DO IT.YES WE CAN!

fired up and ready to go

aaron keith wilkes — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 13:16:47 EST

all i want to know is are fired up and ready to go for barack obama maryland

On the Present Votes...

Michael Blackburn — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 10:50:44 EST

I think it's funny that candidates campaigning that they know "how it works" are going after Barack about his "Present" votes. Here is the deal, and how this FURTHER shows Barack's principled stand on good government, and his deep commitment to good government above good politics.

Barack voted present 130 times among 4000+ votes. As he pointed out in the debate, the bill Hillary brought up on sex offenders is one HE SPONSORED. Well, WHY would he do that? WHY would you sponsor a bill and not vote for it? Is Barack a flip-flopper? NO. He believed the law was unconstitutional. The argument that "it hasn't been struck down yet" just exposes an "anything goes" attitude to politics and government.

WHY does it matter that Barack withheld support from a bill he sponsored, but when it came up for a vote believed to be unconstitutional? Because bills don't get struck down "just because." They get struck down when someone is convicted of the crime and challenges the constitutionality of the bill. WHAT happens if the bill is unconstitutional? The offender, who was convicted of the crime by a jury of his peers, and perhaps even had an appeal on the merits of his conviction turned down, IS SET FREE because the lawmakers didn't take the time to make sure they got it right.

His campaign summed it up perfectly. Barack "doesn't vote for a bad law because it's good politics."

Principles, people. Principles.

ethelk2044

aaron keith wilkes — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 08:18:47 EST

there is a person i want to let every know about her name that she goes by on black america web.com is ethelk2044.what i want to let you know is what this wonderful person is doing is taking time to put barack's entire message from his platforn out to everyone on blackamerica web and i think you should know about her and if you should go on black america web say thanks and encourage her this is what commitment is about.bravo ethelk2044

Find another gear

Michael Blackburn — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 19:39:41 EST

Watching the NFC championship game, and Donald Driver just got a great 90-yard touchdown catch. Watch closely. DD is no young buck. The defense has a good line at him. But he does what we hear sometimes as a cliche: he "finds another gear." He sees the goal line and finds a way to get past the obstacles.

This is what we need to do in this campaign. Especially with Mr. Obama's beautiful, stirring speech today.

Find another gear.

Remain Positive

Michael Blackburn — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 22:22:06 EST

The experience here is clear. We must continue to communicate our candidate's message. Daily. See my previous post about "Best Possible Outcome." Take every insult and slander and turn the other cheek. We won where it counts in Nevada, and we will continue to win in South Carolina, and we will turn this country around. This will NOT be easy.

http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/michaelblackburn/CGFq

dont give up

aaron keith wilkes — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 16:45:58 EST

i urge all of us not to get discouraged by what is apparently happening in nevada stay strong hold on our day is coming .dont give up we will win be strong hang tough .we have had setbacks before and look where we are now and think where we will be next week when we win south carolina

BAM!

Michael Blackburn — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 16:49:57 EST

A post I saw on another blog, which I think should be heard. I'm quoting the story directly, only breaking it into paragraphs for clarity.

THE "BAM"... The OBAMA Handshake! PASS IT ON AT THE NEXT OBAMA RALLY!

Having caught "Obama fever" like so many others rallying in support of Barack, I experienced something at a Barack Obama Rally on Thursday, January 10 at the College of Charleston here in Charleston, South Carolina, which I felt was both inspirational and spontaneous! As Barack worked the line following the close of his speech, there was a surge of people moving forward hoping to get close enough to shake Barack's hand. Since I was standing about 20 feet back from center stage in the crowd, I felt the crowd down front tighten as many of us stood on our toes, stretched our bodies forward while reaching out to Barack.

I noticed that a six foot tall guy who was standing in front of me had stretched far enough above the crowd and shook hands with Barack. As the guy drew back his hand I asked him, "You shook his hand didn't you?" Happily the guy said "Yes." I then said, "give me some of that" and the guy shook my hand with the same hand he had just clasped with Barack's.

A woman friend of mine who was standing next to me saw me shake hands with the guy. I turned to her and said "He [the guy] just shook hands with Barack," to which she responded..."Hey, give it up." We then shook hands. She then turned to the person next to her and shook hands. This chain of hand shakes went on for about five or six more persons.

I did not know the tall guy in front of me; he is white, I am black. But at the moment we shook hands, I felt some solidarity with this stranger, consummated by a handshake and signifying some unspoken agreement presumably about Barack Obama and his core message of UNITY!

I call this hand-shake scenario the "BAM" because, descriptively, it takes a bit of Obama's name and it's the sound of a collision, of People Coming Together!

Pierre MIROCHNIKOFF

Original Post

Equal Inconvenience Voting

Michael Blackburn — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 16:12:05 EST

One of the "arguments" being used by the people attempting to shut down the at-large caucuses in Nevada is that it's unfair that the strip workers are catered to, while other groups are not. True, they had their chance to voice these concerns BEFORE taking it to court, but our campaign is about compromise and inclusion.

So I would like to share an idea from "Corrinna" on another blog: A universally-inconvenient time be selected for the Nevada Caucus, such as, say 3:30 AM on Monday morning. I for one wholeheartedly support this idea! Which slogan do you think will work better:

"Get Up at Three for Hillary"
or
"Barack and Roll All Night!"

I rest my case.

You want a fight about the 2002 speech? Here it is.

Michael Blackburn — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 02:50:17 EST

One of the innuendos spread about Obama recently is that he "took down" the speech he made in 2002. Which is true, but not for the reason implied, that he no longer stands by those sentiments. It's still a public record, and can be found relatively easily. I'm an Obamaholic, so I've been looking around youtube for a video of it. I finally found the text of the speech, and I see now why he took it down: it's calling out the "Masters of War" by name, making it a bit more "partisan red meat" and not in line with the tone of the campaign today. He routinely uses the less partisan segments of it in campaign videos. Anyway, here's the link I found, judge for yourself:

http://usliberals.about.com/od/extraordinaryspeeches/a/Obama2002War.htm

Back after a long absence!!

Aaron Rich — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 22:32:11 EST

Well, I am back after the birth of my son Benjamin, as well as a flurry of job changes and internships. I finally have some time to devote to the cause that I believe in.

I know that this is being said everywhere, but Barack is our generations JFK, and if our country has any hope of turning around over the next 16 years Barack is the man to do it. We have been mired in swamp funk for the last 8 years and Obama is the only candidate that has the ability to motivate people to stand on their rooftops and yell "hell yeah!!" I mean, how can you get that excited over politics... well, with Barack is comes easy.

The man is a natural speaker and motivator, who also happens to be a fine politician. If Obama was to be elected President than we would have a President capable of unifying people instead of the deep political divide that is being portrayed in today's media.

The only other current candidate I believe capable of this kind of action is McCain, and while I respect this man, I feel that Obama's youth is an edge. There is an ability to be daring that comes with youth, and with Obama I feel that he can be daring while at the same time measuring his approach to any given problem. I think that this is a sorely needed trait in our next President. We need steady leadership, but we also need a President willing to set himself apart as an example of how we as Americans should act toward each other and the world.

Obama, if elected, would be a fearless leader, going after our enemies abroad, but also holding true to the very liberties that make this country great. Obama will dare to uphold the freedoms we all enjoy, and not be afraid of the consequences. Obama's America would be a safe country, but one where you wouldn't have to be afraid to speak your mind or engage in actions that might threaten those in power.

Let us all do what we can to elect this man, this great motivator and inspirer, to the office of the President of the United States.

stay strong

aaron keith wilkes — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 17:03:15 EST

dont get discouraged by last night in new hampshire walk together children dont you getweary every thing will work out.we will win in the end because our message is right.and now we know not to get complacent this npmination has to be worked for and won not given,keep in mind that we have come along way from a year ago and we wont win every c ontest but we will the white house go to it

Best Possible Outcome

Michael Blackburn — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 23:37:44 EST

Sure, a victory tonight in New Hampshire, especially a convincing cross-spectrum "pounding" like Iowa would have been nice. At that point, the MSM would have broken out the robe and crown. There was plenty of talk here about cabinet posts, and indeed even the Colin Powell "non-dorsement" was made out in the press as a detente by the General for an encore as Sec. of State. I myself was suggesting an Atty. General post for Edwards and magnanimously suggesting we find a place in the cabinet for Hillary to "wonk out." I now have to eat those words, and it reminds me of the bitter taste of the 2000 and the 2004 elections, where I knew afterward that I didn't give everything to beating Bush. To my credit, it's hard to give your all to a negative cause like that. I have a cause I believe in this year.

It will be a fight, just like all worthy goals are. We can be extremely proud of our close showing in NH. The credit goes to our volunteers there faced with ClinCorp, who have been organized in these early primary states for decades. The rest of us, maybe we relaxed a little bit. The mantle of "front-runner" wore a little easy on us. I know I haven't phone-banked this week, although I did several times for Iowa. I haven't contributed money since Iowa. If we'd won tonight, the temptation to coast could have grown even stronger, and the possibility of a Super Tuesday Suprise could have lost everything. Remember the fate of the Hare in his race with the Tortoise.

No, my friends, this is the best possible outcome for the Obama campaign. We will struggle on the ground, on the stump and on the airwaves. We will win the nomination only by the sweat and effort of every one of our movement. We will hone our organization and our campaign and we will win in Nevada and SC, win on Super Tuesday, win in November and make this country whole again.

Yes We Can.

Possible campaign song/Performer

Michael Blackburn — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 13:00:26 EST

Naturally Seven's remix of Phil Collins' "In the Air Tonight" is pretty impressive. The unproduced version they performed in the Paris Metro captures a lot of the spirit of the campaign.

If you agree, post this same link into your blog.

Does anyone read lips?

Michael Blackburn — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 20:50:28 EST

All the candidates are on one stage right now chatting and backslapping. I'd love to know what's being said on that stage. Some of the body language is pretty clear, like Richardson realizing he's been stuck chatting with Ron Paul. But I'd love to know what McCain said to Barack, or Guiliani and Clinton:

G: So, how's the no-longer-a-frontrunner going?
H: It's taking some getting used to. But I'll come back.
G: Oh, I hope so. Even I could beat you in the general!

It actually is pretty cool to see. Let's hope they work well together in the Obama administration.

Not the "Black candidate" they expected

Michael Blackburn — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 17:08:15 EST

I think a lot of people in the mainstream media (MSM) decided that this year there was a "female candidate" and a "Black candidate" and that Hillary would run in the vein of old-school feminism (she did, mostly) and Barack would run a campaign similar to Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton (he did not).

But the MSM just tuned him and his message out. They assumed the storyline they wrote would play out. You've heard what ASS-U-ME means, but this time the MSM is just making an a** of themselves with the "black candidate winning in white Iowa" storyline.

Because it's not about race: our candidate has been judged on the content of his character, not the color of his skin. And that judgement is resounding.

The Dream is Reality, but I'm still awake... and afraid

Michael Blackburn — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 05:56:12 EST

It's 4:30 AM, on what may be the true Morning in America. Obama's field staff in Iowa pulled in unprecidented support from indies and Republicans, and he carried the night by a wide margin. What's more, with the eyes of the country on him for fifteen uninterrupted minutes, he nailed a masterful summary of his stump speech, eloquent and presidential. He may very well have sealed up the election tonight.

If he survives it. I'm still awake, Not the night-before-christmas awake I was last night, but the frightened restlessness of a man afraid he's found something to beautiful to last. The talking heads were effusive in their praise for Obama's victory speech tonight: comparing him to Bobby Kennedy, Martin Luther King and JFK.

All three assassinated before they could bring about the fruition of their dream.

urge to biden,dodd,richardson,gravel,supporters to make barack obama your second choice tonight

aaron keith wilkes — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 09:35:13 EST

i call on the supporters of joe biden,bill richardson,mike gravel,chrisdodd to do as dennis kucinich has done and make barack obama your second choice at tonight's caucus in iowa .because as congressman kucinich stated barack obama offers the best chance for change i also call on all obama supporters to work to make this happen by being friendly and welcoming of them and also encouraging .thanks to all of those who went to iowa TO HELP IN the caucuses and special thanks to all of those in iowa who worked hard for us in iowa.now on to newhampshire and super tuesday.maryland lets get busy our turn is coming up on february 12,2008.also thanks to all who have contributed to our effort.

Sen. Clinton's Campaign In Desperate Attack Mode

Alan from Washington, DC — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 11:29:51 EST

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22226198/

I mean, seriously, considering that Sen. Clinton was PILLORIED for her alleged radicalism during the 60's, does she REALLY want to have people in her campaign (Bill Shaheen, her national co-chairman) criticizing people's 'youthful indiscretions'? In high school, even? This is absolutely pathetic. The fact that Sen. Clinton's campaign hasn't IMMEDIATELY fired Shaheen for his inflammatory comments shows a lack of character in Sen. Clinton, in and of itself. To allow a high ranking offiical in your campaign attack a fellow Democrat in a manner that even Republican rivals have not is beyond the pale, utterly beyond reason, and totally unforgivable.

I hope the donations for Obama ROLL IN in response and the movement gets even STRONGER.

Shame on you, Sen. Clinton, for not firing Shaheen IMMEDIATELY.

Critically Acclaimed Hip-Hop Act Records Obama Song

Alan from Washington, DC — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:06:38 EST

http://nahright.com/news/2007/12/11/video-kidz-in-the-hall-work-to-do-obama-08/

Chicago-based critically acclaimed hip-hop duo Kidz N The Hall (whose producer Double O just produced the title track for Rocafella artist Freeway's new album, "Free At Last") just produced a Youtube video featuring clips of Sen. Obama for their song "Work To Do", going so far as to subtitle the song (Obama '08). This should be a great look for getting cutting edge hip-hop fans "fired up" about the campaign!

Check out the video in the link above and spread it around!

Kidz N The Hall were formerly on Rawkus Records but recently signed with indie powerhouse Duck Down Records, home of Black Moon, Sean Price, Smif-n-Wesson and numerous other acclaimed hip-hop acts.

Sen. Obama Attracks Fire Over Homegrown Terrorism Bill

Alan from Washington, DC — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 16:58:20 EST

I just received a Myspace bulletin from Bay Area hip-hop progressive media personality Davey D (formerly of KPFA, if I have his old call numbers correct). The bulletin included an article decrying Sen. Obama for supporting the Homegrown Terrorism bill, which will create a grant for two academic groups to study homegrown terrorism. My reply to the more radical of the respondents to that bulletin is posted below, with slight edits:

I *have* read the bill and what it authorizes is funding for the study of 'homegrown terrorism' by academics (two centers of learning were the recipients, I believe). The bill is broadly written because Congress probably did not want to rein in the range of inquiry. For those who know anything about law or academic research, you should know that bills authorizing grants by the nature would be broadly worded so as to not control academic studies from a congressional levels. Science should be about the pursuit of truth, not the pursuit of narrowly defined results sought to be proven by congresspersons. This bill is a non-factor. I've already corrected one friend who was alarmist about this bill. I am well versed in the history of CoIntelPro and THIS AIN'T THAT. Worst case scenario? The academic studies define homegrown terrorism broadly and Congress attempts to incorporate these broad definitions into future law, but guess what? THAT would be the time to protest and be concerned. How can one justify NOT studying the phenomenom of domestic terrorism, especially after Oklahoma City?

obama victory in maryland straw

aaron keith wilkes — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 15:35:13 EST

on saturday december8,2007 senator barack obama won the staw poll at towson state university with 29% of the vote the event was candidates forum sponsored by the towson state college democrats andthe cental baltimore county democratic club both of which are located in towson,maryland thankyou to state senator jim brochin d-baltimore county,maryland,herbert graves baltimore for barack,allyson rice baltimore for barack ,penny mccrimmon obama delegate candidate 3rd district,lynda clarke baltimore for barack,sandy stewartbaltimore for barack,alice torriente baltimore for barack,sharane miller administrator baltimore for barack,nancy touchettebaltimore for barack,bonita phinney baltimore for barack,veris leebaltimore for barack,moonene amis obama delegate candidate 1st district,the president of towson state students for obama,aaron wilkes baltimore for barack and the many other campaign supporters who aided in organizing our victory.

Sen. Obama AHEAD by Seven Points In Iowa?

Alan from Washington, DC — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 12:29:13 EST

According to a Republican polling firm, Strategic Visions, Sen. Obama is up 7 points in Iowa BUT this polling firm has conducted almost a dozen polls in this primary season and Sen. Obama has never been found more than 7 points behind in Iowa (contrasted with other polls where Sen. Obama for long stretches was trailing double digits). A Zogby poll from a few days earlier had Sen. Obama trailing Sen. clinton by three points (within the margin of error, which makes the race a dead heat!). I'm going to assume that the race is a bit closer than the latest Strategic Visions poll indicates, but it is a good sign. Interestingly, in the same poll, 50% of Republicans were recorded as stating that the U.S. military should be out of Iraq in six months. Hmmmm.

A Rasmussen poll has Sen. Obama within two points of Sen. Clinton in South Carolina, which is HUGE! Congrats to the dedicated campaign staff in South Carolina!!!!!!!!

ABC/Washington Post Poll Puts Obama within 6 points!

Alan from Washington, DC — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 10:58:57 EST

Sen. Obama is RAPIDLY closing the gap and nipping at Sen. Clinton's heels (no pun) in New Hampshire. The latest ABC/Washington Post puts Sen. Obama just six points behind, almost within the margin of error! New Hampshire volunteers and visiting canvassers, keep pushing! We're on the road to glory!

Vietnam and Iraq era Military Officials Oppose Iran Strike

Alan from Washington, DC — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 10:47:24 EST

I went to a forum yesterday where Lt. Gen. Robert Gard, Jr. (USA, ret.), former assistant to Robert Mcnamara (Secretary of Defense during much of the Vietnam war/undeclared conflict/quagmire) and Col. Larry Wilkerson (USA, ret.), former Chief of Staff to Secretary of State Colin Powell (back when we were led into our less fatal but still tragic current Iraq quagmire) spoke out against this administration's plans to attack Iran. VERY interesting. The event was very ably hosted by passionate former Congressman Tom Andrews, National Director of Win Without War. Although the speakers never attacked the undergirding logic of why the U.S. was entitled to have nuclear weapons and not Iran and although Gard misunderstood a very basic question (what is the tactical danger of attacking Iran when we are already bogged down in conflicts in two countries bordering Iran, Afghanistan and Iraq), at which point I left (question and answer sessions are useless if the speakers cannot properly listen to and accurately address the questions asked, Gard instead responded by saying he thought Afghanistan was a correct conflict to enter and Iraq was an incorrect conflict to enter...sigh).

Wilkerson also declared that Iran was "still a threat", although he didn't say to who or why, which is the same circular Beltway logic (read: "You are a threat, I think, and therefore I must consider violence as an option to deal with you although history has not actually showed you to be a threat to me" (other than an attack on a U.S. embassy almost 30 years ago, which was on their soil and housed CIA agents who supported a dictator there with helpful intelligence).

Karl Rove editorial advises Obama how to beat Clinton

Alan from Washington, DC — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 21:57:16 EST

http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/dee0a6e8-a109-11dc-9f34-0000779fd2ac.html

Yes, as odd as it sounds, Karl Rove wrote an "open letter" op-ed piece to Sen. Obama about how to beat Sen. Clinton. Everyone knows Rove as a very Machiavellian thinker, so the conspiracy wheels may begin to turn at the very notion of this. Still, Rove is also a political animal, one who enjoys the sport of politics perhaps more than almost anyone else (the man seems to find sheer glee in outfoxing his rivals). Perhaps the man just wants to see a more competitive race? Then, a curious onlooker might ask, why not keep his advice to increasingly competitive Republican primary? Why not offer Huckabee the same advice on how to best Guiliani? Perhaps he's following Reagan's "11th Commandment" about not speaking ill of fellow Republicans?

What do you think?

Obama Needs to Publicize His Foreclosure Policy in NV

Alan from Washington, DC — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 15:02:30 EST

The foreclosure rate in Nevada is quite alarming (currently 1 in every 154 households). I believe it is particularly crucial in Nevada that this point about the Senator's plan to stop the foreclosure crisis is HAMMERED HOME to primary voters, especially in Nevada, where real desperation is starting to
set in. It may even be an issue worthy of highlighting in a limited television ad campaign (perhaps in the Las Vegas market), if this hasn't been done already. Something to consider to help us improve our numbers in Nevada, where Sen. Clinton is about 20 points ahead of us in some polls.

I sent this message about emphasizing the foreclosure plan to someone I know in the campaign. I hope they will move on this. We really need something to markedly differentiate our candidate, on a substantive policy level, from the other candidates, particularly on pertinent domestic issues like these that are disproportionately hurting a crucial early primary state like Nevada. On a moral level, this will also establish the Senator's vision as a bit wider than his fellow Dems who are seeking the nomination.

Great New Editorial On Candidate Experience

Alan from Washington, DC — Sat, 24 Nov 2007 10:36:56 EST

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/11/23/AR2007112301136.html?hpid=opinionsbox1

This article makes a great point about Obama's experience versus Hillary's experience, e.g. Obama has more legislative experience, by several years, despite the age difference. The mainstream media has deplorably been underreporting that obvious fact (state legislative office + Senate service means roughly ten years of legislative experience for Obama versus Hillary's seven in the Senate). The campaign might need to play this experience difference up MORE. MUCH MORE.

Also, without the author knowing it, makes a great case for Richardson as an Obama VP candidate (a bit more executive experience never hurts and BR seems like a great guy, even though the poll numbers don't reflect it).

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

Barack Daily Buzz - Victory2008.net — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 19:13:03 EDT

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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