In front of a crowd of more than 4500 in St. Paul yesterday, Michelle Obama said that, for her, this is not just politics. "It's personal. It's personal for me, it's personal for all of us now."
Hard-working people who don't want government to solve all their problems. Folks in this country aren't asking for much. They just want to be able to do what my dad did for me -- get up, go to work every day and earn a decent living. And from my vantage point, as a wife, as a mother, as a daughter, the choice is clear. There's only one candidate who is speaking at all to the issues that I care about.
Hard-working people who don't want government to solve all their problems. Folks in this country aren't asking for much. They just want to be able to do what my dad did for me -- get up, go to work every day and earn a decent living.
And from my vantage point, as a wife, as a mother, as a daughter, the choice is clear. There's only one candidate who is speaking at all to the issues that I care about.
Michelle's story is the American story. Michelle grew up on the South Side of Chicago, attended public schools, and took used scholarships and loans to pay her way through college and law school. After a few years practicing corporate law, she returned to the South Side of Chicago to give back to the city she loves and to help others serve their communities as the executive director of a non-profit.
Michelle reminded folks that Barack was raised by a single mother and his grandparents. And while they didn't have much money, they taught him to believe in the promise of America.
I can't speak for anyone else, but Barack Obama gets it. And he doesn't get it in some philosophical, theoretical way. He gets it because he's lived it.
"Don't we deserve leaders who get it?" asked Michelle.
Find out how you can get involved today and join this grassroots movement for change. Sign up to use our Neighbor to Neighbor tool, set up a personal fundraising page, and join your local Team Obama. We need everyone to do their part to help bring real change to America and make sure we elect a president who gets it.
Check out the pictures from Michelle's Change We Need Rally at Macalaster College:
Earlier this afternoon, Minnesota Latinos for Obama launched a major effort to raise money for a national Latino GOTV operation designed to engage and turnout millions of new Latino voters.
We'll have pictures and a full write up soon, but for now, check out the press release about the event and fundraising effort:
ST. PAUL – Today, New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson joined Minnesota state Sen. Patricia Torres Ray and hundreds of members of Minnesota's Latino community for a reception at the Landmark Center in St. Paul to kick off a major push to raise more than $100,000 as Minnesota's contribution to a national Latino voter turnout program that will engage millions of new Latino voters for Barack Obama's Campaign for Change. This unprecedented financial haul is a symbol of the growing Latino organizing strength in Minnesota and the strong base of support Senator Obama has mobilized among Minnesota Latinos. Governor Richardson spoke to hundreds of supporters about Senator Obama's plans to strengthen families, restore our economy for working Minnesotans and build strong communities. "Barack Obama is the only candidate who can bring this country together to get the economy working again for middle class families," Governor Bill Richardson said. "John McCain just does not get what families are dealing with in this tough economy. We just cannot continue with four more years of the failed policies of the last eight years. Senator Obama will invest in our families, get a hold of this economic crisis and get this country back on track by re-focusing on middle-class families." Torres Ray, the first Latina state senator in Minnesota history, has long been a strong and active Obama supporter. "Latinos are a critical and growing group of voters who will help determine the course of this election in key states," Torres Ray said. "Here in Minnesota, the Latino community has never been as strongly organized and activated as it is now. This outpouring of support for Senator Obama reflects the fact that he has stood with us time and again on issue after issue. John McCain has let Latinos down, letting the radical wing of his party shape his views and undermine his principles. We need Barack Obama and Joe Biden in office to return a strong voice for the issues we care about."
ST. PAUL – Today, New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson joined Minnesota state Sen. Patricia Torres Ray and hundreds of members of Minnesota's Latino community for a reception at the Landmark Center in St. Paul to kick off a major push to raise more than $100,000 as Minnesota's contribution to a national Latino voter turnout program that will engage millions of new Latino voters for Barack Obama's Campaign for Change. This unprecedented financial haul is a symbol of the growing Latino organizing strength in Minnesota and the strong base of support Senator Obama has mobilized among Minnesota Latinos.
Governor Richardson spoke to hundreds of supporters about Senator Obama's plans to strengthen families, restore our economy for working Minnesotans and build strong communities.
"Barack Obama is the only candidate who can bring this country together to get the economy working again for middle class families," Governor Bill Richardson said. "John McCain just does not get what families are dealing with in this tough economy. We just cannot continue with four more years of the failed policies of the last eight years. Senator Obama will invest in our families, get a hold of this economic crisis and get this country back on track by re-focusing on middle-class families."
Torres Ray, the first Latina state senator in Minnesota history, has long been a strong and active Obama supporter.
"Latinos are a critical and growing group of voters who will help determine the course of this election in key states," Torres Ray said. "Here in Minnesota, the Latino community has never been as strongly organized and activated as it is now. This outpouring of support for Senator Obama reflects the fact that he has stood with us time and again on issue after issue. John McCain has let Latinos down, letting the radical wing of his party shape his views and undermine his principles. We need Barack Obama and Joe Biden in office to return a strong voice for the issues we care about."
Over the weekend, local musicians and guitar enthusiasts gathered at th ehome of Glorial Raheja in St. Paul for a "Guitarists for Obama" organizational meeting and jam session.
Musicians across the country have been inspired by the grassroots movement Barack's historic presidential run has created, including Dakota Dave Hull, Phil Heywood, and Peter Lang, who are pictured above.
These Musicians & Artists for Obama are teaming up to make music which tap's into the campaign's universal themes of hope, unity, and cange. A couple you might recognize, including Sheryl Crow, John Mayer, John Legend, and Stevie Wonder contribted to a CD titled Yes We Can: Voices of a Grassroots Movement. Click here to support Barack's movement for change and get the a copy of the CD.
If you're interested in helping some local grassroots supporters film a music video for Barack, Deb Harley emailed us to let us know about an opportunity:
When: 5 p.m. - Dusk, Thursday, October 2nd Where: By the fountain at Lake Harriet Rose Gardens (across the Peace Garden on Roseway Rd)What to bring: Bring signs of change.THANK YOU CAKE SERVED FOLLOWING THE SHOOT!
When: 5 p.m. - Dusk, Thursday, October 2nd
Where: By the fountain at Lake Harriet Rose Gardens (across the Peace Garden on Roseway Rd)
What to bring: Bring signs of change.
THANK YOU CAKE SERVED FOLLOWING THE SHOOT!
Check out more pictures from the St. Paul meeting below:
Have a cool photo or story to share? Share it online or email us so we can feature it on the blog.
Looking for something to snack on in between phone calls at the St. Paul Obama headquarters?
Treat yourself to an Obama cookie:
If you're using the campaign's Neighbor-to-Neighbor tool to reach out to undecided voters in your neighborhood, you might consider making some of your own!
My reccomendation? Try making some of Michelle Obama's Shortbread Cookies. They're delicious.
Over the weekend, in a lead up to tonight’s first presidential debate, which will focus on foreign policy, Barack Obama’s Minnesota campaign held four town hall meetings across Minnesota to hear directly from Minnesotans about their views and answer questions on national security issues.
The campaign held town halls in Rochester, St. Paul, St. Cloud and Duluth.
U.S. Rep. Ellen Tauscher (D-CA), chair of the Strategic Forces Subcommittee, retired U.S. Army Major General Paul Eaton, who commanded the team charged with rebuilding the Iraqi army, and former Ambassador Bob Gelbard, President Clinton's Special Representative for the Balkans led the meetings.
U.S. Rep. Tim Walz and U.S. Rep. Betty McCollum also joined the campaign for portions of the tour.
Here are some pictures from the St. Paul Town Hall, which was held at the History Center:
Yesterday, as the Minnesota Campaign for Change continued it's 5-day Women's Week of Action, members of the Red Hat Society stopped by to sign up to volunteer, pose with a life size cut-out of Barack, and pick up some lawn signs.
Check out their picture with Barack below:
To learn more about the Red Hat Society, click here.
Dear Blog Buddies,
Sarah Palin gave a very effective political speech last night and she must have been under enormous pressure. She has undoubtedly added alot of heat to this campaign.
Steady now!
Steady!
A cool hand and a strong response is what is called for here.
Instead of aggression, meanness, sarcasm and distortion offer ASSERTION, STRAIGHT TALK, CLARITY and POSITIVITY.
Serve to unite people by NOT descending to the TACTICS (YES TACTICS!) of aggression, meanness, sarcasm, and distortion. Do not be lured into this! That's the purpose of the tactic, to push you off balance and stray from your message and what you stand for.
Stand for UNITY.
Talk about the issues. Reach out. Open conversations.
Be very clear about your stance and the DATA that supports your case.
BE STRONG. BE FIRM.
BE ASSERTIVE not aggressive, BE POSITIVE not mean and negative, OFFER STRAIGHT TALK not sarcasm and cynicism, BE CLEAR on facts and data, don't overstate your case and do not distort the facts.
OFFER CONTRAST.
"Battles are won by slaughter and maneuver. The greater the general, the more he contributes in maneuver, the less he demands in slaughter."
Winston Churchill
Maneuver, my friends, do not slaughter!!
Stay cool!
Laura
www.yourpotentialpower.com
I want to ask a simple question to the thinking (and talking) heads out there! Why does the Republican Party, during their Convention, continually speak about the "Maverick" John McCain? If you parade the party loyals, including many who have served with him in the Senate and fought him in battle during the Republican Primary. If you put the face of the Republican Party up there on that black, shinny stage, or put President Bush's face on the jumbo-tron and you have them speak of how John McCain is a Maverick and he will restore hope and bring change to this country, then to me it looks like politics. How am I supposed to believe that with all these Republicans who support the same old GOP, the same old stances, John McCain will bring about the change he speaks of. They spoke last night about how Palenti, oh sorry I mean Palin, shows the Maverick in John McCain is still there. But to me, this pick shows that he has moved to his base. McCain has tried to continue more of the same politics as usual from the GOP. Gov. Palin is not a Maverick pick. I feel that it was a slap in the face to any supporter of Hilary Clinton. To think that a woman will only vote their gender makes me feel that the GOP and John McCain finds that we women are not as smart as we know we are. I don't care about gender or race, creed or ethnicity. I care about who will lead us the right way. Who is goin to use the power we give them to not be above the law but enforce the law to work for the people.
I don't want my first post to be judgemental. I don't want to use it to attack a person or a belief. I believe that our right, given to us by our founding father's, to speak our minds and what we believe is many times take for granted. Not that you shouldn't say what you believe or censor your thoughts, but rather we normally speak harshly about a topic or a person.
I believe this primary season, and what is turning into a very bloody general season, is going to be beneficial to the future of our country. The youth, which I am a part of, are turning out in record numbers. 40 years ago 50% of the youth vote turned out to vote. We are steadily gaining back the ground we have lost since then. For the first time, since I have been able to vote (which I understand isn't as long as most), it isn't choosing the lesser of two evils, but rather someone you can get behind. Someone who is a good person, for the first time in a long time, that we can feel good about.
I am watching the acceptance speech from Sarah Palin right now. To many, they are going to give her an A. She is someone who is new to the National Scene. She has been able to handle the speech written for her by a Bush Speechwriter. She has attacked almost her whole speech. But she has not once spoke about what herself and McCain will do for us when in office. She talks a tough game. Attack everything we did at our convention last week. Talk about the past, and John McCain's time in the service (which by the way, I have served myself in the military directly after Sept 11). Attack what the Obama/Biden ticket is running on. But what about the stance of their own ticket? How is attacking the other side and talking about McCain's time in a Prison Camp, going to change this country? Palin asked us at the end of her speech to join their cause...but here is the true question tonight. WHAT IS YOUR CAUSE GOV. PALIN AND SEN. MCCAIN?
...anyone can answer that from her speech tonight, well I will give it to you and vote however you want me to!
Country First
John McCain, George Bush and related Republicans get their propers for truncating their National Convention rituals as Hurricane Gustav threatened the gulf coast, particularly New Orleans, so hard hit during Katrina.
Their support of the coalesced efforts of LA governor Gov. Bobby Jindal, New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin and FEMA may have saved thousands of lives. Together with MS, Al and TX officials, nearly 2 million folks were safely evacuated over the weekend. (To date, seven hurricane-related deaths have been reported in LA, in comparison to the bloodbath of ‘05.)
And with official RNC business beginning just yesterday at the Xcel Energy Center in Saint Paul, the vibe of the Convention...
http://blogs.uptownlife.net/sonyarose/
Joe Lieberman is a registered democrat.
Joe Lieberman is an American.
Reach out to him and let him know he is always welcome back into the fold. Promote where you stand together. Promote an individuals liberty to choose. Promote courage. Promote ways to reach across the aisle. Promote unity and connection. Promote peace.
Stay cool, don't get angry and all riled up, it does not serve your purpose!
Please, do not be swayed by the turbulent storms of politics. Be sure of what you stand for and then shout it from the rooftops. Please, do not turn to vitriolic personal attacks.
Don't take Joe Lieberman's choices personally.
Barack is asking us all to believe in change. We must be the change.
Please consider your responses and speak of what you stand for not what you stand against.
"We will never know how much just a simple smile will do."
MOTHER TERESA
Laura XXX
While the Republicans are in town promising another four years of the last eight years, the Minnesota Campaign for Change is talking to voters across Minnesota about Barack Obama's plan to jumpstart the economy and help American families.
From FOX 9, click here for a video of the segment:
On the second day of the Republican National Convention, Minnesota Democrats are trying to regain last week's momentum by hitting the streets, going door to door spreading Obama's message.Pat Zeddie is one of 400 volunteers who went door to door Tuesday. The effort was geared towards the Illinois Senator's plans on improving the economy."I think it's really important for people sitting on the fence or uncommitted they hear things in the media and Obama's voice also being heard," said Zeddie.On Monday, Obama volunteers suspended the campaign in order to keep attention on Gustav. But now that the RNC is in full swing, Democrats are stepping up their efforts."It's very important for us to have our own direct conversation with voters as the RNC is here in town generating attention of their own," said Jeff Blodgett, part of Obama's Minnesota campaign.Obama supporters have reported Obama signs being stolen from their yards. They blame Republican delegates, who are feeling the strong Democratic presence in Minnesota.
We can bring change to Minnesota and America, but we need to reach as many Minnesota voters as possible with Barack's message of change. Click here to doorknock in your neighborhood during the RNC.
Please read and digg this article I just posted on why right-wing attacks painting Barack Obama as a superficial celebrity fail. Thank you for all that you do.
http://www.openleft.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=7797
Excerpt:
The recent line of right-wing attacks on Barack Obama have been to emphasize his popularity and turn it against him by painting him as nothing more than a celebrity -- "an empty suit" was the phrase I heard one pundit use. Right-wing trolls and bloggers have commonly taken to referring to Senator Obama online as "The One." This attempt at sarcasm is a reference to the character 'Neo' from the movie, The Matrix. As they do this, I have to wonder if they realize who this makes them in their self-created Matrix scenario: Agents? Sentinels? If, in a world of ones and zeros, Barack Obama is "The One," what is John McCain?
Billboards like the one above located at the corner of Interstate 94 and 280 are popping up all over the Twin Cities.
From the Associated Press:
MINNEAPOLIS – Delegates to the Republican National Convention who are traveling into downtown St. Paul off Interstate 94 next week will be treated to a billboard-sized welcome from the other party.The Democratic National Committee bought billboard space to display a picture of John McCain embracing President Bush with the message: “Does this look like change to you?”“We’re going to spend every day looking for every opportunity to remind voters in the Twin Cities and across the country that a vote for John McCain is a vote for George W. Bush and his failed policies,” said Damien LaVera, a spokesman for the DNC.That will include not just the billboard but posters on several bus stops that serve the Xcel Center.The Democrats also plan to distribute to reporters a multimedia press kit, which will include flash drives with an extensive catalog of McCain’s record – histories of his votes, past statements and other material the Democrats want to highlight.A team of two dozen Democratic fact checkers will be sending out rapid responses to every GOP speaker.In addition to the visual and multimedia cues, Democrats will hold daily press briefings in downtown St. Paul to counter the Republican message radiating from the Xcel Center. They’re setting up a media center just across the street from the convention center.That’s become standard procedure at the national political conventions, and Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty is among those Republicans touting the McCain message this week at the Democratic National Convention in Denver.LaVera wouldn’t hint at which Democrats would be tapped for the St. Paul patrol, but said there would be numerous national party figures.They’ll be joined at the daily press conferences by Minnesota Democratic leaders, as well as people who LaVera described as “Minnesota voters” who he said would talk about the impact of McCain’s policies.
Last night, around 500 people showed up for a concert benefitting the Minnesota Campaign for Change headlined by indie rock group Low, percussionist Dosh, and rapper P.O.S. at the Turf Club in St. Paul.
Folks were also treated to performances from Tapes N' Tapes, Kill the Vultures, STNNNG, Skoal Kodiak, TRL, Plain Ole Bill, Nikoless, winsihp, Hymies, Mike 2600, Norton Fortune, and Clint Simonson.
Regional Field Director Maggie Thompson told the crowd how they could get involved--from doorknocking during the RNC to texting MN to 62262 to learn about upcoming events and rallies.
Here are some photos from the event:
If you were at the show, drop us a line and let us know what you though.
Today, the Minnesota Campaign for Change was out in full force at the Minnesota State Fair, signing up supporters and registering new voters.
U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar was on hand this morning, speaking to a Minnesotans about Barack's plan to provide real economic relief to Minnesota families.
If you're going to be at the fair over the next two weeks, be sure to stop by the DFL booth, located near the main entrance, and the Campaign for Change booth on the corner of Cooper & Wright.
Here are some photos from today:
To see all of the pictures from the first day of the State Fair, click here.
Do you have a great photo from the state fair? Get a picture with the life-size cut-out of Barack at the booth? Share your stories and pictures with us!
On Friday morning, as part of the celebration of the 73rd anniversary of the creation of Social Security, U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar lead a group of Seniors for Obama volunteers to the Seal Hi Rise in St. Paul to address residents and talk about issues important to seniors.
In the afternoon, Congressman Keith Ellison spoke to volunteers at the Campaign for Change office in Minneapolis before heading over to Richfield Health to discuss the concerns of residents there.
Here are some pictures from the events:
To see more photos from the two events, click here.
Last Saturday, Barack Obama handily defeated rival John McCain in the 2008 Bobblection.
Before the game, Campaign for Change staff and volunteers canvassed the crowd, identifying supporters and registering new voters.
Here are the photos:
Around 70 seniors and members of the community came out to the Obama Campaign for Change headquarters in St. Paul this morning to hear former Vice President Walter Mondale speak about the importance of seniors reaching out to their friends and neighbors in this election.
Vice President Mondale also talked about the issues important to seniors:
Senator Obama has comprehensive plans to protect Social Security, strengthen retirement savings, make affordable health care available to every American, and to protect and honor our seniors. With the ‘Seniors Talking to Seniors’ program, we will be launching a sustained effort to grow Senator Obama’s broad support among this important group of voters.
After his remarks and some Q&A, senior volunteers hit the phones and started talking with other seniors about Barack's strong record on the issues they care about.
Here are some photos from today's event:
Are you a Minnesota Senior for Obama? Click here to sign up to recieve special campaign updates and event information.
The Minnesota Campaign for Change invites you to join former Vice President Walter Mondale as we kick off our "Seniors Talking to Seniors" Thursdays.
Come hear former Vice President Mondale talk about Barack Obama's plan to protect retirement security, strengthen seniors' health care coverage, provide an economic safety net for low-income seniors, and treat them with a respect that dignifies their many contributions to our country.
Here are the details:
"Seniors Talking to Seniors" Kick-Off with former Vice President Walter Mondale Minnesota Campaign for Change Headquarters777 Raymond AvenueSt. Paul, MN Thursday, August 14th10:00 a.m.
RSVP for the event online at: http://mn.barackobama.com/MNseniors Hope to see you there!
Gayle Christensen of New Brighton was eating breakfast with her husband at the Copper Dome restaurant when Barack stopped by.
Here's how Gayle described her encounter:
Incredibly, just yesterday, I was fortunate to be among the folks at the Copperdome restaurant in St. Paul when Barack stopped by. He came to the table where my husband and I sat and we chatted for several minutes. We had no major policy discussions, this was just one American to another, feeling comfortable, getting to know each other. When he left, I felt that I had just been a part of history.
To read the rest of Gayle's experience, and why she supports Barack Obama for President, click here.
To see more photos of Barack at the Copper Dome, click here.
