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.
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