Organizing for America | Jaime Mulligan's Blog: Jodie

Great blog from Zogby... | Report to Admin

By Michael Hussein James Dec 16th 2007 at 11:46 am EST

Do yourself a favor and check out Zogby's comments on Huffington Post:

Link

Below is an excerpt:

"...Reading Obama's autobiography Dreams From My Father helps, in part, to explain the man and the response he is capable of eliciting. Written at 34 (he is 46 now), more than simply telling his story, Dreams is an exercise in self-discovery. In it, he works through the many issues of his complex life trajectory, discovering the meaning of his identity, the role of family and community, and the legacy he inherited from both his mother and his "absent" father.

If he appears at peace with himself, self-possessed and able to "ring true" (to borrow Andre Gide's phrase) it is because, to a remarkable degree, he is. And it appears that it is that very quality that resonates. Watching him on stage, in a crowd, or engaged in a conversation of substance, he looks at ease, unruffled and comfortable, alternately listening and engaging..."

Re: Great blog from Zogby... | Report to Admin

By ayak Hussein va Dec 16th 2007 at 11:50 am EST

anyone who watched cspan this morning saw how sorry the DMR register VP was to have endorsed hillary after the pouring phone calls from DEMS,REPS,IND that just criticized her for that endorsement ; i was so glad that of all the calls that poured in only one was voiced for hillary and most of the rest were for obama and people asking themselve how the DMR could have made such a poor decision of endorsing her over obama;
I saw her face after all these phone calls and I can tell you her facial expression says it all:
damn I wish we had no endorsed her

Re: Great blog from Zogby... | Report to Admin

By RAH Dec 16th 2007 at 12:01 pm EST

That's encouraging to hear. Not only that the people called in to voice their displeasure, but that those voices will still be supporting Obama in spite of the DMR endorsement. My hope is that that endorsement won't change people's minds and go for Hilary as a result.

Re: Great blog from Zogby... | Report to Admin

By The Time Is Now Dec 16th 2007 at 12:13 pm EST

Is there a video of this anywhere?

Re: Great blog from Zogby... | Report to Admin

By MW Dec 16th 2007 at 2:52 pm EST

Go to C-span and click on "Washington Journal." They always have that show, in whole and broken down into segments, on the site pretty quickly.

In fact, I'll be headed that way soon! I missed it too.

DMR endorsement logic? | Report to Admin

By John Cavanaugh Dec 16th 2007 at 12:25 pm EST

Yes, the logic of their decision is very suspect. They went out to their way to criticize Senator Edwards for running a negative campaign, yet they essentially validate Senator Clinton's "Rove style" attacks on Senator Obama? It was as if they copied President Clinton's transcript from the Charlie Rose interview.

The Good News is that it simply won't work. The Boston Globe endorsement rationale hit the nail on the head and that will likely be the calculus of average people searching for inspirational leadership for a change.

Re: Great blog from Zogby... | Report to Admin

By Theresa in Maine Dec 16th 2007 at 1:43 pm EST

Iowans think for themselves. Endorsements, no matter for whom, won't mean much to them.

Re: Great blog from Zogby... | Report to Admin

By MW Dec 16th 2007 at 3:00 pm EST

Newspaper endorsements really don't mean much to anybody.

However, in Barack's case I think they do. First, they say to people who are just tuning in, it's OK to vote for somebody other than Hillary, despite what CNN's been telling you. Second, the ease the fears of those folks that Barack isn't ready for prime time. If these newspapers are endorsing him for president, that gives a stamp of approval to him. Makes him easier to support.

Re: Great blog from Zogby... | Report to Admin

By Diane Dec 16th 2007 at 4:13 pm EST

I read both of Obamas books. The Audacity of Hope and Dreams From My Father, I felt that I was beginning to know the man, and believe there is a true hope for change, when Obama made his announcement to run.

Comment from Asher Heimermann | Report to Admin

By Asher Heimermann Dec 16th 2007 at 11:51 am EST

How can I get Barack to my middle school?

ASHER HEIMERMANN / Link

Re: Comment from Asher Heimermann | Report to Admin

By heartofohio Dec 16th 2007 at 11:58 am EST

Asher: Go to the "learn" tab at the top of the page and then to "action center". #6 in FAQ gives the info you need.

Re: Comment from Asher Heimermann | Report to Admin

By heartofohio Dec 16th 2007 at 11:59 am EST

oops...not "action center:, I meant "answer center"

Re: Comment from Asher Heimermann | Report to Admin

By Nate Dec 16th 2007 at 12:39 pm EST

WOW! Ash, you're hard-core. Keep up the good work!

Barack should definitely visit your school.

good luck!
N

Re: Comment from Asher Heimermann | Report to Admin

By Kim from Corning Dec 16th 2007 at 1:00 pm EST

Hi.. I'll email them (HQ) and tell them he should visit your school. It never hurts to try. :)
Kim

Outrage | Report to Admin

By Yiannis aka Stephen Colber(t) for Vice Presiden(t) Dec 16th 2007 at 11:55 am EST

So all of Europe, Cuba and Costa Rica can afford to send Jodie to a doctor but not the US.

Social Darwinism.

By the way a kid died of a tooth abscess here in Maryland a few months ago. His mom had found a dr who takes Medicaid but the Dr prioritized his brother ahead of him because his teeth were in worst shape.

Link

"Twelve-year-old Deamonte Driver died of a toothache Sunday.

A routine, $80 tooth extraction might have saved him."

Re: Outrage | Report to Admin

By Julia from Pasadena Dec 16th 2007 at 12:11 pm EST

That is just awful. How can we claim to be a developed country when we have people dying from a medieval disease?

Re: Outrage | Report to Admin

By Petra from Tucson Dec 16th 2007 at 1:04 pm EST

I heard about that. It is shameful.
And you know what? I had to pay $250 for a tooth extraction for my 11 year old.... Got Health Insurance but no dental insurance : (

Outrage | Report to Admin

By Michele from Huntington Beach, CA Dec 16th 2007 at 1:32 pm EST

Even though I have health insurance, it takes a $5000 deductible to make the premiums affordable. Doctors' office visits are not covered. I went to a surgeon (referral from my dermatologist) about a pre-cancerous lesion on my leg. He looked at it and talked to me for 5 minutes, couldn't do anything at that appt. because the referring dr. hadn't sent over the pathology report, told me to come back in a week. The "consult" cost me $170.

Re: Outrage | Report to Admin

By Theresa in Maine Dec 16th 2007 at 1:47 pm EST

Pathetic..... terribly pathetic

Re: Outrage | Report to Admin

By Terri Dec 16th 2007 at 1:58 pm EST

I don't even want to tell you what a friend and co-worker is going through with her 21 year old son who was diagnosed with 4th stage melanoma.

I work for the City. About the only reason to want to work for the city is the benefits (lord knows it ain't the salary!)..but lo and behold, they changed our carrier to save the city $3million. The carrier now covers next to nothing prescription-wise. Most of our regular doctors are not in network...the debts she already has for all they no longer cover would make your head spin. What she is going through while watching her son deal with chemo and the constant struggle with something that could possibly take his young life is something I wouldn't wish on even George Bush. It's beyond disgraceful. It's inhuman. And we have insurance coverage!

Don't even get me started with this.

Holiday Lights | Report to Admin

By Strong Heart Dec 16th 2007 at 12:02 pm EST

Sisters...

Link

Re: Holiday Lights | Report to Admin

By Donna No Shock Barack No Drama Obama of MD Dec 16th 2007 at 1:07 pm EST

Strong Heart you made this "sister" smile this day!

OBAMA '08

Re: Holiday Lights | Report to Admin

By Terri Dec 16th 2007 at 1:48 pm EST

That was so adorable. The original is one of my favorite Xmas movies.. they did a great job. Reminds me of me and my sister doing the same thing years ago .. lol!

Re: Holiday Lights | Report to Admin

By Tamsin Dec 16th 2007 at 3:35 pm EST

Strong Heart, I am so happy you're back!! Thanks for the link-adorable and for the reminder that we are so much stronger when we stick together!

Des Moines Register endorsement | Report to Admin

By wheelbarrow Dec 16th 2007 at 12:03 pm EST

I slept over it last night. And this morning, after thinking things through, I think the passed-over endorsement is a blessing in disguise.

We need to awake from the stupor of complaceny. These few weeks, there has been a sense of overconfidence creeping into this campaign that honestly troubled me. Iowa is very, very close and could go either way. The DMR endorsement of Hillary to me signifies that this race is far from over. We should be emboldened to work even harder to close the deal for Barack. Complacency is not what we need right now, and this goes from top to bottom.

Re: Des Moines Register endorsement | Report to Admin

By Kwame Dec 16th 2007 at 12:35 pm EST

good point

Re: Des Moines Register endorsement | Report to Admin

By Donna NH - Thank you my fellow Granite Staters! Yes we did! Dec 16th 2007 at 12:41 pm EST

Wheelbarrow, who does your sense of complacency refer to? Barack, HQ, supporters? Please explain.

Re: Des Moines Register endorsement | Report to Admin

By Rick Beaule' Dec 16th 2007 at 2:49 pm EST

I would say "all of us". HQ, supporters, everybody.

As pleased as I am and that we all are that we have done as well as we have the past few weeks we should make sure to keep ourselves steeled with resolve to push through the finish.

Re: Des Moines Register endorsement | Report to Admin

By ♫ ❀ ✿ ♪ MsCiara, in Paris ♪ ❀ ✿ ♫ Dec 16th 2007 at 12:48 pm EST

Very Good point ! We must work like he is 10 points behind. Iowa is Vital, I think that it does hurt Edwards more. The editorial was poorly written and was a VERY WEAK endorsement. We are in a great position, we must re double our efforts. True , we have the big MO , but It must continue to ride up to Jan 3!

Re: Des Moines Register endorsement | Report to Admin

By Kristian "I Ain't Afraid of No GOPs" Idol Dec 16th 2007 at 5:09 pm EST

It's the home stretch. And when you're the runner ahead, or you've just caught up to the leader, you don't say, "Okay, I can coast now..."

One last BURST OF ENERGY to blow through the tape in the early states!

BARACKIN' IN THE FREE WORLD

Thanks Jodie | Report to Admin

By Patty Dec 16th 2007 at 12:08 pm EST

Many thanks to Jodie for coming on on a cold night and WALKING(with a back problem)to support Barack Obama!! Me and my aching back can't thank you enough!! :)

Re: Thanks Jodie | Report to Admin

By Dan The Man Dec 16th 2007 at 12:23 pm EST

Ill be there on the 28th to help you all out too. I wish I could come there tomorrow!

Dan the Man - go! | Report to Admin

By Jayne in Boca Raton, Fl Dec 16th 2007 at 1:54 pm EST

I wish I could be there also - the campaign is so organized - several of my Obama friends here in Florida (81 degrees) are heading to Iowa ( what? 10? brr - lol) to help the last week before the caucus - we'll have a lot of people there - I couldn't get the time off - but I am going to go to S.C. and help there for 4-5 days and I can't wait! Being involved in this effort has been the most satisfying thing ever. Shows you how much we all want this that people are willing to travel hours and hours to get to Iowa and work in the freezing weather to get this nomination. We all realize that this is for the good of our beloved country.

Re: Thanks Jodie | Report to Admin

By Jill A Dec 16th 2007 at 1:01 pm EST

I saw Barack speak in Mason City last night. I'm a volunteer -- born and raised in Iowa, now living in Minnesota. First, please join me in giving the Iowa organizers a huge round of applause - I've been in the Mason City office twice now and the staff and volunteers there are doing an amazing job. You'd think after the countless hours they've put in on this grassroot campaign, they'd be cranky and stressed. Instead, they are kind, warm, welcoming to all. They create an amazing positive energy. This is what Hemingway called "grace under pressure". And I saw the same thing with Obama last night. He spoke with such sincerity; even when he's on a podium with a microphone, it feels like he's having a conversation with the audience. He stayed after to shake hands -- a couple I spoke to who were undecided waited around an hour to shake his hand. He is simply extraordinary: extremely compassionate, wise, and down-to-earth. I'm a baby boomer who was old enough to witness the inspiration of MLK, JFK, RFK and many lesser known leaders of that era, but too young to vote for JFK or ride a freedom bus. This is my chance: it is so exciting to be part of supporting a leader who is already moving this country toward a brighter future.

Hey Jill | Report to Admin

By Jayne in Boca Raton, Fl Dec 16th 2007 at 2:02 pm EST

I'm a contemporary of yours - JFK got me interested in politics but I think Obama is truly the most inspirational candidate in my lifetime - I never felt that I could speak to JFK or even RFK even though I admired them. I have seen Obama speak twice and actually got to speak to him for a few seconds - when he shook my hand I said "please take back our government for us Senator" - with THOUSANDS of people screaming his name and trying to get his attention he looked me in the eye and said "I'm going to try and do just that". I was totally committed to him before that moment but after that I vowed to work even harder to make sure he was our nominee. His wife is exactly the same. I went to a luncheon for her and she came around to all of our tables, gave out lots of hugs and took a ton of pictures with people. The two of them are in it for all of the right reasons and none of the wrong ones. They know they can help change the world their children are growing up in.

Re: Hey Jill | Report to Admin

By Jill A Dec 16th 2007 at 11:30 pm EST

I had a similar experience in Mason City after the event when he was shaking hands. I said "I want to thank you for this campaign, which already has changed my life because of all the good friends I've made through it." He looking toward the next people in line at that point but as soon as I made the comment, he turned and, as with your story, looked directly at me and said "I'm so glad to hear you say that!" -- so spontaneously and sincerely, he was "just folks" as they say in Iowa.

Some great news for Billary | Report to Admin

By Yiannis aka Stephen Colber(t) for Vice Presiden(t) Dec 16th 2007 at 12:17 pm EST

Here's what CBS thinks:

Link

Even though she had a glimmer of good news by receiving the Des Moines Register's endorsement last night, the polls are not good for the Clinton campaign. Her decline seems inexorable at what is surely a critical point in this campaign. And one could argue that a ham-handed counter-offensive has not helped. At all. "

Re: Some great news for Billary | Report to Admin

By GM_from_Ohio Dec 16th 2007 at 12:34 pm EST

Thanks for sharing.

In the coming days, polls will push Hillary at the national level .... will push Hillary against repubs ... will pull-down Obama against repubs.

Do not pay too much attention to these numbers.
Let's all take the high road ....
Let's all stay focused ....
We have our work cut-out, no matter what others do or don't. Let's step-up and do whatever we can, for this campaign.

On the topic of trolls | Report to Admin

By Michael Hussein James Dec 16th 2007 at 12:18 pm EST

I have recently grown a bit concerned while reading certain blog comments. Note: I am not a "concern" troll, so hear me out.

I have recently seen instances of new users posting with a question or a concern and immediately being met by regular contributors who immediately dismiss them due to not having a public profile or the perception of "concern troll" behavior.

In my view, posting a question to the supporter community about some allegation made by a rival campaign is not, in and of itself, troll-worthy. In fact, we should welcome the opportunity to correct misperceptions and thank them for taking the time to perform some due diligence instead of accepting the allegation as true.

The whole point of the exercise is to attract new people and convince them to join us. Not to get comfortable in some sort of seniority system that sends a negative message to anyone who didn't join the campaign at least X months ago.

I strongly urge everyone to use restraint when dealing with these types of new users. Unless or until their behavior warrants ignoring them or reporting them to site administration, please give them the benefit of the doubt.

Don't get me wrong, posting the same question or comment verbatim multiple times in the same thread, especially after receiving a response, certainly is troll-worthy.

As we have seen with some of the recent mudslinging from a rival campaign, it is definitely appropriate to respond with facts, but resist being baited into slinging mud right back. Likewise, calling someone a troll on the basis of one or two posts seems heavy-handed to me and, ultimately, counterproductive.

So, if your first reaction after reading a comment from a new user is "ah-ha, a negative comment/question, therefore you are a troll," I hope you will take a moment to consider how Barack Obama or Laura Hubka would respond if faced with a similar situation and give that new person the benefit of the doubt, at least until they prove they no longer deserve it by demonstrating consistent troll behavior and/or crossing the boundaries of decorum.

Undecided people are starting to make up their minds. Deciding which candidate to support, much like major purchasing decisions, such as cars, houses, etc. is, ultimately, an emotional decison. Let us try to ensure that the first interaction with Obama supporters is a positive one for all.