This morning marked the start of Countdown to Change, a three-day statewide effort to help get out the vote for Barack in New Jersey and our sister state Pennsylvania, a crucial battleground state in this election. The operation unleashed two separate teams of New Jersey volunteers: Team Fired Up and Team Ready to Go. The "Fired Up" volunteers called and go door-to-door in New Jersey to reach voters while the "Ready to Go" volunteers drove to Pennsylvania to canvass. At a campaign office in Hamilton, volunteers arrived in the morning fired up to knock on doors and phone bank for Barack. “I really do believe in Obama and what he has to offer so I decided to volunteer to help elect him and other democratic candidates in New Jersey,” said Sonii Kollie of Hightstown. “When I speak to voters I see both sides of the spectrum. Some are very excited to talk to me about the campaign while others are more private and reserved. Despite the reaction, I feel that it’s my job to pull them in. I feel that voter contact is important because it’s a way for people to get to know the candidate on a personal level.”
Sonii Kollie phonebanks in Hamilton.
Further north in the state, eager volunteers filled the Jersey City campaign office. They came as a family or with friends and were greeted by Ward Leaders Jack Carly and Joe Conte.
The Bryant family spend Saturday afternoon together by canvassing for Barack.
Decked out in Obama buttons and Lautenberg T-shirts, volunteers hit the streets to make a difference, one neighborhood at a time.
Blog coverage of Countdown to Change will continue tomorrow and Monday. Sign up today to be part of this massive grassroots effort and you may find yourself featured on this blog.
Heather Fry, a Dorchester resident, introduced Barack at the Countdown to Change event inBoston on December 2nd. Heather joined the campaign in October after seeing Barack and Deval Patrick speak at Boston Common.
“I’ve always been impressed and moved by his integrity and sincerity,” she said. “Seeing Obama and Patrick together with so many people hanging on their words made me feel like I really needed to do more than donate money.”
Since joining the campaign, Heather has canvassed in New Hampshire for three of the last four weekends, and volunteers in Boston two nights a week. Her enthusiasm and ability to connect with voters earned her the attention of our Boston organizers, who suggested that she provide the introduction for Barack at the December Countdown to Change event.
While Heather has performed before audiences of hundreds during her theater days, she remembers feeling excited and overwhelmed when she first found out that she’d be speaking before a crowd of over 2,000.
“I woke up in a cold sweat at 3am the night before. It was intense!” she laughed. “But once I took the stage and started to feel the energy from the crowd, it became a lot easier.”
She says that she is working for Barack because she believes that he has the strength and character to clean up Washington.
She added, “When I’ve watched him at debates and other events, I think to myself that this is the kind of guy I want sitting at a table, making the important decisions that will determine the future of the country.”
Here’s Heather’s introduction, courtesy of BelowBoston.com:
Last night, thousands of Bostonians braved the freezing weather, filling up the Park Plaza Castle for Boston's big Countdown for Change.
One student, Justin from Brandeis, arrived only to find he'd be sharing the stage with Barack Obama himself. Here's the letter he wrote in today to share his experience:
As head of Brandeis SFBO and one of the student hosts of the Boston Countodwn to Change tonight, I was pleasantly surprised to arrive at the venue and be told that I would be on stage behind Barack Obama with other dedicated supporters! Tonight, coming off the endorsement of the Des Moines mayor and some very promising polling in Iowa and New Hampshire, Obama bounced onto the stage, shaking my hand along the way... ...as I listened to Obama's perfected stump speech...I was amazed just how far this movement for change has come since I first got involved back in March. I got in knowing that I had picked the right candidate, but not yet convinced I had picked the winning one. During tonight, my fifth time hearing Barack speak, I was more convinced than ever that we can really pull this thing off. Even what we've done at Brandeis has amazed me. We've done 4 day trips to New Hampshire, and have raised (through ticket sales to 2 events as well as t-shirt sales) around 2,600 dollars for the campaign. That's more than one rich person could have given to the primary campaign. I knew back in March, the one time I was fortunate enough to meet Barack, how smart my decision was to get involved in the campaign. But tonight, I end the day knowing I have seen the next President of the United States not once but five times, and that if we work for this and pull it off, it means there's nothing we can't do. Justin Brandeis SFBO
As head of Brandeis SFBO and one of the student hosts of the Boston Countodwn to Change tonight, I was pleasantly surprised to arrive at the venue and be told that I would be on stage behind Barack Obama with other dedicated supporters! Tonight, coming off the endorsement of the Des Moines mayor and some very promising polling in Iowa and New Hampshire, Obama bounced onto the stage, shaking my hand along the way...
...as I listened to Obama's perfected stump speech...I was amazed just how far this movement for change has come since I first got involved back in March. I got in knowing that I had picked the right candidate, but not yet convinced I had picked the winning one. During tonight, my fifth time hearing Barack speak, I was more convinced than ever that we can really pull this thing off.
Even what we've done at Brandeis has amazed me. We've done 4 day trips to New Hampshire, and have raised (through ticket sales to 2 events as well as t-shirt sales) around 2,600 dollars for the campaign. That's more than one rich person could have given to the primary campaign. I knew back in March, the one time I was fortunate enough to meet Barack, how smart my decision was to get involved in the campaign. But tonight, I end the day knowing I have seen the next President of the United States not once but five times, and that if we work for this and pull it off, it means there's nothing we can't do.
Justin Brandeis SFBO
Got any great stories or photos you'd like to see featured on the blog? Email us (as Justin did!) at blog@barackobama.com.
Last night, despite feeling the first flakes of an overnight snowstorm, 2,100 people crowded the Park Plaza Castle in the heart of the Hub. They came to hear about Barack’s vision for the future--how to break free of the partisan gridlock of the past two decades and bring about real change in Washington.
The past few weeks have seen opposing candidates begin to step up politics-as-usual attacks on Barack, even as he has picked up steam in the early voting primary states. Barack reminded the crowd that his campaign is not about being a textbook politician. It’s about a grassroots movement for real change in this country.
“It’s amazing how you go from being D.O.A. to being a genius in about three weeks,” he said. “But right now, we’re going pretty good in Iowa, and we’re going pretty good in New Hampshire, because the American people are ready for change and this campaign is about change that you can believe in.”
Barack continued:
We have a chance in this election, because the American people are paying attention, to not just change political parties in the White House but to change how politics is done in Washington. To seize that moment… we can’t just run the same old textbook Washington campaigns that we’ve become accustomed to… If we are serious about changing this county, if we’re serious about winning this election, then we can’t live in fear of losing it.
Between the Red Sox, the Patriots and the Celtics, the Boston area knows how to cheer on a contending team, and the capacity crowd greeted Barack’s speech with raucous applause
After the event, David, a Cambridge resident, said, “Barack brings a common decency to the race that sets him apart from the other candidates.”
The graduate student first saw Barack speak in 2003 in Manteno, IL, and recalls being incredibly impressed with Barack’s stature and intellect.
“I could see then that he was on the path to assuming a national leadership role, but I never thought he’d be on the verge of becoming out next president,” he said.
“It just shows that people are really looking for a different kind of leader in this election.”
I uploaded all of the photos from the Boston Countdown to Change event (at the Park Plaza Castle), and the Generation Obama fundraiser at VENU.
According to the reports, there were 2100 people at the first event, and the second sold out at 500. I shook the Senator's hand for the first time, which was pretty exciting for me, given I've been volunteering and donating like a crazy person. heh. I met a lot of new converts too: ran into some people from work who just started paying attention, took a picture for a girl from BU who is going to canvass for the first time next weekend. Lots of new volunteers, lots of positive energy, and 3 city councilmen endorsed (though I think one had already). Very exciting to see how many young people are getting involved... even at the later event which was $100 to get in. People are getting fired up! Those who have doubted are coming around.
I was so excited when he shouted passionately that he needed us all in New Hampshire every weekend between now and the primary... and people were listening. I think we're building a solid base in Boston... on January 9th, all of those people will be informed and ready to mobilize in our own state.
Click on the photo for more!
From Austin360.com
Here's one way to get a presidential candidate to change his mind: If you're a 5-year-old, shed a few tears. That's how Hadassah Jones, of Durham, got Barack Obama to answer questions Thursday after the campaign initially denied such requests from reporters. Crouching to the ground after a rally with 4,000 supporters, Obama briefly outlined for Hadassah his plan to provide health insurance for everyone and to improve schools. He also suggested to the first-grader that wealthier people should help those who are less fortunate. "We've got to make sure that people who have more money help the people who have less money," Obama said. "If you had a whole pizza, and your friend had no pizza, would you give him a slice?" Hadassah, a correspondent for brandnewz.com, said after the interview that Obama "had great answers. And I had a great time meeting him."
Here's one way to get a presidential candidate to change his mind: If you're a 5-year-old, shed a few tears.
That's how Hadassah Jones, of Durham, got Barack Obama to answer questions Thursday after the campaign initially denied such requests from reporters.
Crouching to the ground after a rally with 4,000 supporters, Obama briefly outlined for Hadassah his plan to provide health insurance for everyone and to improve schools. He also suggested to the first-grader that wealthier people should help those who are less fortunate.
"We've got to make sure that people who have more money help the people who have less money," Obama said. "If you had a whole pizza, and your friend had no pizza, would you give him a slice?"
Hadassah, a correspondent for brandnewz.com, said after the interview that Obama "had great answers. And I had a great time meeting him."
Senator Obama showed students that he will bring about change we can believe in at Converse College Saturday.
Student voters in Georgia harassed
“From the day I take office as President, America will have a Justice Department that is truly dedicated to the work it began in the days after Little Rock. I will rid the department of ideologues and political cronies, and for the first time in eight years, the Civil Rights Division will actually be staffed with civil rights lawyers who prosecute civil rights violations, and employment discrimination, and hate crimes. And we’ll have a Voting Rights Section that actually defends the right of every American to vote without deception or intimidation. When flyers are placed in our neighborhoods telling people to vote on the wrong day, that won’t only be an injustice, it will be a crime.” ---Barack Obama, Howard University Convocation 9/28/2007
Students for Barack Obama is committed to changing the political landscape by getting students more engaged and involved in the process. And because SFBO has been so successful, it comes as a shock when we hear news about student voters being intimidated and threatened while trying to vote. It's hard to fathom that happening in 2007.
According to the National Campaign for Fair Elections students at Georgia Southern University in Statesboro "have been the victims of challenges to their registration, threats, intimidation, and have faced police officers stationed outside and inside early polling places all because they had the nerve to want to vote in local elections."
Change in North CarolinaIn North Carolina this week students from rival universities came together to welcome Senator Obama and start counting down to change.
Students from UNC-Chapel Hill and N.C. Central, N.C. State, Duke and N.C. A&T universities crowded the field and the bleachers to hear the words of the man in whom they have put their trust."To see a lot of young people here excited about change and the future is really encouraging," said Stephen McIntyre, a UNC-CH law student.
Debate at DrexelDrexel University students welcomed the Democratic presidential contenders for this week's debate on their campus. In an online campus poll immediately after the debate Senator Obama won with 47% of students responding saying he had the best performance of the night.
Cornell not divided into red and blue
Cornell did not have the honor of hosting a real live Presidential debate…so they substituted student supporters for candidates. Senator Obama had two student representatives taking part:
Matthews Grosshans '11 characterized Senator Obama as a charismatic and inspirational speaker who could restore the American electorate's faith in the country's government."Obama appeals to the core values that unite all Americans instead of dividing the citizenry into blue and red states," said Grosshans, referencing Obama's keynote address at the 2004 Democratic National Convention.
In other news…Obama participates in MTV/MySpace Forum with Iowa college studentsGeorgetown University's star center Roy Hibbert may follow in Obama's footsteps
Hibbert looks forward to tossing his mortarboard in the air at graduation next spring, not the type of sentiment one hears every day from a big-time college athlete. Hibbert, though, said he could put his degree to good use down the road.He has been keeping tabs on the 2008 presidential campaign and went to hear the Democratic candidate Barack Obama speak twice."After basketball, maybe you might see me running for governor or mayor, something like that," Hibbert said, his eyes and smile as wide as can be. "I won't go so far as to say president, because that's kind of cliché. But you never know what will happen."
The Chicago Tribune reports on candidates courting the youth vote in Iowa.
Want more Students for Barack Obama?
Check out Students.BarackObama.com throughout the week for daily updates.
They Came Cheering. They Left Volunteering
Over half of the 4,000 person crowd at the Obama Countdown To Change Rally in Madison Wisconsin, were UW-Madison students. The purpose of this event was to get supporters not just excited for the Obama Campaign , but to participate in the process by canvassing in , you guessed it , Iowa. Iowa is a very important early state, and Wisconsin is a major player because it's a neighbor. Not only that, Wisconsinites have another advantage over their "Deaniacs" predecessors. They are fellow Midwesterners who are less likely to, as Obama's National Field Director , Temo Figueroa , but it so bluntly when he addressed us yesterday morning," SCARE THE HELL OUT OF THEM ". LOL. In any event, it looks like Madison is answering the call as I saw a swarm of UW Madison Students for Obama signing up to go canvass in Iowa. They will be teamed up with a real Iowans as well so they can learn how to talk to folks. And don't worry....No Orange Hats.
Three of our delegation of Eastern ND supporters recently gathered at my new apartment, with two other interested citizens to enjoy dinner (chicken, falafel, and steak were the three main courses), an earnest discussion of Barack and other political matters, and some mandolin-playing.
I'd say the event was a good start. I will endeavour to invite more guests personally next time. I will also hope to recruit additional musical acts. I had advertised the event in the High Plains Reader. I plan to attempt another get-together before the next trip going down to Iowa to canvass (October 13).
Yesterday was one of those days there were simply inspiring!For many, it was the first function to attend for Barack Obama. For some, it was the second time. For me, however, it was doing what I believed is was the right thing to do! Yesterday's event reaffirmed why I support Barack.I hosted an event last night for Barack as part of the nationwide "Countdown to Change" and it gave me a great pride to take ownership of this amazing campaign. I met White people, Black people, Brown people and many in between who share the same ideals as I do. They were extremely personable and real. What strike me most about it was the strong belief we shared that Barack represents the best in us. I have also met and surpassed my goal of raising $129 for NH primaries. I raised $269. Thanks to those who have generously donated! It makes me proud to know that I am capable of affecting the future and bring change. Barack, if you ever read this, I'd like to say thank you for inspring me to do the right thing. As I promised when I first wrote about me when the start of this campaign, I have applied for my citizenship papers and waiting to vote for you.
Obama '08!
-Mike
Yesterday, the Eastern Shore for Obama group hosted a Countdown for Change party. We had a wonderful time filling out postcards for South Carolina voters and discussing the reasons why each one of us are supporting Barack Obama for President.
We met at Ann Turpin's historic farm in Centreville, Maryland. Everyone who attended the party donated money towards the Iowa caucus. We even had people who could not attend the party donate as well. The Eastern Shore for Obama group set a goal of 121 dollars for Iowa. We are so happy to report that we raised $390.00 for the campaign.
Next week the group will meet in Centreville for another group meeting. The meeting will take place next Sunday at Hayden's Alley Coffee shop at 4:00. We hope to meet even more Obama supporters.
Well, I forgot to take pictures once the party started but have some of our group and the food. Gita, our host had an amazing party with the most wonderful lunch. If you are interested in having a house party and would like some help, contact us at centralohioansforobama@gmail.com.
Gita, our house party hostess.
Amy. She is our extraordinary tabling coordinator so it was only natural that she sit at the welcome table.
Great food!
Jill sent over some cookies.
As part of the campaign's Countdown to Change program, I hosted a house party today. It was yet another reminder how much I enjoy the people of this campaign. I spend my time, money and energy on this campaign because I believe in Barack as a candidate, but perhaps the biggest bonus is the people I have met along the way. I believe this is an integral part of this campaign. We are creating the communities, and through them, the change that we want to see as a result of an Obama Presidency.
Today, I spoke with a 70+ year old man who wants to work to ensure that the people in his apartment/condo complex know about and vote for Obama. I spoke with a woman who wants to work specifically in West Oakland to get out the vote. Her husband is on the fence, but he came to the party and it is clear she is winning him over day by day. I met a woman who wants to volunteer for tabling at visibilty events, a woman who wants to phone bank, a woman who wants to help where ever she can. These people inspired me, as so many volunteers have over the last nine months.
We spent the afternoon watching Obama videos, chatting about his positions and how to best get the message out, discussing the campaign's strategy and how to get everyone involved. We answered each other's questions, we shared our ideas and stories, we laughed, joked and discussed the serious inplications of the next three years in American politics. We wrote post cards to voters in Nevada, shared resources, toured our Obama myspace page and discussed MyBO resources and new options. At the end of the day, everyone had a better idea what they would do next to support Obama for America and it was clear that more work would be done to accomplish our shared mission.
I feel invigorated, inspired and, as always, fired up and ready to go!
We are on our way, but there is work to be done. The days are counting down. What difference did you effectuate today?
Because of today, I will:
1) Write 5 letters to the editor this month.
2) Make 25 phone calls with the new MyBO phone banking system.
3) Contact an extra 10 people for a volunteer meeting next week.
What will you do?
I just wanted to pass along this message from the campaign regarding an event next week featuring Senator Obama. If you are going to be in the DC area I highly recommend that you attend. These events are always a good time! It's only 15 dollars for students and you get to be a part of this movement for change:
Join Barack Obama on September 18th at the Washington, DC Countdown to Change:
As summer draws to a close, we're counting down the days until the early caucuses and primaries in Iowa, Nevada, New Hampshire, and South Carolina. Victory in these early state contests will be crucial to securing the Democratic nomination and marking the beginning of real change in our country.Together, we can bring an end to divisive, special-interest-driven politics. Join supporters, community members, and friends at the City Center Lot in Washington, DC to show support for Barack and start the countdown.Here are the details:Washington, DC Countdown to Change September 18, 2007, 5:15 p.m. City Center Lot 11th and H St. NW Washington, DC 20005 Tickets: $25 Student Price: $15Purchase your tickets online and help Barack Obama start the Countdown to ChangeHope to see you there!Obama for America P.S. -- For more information, please contact Kyle Watkins at kwatkins@barackobama.com.
As summer draws to a close, we're counting down the days until the early caucuses and primaries in Iowa, Nevada, New Hampshire, and South Carolina. Victory in these early state contests will be crucial to securing the Democratic nomination and marking the beginning of real change in our country.
Together, we can bring an end to divisive, special-interest-driven politics. Join supporters, community members, and friends at the City Center Lot in Washington, DC to show support for Barack and start the countdown.
Here are the details:
Washington, DC Countdown to Change September 18, 2007, 5:15 p.m. City Center Lot 11th and H St. NW Washington, DC 20005 Tickets: $25 Student Price: $15
Purchase your tickets online and help Barack Obama start the Countdown to Change
Hope to see you there!
Obama for America
P.S. -- For more information, please contact Kyle Watkins at kwatkins@barackobama.com.
Anybody with some time Saturday evening is welcome to visit my new apartment in West Fargo (event is featured by each of the three groups to which I subscribe in North Dakota.)
It looks a little something like this:
<>(I'm looking for musicians who want to come play. I've got a bass guitar and amp and an acoustic electric (whose pick-up I need to fix)). People are welcome to play around with those. But, I am unsure whether I'll be able to play -- my dog-bite injury is still a little bothersome.
<> Hope to see you at:
<>Fargo-Moorhead-West Fargo OBAMA Housewarming (Countdown to Change)
David Plouffe sent out this email today:
Dear Sam, In mid-September 2003, national polls showed Joe Lieberman to be the frontrunner for the Democratic presidential nomination. Then John Kerry won the Iowa caucus and the New Hampshire primary, and the shift in momentum carried him to a decisive victory. The lesson: early polls don't mean a thing and success in crucial early-state contests will win the Democratic nomination.With the first votes in the 2008 Presidential campaign now less than 150 days away, we're entering a decisive time in our movement. To build momentum for Barack in the early states, supporters nationwide are hosting Countdown for Change house parties on Saturday, September 15th.Sign up to attend a house party near you today: my.barackobama.com/hpcountdownTogether we are counting down the days until the early primaries and caucuses -- in Iowa, Nevada, New Hampshire, and South Carolina -- and now is the time to leverage our national movement to make the maximum impact in the early states. Attend a house party and you will:Take part in an exclusive conference call with our top staff in the four early statesReach out and make direct contact with voters and organizers in the early states Meet fellow Obama supporters in your community and build networks that are vital to our successJoin supporters nationwide by attending a Countdown to Change house party near you on Saturday, September 15th: my.barackobama.com/hpcountdownNever before in American history has the presidential nominating contest been as compressed or early as it is now. We can only win in these essential contests if our strongest supporters combine their efforts across the country.This phase of the campaign is when early organization must transform into on-the-ground action. You can be a leader in this action by signing up to attend a host party today: my.barackobama.com/hpcountdownSummer is coming to an end, but our campaign is just heating up. I hope you'll take the time to join this crucial early-state initiative. Thank you for your continued energy and support.DavidDavid Plouffe Campaign Manager Obama for AmericaP.S. -- In less than 150 days, the nominating process will begin in Iowa, followed closely by the other early primaries and caucuses. The time to redouble our efforts is now. Attend a house party on September 15th and be a part of our nationwide Countdown to Change effort.Finding a house party near you is easy with our interactive map: my.barackobama.com/hpcountdown
Dear Sam,
In mid-September 2003, national polls showed Joe Lieberman to be the frontrunner for the Democratic presidential nomination. Then John Kerry won the Iowa caucus and the New Hampshire primary, and the shift in momentum carried him to a decisive victory.
The lesson: early polls don't mean a thing and success in crucial early-state contests will win the Democratic nomination.
With the first votes in the 2008 Presidential campaign now less than 150 days away, we're entering a decisive time in our movement.
To build momentum for Barack in the early states, supporters nationwide are hosting Countdown for Change house parties on Saturday, September 15th.
Sign up to attend a house party near you today:
my.barackobama.com/hpcountdown
Together we are counting down the days until the early primaries and caucuses -- in Iowa, Nevada, New Hampshire, and South Carolina -- and now is the time to leverage our national movement to make the maximum impact in the early states.
Attend a house party and you will:
Join supporters nationwide by attending a Countdown to Change house party near you on Saturday, September 15th:
Never before in American history has the presidential nominating contest been as compressed or early as it is now.
We can only win in these essential contests if our strongest supporters combine their efforts across the country.
This phase of the campaign is when early organization must transform into on-the-ground action. You can be a leader in this action by signing up to attend a host party today:
Summer is coming to an end, but our campaign is just heating up. I hope you'll take the time to join this crucial early-state initiative.
Thank you for your continued energy and support.
David
David Plouffe Campaign Manager Obama for America
P.S. -- In less than 150 days, the nominating process will begin in Iowa, followed closely by the other early primaries and caucuses.
The time to redouble our efforts is now. Attend a house party on September 15th and be a part of our nationwide Countdown to Change effort.
Finding a house party near you is easy with our interactive map:
