Organizing for America | Joe Rospars's Blog: Coming to Life ...

Coming to Life ...

By Joe Rospars - Feb 10th, 2007 at 2:18 am EST

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About two hours after a midnight beta launch, the site is already coming to life.

So far, so good. There's a team of nine of us, a few content-types like me and some more geeky (in the good way) tech folks, sitting on a conference call going through tiny tweaks and issues. Please let us know if you run into any issues by using the contact-us form and selecting the "reporting a technical problem" in from the drop-down.

The site is already brimming with groups, blogs, fundraising pages, and events. Getting started early are Idahoans for Obama and South Carolinians for Obama, just to name a few of the many newly-created groups.

Folks are also up and blogging already, including Nathan in Quincy, Illinois:

Tonight I am sitting in my dorm room getting ready for bed because tomorrow I will see the next President of the United States announce that he, Barack Obama, is running for President. Right now I am feeling nervous and anxious, but I can't imagine how the Senator feels. A freshman in college this year has been about a lot of new beginnings and I can't wait for this new beginning.

... and William in Maryland:

Well, I can honestly say, I have never been this motivated or energized about a political campaign! I will soon be 33, and I have not voted in a presidential election since 1992. Needless to say, I will be watching Sen. Obama's speeches tomorrow!

We're still working here, and will be for a little while longer. But as we wind down our evening in the wee hours this morning, our mobile video crew is waking up and getting going -- they're off to the event site in Springfield at 4 AM to set up.

If you're still up reading this, don't worry -- you won't need to wake up that early. You can watch the announcement speech live from Springfield, Illinois at 10:55 AM Eastern, 9:55 AM Central, 8:55 Mountain, 7:55 Pacific. We'll have links available to the live video stream right on the front page of the new BarackObama.com.

Thanks to everyone for their kind words about the site so far. This site will always be a work in progress, but everyone here is excited to see what we can do together.

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Excellent start | Report to Admin

By PsiFighter37 Feb 10th 2007 at 2:20 am EST

My one suggestion, perusing the website, would be to make it easier for people to see if they have received a message or a friend request from someone else.

Aside from that, great start!

Love It | Report to Admin

By Adam from Washington, DC Feb 10th 2007 at 2:36 am EST

Looking forward to tomorrow's (or today's) announcement.

adam

Re: Love It | Report to Admin

By Dave Grimmer Feb 10th 2007 at 2:55 am EST

Woohoo! I just made my first contribution! I was involved in a previous campaign that obviously did not get to the white house, but am ready for this one! Let's win this!

Great site -- minor suggestion | Report to Admin

By Dan Johnson-Weinberger Feb 10th 2007 at 2:39 am EST

Congratulations on the beta launch. It looks great. One thought: you might switch to CST instead of EST on the main page. The campaign HQ is CST as is the kickoff. Otherwise, I look forward to using the site to campaign for Barack.

Re: Great site | Report to Admin

By Postie2008 Feb 10th 2007 at 2:51 am EST

Man, are we so in need of you!
My Republican party is gonna [deleted] when i vote for you!
Get on My Space! Myself and my friends will "Top 8" you and spread the word!
GO GO GO! Don't stop! Dont conceide if it's close, run as if your life depends on it because right now we need you to run because OUR lives depend on you!
God speed and let me/us know if there's anything we can do to help!

P-

Re: Great site -- minor suggestion | Report to Admin

By Lynn, Sacramento, CA Feb 10th 2007 at 10:58 am EST

Better yet, mention all three time zones when referring to a specific time so people aren't distracted by having to do the mental gyrations to figure out the differences during their excitement about the campaign.

News could not be so good! | Report to Admin

By Dave Grimmer Feb 10th 2007 at 3:16 am EST

Hello all,

I am an Illinois native living in Washington state for the past 11 years. I have watched politics in my home state over the years and became enamored with Barack Obama some years ago.

I first gave money to his campaign when he was running for US senate. Ironically my parents gave money to the Senator from my state for her re-election!

All worked out well.

Let's move forward and get Mr. Obama elected in 2008!

Dave

nice | Report to Admin

By Expo Feb 10th 2007 at 3:49 am EST

For those of you still up...great work getting this ready and thanks for all the work you're going to do tomorrow.

From far far away.. :) | Report to Admin

By Aalya G Feb 10th 2007 at 4:00 am EST

So, it's 3:50 am EST, but 1:50 PM my time, and thats because I'm online from Karachi, Pakistan.

I have been following Barack Obama's speeches since the day I saw him give the keynote address in chicago during the 2004 elections. I've read his book and I now hope to someday meet this extraordinary man!

I will most definately be online tonight at 8:55 PM my time to watch him make his announcement!!

Good luck to you all! I sincerely hope he wins this race and eventually puts an end to this horrific war.

Love,
Aalya.

From Miami | Report to Admin

By Mariel Feb 11th 2007 at 1:12 pm EST

I was born and raised in Peru and became an American citizen a few years ago. After seeing what the current administration has done to our country and to the world… I cannot wait for a change! I want to feel proud of being an American again!! Since I saw Barack Obama, I knew he will be the best option for this country. I am excited to support such a great man than not only has shown us his values and intelligence but what is most important is that he has what it needs to be our President.

Barack Obama I wish you the best of lucks, we want to see you in 2008!! Bloggers buy your bumpers stickers NOW and spread the word, we can make a difference!!

Let's get to work!! | Report to Admin

By gcee Feb 10th 2007 at 4:24 am EST

The pendulum swings!!

Impressive | Report to Admin

By Jonathan N. Feb 10th 2007 at 4:41 am EST

I think we are seeing the first real use of the internet for politicalcampaign networking. Sure other politicians have dabbled with more modest tools, but what you have here looks to be very robust. Congrats. It will be interesting to watch how the Republicans respond to this site.
I just hope security is high on your priorities since with new tools comes new methods for sleazebags to try and throw a wrench into the democratic process.
All the best of luck to you guys. May your packets be swift and your servers be stable. :-)

I'm excited! | Report to Admin

By Vicki from Kailua Kona, HI Feb 10th 2007 at 5:50 am EST

I have recently moved from Illinois to Hawaii, and I have never been so proud to be from Illinois. I'm sorry I won't be in Springfield tomorrow, but my thoughts are with you. Obama in '08!!!!!!

looks good | Report to Admin

By Corbin Tobey-Davis Feb 10th 2007 at 6:08 am EST

nice site, nothing over the top but very useable.

Looking forward to the announcement.

Prayers, Candles, Blessings | Report to Admin

By Njenga Feb 10th 2007 at 6:23 am EST

I am from Kenya and I study American politics in the University of Leipzig, Germany. As we light candles to pray for a great campaign, I send you all at headquarters, a blessing and a hope. I have set up a fundraising after watching Barack Obama ask us to. I am Kenyan, therefore I cannot vote, but all my American friends will wake up to read my invitations to contribute to this campaign, that no history book will miss. Keep up the good work and God bless you, God bless Kenya, and god bless America.

Prayers, Candles, Blessings | Report to Admin

By Njenga Feb 10th 2007 at 6:24 am EST

cant wait | Report to Admin

By Yonatan Bryant Feb 10th 2007 at 6:36 am EST

Obama is amazing!!!!...
Good luck to everyone in the campaign...the website looks great

08ama!!!

Website | Report to Admin

By Lynn, Sacramento, CA Feb 10th 2007 at 6:44 am EST

Website looks great and is very fast so far. Hope it stays that way when the real wave of traffic hits!

One suggestion regarding the items in the store: Fat people vote too! You need larger plus size shirt sizes, especially if they are of cotton material.

Another suggestion would be a sort of tutorial or guidelines blog for people who have never gotten involved/worked a campaign before. There will be a lot of newcomers. What to expect, what is expected, who to trust for instructions/decisions. How to make use of political materials in the store without becoming nusances, how to create an event, what is expected and what to expect from creating an event, rules of engagement regarding fundraising, command structure and communication flow of the organization and all the other basics a newbie would want to know and might be too overwhelmed to ask. This will also give a one-stop place for people to refer newcomers to rather than having to answer the same questions repeatedly.

Also might want to post some notices about different sources of campaign materials. For example, Cafe Press has hundreds of Obama for President items. Does any of the money collected there go to the campaign?

Re: Website | Report to Admin

By Lynn, Sacramento, CA Feb 10th 2007 at 10:00 am EST

We also could use a graphics area for downloading authorized images readily usable as avatars on message boards and blogs outside this site.

I'd suggest the following:

* This website's logo
* Campaign button
* Photo of Sen. Obama
* Photo of Sen. Obama and Michelle
* Photo of Obama family
* Photo of Obama's book covers

Re: Website | Report to Admin

By James Gleeson Feb 10th 2007 at 2:39 pm EST

How about selling his books in the Obama store. That's a great way to keep people reading about such an incredible man.

Re: Website | Report to Admin

By Lynn, Sacramento, CA Feb 10th 2007 at 11:33 am EST

One more suggestion:

We need a Website status section for listing:

Known Issues
Fixed Issues

So we can check the list before submitting technical trouble reports or content suggestions. You'll be able to communicate when something has been fixed and when something is still being worked on rather than combing through repeats of the same trouble reports.

All things Obama related ~ | Report to Admin

By yeswecan Feb 10th 2007 at 6:55 am EST

Website is great and wonderful to have it active with particpants already involved.
An exciting and historic day and hoping that to be the case in Jan. 2009.
Cafepress.com does have great selection of Obama buttons/banners, etc.
Looking forward to his visit(s) to SC.
Congratulations to all who launched the website.

Re: All things Obama related ~ | Report to Admin

By Passionate Activist Feb 10th 2007 at 7:15 am EST

Execptional, it reminds me of this quote from Frantz Fanon:
“A community will evolve only when the people control their means of communication."

Frantz Fanon

Here's an idea for the campaign. RUN YOUR CAMPAIGN BUS ON BIODIESEL TO SHOW YOUR DEDICATION TO ENERGY INDEPENDENCE! IF YOU DRIVE THROUGH NORTH CAROLINA I CAN DEFINITLEY GET YOU SOME FREE FUEL!

Re: All things Obama related ~ | Report to Admin

By James Gleeson Feb 10th 2007 at 2:28 pm EST

Our newly elected Colorado Governor BIll Ritter drove an E-85 SUV on the campaign trail. He's forging ahead with his Colorado Promise to make Colorado a leading state in energy research, use of renewable energy and alternative fuels.

Barack can work with the great Governors across the US to do the same.

I'm so excited. | Report to Admin

By FreedomOfSpeechForObama2008 Feb 10th 2007 at 7:44 am EST

I love what you've done with the place (ahem). Actually, it really looks great. I have already invited all of my friends to join me here. We'll see what happens.

Thank you for everything | Report to Admin

By Eddie Mage Feb 10th 2007 at 7:53 am EST

I've never been moved to participate in an election since I started voting 10 years ago. This changed as soon as I heard Obama speak for the first time.

As a transplanted Chicagoan (now in Philadelphia), I've reviewed Obama's work in Illinois and I am so happy to finally have a really choice in the election.

Philly is behind you, and I'm looking forward to working with others in my area to make it all happen.

Thanks!

Love it! | Report to Admin

By JayD Feb 10th 2007 at 8:10 am EST

Keep up the good work.

And don't let Barack stop until he's in the White House!

Suggestion: Make it easier/more obvious to leave comments on blog posts.

One more comment | Report to Admin

By JayD Feb 10th 2007 at 8:12 am EST

Hey everyone: if you're reading this, make sure you pledge some money to Barack. He can't do this alone. We can bring the best candidate into the White House. Click that Donate button.

Re: DONE | Report to Admin

By FreedomOfSpeechForObama2008 Feb 10th 2007 at 8:48 am EST

He's depending on us and I'm ready to do my part. Sending Barack Obama to the White House in 2008 is tantamount to sending We The People to the White House in 2008. It's been too long since we've had that.

Re: One more comment | Report to Admin

By Derilyn Feb 10th 2007 at 4:54 pm EST

Just like you JayD, I gave a donation as well. In fact, I gave twice. I do plan to get donations from friends, co-workers and strangers to continue to assist Obama on this journey. I also know that attacks of Obama are on the way. I will continue to be steadfast and trust that we will all rise above the old style of politics. Don't forget to spread the word, to gather donations and get people registered to vote and to the polls. No one beleives in the youth of this country when it comes to voting...this is the time to make them take notice. It's time to turn the page. Donate and Vote. God bless Obama and his family!

Suggestion on site | Report to Admin

By JayD Feb 10th 2007 at 8:13 am EST

Create a message board section, please.

The start of great things today | Report to Admin

By chicago minx Feb 10th 2007 at 8:14 am EST

Because Barack can win and he brings hope for the future. And this site is GREAT.

Good luck from the UK! | Report to Admin

By Unknown user Feb 10th 2007 at 8:15 am EST

Hey

Here in the UK we're watching Barack's campaign with great interest. The campaign has been getting some good media coverage over here and I'll certainly be checking out the website regularly to see how things are going.

How about an area of the site where international visitors can leave a comment - proving that Barack has backing from across the world for the new style of politics he wants to bring to the White House?

It's going to be an interesting and tough race, you guys have my best wishes! (and if there's anything I can do in the UK just shout me!)

Go for it!

Duncan

Perhaps larger type | Report to Admin

By chicago minx Feb 10th 2007 at 8:35 am EST

for the titles of each blog entry. Otherwise this is a very clean-looking, fast, logical site.

Looks good | Report to Admin

By Nuisance Industry Feb 10th 2007 at 8:45 am EST

As an old Hyde Park resident now living in Ohio, I am delighted to see Obama throw his hat in the ring today. I second Dan J-W's suggestion about having the site set to Central Time rather than Eastern. Us Easterners can adjust to the campaign's home time zone.

FAQ | Report to Admin

By Geeky Idealist Feb 10th 2007 at 9:44 am EST

Excellent job Joe and team. I was accidentally right there with ya at 2 in the morning.

Can we get an FAQ please and/or message board to help out with questions and difficulties? I suspect many people will need help with some technical difficulties and I'd hate to have that slow down the movement!

Re: FAQ | Report to Admin

By Eddie Mage Feb 10th 2007 at 10:33 am EST

I would like to second (probably 132nd) the request for a message board.

If volunteers are needed to moderate I would love to help.

Tap tap -- (feedback whine) -- Hello? | Report to Admin

By maxomai Feb 10th 2007 at 10:10 am EST

Testing .. testing .. is this thing on?

I have to say that I'm really impressed with the design of this site so far. I can see myself writing a pretty elaborate blog on this thing. Of course, that would interfere with the real work of getting people to actually go out and canvas/hand out literature/raise money/do the billion other things that need to be done to get a campaign going.

I'm a "veteran" from the DFA blog and on DailyKos, complete with an inflated sense of self-importance. It is only appropriate, therefore, that I would have some advice for people reading this. So, here we go.

To the media, pundits, opponents, etc. who are reading this: everything stated in comments to any blog post comes from people who may or may not have any affiliation with the campaign. Some things stated here will be deliberate attempts to sabotage the campaign. In fact, this is probably inevitable. Take it with a lot of salt.

To fellow Obama fans: we have a really hard road ahead. The sense of excitement and wonder that we're feeling now is going to be severely tested when (not if) we lose a few battles. The thing to do in response is to take a deep breath, take a moment to sort out our feelings, and then get back to work. If we win, we keep fighting. If we lose, we keep fighting. And when (not if) we get our man in the White House, we keep fighting, because the real end goal of this campaign is to elect Barack Obama -- and by the same token, the real end goal of each and every one of us is to set America back on the right track again.

See you on the campaign trail!

We're off, with professionals this time! | Report to Admin

By Ian from Wilmette, IL Feb 10th 2007 at 10:10 am EST

Joe, great to see you writing here!

From the site it is clear a lot of learning has happened since Dean got us all together and fired up.

On reflection, it seems three things are needed to win: huge grassroots support, an inspiring and credible candidate, and the best professionals money can buy for when the knives come out. Dean had the first two; the third was a mixed bag.

I believe this campaign has all three. That is why we are going to win.

Let's go!

Re: We're off, with professionals this time! | Report to Admin

By maxomai Feb 10th 2007 at 10:19 am EST

I'm still hoping Bill Daley and Dave Wilhelm will sign on.

Colorado in the House! | Report to Admin

By James Gleeson Feb 10th 2007 at 10:22 am EST

It's time to take our country back and we need a Uniter like Obama.

I was born and raised in southern Illinois, but I now live in Denver, CO. I have been following Baracks career for the past few years and I haven't been this inspired by a candidate since 1992. Barack, you have "it."

I'm ready to help you win. Here is to Obama in '08!

Re: Colorado in the House! | Report to Admin

By FreedomOfSpeechForObama2008 Feb 10th 2007 at 10:30 am EST

HERE, HERE!

Here's to "We the People" actually having a chance to be governed by, well "We the People" . The only way to achieve that is by electing Barack Obama 2008!

Whooo Hooo!

:)

Tutorial or newbies | Report to Admin

By Denise Feb 10th 2007 at 10:33 am EST

Like others, I have never been so excited, inspired or encouraged to become involved as I have with Barack Obama and his message. Lynn's post to provide a tutorial for those of us who are new to this process would be very helpful.

This is a great site!

Nice Site! | Report to Admin

By Christopher Feb 10th 2007 at 10:34 am EST

I'm exciting for Barack even more now that the new site is up and running! It's even more user-friendly than Dean's site was in 04... I'm pumped for this campaign.

Add Recurring Donations | Report to Admin

By Eamon Kelly Feb 10th 2007 at 10:47 pm EST

This new site is great. Even my Republican friends are impressed. I am not a technology guy but I was still able to launch my first fundraising page, blog and start my own on-line group in less then 2 hours.

Just one suggestion. I was hoping you would add the ability to make a recurring donation. Act Blue has the function. And I know a lot of low dollar donors that would like to do more but can not afford to make one big donation.

Overall it is a great site.

For the first time in my life... | Report to Admin

By A Soldier's tears... OF JOY!!!!!!!!!!! Feb 11th 2007 at 1:48 am EST

I am a 42 yr old white male, and serve in the military. I am almost ashamed to say that I have never voted in my entire life.
If asked over the years what political affiliation I was, I was quick to say Republican.

I must say though, after researching Sen Obama over the last few weeks, and listening to him speak and his idea's, I am proud to say I registered to vote the other day for the first time in my life. Sen. Obama has struck a chord in my soul that has not been easy for me to shake.

This man has such passion, and I see such wisdom in his words. I believe in my heart he is truely for America. Our world will be a better place with this wonderful man in the White house.

God bless, and best wishes to you obtaining your goal Sen Obama, You will have this first time voters vote!

Re: For the first time in my life... | Report to Admin

By David from Coronado, CA Feb 21st 2007 at 7:45 pm EST

I support Sen. Obama 100%. He's the fresh breeze we need and a new leader who has emerged to lead our country in very troubled times. He reminds me a lot of JFK, although most people reading this will not have a personal memory of JFK. The Iraq war will end, sooner or later, one way or another. To me that is not the issue. There are many more complex problems on the horizon, and Sen. Obama is the man to lead us.
I am an older Republican, white male, US Marine Corps Vietnam veteran, and also a San Diego trial attorney. I say Sen. Obama is the man to lead us into the next wave of the difficulties facing America's future. Carry on Senator, you have my salute. David A. Miller, Esq.; Sgt. USMCR

Psychology of Politics | Report to Admin

By Danielle Clarke USA Vietnam Vet Feb 11th 2007 at 9:50 am EST

THOSE WHO ASK "WHO + WHAT" = USE OR ABUSE POWER = MANY REPUBLICANS SOME DEMOCRATS = NON INCLUSIVE

THOSE WHO ASK "WHEN + WHERE" = WILL ACT / ACTION = SOME REPUBLICANS + DEMOCRATS = PARTIALLY INCLUSIVE

THOSE WHO ASK "WHY + HOW" = SHOWS EMPATHY = MANY DEMOCRATS SOME REPUBLICANS = INCLUSIVE

GEORGE "CUSTER" BUSH = "ABUSES POWER" + " ACTION" = "CUSTERS LAST SURGE",SPEAKS EMPATHY IN WORDS NOT ACTIONS

HILLARY CLINTON = USES ACTION + EMPATHY / REASONING = LACKS SOME UNDERSTANDING OF POWER RESPECT

BARACK OBAMA = POWER + ACTION + EMPATHY/REASONING = HAS ALL THREE IN EQUAL AMOUNTS = SAFE USA FUTURE

WE TEST DOCTORS, TEACHERS, PROFESSIONALS AND MOST CITIZENS FOR BASIC EMPLOYMENT PSYCHOLOGICALLY!

WHY NOT TEST POLITICIANS FOR ALL THREE ATTRIBUTES = RESPECT OF POWER, ABILITY FOR ACTION, EMPATHY TO OTHERS,
BEFORE THEY CAN RUN FOR OFFICE, SO THEY CAN LEAD USA SUCCESSFULLY

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE ASK WHO,WHAT,WHEN,WHERE = LACKS MIRROR NEURONS TO ASK HOW + WHY = NON FUNCTIONAL

this is exciting | Report to Admin

By Ellen from Westminster, MD Feb 11th 2007 at 9:41 pm EST

This is the first time I have been enthusiastic about a politician, any politician! I loved everything the Obamas said on 60 Minutes tonight. Mr. Obama gives me hope for the future for all of us.

Millennium Goals | Report to Admin

By marie2 Feb 21st 2007 at 12:30 pm EST

In 2000, 191 countries signed an agreement known as the Millennium Goals, the first of which is to eliminate global poverty by 2025. I hope that Senator Obama will uphold this promise made by global leaders if he is voted into the White House.

economy | Report to Admin

By Dan from Northfield, NJ Sep 1st 2008 at 11:34 am EDT (Updated Sep 1st 2008 at 11:34 am EDT)

Dear Presidential hopeful;

I find myself extremely concerned with the current state of our country. You may have received many of these letters.
Subject: RE: McCain vs. Obama (What will change our current economic situation)
If you notice Obama, and Biden are going to assist every family that has an income of less than $250,000, via tax credits. This is exactly what we need in our economy, without it our economic situation will not change. We need the infusion of capital that will be generated by the tax credits for the middle and low class. If we continue with this corporate welfare, the rich will not have any consumers to sell their products to because the middle class has limited discretionary, and hardly any disposable income. McCain thinks that if the CEO of a company makes $25,000,000 a year said CEO should keep most of that income. He doesn't realize that if the CEO pays $10,000,000 in taxes, said CEO will still be able to continue living the excessive life style that he, and his peers including McCain himself are all currently enjoying. If that money were to make it down to the middle, and low class citizens it will end up creating capital for thousands of people, and it will be spent. One man controlling millions is not going to kick-start this economy. Most of our ultra wealthy place the majority of their money in tax shelters, hedge funds, or other investments. The average American citizen when blessed with disposable income will spend it nine times out of ten. He or she will spend it on themselves and, or on their family. If the CEO of Walmart makes $25,000,000, and keeps it for himself, and his family, that will not stimulate our economy. If the CEO made $10,000,000, and the excess was redistributed to the subordinate employees, those thousands of other employees would be able to increase their purchasing power, and begin to infuse money into real estate and other major purchases. One final point multi millionaires are less likely to infuse capital, as far as purchases, and most of them already have company-sponsored houses, boats, planes cars, etc. The average person in our country is less frugal and more likely to spend. The old Trickle down economics doesn't work, if it did every time Walmart, Target, Kmart, Home Depot, McDonald's....etc. had a successful year financially, they would automatically

Sarah Palin Video | Report to Admin

By Ruby from Raleigh, NC Sep 3rd 2008 at 11:54 am EDT (Updated Sep 3rd 2008 at 11:54 am EDT)

I don't know who will see this message but I am praying that the video Sarah Palin made about the Irag war will show non-stop on media, and internet. She was speaking at her church stating the war was sent by God. You can see the video on MSNBC. I am surprise the Obama headquarter isn't making this known. The media did a wonderful job showing over and over Rev Wright's message. People need to see that Sarah Palin is not real. Attacking her issues isn't sexism, not more so when attacking Obama on issues isn't racist. Let's be fair. Play the video.

Thanks and peace

Re: Sarah Palin Video | Report to Admin

By rumpelstiltskin Sep 11th 2008 at 1:29 pm EDT (Updated Sep 11th 2008 at 1:29 pm EDT)

thought I would reply to you so you would know someone read it.

i am lost in here. I got sign up. now what?

old women stupid about computers but not politics.

testing

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