Organizing for America | Sam Graham-Felsen's Blog: Announcement: Minnesota Rally on Saturday

Go MN | Report to Admin

By Edmund Dantes Hamilton Jan 30th 2008 at 6:11 pm EST

Yes We Can

Re: Go MN | Report to Admin

By ATW Jan 30th 2008 at 6:18 pm EST

Why not Barack!

(please quote me on that).

Re: Go MN | Report to Admin

By Alexis from Las Vegas, NV Jan 30th 2008 at 6:47 pm EST

When we make a contrasts with HC, lets also try to insert your plan with the economy, war & other issues that are very important to the voters.

Electability must be paired with ISSUES! If you can do that, you can close the deal.

Re: Go MN | Report to Admin

By wazolangu Jan 30th 2008 at 7:44 pm EST

OBAMA RALLY LIVE ON CNN NOW!

Link

Re: Go MN | Report to Admin

By Jay from MN Jan 30th 2008 at 7:22 pm EST

Hello all,

Minnesota is my home state, but I live overseas so I'm doing what I can from here in sunny Venezuela.

Below is a link to the With One Voice fundraising campaign for Senator Obama. It was started in honor of the voter in South Carolina who gave this movement $3.01 and a bible verse. She, like most of us, could not afford to max out her financial contribution. However, the spirit of this movement is not a few people doing a lot, it’s many people doing everything they can.

The goal is to echo our friend 10,000 times over and raise $30,100.

Please check it out, give what you can and pass the link on.

Link

Thank you!

Re: Go MN | Report to Admin

By Ellen Feb 1st 2008 at 7:00 pm EST

I used to live in Venezuela! Make sure you get an absentee ballot from the US Embassy (+ 58 212 907 8400) for the November vote.

Re: Go MN | Report to Admin

By colonial82 Jan 30th 2008 at 8:32 pm EST

YES WE CAN

22 Delegates By Voting Overseas | Report to Admin

By Reggie; Who Just Signed Up For An 8 Year Tour Of "O"-Duty!!! Jan 30th 2008 at 6:11 pm EST

PEOPLE PLEASE!!!!

WE CAN WIN 22 DELEGATES FROM OVER SEAS VOTING WORLDWIDE!!!!

PLEASE TELL ANYONE OVERSEAS WHO'S FOR OBAMA TO REGISTER WITH DEMOCRATES ABROAD AND REQUEST A BALLOT BY TOMORROW THE 31ST!!!

HERE ARE THE LINKS;

TO REGISTER.
Link

TO REQUEST A BALLOT:
Link

Please spread the word about this. If you are phone banking and have an obama supporter on th line ask if the have family or friends overseas who are for Obama and give them this information.

Military also!!! We only have one more day to register and overseas is generally 6-10 hours ahead so don't delay!!!

22 Delegates folks!!!!

Those voting may only vote in the overseas primary or in their home state primaries, NOT BOTH. But we get 22 delegates by voting here so it's worth it. This can really help Obama so PLEASE PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD ........ NOW!!!!!!

MN | Report to Admin

By Yiannis aka Stephen Colber(t) for Vice Presiden(t) Jan 30th 2008 at 6:20 pm EST

Has Senator Klobuchar endorsed? MN is going to be tough for us...

Re: MN | Report to Admin

By Boston resident Jan 30th 2008 at 6:24 pm EST

What about rallies in California?? And what about Massachusetts...with all the endorsements here there still haven't been any big events and Clinton has a large lead in the polls!

Re: MN | Report to Admin

By Rena Jan 30th 2008 at 6:33 pm EST

We've had events in MA during the NH season... I live in Boston and I've heard Barack speak 4 (FOUR!) times since November started. I think other Super Tuesday states need him more than we do. At least we have name recognition here.

Re: MN | Report to Admin

By Boston resident Jan 30th 2008 at 6:43 pm EST

Hi Rena,

You make a good point. Why is he so behnind in the polls in MA though?? Deval Patrick, Kerry/Kennedy all support him. I hope he picks up some steam in MA too.

Re: MN | Report to Admin

By Rena Jan 30th 2008 at 6:53 pm EST

Well, I think that some of it is people just don't think about it until right before they vote. So in a sense, it's possible that even though *I* was going to all of those rallies, people really hadn't thought a lot about him yet at that point. I mean, there were a lot of people on the common, and a lot of people over at the castle, but if he had an event now he'd pull even more, I'm sure. Now is definitely the time here, since people are finally paying attention... but I feel like other states deserve a chance to see him.

Hey - are you volunteering this weekend? We need your help! Come to the GOTV training tomorrow night! Link

Re: MN | Report to Admin

By Rena Jan 30th 2008 at 6:54 pm EST

But you do make a good point about MA lagging in the polls. It's kind of embarrassing. I think things will pick up with the Kennedy endorsement though! I haven't seen any new poll results for MA since then. Do you know when the Globe releases the next one?

Re: MN | Report to Admin

By MarkkraM Jan 30th 2008 at 10:55 pm EST

But we really can't pay too much attention to the polls. If it shows a behind just take that as more work to be done. Obama cannot be everywhere, unless he has the money for ads, and supporters who phone bank for him. so donate and volunteer, do our part individually and together we will make a big difference. REmember Obama should not be where he is, said the skeptics, but we are making history!!

Re: MN | Report to Admin

By JonnieRae Jan 30th 2008 at 7:43 pm EST

I am wondering about all the students here in Boston and throughout MA. Are they organized? Will they be coming out to vote? I live in MA too, and I do not see any visibility. I have a sign in my window and a sticker on my car. I ordered a yard sign, but on back order, I guess. It will be humiliating if we lose MA with Kerry, Kennedy and Patrick all endorsing. Does anyone from MA have any info?

Re: MN | Report to Admin

By Alissa Jan 30th 2008 at 6:52 pm EST

don't lose hope! the campaign has been on the ground in minnesota since october -- and sometimes there is far more going on than you realize. if the legions of supporters trying to get into the rally today were any indication, barack obama is winning denver far more than just a couple of measly poll points!

Re: MN | Report to Admin

By Alissa Jan 30th 2008 at 6:53 pm EST

wow, i should really just stop. lol.

denver - read as "colorado" ;)

Re: MN | Report to Admin

By mb Jan 30th 2008 at 6:57 pm EST

Polls run at least 3 days behind so we wont see the Kennedy effect until Friday.

Re: MN | Report to Admin

By MelissaMpls Feb 2nd 2008 at 9:49 am EST

Also, keep in mind that the most recent poll being used in the media is the one done with the Humphrey Institute, which was conducted before Edwards dropped out.

I was an Edwards supporter who is happy to join you all (and will be at the rally today)!

Re: MN | Report to Admin

By Vicki Jan 30th 2008 at 7:26 pm EST

Not yet. Mayor of Minneapolis RT Ryback, Keith Ellision from US House of Reps and Betty "I am having a senior moment last name" US House of Rep have endorsed Senator Obama. Also, many state reps are on board. Downtown is going to be a madhouse! Can't wait!

DENVER RALLY! | Report to Admin

By Alissa Jan 30th 2008 at 6:23 pm EST

Hi folks!

Estimates from the Denver Rally -- as related to me by a member of the Rocky Mountain News staff. 9000-9500 in the arena itself. Approximately 3000 in the overflow rooms. They didn't hazard a guess as to how many were outside, but my unscientific and unsubstantiated estimate is that there were approximately 2000 on the lacrosse field at one point -- that however, does not include the thousands more who bailed when they realized they were never going to make it into the venue!

I attended the Denver Rally today -- well, almost. I arrived, stood in line for well over two hours -- and only got into the foyer as they shut the doors, as thousands of disappointed and frustrated supporters still lined the sidewalks. Before long, those of us not actually in the arena got shuffled outside and onto the lacrosse field immediately attached, where they were going to set up speakers. Much to our joy and relief, Barack Obama himself BEFORE HIS SPEECH came out to greet us. After thanking us, he quipped: "Well, Denver, looks like we're going to need a bigger boat!"

So for those of you who watched the streaming live video -- sorry for the delay, but he was busy personally attending to the thousands of folks stuck outside and in the overflow rooms. As you well know, he mentioned us in his opening remarks as well, but his attentiveness and personal presence immediately relieved our disappointment -- and we got far closer than any of us would have in the arena.

And my excitement didn't end there. Post-speech I decided -- nay, was inspired -- to see if I could go in and shake his hand along with the knot of other supporters surrounding his departure. His progress was discernible only by the moving clumps of people and media boom mics and cameras, etc.

Afterwards, a group of people waited patiently for autographed books to be returned to them, and some held out hope that Obama would come back out. We waited. We learned he was in media interviews that would take more than an hour and that he was running behind schedule. We waited, occasionally speaking with a staffer or secret service agent. We waited.

Re: DENVER RALLY! | Report to Admin

By Alissa Jan 30th 2008 at 6:31 pm EST

Soon there were only 15-20 of us left in the whole building. We waited. The staffers told us his appearance was highly unlikely. We waited. At 1:45pm, a full 6 hours since I first began standing in line -- my feet hurt, I was cold, I was hungry -- (and thanks to the lookouts who gave us a thumbs us so we could start chanting "President Obama! President Obama!" ...Barack Obama parted the curtains with a wry smile, saying: "Go home, already! Go home!" He had very little time to spare, but...

Barack Obama looked me square in the eye and shook my hand. This patient, persistent band of people humbled and awed by the presence of the future president. We were weaked kneed and shaking as we dispersed, cheering and giddy.

After what I experienced today, there is not once ounce, one drop, one iota of doubt that this man is as warm, as compassionate, as amazing, as honest, as... as... breathtaking as we hope him today.

Fight on, my friends, fight on.

Re: DENVER RALLY! | Report to Admin

By EJ Jan 30th 2008 at 6:33 pm EST

Great story!

Re: DENVER RALLY! | Report to Admin

By Alissa Jan 30th 2008 at 6:50 pm EST

...and ah, yeah... that should be "weak kneed" and "as we hope him to be" -- gosh, i'm all beside myself i can't even type straight.

glad i could uplift some of you. i didn't think i could be more committed to this man, but i am. thank you for your feedback.

i'm gettin' kinda misty... should probably go!

Re: DENVER RALLY! | Report to Admin

By Edmund Dantes Hamilton Jan 30th 2008 at 7:23 pm EST

This is awesome. Sure wish you had some photos of this. Did you happen to get any?

Re: DENVER RALLY! | Report to Admin

By adre Jan 30th 2008 at 7:46 pm EST

Thank you so much for your story. These type of stories communicate to us the "real man". Thank you - We I read his books, I get a sense of the "real man". Character!

Obama is the one!

Re: DENVER RALLY! | Report to Admin

By Alissa Jan 30th 2008 at 9:38 pm EST

a couple of the lovely women i was waiting with -- shannon, heidi, jodi -- we all exchanged information and they are going to try to send me their best shots from the day.

Re: DENVER RALLY! | Report to Admin

By lanabelle Jan 30th 2008 at 7:54 pm EST

Alissa, THANK YOU for your faithfulness to the vision. It's because we believe with every fiber of our being that HE's the ONE.

Please stay as pumped up as you are. You're moving us forward!

We CAN STAND FOR CHANGE,

HANDS AROUND BARACK '08

Re: DENVER RALLY! | Report to Admin

By Alissa Jan 30th 2008 at 6:31 pm EST

Soon there were only 15-20 of us left in the whole building. We waited. The staffers told us his appearance was highly unlikely. We waited. At 1:45pm, a full 6 hours since I first began standing in line -- my feet hurt, I was cold, I was hungry -- (and thanks to the lookouts who gave us a thumbs us so we could start chanting "President Obama! President Obama!" ...Barack Obama parted the curtains with a wry smile, saying: "Go home, already! Go home!" He had very little time to spare, but...

Barack Obama looked me square in the eye and shook my hand. This patient, persistent band of people humbled and awed by the presence of the future president. We were weaked kneed and shaking as we dispersed, cheering and giddy.

After what I experienced today, there is not ounce, one drop, one iota of doubt that this man is as warm, as compassionate, as amazing, as honest, as... as... breathtaking as we hope him today.

Fight on, my friends, fight on.

Re: DENVER RALLY! | Report to Admin

By Alissa Jan 30th 2008 at 6:32 pm EST

oops sorry for the double post -- i'm still kinda shaky!

Re: DENVER RALLY! | Report to Admin

By Rena Jan 30th 2008 at 6:35 pm EST

Thanks for that awesome recap! I was shaky after shaking the Senator's hand too... my own personal brush with greatness!

Re: DENVER RALLY! | Report to Admin

By Tina Jan 30th 2008 at 6:48 pm EST

Great sharing Alissa--wish I could have been there too!

Re: DENVER RALLY! | Report to Admin

By meta Jan 30th 2008 at 7:17 pm EST

Alissa, thanks for your story. Barack is phenomenally magnetic. I've also had the opportunity to shake his hand and see him up close on two occasions and everything you say about him is true. He is warm, compassionate, fierce, intelligent and silly. I admire him to pieces.

Re: DENVER RALLY! | Report to Admin

By Yiannis aka Stephen Colber(t) for Vice Presiden(t) Jan 30th 2008 at 6:36 pm EST

Go warm up because we have to get the vote out. Caucus math is complicated and we need every vote you can get us.

Just imagine doing your part to elect the next POTUS.

Do you think we can do that?

Re: DENVER RALLY! | Report to Admin

By Vegas mama Jan 30th 2008 at 6:44 pm EST

Thank you so much for posting this. I just done doing about 50 calls and was feeling a little grumpy because of rude people and this story reminds me why I put up with some of the rude people to reach the ones that are open. I came here for a little pick me up and your story did the trick.

Re: DENVER RALLY! | Report to Admin

By Amy, Bethesda, Md. Jan 30th 2008 at 6:51 pm EST

Alissa, Oh that really captures what we all know, thank you.

Re: DENVER RALLY! | Report to Admin

By Sara Jan 30th 2008 at 6:58 pm EST

Great story Allissa, thanks for sharing it.

Re: DENVER RALLY! | Report to Admin

By MarkkraM Jan 30th 2008 at 10:59 pm EST

Congrats , I have heard about him visiting the overflow places outside before. That just goes to show you, he will not forget those that can't be seen. Amazing Amazing Amazing!!
Cheers to Colorado!!!

TENNESSEE | Report to Admin

By Stephanie Jan 30th 2008 at 6:25 pm EST

I hope he comes to Tennessee soon, I'm dying to see him!!!!

Re: TENNESSEE | Report to Admin

By ATW Jan 30th 2008 at 6:31 pm EST

He should, he'd have some heavyweight ethnic partners to roll in with.

Bad news from CA--Need to work harder! | Report to Admin

By SK in Atlanta Jan 30th 2008 at 6:48 pm EST

I just saw some bad news on CA...

apparently 50% of the Dem voters will be voting early--many have already voted. And Clinton's campaign said they have exceed all of their targets with this group. They have already predicted victory. SO we'll have to win much bigger on the actual day of the election. The polls are all trending toward Obama in CA, but that doesn't take into account the early vote which favors Clinton.

We just have to worked harder!!