UT HQ Blog

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, Utah

Christopher Hass — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 18:08:35 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 . . .

GOTV Calling Update

Christopher Hass — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 13:24:15 EST

Right now, while volunteers work to Get Out The Vote in key states, thousands of grassroots supporters across the country are helping out from home by using our online voter contact tools to call voters.

Our target today is to make 1,000,000 calls to voters in battleground states before the close of polls tonight. As of 1:00 PM Eastern, we've made 214,187 calls. However, our staff on the ground are telling us that we need to reach the 500,000 call mark by 3:00 PM Eastern Time.

These calls provide our supporters with information about when, where and how to vote today, and by helping identify which voters have already cast a ballot, we can dramatically reduce the number of houses our volunteers on the ground need to reach before polls close.

If you have even thirty minutes to spare in the next three hours, when can use your help. Simply select the state you want to call from the map below, and we'll provide you with an easy to use script and a targeted list of voters to call.

The largest voter contact operation ever attempted is underway right now. This is your chance to be part of it.

Utah: Polls Open 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Erik Weber — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 08:21:42 EST

In Utah, polls are open today from 7:00 AM until 8:00 PM. Anyone who is in line by 8:00 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?

Identification is required if you are a first-time voter who registered by mail and did not provide a copy of identification with your application. The first time you vote, you must provide a valid photo ID that includes your name and current address, or, if you lack a photo ID, you must present two different forms of ID that show your current name and home address.

What time will the polls be open on November 4?

Utah polls are open from 7 AM - 8 PM.

What about voters with disabilities?

If you are physically unable to enter the polling place, an election official may deliver the ballot to you at the entrance or curb of the polling place. If you are physically unable to mark your ballot, or cannot read the ballot, you are eligible for assistance. You may choose anyone as an assistant except your employer or an officer of your union, or an agent of either. The assistant must take an oath of assistance administered by an election official. The assistant may read the ballot to you and mark your ballot. If you do not choose your own assistant, two election officials (of different political parties in the General Election) may assist you. Poll watchers and inspectors can observe the assistance by election officials.

"Let's get to work"

Erik Weber — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 12:29:12 EDT

After two years of hard work and dedication, we have three days left before America chooses the next president. We've come too far to let up now. Real change will not come easy, so we need everyone to pull together and get involved in our Get Out The Vote efforts happening all across the country.

In a speech on Monday in Ohio, Barack clearly defined what's at stake in this election, and asked all of us to stand and fight with him during these final days.

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.

In one weeks time, we can choose an economy that rewards work and creates new jobs and fuels prosperity from the bottom up. In one week, we can choose to invest in health care for our families and education for our kids, and renewable energy for our future. In one week, we can choose hope over fear, and unity over division, the promise of change over the power of the status quo. In one week, we can come together as one nation and one people and once more choose our better history.

That's what's at stake. That's what we're fighting for. And if in this last week you'll knock on some doors for me, and make some calls for me, and talk to your neighbors and convince your friends, if you'll stand with me and fight with me and give me your vote, then I promise you, we will not just win Ohio. We will win this general election and together we'll change this country and we will change the world. God bless you. God bless the United States of America. Let's get to work.

Barack needs our help in order to bring about the change we need. So, sign up now to make calls from home, attend a phonebanking event near you, or travel to a battleground state.

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.

Utah: Time to call Colorado

Erik Weber — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 15:38:00 EDT

On a special conference call last night, we challenged the Utah Call Team to make 5,500 calls in seven days to help get out the vote in Colorado, where early voting has already begun.

Your calls from out of state allow in-state staff and volunteers to focus on face-to-face, door-to-door voter contact. If everyone can find even an hour each night to make calls, Utah could help make the difference in this historic election.

On Monday night's conference call, Colorado's Deputy GOTV Director Graves Spindler talked about how you can help Barack win in Colorado using Neighbor to Neighbor to make phone calls from home. You can listen to a highlight from the call below:

A million people still have ballots sitting on their kitchen table, or at work or wherever, that they haven't returned and we have seven days to make sure that they do so. So, a big part of what Utah and California can do for us, a big part of what you guys can do on the phones for us every day and every night, is make sure that people are mailing in their ballots. So when you log into Neighbor to Neighbor, you are literally talking to people who are sitting at their dining room table, have their ballot in their hand, and have the ability to just mail it in... So you're making a real difference with each of these calls.

Sign on today to help Utah reach their goal. The work we do in this final week will decide what direction we take this country in the next four years. We have seven days left to make a difference.

Monday: Join in a Conference Call with Campaign Staffers

Erik Weber — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 23:17:54 EDT

This Monday, October 27th, at 8:30pm MDT, Utah 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: 718-709-0659

Access Code: 343-851-151

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

http://my.barackobama.com/webinar23

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.

Drive for Change: Colette in Utah

Erik Weber — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 17:47:46 EDT

As Election Day draws near, Utahns for Obama continue to work their heels into the ground throughout the state of Colorado. They are knocking on doors as part of our Drive for Change canvassing trips, and their hard work and determination are making a huge difference on the ground.

Colette, from Salt Lake City, UT, and her new friend Chris recently canvassed about 150 homes over the course of a weekend. This was Colette's first time canvassing, and she felt so inspired in the work she was doing.

First of all, it is really easy to canvass, even if you have never done so before. We were provided with everything we needed, and you don't need to be a policy wonk. We encouraged people to mail in their votes and we asked if they had any particular issues. Getting an undecided voter to talk was a great experience, and I just discussed what I care about most, which is health care, and why I was spending my time knocking on their door. I care about middle-income families like the ones we were canvassing... Meeting people who are so dedicated to this election was a source of tremendous inspiration! When we arrived in Fort Collins and went to headquarters, Max Kennedy, Robert Kennedy's son, was giving a pep talk to the dedicated folks volunteering in Fort Collins from far and wide.

Colette also enjoyed meeting fellow Obama volunteers who are giving everything they can to help Barck win in November, including her host family in Colorado.

Our host family was fantastic. This picture is of Jeanne and Jim who gave us a key to their house, left us a note on Saturday night saying "Obama loves you, help yourself to the refrigerator," and then Jim played the banjo as we were leaving... We met a management consultant from Austin who quit her job at Deloitte to "contribute to this once in a life time opportunity" for six weeks. We met a couple from California who, with their dog in tow, were taking their entire three weeks of vacation to volunteer. Their pooch wandered around and kept everyone cheerful. We met Ed, an incredibly dedicated Park City-ite who went through Camp Obama training and exudes the best of leadership and dedication. He is a family man who has inspired many others to get involved and has traveled to Fort Collins the last three weekends, and he is going back for more.

Sign up today for a Drive for Change canvassing trip to help out in Colorado. Providing extra help on the ground is the the most valuable thing you can do right now.

If you can't take a trip, sign up to make phone calls using our Neighbor to Neighbor phonebank tool. The information we gain from these calls plays a crucial role in helping field organizers on the ground.

Neighbor to Neighbor: Reach Out and Make a Difference

Erik Weber — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 11:13:34 EDT

Barack Obama believes that real change must happen from the bottom up, as ordinary people stand together to do extraordinary things. In this election, simple voter to voter contact will make the biggest difference in helping elect the next president.

The most effective way to spread Barack's message of change is through ordinary people reaching out to their neighbors and talking one on one about the issues we face in America. Our Neighbor to Neighbor tool makes it easy to get in touch with voters in crucial battleground states:

No matter where you live, you can make a huge impact in this election. If you can make calls anytime between now and Election Day, sign up now and make a commitment to join this grassroots movement for change.

Final Debate Watch Parties

Erik Weber — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 14:27:26 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:

http://my.barackobama.com/debate-watch-party

Thanks,

Jon

Jon Carson
National Field Director
Obama for America

Last Call for Change

Christopher Hass — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 23:13:20 EDT

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

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

Drive for Change to Colorado: Jim in Utah

Erik Weber — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 15:36:51 EDT

Jim, 57, has been traveling from Utah to the neighboring states of Colorado and Nevada to knock on doors as part of our Drive for Change canvassing trips, working tirelessly week after week in extreme heat to help elect Barack Obama President in November.

Colorado has been shaping up as one of the key battleground states, and we need as many volunteers knocking on doors as possible to win this crucial state. Sign up to join this grassroots effort and make a huge impact for this campaign.

Jim understands just how important this type of work is for bringing about real change, which Barack has always said happens from the bottom up.

As a long time community organizer myself, I know that change starts from the ground up. I first went door to door and asked people to recycle in 1974. By 1985, a nationwide recycling industry had emerged. Having a president who also understands how to organize change at the local level can serve us well by creating more relevant and effective solutions.

In one weekend, Jim knocked on 100 doors in Durango, CO, walking block after block in less than ideal temperatures, saying, " Imagine hot, dry, windy, sweaty - and that's what it was like. Not fun..."

I walked for Obama because I believe he has the judgment and the wisdom to lead this country. [He is] full of fresh ideas, and I'm confident he'll surround himself with the brightest people in the country as he leads us in a new direction.

Jim also offered some words of encouragement to anyone thinking of getting involved.

Call your local campaign office and ask what you can do, or you can go to my.barackobama.com and set up a personalized website and then use the Neighbor to Neighbor tool to identify people near you to call.

I think of the famous quote - 'If not you, then who? If not now, then when?' - in urging you not to let others decide this election. If you support Barack, then let your voice be heard.

Like Jim said, let your voice be heard this election, and make sure you are registered to vote at VoteforChange.com. Then, sign up for a Drive for Change canvassing trip, or use our Neighbor to Neighbor tool to contact voters over the phone.

Camp Obama: How you can help Barack

Erik Weber — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 15:29:43 EDT

Suzanne Gelderman, the Utah State Director, sent the following email asking people to sign up for Camp Obama, where they can learn the skills needed to become an effectice Deputy Field Organizer and help grow our movement for change.

Three weeks ago, I asked Utahns to make a serious commitment to our campaign and sign up to become Deputy Field Organizers. Since then, many of you have answered that call, graduated from Camp Obama, and have been doing the work that will help us win this election.

But now with less than 28 days before November 4th, we need your help -- our existing group of of Deputy Field Organizers have done a fantastic job, but they can't do it alone.

Camp Obama is a great program to learn the basic organizing principles that our movement for change is based on. And it's a great way to take a leadership role in this campaign -- you'll become a Deputy Field Organizer and help Barack win in Colorado, a crucial battleground state.

Apply now to attend a Utah Camp Obama session near you.

Thanks to supporters like you, we've built the largest grassroots movement in the history of presidential politics. And it's only because of your energy and efforts that we've come this far.

We know that families can't afford four or eight more years of disastrous Bush-McCain economic policies. Every day we hear more troubling news about the current financial crisis.

But it's going to take all of us working together to help elect Barack and bring about the change we need.

Sign up for Camp Obama and help grow our movement in Utah:

http://ut.barackobama.com/UTcampobama

Thanks,

Suzanne

Suzanne Gelderman
Utah State Director
Obama for America

P.S. -- As an Obama supporter in Utah, you can make a huge impact by traveling to Colorado to talk with Colorado voters about the change we need. If you can't attend a Camp Obama, sign up now to Drive for Change this weekend:

http://ut.BarackObama.com/CometoCO

Thursday: Join in a Conference Call with Campaign Staffers

Erik Weber — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 11:43:39 EDT

This Thursday, October 9th, at 8:30pm MDT, Utah 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 on this election over the next 30 days.

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 that 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. Even if you're not able to join the webinar, you can still listen in on the conference call.

Here are the details:

Phone Number: 703-259-9001
Access Code: 684577109

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

http://my.barackobama.com/webinar8

I hope you can join us!

Drive for Change: Utahns making a difference in Colorado

Erik Weber — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 18:07:42 EDT

Last weekend, about 80 Utahns traveled to Colorado as part of a Drive for Change canvassing trip. Fifty people went to Ft. Collins – the biggest toss-up county in the state – and another 30 walked the streets of Grand Junction. By the end of the trip, they had knocked on nearly 15,000 doors!

Ed, one of the volunteers, is working hard this year to avoid the feeling of remorse that he felt the day after the 2004 election.

I was "active" in the 2004 election, talking to friends and urging people to vote, but I didn't volunteer... Then, I woke up to the news that we had four more years of Bush/Cheney, and that feeling of remorse has been with me ever since. I can't handle having that experience again this year. We may still end up with "Four More Years", but I won't be awake to hear the news. I'll be too exhausted from helping the campaign.

Ed understood the difficulty of living in Utah and trying to have an impact on the national election. So, when Colorado turned out to be a key battleground state this year, he couldn't wait to sign up and volunteer.

When I heard about Drive For Change, I had to get involved. Drive For Change is all about giving Utahns a chance to really affect the election this year. So, last Friday I hopped into a car with some new found friends for a weekend of canvassing.

For anyone considering making the trip, Ed provided some strong words of encouragement, as he reveals the power of face to face contact in this movement for change.

Canvassing is a blast! You probably wouldn't think that if you hadn't done it before, but the energy you feel when you talk directly to voters is incredible. My favorite part was registering people who had never voted before. Many of these folks were almost shocked that somebody cared enough to knock on their door and help them participate in democracy. Their gratitude was so genuine and powerful, I knew I was doing something truly important. It kept me energized as I walked the neighborhoods.

Sign up today to make a trip to Colorado, where you can help make a huge difference in bringing the change we need this November.

If you can't make the trip, join our Neighbor to Neighbor phonebanking campaign and make phone calls to undecided voters. Every call, no matter the outcome, helps our field organizers do their job more effectively and brings us one step closer to our goal.

Here is a video highlighting all the amazing work Utahns are doing to help elect Barack Obama the next President.

Finally, if you still need some motivation, here are some more photos from recent trips to Colorado.

Drive for Change: Sky in Colorado asks for your help

Erik Weber — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 17:35:35 EDT

This weekend, supporters from Wyoming and Utah drove to Greeley, CO to knock on doors as part of a Drive for Change canvassing trip.

Sky, a volunteer from Denver who helped organize the trip, admired the dedication of his fellow canvassers from out of state, some of whom drove nine hours from Salt Lake City, UT.

Having folks from Wyoming & Utah come to Colorado to help win this battleground state for Senator Obama is personally inspiring. As a one-time resident of Wyoming, I understand just how conservative the culture can be there. But right now, there is a great opportunity to have our voices heard and make a huge difference in Colorado.

Sky, pictured below talking to a voter, and about 20 other volunteers met at a staging location to get some training before spreading out across Greeley. They knocked on doors, registered some new voters, and helped people with mail in ballots so they can avoid the long lines on Election Day.

Volunteers are needed all across Colorado, and Sky had some words of encouragement to anyone thinking about making a Drive for Change trip.

Folks that are willing to act upon what is in their hearts and do something concrete to support Senator Obama are my heroes. The difference between what could have been and what will be are those people that take action now.

Sign up today to lend Colorado volunteers like Sky some support and help make a difference in the last few weeks of this election.

If you can't make it down to Colorado, sign up to make phone calls sometime between now and the Election through our Neighbor to Neighbor phonebank tool. The information we gain from these calls plays a crucial role in helping field organizers on the ground. Every call, no matter what the outcome, brings us one step closer to our goal.

Utah: Register before it's too late

Erik Weber — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 16:34:27 EDT

Barack is reminding Utahns to make sure they're registered to vote before the October 6th deadline.

The last day to register to vote in Utah 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 Utah is absolutely crucial to victory on Election Day.

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

If you have friends or family who support Barack but might not be registered, you can use our online email importer to send them a message about VoteForChange.com in less than a minute. Don't worry -- we won't hold on to any of the email addresses you share. By bringing more people into the process, we can have a huge impact on elections up and down the ballot in November.

Yes We Can Party in Park City

Erik Weber — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 14:42:09 EDT

Last week, Utah for Obama supporters got together for a Yes We Can Party to talk about important issues and whip up some enthusiasm for Barack Obama and Joe Biden. Park City resident and party organizer, Hilary, brought together voters of all ages and welcomed Democratic Statehouse and Summit County Council candidates. Hilary especially wanted to highlight the younger generation and their role in this election.

We wanted to organize an event that appealed to younger voters in Summit County and give them a forum to talk about the issues that matter to them. I thought of the event after attending a convention watch party to see Barack accept the Democratic nomination. There was a great turnout with a lot of older voters in town, which gave me the encouragement to do something for the younger voters.

Attendees voiced overwhelming support for the change that Senator Obama represents while discussing issues of open space, affordable housing, the economy, healthcare and education.

I think he speaks to issues that are of concern to me, such as the environment and the economy, and I think he is really in touch with younger poeple. I see younger people get excited about him like I haven't seen in the past. He's somebody I can relate to.

As Hilary explained, the State Director for Utah for Obama, Suzanne Gelderman, spoke to the crowd about how supporters can make a difference in the traditionally Republican state of Utah.

Suzanne spoke about ways that Utah residents can make a difference. One is turning out to vote and not getting discouraged. It's important to vote for local Democratic candidates because they do affect our daily lives. She also talked about going to Colorado. A group of 60 residents knocked on 10,000 doors two weeks ago.

Sign up today to make a trip to Colorado, where you can help make a huge difference in bringing the change we need this November.

If you can't make the trip, you can join our Neighbor to Neighbor phonebanking campaign and make crucial phone calls to undecided voters right from your own home.

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

Help Barack -- Take a Trip to Colorado

Erik Weber — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 17:25:25 EDT

Suzanne Gelderman, the Utah State Director, sent the following email asking volunteers to travel to Colorado for a Drive for Change canvassing trip.

With only 41 days left, we're in a sprint to Election Day, November 4th.

Now is the time to get involved and make a difference for Barack.

As an Obama supporter in Utah, you can make a huge impact by traveling to Colorado to talk with undecided voters about how Barack Obama and Joe Biden will bring the change we need.

Colorado is a crucial battleground state that voted for George W. Bush in 2000 and 2004. This year, we have a real shot to win in Colorado, but the race is extremely close and every vote will make a difference.

This weekend, supporters like you are taking trips from Utah to Fort Collins and Grand Junction in Colorado to help grow our movement there. Will you take short trip to Colorado for Barack?

Over the past few weeks, Utahns have come out in record numbers to make the trip to Colorado, knocking on over 10,000 doors. Supporters like you are showing how committed Utahns are to working for change this election, but there's a lot left to do.

Traveling to Colorado to spread Barack's message is one of the most important contributions Utahns can make this election.

Sign up to get involved this weekend, September 26th - 28th, and make a difference today:

http://ut.barackobama.com/ut2co

Thanks,
Suzanne

Suzanne Gelderman
Utah State Director
Obama for America

P.S. -- Can't make it to Colorado this weekend? Fellow supporters from Utah are reaching out to voters by making calls using Neighbor to Neighbor -- our online calling and canvassing tool. Every call you make is another potential vote for Barack. Sign up now to make calls using Neighbor to Neighbor:

http://ut.barackobama.com/N2N

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:

Utah Women for Obama: Gearing up for the October 10-11 NWLI Conference!

Anne Brewer, Women's Vote Coordinator — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 15:09:05 EDT

Nancy Gilbert, a National Co-Chair of the National Women's Leadership Initiative, wrote in to give us this report on a recent women's fundraiser in Park City, UT. She is looking forward to attending the National Women's Leadership Issues Conference in Chicago on October 10-11, along with a great group of Utah women for Obama!

From a World-Cup Giant Slalom champion, to a national skeleton racer…from artists to film makers, homemakers, physicians, professors, attorneys, businesswomen, an organic farmer and a chocolate maker… grandmas, ma’s, daughters and sons… gathered on Sunday in Park City, Utah for a wildly successful National Women's Leadership Initiative (NWLI) fundraiser.
“I had no idea that we could pull this together in just six days," said Joanna Charnes , one of the Utah State Co-Chairs for NWLI. “The event generated enormous enthusiastic momentum for us in Utah and we can carry it to other western states, “she said of the event where 150 people generated $150,000 in new Utah Obama contributions. One donation was a wad of eighteen dollar bills, given by teen Hanna Aaronson to her mother Debbie who exclaimed, “I’m making this donation in honor of my daughter who gave up her savings toward new shoes, in favor of helping to get a new President.”
With a backdrop of the Rocky Mountains with the beginnings of gorgeous fall foliage, the group heard details of the upcoming Issues Conference in Chicago and got a full Obama-tax-plan briefing by Mark Gilbert, NFC member who sits on the Tax Committee. National Co-Chair from Utah, Kristi Cumming, who served as a super delegate to the convention, shared her experiences from Denver with the attentive crowd.
To date, 23 Utah women will be participating in the National Women’s Leadership Issues Conference in Chicago on October 10-11 with Barack & Michelle Obama. Sign up today by clicking here.
Thanks to Utah event chairs: Kristi Cumming, Nancy Gilbert, Joanna Charnes, Jill Sheinberg and Geralyn Dreyfous.

We Are The Ones Project Hits Utah

Michael Negron — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 19:23:58 EDT

A message from Utah State Director Suzanne Gelderman:

Rachel and Rob are traveling across the country creating a photographic essay of grassroots Obama supporters called "We Are The Ones Project". They came to Utah Obama for America headquarters on September 1, 2008.

In their words: "Specifically, we're highlighting average citizens and grassroots communities as the real stars of this campaign, by giving them a celebrity-style photo shoot at Obama events. Selected portraits will be exhibited in a New York gallery show in November and eventually published in book form along with collected stories gathered at house meetings, rallies, and fund raising events throughout America."

Check out the photographs of Janet Lee and her dog with the giant Obama puppet she created; Bob and Malinda Bills, a couple that comes for Data Entry Night every Monday; Maggie Flanigan, a high school intern who is at our headquarters every day after school and on weekends, and her friend who came to volunteer for the first time ever that night.

Slideshow below:

You can find more photos on their blog at www.wearetheonesproject.com

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...

How Supporters in Utah Can Make a Difference

Erik Weber — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 17:59:21 EDT

Utah State Director Suzanne Gelderman just sent the following email about the Camp Obama training sessions taking place this weekend:

As of today there are just seven weeks left until Election Day, November 4th.

And I wanted to let you know that there are still some spots available at Camp Obama this weekend.

The Camp Obama training sessions are a great opportunity to learn all the strategies and techniques that have already made this campaign so successful. They'll empower you to become a Deputy Field Organizer and a leader in this movement for change.

With the crucial general election battleground of Colorado right next door, Barack supporters here in Utah have an opportunity to make a big impact.

Sign up now to apply for a spot at Camp Obama.

We can't do this without you.

Thanks,
Suzanne

Suzanne Gelderman
Utah State Director
Obama for America

Join Utahns Working for Change in Colorado

Erik Weber — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 15:23:41 EDT

Earlier today, Utah State Director Suzanne Gelderman sent the following email to supporters asking them to take part in a Drive for Change campaign by traveling to Colorado.

When Barack accepted the Democratic nomination at the Open Convention in Denver, the excitement was felt all over the country, and we saw that Americans were ready for change.

This was especially evident here in Utah, where supporters like you have helped build a powerful grassroots movement for change.

That's why we need your help. As an Obama supporter in Utah, you can make a huge impact by traveling to Colorado to speak with undecided voters about why Barack Obama and Joe Biden will bring the change we need.

Colorado is a crucial battleground state that voted for George W. Bush in 2000 and 2004. This year, we have a real shot to win in Colorado, but the race is extremely close and every vote can make the difference.

We are organizing a trip from Utah to Colorado this weekend. Will you take short trip to Colorado for Barack?

There are just 54 days left and that means Election Day, November 4th, will be here before we know it. That's why it's so important that we start making an impact in Colorado today.

We will be leaving Friday evening, September 12th, from Salt Lake City and have shifts returning on Saturday and Sunday. All costs other than food will be covered including a place to stay.

Traveling to Colorado is one of the most important contributions Utahns can make this election.

Colorado will be crucial to determining who wins the presidential election and that's why we need mobilize our grassroots movement here in Utah -- to spread Barack and Joe's message and make sure that supporters in Colorado get to the polls and cast their votes for change.

Join us this weekend and travel to Colorado to make a big difference:

http://ut.barackobama.com/ut2co

Thanks for your hard work,

Suzanne

Suzanne Gelderman
Utah State Director
Obama for America

P.S. -- If you can't join us this weekend, sign-up to be contacted about future trips to make a difference in Colorado:

http://ut.barackobama.com/utdrive4change

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.

Utahns Celebrate Barack's Acceptance Speech

Michael Negron — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 18:15:57 EDT

This past Thursday, Obama supporters gathered at Canyon Rim Park in Salt Lake City to watch Barack's acceptance speech under an open sky. ABC 4 News reported on the event:

On August 5, 2007, Obama spoke to an enthusiastic crowd at Park City’s Olympic Park. He admitted that he was a bit overwhelmed by the number of supporters who came out to hear him speak that day.
As 75-thousand people cheered on Obama in Denver, hundreds did the same in this east bench neighborhood.

Check out the slideshow below to see what you may have missed:

Utah Obama Supporters Flock to Salt Lake City Office Opening

Michael Negron — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 11:48:19 EDT

This past Saturday, the Obama campaign demonstrated its commitment to running a 50 state campaign and competing in every part of the country by holding an open house at its Salt Lake City headquarters that drew more than 700 people. The office opening not only fired up Obama-Biden supporters across the state, it also earned a lot of attention from the local media.

Matt Roth with Fox 13 Utah reported:

As far as our research can tell, it is something unprecedented in Utah politics. None of Utah's political veterans can remember a Democratic Presidential Campaign funding a fully-staffed Utah office leading up to the general election.

KSL/NBC observed:

Obama opened a campaign office here in Utah today. The opening of the office is part of his 50-state strategy -- an office in every state in the nation, even the Republican ones. "A long-time running, there's been problems with the Democratic Party in Utah. Anything we can do to break down those barriers is amazing," Kingery said.
Mathis says opening a campaign office in Utah is amazing. He said, "You're in a very Republican state, and you've got a line of people stretched down the sidewalk. People are really excited, enthusiastic, really wanting change."

Check out the slideshow below for a glimpse of what you might have missed!

Road to Denver: Theo from Utah

Bradley Portnoy — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 14:31:15 EDT

Theo wasn't exactly Utah's most politically active citizen. Growing up in one of the most Republican states in the union, he was never very engaged in politics. In fact, his family leaned Republican, when they thought about politics at all. Barack Obama changed all that for Theo. Barack's message reached him even before the Senator announced his candidacy, and Theo saw the potential for a new kind of politics.

He has this very even handed way, being able to say "I like this idea, but I also like parts of this other idea." And I'd never seen a politician have this kind of level headed approach to policy.

Theo got involved in the Utah Draft Obama effort, which just lead him into more involvement with the campaign. His first stop was finding other supporters, and he did it through our network of supporters on My.BarackObama.com.

I went to the website, which is this wonderful community-based site that allows you to connect with other supporters in your area. And I started going to local Utah for Obama Meetings. I became secretary of that group, and we eventually helped get the Senator to stop and do a rally in Park City. One of the events that I put on was a fundraiser where the vice chair of Utah Democratic Party spoke on the subject of how to become a national delegate.

It was then that Theo decided to try his hand at campaigning to be one of the Obama pledged delegates. It wasn't easy - there were a lot of people who wanted the spot.

I got helped for advice by a local party official, and someone at headquarters who told me to make phone calls. I did that, and I got my friends and family to make phone calls as well. I created campaign material, did my own branding and stickers and fliers. I went to the county caucus meetings promoted myself. Honestly, I was skeptical that I'd win because I was competing against a local millionaire celebrity, but I pulled it off.

Theo's a true example of how open our movement is - we're built on the strength of our grassroots volunteers and small dollar donors. As Theo said, "George Bush and all these other characters have taught us you have to know someone to get involved. But you don't. If you want to get involved in the campaign or the party you just have to show up and be passionate and honest and work hard."

With the tools available on My.BarackObama.com, it couldn't be easier. Create an account there to network with other supporters, or sign up to volunteer today.

With one day to go until the start of 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.

Thursday, August 28th will be the biggest night of the campaign so far. Even if you can’t be in Denver, you can be a part of this historic convention by attending a Convention Watch Party in your area.

Lauren from Utah

Bradley Portnoy — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 20:44:31 EDT

Lauren is what some would consider an unlikely supporter of Senator Obama.

A stay-at-home mother of two from Salt Lake City, Utah, Lauren was raised in a "very conservative" Republican family. And up until five years ago, she was a registered Republican herself.

I kind of had a paradigm shift in the fundamental way I look at the world. Now I consider myself a conservative Democrat.

She's been supporting Barack since before Super Tuesday.

I am so excited about Senator Obama. I've always been an extremely political person...but for the first time in my life I'm excited about a candidate. I'm excited about the idea of the first black man being President. And on a political level, I identify with him on domestic issues. I agree with him on the war in Iraq.

Barack's speech on race, A More Perfect Union, was helped solidify her support.

It was extremely moving. I think he has an absolutely amazing gift for oratory...his eloquence is really, really appreciated.

When it comes to the big issues, one stands out.

Well, me and 98% of the rest of Americans are really concerned about the economy. My household expenses went up 20% but we live on a stable income. I really appreciate that [Obama] has been more candid and honest with the American people, especially with the issue of the gas tax holiday, than most politicians have been in the past. He's not afraid to be honest with people and I really respect that.

Despite our nation's current economic woes, she's still found the extra money to contribute to the campaign. Join Lauren and our millions of supporters across the country today, our grassroots network of small dollar donors. Every cent makes a difference.

Unite for Change: Ready For A Fight

Amanda Scott — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 22:45:56 EDT

Jim and the Southern Utah for Obama group are not giving up without a fight. Even though they live in a distinct red state, they are doing everything they can to win Utah for Obama this November.

Earlier in the week, Jim told the campaign about his event and the support they are receiving.

Typically, a local Democratic meeting gets five or six people. We’ve been getting 20-plus at our meetings and encountering a great deal of interest.

It is no surprise then that their Unite for Change barbeque yesterday attracted between 100-150 people. It was their first event as a group and you can bet that they will be using their network to take action and win Utah. Here are some pictures for their event...

If you attended or hosted a Unite For Change event, let us know how it went in the comments below. If you have photos from the event that you'd like to share, you can email them to photos@barackobama.com.

Unite for Change: "It's About The People"

Amanda Scott — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 17:23:13 EDT

Jim is a part of Southern Utah for Obama. He started the group in May when he realized there wasn’t as much volunteer support in Utah as he had hoped. At his first steering committee meeting, Jim and other volunteers conducted voter registration while learning how to organize and act as a group.

Jim believes in Barack because Barack knows that this election is not about him, it’s about the people. Jim says that Barack makes him realize his potential and gives him the motivation to live up to that potential.

And that is why Jim, and the Southern Utah for Obama group, will be hosting a Unite for Change event tomorrow.

We’re organizing voter registration efforts, but this Unite for Change barbeque will be our first real event. And I suspet we’ll do very well.

We’ve called about 400 people directly, emailed at least 350 more and are bracing for an interesting day. Typically, a local Democratic meeting gets five or six people. We’ve been getting 20-plus at our meetings and encountering a great deal of interest.

It’s my intention at the barbeque to mostly have a good time. We’ll have a DJ, games, and food. Local Democratic candidates will also be present.

But really, what I hope to accomplish is to build camaraderie in order to reinforce the group dynamic in a social setting. Then we can get back to our organizing and we'll have spent some fun time together. I think the event is important because it's an opportunity for like-minded people to come together. We're a minority here in southern Utah and this provides a rare opportunity to mingle. As for outcomes I hope to solidify our team and add new members.

Jim’s group is just one of thousands who are hosting Unite for Change events tomorrow. These events will bring together Democrats, Republicans, and Independents to talk about what’s important to them, and to make plans for the general election.

With over 4,000 events going on, there are plenty to choose from. Find one in your neighborhood, grab a friend and meet some new Obama supporters.

Road to Denver: Kurt in Utah

Amanda Scott — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 17:11:46 EDT

Kurt is an Emmy-award winning composer who lives in the self described “reddest state that ever has or will exist” of Utah. He is married and has two daughters. His story is a unique one – after flipping from Clinton to Edwards, he came to decide to support Barack while on a safari in the country of Uganda.

While talking to three Dutch women, an English couple, his safari guide from Congo, and his Kenyan wife, the topic of the presidential race came up. He was asked whom he was supporting and he mentioned that he was leaning toward Barack Obama.

The reaction was one of optimism and hope from every person there. It excited me that because of the message that Barack conveyed to these citizens of the world, they felt that America could once again be a leader for peace, innovation, and world change. At that moment, I made up my mind to run for National Delegate supporting Barack Obama.

When Kurt came home, he threw himself into volunteering for the campaign.

I believe that there are many Utahans who resonate with Barack Obama's message of hope, change, and unity. Simply voting wasn't enough for me. I wanted to immerse myself in the grass-roots political process this year. So, in addition to being a National Delegate, I've been a county and state delegate, and will even be working as a poll worker!

Kurt references the 1960s when he talks about Barack and where politics is heading.

I've come to feel that the best presidents throughout history (Washington, Roosevelt, Kennedy ... Reagan) all were figureheads who had the ability to raise the country's collective spirit and get them to exponentially make great changes.

Upon arriving home from my Ugandan trip, I was tickled to see that this fervor about Obama was starting to spread. I was most excited to see the young, alternative "coffee shop" generation also starting to step in line. FINALLY - the younger generation has found someone to rally behind. It's not quite Woodstock and Detroit '68 - but it's a palpable mini revolution that is sorely needed.

So, with a little luck, you may get a glimpse of me standing with my fellow Democratic Utahans raising my Obama banner high. But, if not, I'm the one in the Avenues of Salt Lake planting Barack posters alongside the geraniums.

Kurt won’t have to travel far this August to go to the convention. Be sure to watch for this delegate and expect him to be spreading Barack’s message throughout Utah this fall.

Utah Superdelegate Endorses Obama

Sam Graham-Felsen — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 11:18:34 EDT

CHICAGO, IL—Utah Democratic Party Chair and Democratic superdelegate Wayne Holland today endorsed Barack Obama, citing his ability to energize the Democratic Party and plan to strengthen the economy.

“Sen. Obama has helped to energize our State Party,” said Holland. “Obama was clearly the choice of Utah Democrats on Feb. 5 and is the choice of the majority of Utah Democratic candidates to head the ticket in November. While it is not only important for me to reflect the sentiment of our Party, I also have a responsibility to endorse the candidate whom I believe will help unite the many voices of our ‘big tent’ Utah Party and help us build for the future.”

“Sen. Obama shares Utahns’ concern for building strong communities and re-building our economy ravaged by Republican policies – across the country as well as Utah. The headlines yesterday said ‘Utah bankruptcies up 44% from a year ago.’ This alone should be a wake-up call for every Utahn. We need a president with a ground-level view of the everyday struggles of Americans, and Obama’s experience as a community activist and lawmaker fits that requirement.”

Senator Obama won the Utah primary on February 5 with 57 percent of the vote.

Wayne Holland is the Utah Democratic Party Chair. Mr. Holland is a labor negotiator for the United Steelworkers Union.

Obama Wins Utah!

Sam Graham-Felsen — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 21:55:25 EST

MSNBC projects Obama wins Utah!

Go Utes!

Walking for Change in Salt Lake City

Utah leaders back Obama

Christopher Hass — Sat, 02 Feb 2008 00:44:15 EST

From the Desert Morning News:

A collection of Democratic and grassroots leaders from around the state announced support for Sen. Barack Obama at the presidential candidate's Salt Lake headquarters Friday.

Community activists representing veterans, Latinos, Muslims and Democrats said Obama is the leader who will "bring people together."

"Barack Obama is the one candidate who is ready to unite America again," said Christian Burridge, chairman of the Salt Lake County Democratic Party.

Earlier this week, Obama picked up endorsements from former Utah congressman Bill Orton and 11 other Utah lawmakers.

Campaign committs resources, staff and personal appearances to Utah

Christopher Hass — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 21:17:04 EST

From the Desert Morning News:

As the days dwindle before next week's Super Tuesday primary, Utahns are enjoying unusually strong wooing from the main Democratic candidates for the presidential nomination.

… A top Obama supporter, former Senate Democratic leader Tom Daschle, told the Deseret Morning News that Obama feels "very strongly about Utah and the possibility of continued outreach to the voters between now and next Tuesday." He pointed out that the Illinois senator's wife, Michelle, will visit the Beehive State on Monday.

Daschle said he believes Obama can best articulate the values, ideals and extraordinary future held by the West in general and Utah in particular.

… Asked why so much national attention is focused on a Democratic race in Utah, Daschle replied that Obama has a strong view that the campaign needs a 50-state strategy, "not just in selected states that have been generally good for Democrats. ... We really do want to be competitive in states in the West, and we've already seen what that can do."

'Obama organizers canvass in Park City'

Christopher Hass — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 16:43:13 EST

From the Park Record:

Volunteers canvassed Park City neighborhoods Saturday drumming up votes in the upcoming Western States Primary for presidential candidate Barack Obama.

... "Last night I spoke with President Thomas Monson and expressed my deepest sympathies to The Church of Latter-day Saints on the passing of President Gordon B. Hinckley," Obama said in press release.

His visit to Utah was cancelled this weekend in recognition of the death of the Mormon prophet.

Meanwhile, neighborhood canvassers for Obama met Saturday morning at the Sheldon Richins Building at Kimball Junction. That afternoon volunteers called voters to solicit support for Obama.

Be Heard: Write a Letter to the Editor

Christopher Hass — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 18:05:40 EST

Getting the word out about the movement for change growing behind Barack Obama requires reaching out to people that haven’t been involved in politics before.

One of the ways you can help us keep our movement growing is by writing a Letter to the Editor of your local paper. Your letters will play a crucial role in inspiring other supporters to get involved with our campaign to change America. It's one of the most powerful ways to make your voice heard in your community and share your hope with your neighbors.

You can use the link below to submit your letters online to the Salt Lake Tribune:

Salt Lake Tribune

Obama for America: Utah!

Anne Filipic — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 21:48:09 EST

Welcome to the official Obama for America Utah blog! As many of you know, the Obama campaign has a fully functioning campaign here in Utah. We have seven full-time staff members (in a few days there will be even more!), as well as hundreds of volunteers across the state who have been spreading the word about Senator Obama for months.

On Tuesday night here in Salt Lake City, over 100 Utahns joined us at the Obama for America Utah Headquarters for an Organizational Meeting to learn about additional ways to take this campaign into their own hands.

We introduced ourselves and talked about various ways to get involved prior to Utah’s February 5 primary. Nearly everyone who attended the meeting signed up for activities such as serving as a neighborhood captain, making phone calls to other Utahns, and going door-to-door canvassing (to name a few!). My favorite part of the meeting was when long-time Obama volunteer Misty Fowler quoted Senator Obama and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., referring to “the fierce urgency of now” that has motivated her to make this campaign her own. She reminded all of us that we have a lot of work to do before February 5 and challenged all of us to make the most of the next couple weeks. In her words, “I don’t want any of us to wake up on February 6, thinking that there was something else we could have done to make Senator Obama the next President.”

Misty (shown above, with another one of our favorite volunteers, Gail) and our many other volunteers recognize just how important the February 5 Utah primary will be. We hope you do too.

We need your help to win Utah on February 5 and help make Barack the next President. If you are able to help, please contact us utah@barackobama.com or call our headquarters at 801-88-OBAMA (801-886-2262). Or stop by our Utah headquarters at 1747 South 900 West in Salt Lake City.

Thanks for all you do!