I am supporting Barack Obama, and I want you to join me in this important campaign.  I believe that an Obama victory will change our country, help us restore our nation's values, and reclaim our image around the world.

I know that there are some who will disagree with me: Democrats who have endorsed others or who worry that Barack cannot win, and Republicans who may differ on some issues.  I respect your choices, and your views, but I urge you to hear me out.

Barack Obama understands and respects our community and our concerns.  Remember how you felt in 2004 when he electrified the nation with his speech at the Democratic National Convention?  I know that many of you felt as elated as I did when he spoke so powerfully, and so sensitively, in support of the rights of Arab Americans.

And listen to this video message delivered by Barack Obama to our Arab American Institute National Leadership Conference (or read the transcript).

With Barack Obama as President, we'll get a responsible end to the war in Iraq; we'll get a Mideast foreign policy based on partnerships – not unilateralism and gunboat diplomacy; and we'll get a Middle East peace process that gets the job done.  At home, our civil liberties will be protected and respected, and an Obama Presidency will work end partisan divide and build the consensus necessary to tackle the most difficult issues facing our nation.

As impressed as I am with the man, I am equally impressed with his extraordinary campaign that has been as effective as any "ground game" I've ever seen. In addition, I've had the pleasure of knowing and working with many of his foreign policy advisors (many of whom are the best and the brightest from the Clinton and Carter eras).

I was pleased that the campaign asked me to serve on their National Advisory Outreach Team, organizing an Arab American effort.  I urge you to sign up now, and contribute what you can.

Thanks.

Jim

Jim Zogby