Get Out The Vote starts today and campaign for change staff and volunteers are on the ground working hard. Our offices are ready for volunteers, the phonebanks are set up and the doors are ready to be knocked.
What are you doing today? Share your plans with us, but most importantly, if you don't have plans - make them. The next 72 hours are crucial and we need every person working and organizing
That's how this election is going to be won.
Brick by brick.
Block by block.
Let's show everyone what the power of a grassroots movement can do.
There are just four days left before Election Day and the campaign's Get Out the Vote effort is running on all cylinders to ensure that Barack is elected on November 4th.
Tomorrow, Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean will make stops in St. Cloud and Minneapolis to rally supporters to "Get Out the Vote" over the next few days.
Governor Dean will campaign for Barack Obama, Al Franken, Elwyn Tinklenberg and other DFL candidates. He’ll appear alongside Tinklenberg, state Senate Assistant Majority Leader Tarryl Clark, Thomasin Frankin, Mayor RT Rybak, and Rep. Keith Ellison.
Here are the details:
Saturday, November 1: ST CLOUD: Get Out The Vote Rally for Change with Gov. Howard Dean FEATURING: El Tinklenberg, Minnesota Senator Assistant Majority Leader Tarryl Clark and Thomasin Frankin Campaign For Change Office 904 West St. Germain Street St. Cloud, MN 5PM MINNEAPOLIS Get Out The Vote Concert for Change With Howard Dean, Martin Zellar, White Light Riot, and the Radiators FEATURING: Mayor RT Rybak, Thomasin Frankin, and Rep. Keith Ellison Trocaderos Nightclub & Restaurant 107 3rd Avenue North Minneapolis, MN 8PM
Saturday, November 1:
ST CLOUD: Get Out The Vote Rally for Change with Gov. Howard Dean FEATURING: El Tinklenberg, Minnesota Senator Assistant Majority Leader Tarryl Clark and Thomasin Frankin
Campaign For Change Office 904 West St. Germain Street St. Cloud, MN 5PM
MINNEAPOLIS Get Out The Vote Concert for Change With Howard Dean, Martin Zellar, White Light Riot, and the Radiators FEATURING: Mayor RT Rybak, Thomasin Frankin, and Rep. Keith Ellison
Trocaderos Nightclub & Restaurant 107 3rd Avenue North Minneapolis, MN 8PM
Governor Dean knows that in 2000 and 2004 the Republican turn-out machine helped deliver the presidency to George Bush, twice. Over the last 21 months, grassroots supporters across Minnesota -- many of whom had never been involved in politics before -- have built an organization to match. In four days, we'll know who wins.
But the one thing we do know is that you can't win if you don't fight. This weekend is your chance to be part of that fight.
The clock starts this weekend.
Polls close in four days.
This Thursday, October 30th, please join President Bill Clinton with special guests U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar and Senate Candidate Al Franken in Minneapolis, where they will talk about Barack's vision for creating the kind of change we need.
Five Days to Change Rally with President Bill Clinton and Special Guests Sen. Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken Minneapolis Convention Center Exhibit Hall A 1301 2nd Ave. S. Minneapolis, MN Thursday, October 30th Doors Open: 7:00 p.m.
http://mn.barackobama.com/MinneapolisChange The event is free and open to the public. Tickets are not required; however an RSVP is strongly encouraged. For security reasons, do not bring bags and please limit personal items. No signs, banners, or umbrellas permitted.
This weekend will be the biggest on the ground effort of the campaign. It's the weekend before Election Day and we need all of our supporters on the ground in their community helping us to win the election.
Our on the ground effort in Minnesota has been incredible this past five months. Organizers are working day and night to win Minnesota, a must-win state for the Obama campaign. But to pull it off, they're counting on the time, energy, and passion of Obama supporters across the state who share their commitment to Barack's message of change.
Just check out this interview with Jeff Blodgett, the Obama campaign's Minnesota state director about the Campaign for Change's "Get Out the Vote" operation:
From MN Publius:
Earlier today, I had the chance to talk for about a half an hour with Jeff Blodgett, the State Director for Barack Obama in Minnesota. Blodgett is the most distinguished DFL operative in Minnesota. In addition to being Paul Wellstone’s Campaign Manager, Blodgett was a senior adviser in the Klobuchar campaign, GOTV Director for the Kerry campaign in Minnesota and runs Wellstone Action, the not for profit group working to advance the causes that the late Sen. Wellstone fought for during his time in public life. Blodgett gave me a run down of the Obama campaign’s GOTV plans in Minnesota. If I had to describe the effort in one word, it would be “wow.” First things first, if you are not yet signed up to help during this last week, go to www.gotvforchange.com right now. You can enter your zip code and find the campaign action center closest to you, even sign up for a specific shift. Now onto the nitty gritty details. With Blodgett in charge, you will not be surprised to find out that the Obama campaign in Minnesota has been heavily focused on a grassroots ground game. Since June 1, the Obama campaign has had 1 million conversations with voters in Minnesota. That’s stunning. But, as the saying goes, you ain’t seen nothing yet. There are 37 Obama offices in Minnesota. During the last four days of the campaign, that will expand to 130 GOTV action centers spread out from Grand Marais to East Grand Forks to Worthington to La Cresent. Why the massive expansion? The campaign has to accommodate some 20,000 volunteers who have already committed to helping during those final days (including 10,000 who have already signed up to help on Election Day alone!) To put this in perspective, in 2004 the Kerry campaign had about 10,000 volunteers during the final GOTV period and 5,000 volunteers on Election Day. That’s right – the Obama campaign has doubled what the Kerry campaign did in Minnesota just four years ago. Its also worth noting that the 20,000 volunteers are just what the Obama campaign brings to the table – it doesn’t count the Franken volunteers, the Madia volunteers and all the other great DFL campaigns that will bring volunteers to the coordinated GOTV effort. So what will this army of volunteers be doing? The Obama campaign has identified a universe of 500,000 sporadic and new voters who they think are likely to vote for the DFL ticket if they get to the polls. Each one of these 500,000 people will be contacted 4 to 6 times between now and Election Day. The vast majority of these contacts will be made through doorknocking, though phone banking will be used in rural areas. People say this every campaign, but there is no doubt it is true this time around: this is the largest GOTV effort in Minnesota history. You can be part of it by going to www.gotvforchange.com today and signing up for a shift. If you are wondering where you need to go to vote, head to www.voteforchange.com, which will direct you to your polling location.
Earlier today, I had the chance to talk for about a half an hour with Jeff Blodgett, the State Director for Barack Obama in Minnesota. Blodgett is the most distinguished DFL operative in Minnesota. In addition to being Paul Wellstone’s Campaign Manager, Blodgett was a senior adviser in the Klobuchar campaign, GOTV Director for the Kerry campaign in Minnesota and runs Wellstone Action, the not for profit group working to advance the causes that the late Sen. Wellstone fought for during his time in public life.
Blodgett gave me a run down of the Obama campaign’s GOTV plans in Minnesota. If I had to describe the effort in one word, it would be “wow.”
First things first, if you are not yet signed up to help during this last week, go to www.gotvforchange.com right now. You can enter your zip code and find the campaign action center closest to you, even sign up for a specific shift.
Now onto the nitty gritty details. With Blodgett in charge, you will not be surprised to find out that the Obama campaign in Minnesota has been heavily focused on a grassroots ground game. Since June 1, the Obama campaign has had 1 million conversations with voters in Minnesota. That’s stunning.
But, as the saying goes, you ain’t seen nothing yet.
There are 37 Obama offices in Minnesota. During the last four days of the campaign, that will expand to 130 GOTV action centers spread out from Grand Marais to East Grand Forks to Worthington to La Cresent. Why the massive expansion? The campaign has to accommodate some 20,000 volunteers who have already committed to helping during those final days (including 10,000 who have already signed up to help on Election Day alone!) To put this in perspective, in 2004 the Kerry campaign had about 10,000 volunteers during the final GOTV period and 5,000 volunteers on Election Day.
That’s right – the Obama campaign has doubled what the Kerry campaign did in Minnesota just four years ago.
Its also worth noting that the 20,000 volunteers are just what the Obama campaign brings to the table – it doesn’t count the Franken volunteers, the Madia volunteers and all the other great DFL campaigns that will bring volunteers to the coordinated GOTV effort.
So what will this army of volunteers be doing? The Obama campaign has identified a universe of 500,000 sporadic and new voters who they think are likely to vote for the DFL ticket if they get to the polls. Each one of these 500,000 people will be contacted 4 to 6 times between now and Election Day. The vast majority of these contacts will be made through doorknocking, though phone banking will be used in rural areas.
People say this every campaign, but there is no doubt it is true this time around: this is the largest GOTV effort in Minnesota history.
You can be part of it by going to www.gotvforchange.com today and signing up for a shift. If you are wondering where you need to go to vote, head to www.voteforchange.com, which will direct you to your polling location.
Without a doubt, the strength we have in Minnesota is due to the people we have on the ground, talking to voters face-to-face about Barack and the importance of their vote.
We need everyone on the ground this weekend -- it is the only way we are going to win next week. Sign up to Get Out the Vote this weekend.
There are just eleven days left before the Election, and this weekend Barack's Minnesota Campaign for Change will launch its statewide "Get Out the Vote" program with events across the state.
For one hour, one day, or more, spend your time working for Barack. This election will be won or lost on the ground and we need everyone contacting voters over the next 11 days.
When Hillary Clinton was in Hibbing on Monday, she talked about the importance of getting involved now.
Help us Get Out The Vote this weekend by attending one of the kick-off events below:.
Saturday October, 2410AM St Paul Featuring Al Franken Obama Campaign for Change Office 1389 University Ave W St Paul, MN St Paul Featuring State Auditor Rebecca Otto Laborer's Hall 346 West Larpenteur St Paul, MN St Paul Featuring Rep. Betty McCollum Sheet Metal Local #10 1681 Cope Ave E, Suite A St Paul, MN Minneapolis Featuring Mayor RT Rybak Obama Campaign for Change Office 2200 W Broadway ave Minneapolis, MN Minneapolis Featuring Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman Central Labors Union Council Hall 312 Central Ave SE Minneapolis, MN 2PM St Paul Featuring Assistant Senate Majority Leader Tarryl Clark Laborer's Hall 346 West Larpenteur St Paul, MN Minneapolis Featuring Rep. Keith Ellison Central Labors Union Council Hall 312 Central Ave SE Minneapolis, MN Duluth Featuring Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher Obama Campaign for Change Office 302 E. Superior ave Duluth, MN Virginia Featuring Rep. Tom Rukavina Obama Campaign for Change Office 327 Chestnut St Virginia, MNSunday, October 25 12 PM St Paul Featuring Mayor Chris Colman Obama Campaign for Change Office 1389 University Ave W St Paul, MN St Paul Featuring Al Franken and Rep. Keith Ellison Laborer's Hall 346 West Larpenteur St Paul, MN St Paul Featuring Thomasin Franken Macalester College 1600 Grand Ave. St Paul, MN Minneapolis Featuring Assistant Senate Majority Leader Tarryl Clark Obama Campaign for Change Office 2200 W Broadway ave Minneapolis, MN Minneapolis- Featuring Mayor RT Rybak CWA Local 7200 Hall 3521 E Lake St Minneapolis, MN Minneapolis- Featuring State Auditor Rebecca Otto Central Labors Union Council Hall 312 Central Ave SE Minneapolis, MN Virginia Featuring Senator David Tomassoni Obama Campaign for Change Office 327 Chestnut St Virginia, MN 4PM St Paul Featuring Mayor Chris Coleman Obama Campaign for Change Office 1389 University Ave W St Paul, MN St Paul- Featuring Thomasin Franken and Susan Gaertner Laborer's Hall 346 West Larpenteur St Paul, MN Minneapolis Featuring Al Franken and Rep. Keith Ellison Obama Campaign for Change Office 2200 W Broadway ave Minneapolis, MN Minneapolis Featuring Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman CWA Local 7200 Hall 3521 E Lake St Minneapolis, MN Minneapolis Featuring Mayor RT Rybak Central Labors Union Council Hall 312 Central Ave SE Minneapolis, MN Duluth: Featuring Mayor Don Ness Obama Campaign for Change Office 302 E. Superior ave Duluth, MN Virginia Featuring Senator David Tomassoni Obama Campaign for Change Office 327 Chestnut St Virginia, MN
St Paul Featuring Al Franken Obama Campaign for Change Office 1389 University Ave W St Paul, MN
St Paul Featuring State Auditor Rebecca Otto Laborer's Hall 346 West Larpenteur St Paul, MN
St Paul Featuring Rep. Betty McCollum Sheet Metal Local #10 1681 Cope Ave E, Suite A St Paul, MN
Minneapolis Featuring Mayor RT Rybak Obama Campaign for Change Office 2200 W Broadway ave Minneapolis, MN
Minneapolis Featuring Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman Central Labors Union Council Hall 312 Central Ave SE Minneapolis, MN
St Paul Featuring Assistant Senate Majority Leader Tarryl Clark Laborer's Hall 346 West Larpenteur St Paul, MN
Minneapolis Featuring Rep. Keith Ellison Central Labors Union Council Hall 312 Central Ave SE Minneapolis, MN
Duluth Featuring Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher Obama Campaign for Change Office 302 E. Superior ave Duluth, MN
Virginia Featuring Rep. Tom Rukavina Obama Campaign for Change Office 327 Chestnut St Virginia, MN
St Paul Featuring Al Franken and Rep. Keith Ellison Laborer's Hall 346 West Larpenteur St Paul, MN
St Paul Featuring Thomasin Franken Macalester College 1600 Grand Ave. St Paul, MN
Minneapolis Featuring Assistant Senate Majority Leader Tarryl Clark Obama Campaign for Change Office 2200 W Broadway ave Minneapolis, MN
Minneapolis- Featuring Mayor RT Rybak CWA Local 7200 Hall 3521 E Lake St Minneapolis, MN
Minneapolis- Featuring State Auditor Rebecca Otto Central Labors Union Council Hall 312 Central Ave SE Minneapolis, MN
Virginia Featuring Senator David Tomassoni Obama Campaign for Change Office 327 Chestnut St Virginia, MN
St Paul Featuring Mayor Chris Coleman Obama Campaign for Change Office 1389 University Ave W St Paul, MN
St Paul- Featuring Thomasin Franken and Susan Gaertner Laborer's Hall 346 West Larpenteur St Paul, MN
Minneapolis Featuring Al Franken and Rep. Keith Ellison Obama Campaign for Change Office 2200 W Broadway ave Minneapolis, MN
Minneapolis Featuring Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman CWA Local 7200 Hall 3521 E Lake St Minneapolis, MN
Minneapolis Featuring Mayor RT Rybak Central Labors Union Council Hall 312 Central Ave SE Minneapolis, MN
Duluth: Featuring Mayor Don Ness Obama Campaign for Change Office 302 E. Superior ave Duluth, MN
Over the past 18 month's Barack's message of change has inspired students, mothers and fathers, grandparents, union workers, waitresses, teachers, including many an Irish-American.
Recently, State Rep. Erin Murphy sat down with Liz Carroll and Daithi Sproule before an evening performance in St. Paul for a "jam session" about the importance of this election.
Liz, the daughter of Irish immigrants, is one of the nation's most reverred Celtic musicians, often appearing with Daithi, who is an accomplished guitarist in his own right.
Check out the video:
From our many backgrounds, we are unified behind a single goal: to work alongside Barack Obama to restore the promise of our nation – a nation that combines our many roots into collective strength — and give Americans of all backgrounds the opportunity to achieve the American Dream.
The outcome of this election is too important to just wait and see what happens. Our time is now.
Help us "Get Out the Vote" for Barack Obama over the next 12 days, and be a part of the change you want to see in the world.
Check out these photos from the "Change We Need" rally in Hibbing with Hillary Clinton and share your own.
In Hibbing last night, Hillary Clinton drew on her years of public service and made a lucid observation on the choice Minnesotans have in this election.
This election is really coming down to one simple slogan. It's a slogan that embodies what Democrats stand for, what we fight for, what we believe: "Jobs, baby, jobs!" That's what it's about and that's why we need Barack Obama and Joe Biden. With Democrats in the White House and in the Congress, we will end the tax breaks for shipping jobs overseas, we're going to start creating jobs in America again. We did it before and we can do it again.
This election is really coming down to one simple slogan. It's a slogan that embodies what Democrats stand for, what we fight for, what we believe: "Jobs, baby, jobs!" That's what it's about and that's why we need Barack Obama and Joe Biden.
With Democrats in the White House and in the Congress, we will end the tax breaks for shipping jobs overseas, we're going to start creating jobs in America again. We did it before and we can do it again.
Barack Obama has a plan to jumpstart the American economy, provide middle class tax relief, and provide quality, affordable healthcare to every American. This fact, and the reality that on every one of these issues John McCain is disturbingly out of touch with middle class families, was not lost on Hillary:
Senator McCain has repeatedly said that "the fundamentals of our economy are strong." Well, maybe they are if you're looking through rose-colored glasses. But if you're living with both feet on the ground and you're going in and out of people's homes and you're listening to what's on your minds, there isn't any way you could reach that conclusion. But to George Bush and John McCain the middle class isn't fundamental, it's ornamental. They don't understand that if you don't have a strong and prosperous middle class, we will not have a strong and prosperous America.
Senator McCain has repeatedly said that "the fundamentals of our economy are strong."
Well, maybe they are if you're looking through rose-colored glasses. But if you're living with both feet on the ground
and you're going in and out of people's homes and you're listening to what's on your minds, there isn't any way you could reach that conclusion.
But to George Bush and John McCain the middle class isn't fundamental, it's ornamental. They don't understand that if you don't have a strong and prosperous middle class, we will not have a strong and prosperous America.
"The evidence is clear," continued Hillary, a champion for working families in her own right, "Barack Obama and the Democrats are for you. And that's why I hope you will be for the DFL candidates up and down the ballot to delivver the change we need."
Folks in Minnesota are struggling to cope with a failing economy and looking for real leadership from the next President. Since President Bush has taken office, health care costs have risen 4.3 times faster than average wages in Minnesota, and over 430,000 Minnesota residents – and over 45 million nationally – lack health insurance today.
The situation in Minnesota is just a microcosm of what's happening across the country, a situation which will only get worse if John McCain is allowed to continue the failed policies of the last eight years.
That's why we have to take action to prevent that from happening:
There isn't anybody who really thinks we could survive the next 4 years if they're like the last 8 years and recognize our country. The income inequality will continue to expand, people will start losing their hope and their belief in the American dream. I know that you probably have friends and even families, coworkers and neighbors who are not yet decided; who may even be thinking of voting for the McCain-Palin ticket. That dog don't hunt anymore. You can't keep rewarding the same bad policies and expect to get anything better.
There isn't anybody who really thinks we could survive the next 4 years if they're like the last 8 years and recognize our country. The income inequality will continue to expand, people will start losing their hope and their belief in the American dream.
I know that you probably have friends and even families, coworkers and neighbors who are not yet decided; who may even be thinking of voting for the McCain-Palin ticket.
That dog don't hunt anymore. You can't keep rewarding the same bad policies and expect to get anything better.
"So I hope each and everyone of you will go out and talk to those who are yet undecided. Maybe try to persuade those you think are heading in the wrong direction," added Hillary.
Join the tens of thousands of volunteers across Minnesota who have responded to Barack's call to service. You can phonebank, go door-to-door, volunteer in your Campaign for Change office, or even clean up a local park or roadway in your community.
It's all about making change in your community, and we're proud that you're making a difference.
Or, as Hillary put it in Hibbing last night: "This is our moment, this is our time."
New to the site or still undecided? Learn more about Barack Obama and his position on important issues. If you're already a supporter, find out what you can do to help between now and Election Day.
This evening, Senator Hillary Clinton visits the Iron Range to host a "Change We Need" rally in Hibbing.
Change We Need Rally with Senator Hillary Clinton
Memorial Arena 400 East 23 Street Hibbing, MN 55746
Tuesday, October 21st Doors Open: 6:00 p.m.RSVP Online at: http://my.barackobama.com/mnhrchibbing
The event is free and open to the public; tickets are not required but an RSVP is encouraged. Space is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Yesterday, Hillary joined Barack on stage at a rally in Florida. This is the first time Barack and Hillary have campaigned together since the summer.
The Clintons have been campaigning for the Obama-Biden with increasing regularity in the past weeks, as the election draws near. Hillary and her husband Bill Clinton both appeared with Joe Biden at a Rally in Scranton Pennsylvania just last week. "This is a mad dash to the finish line,” Hillary said.
Check out the pictures of Hillary and Barack from yesterday and join us for a rally with Hillary Clinton later tonight:
Barack has been campaigning for 20 months now. For 20 months he has traveled across the country, from state to state, talking to voters and talking about the change that he will bring to Washington. He'll continue traveling and campaigning over the next 16 days, but now it comes down to us.
When Michelle was in Minnesota last week, she explained to the gathered crowd that while Barack has gotten us 85% of the way there, the rest is up to us. We have to knock on doors, call voters, volunteer and most importantly, vote.
We are still in a fight, and the next weeks are going to be crucial to our Get Out The Vote effort. Which is why we need our supporters on the ground to be working as hard as they can over the next 17 days to win. This is the most important election of our lifetimes, and we can't afford to sit on the sidelines. Sign up to help "Get Out the Vote" for Barack between now and Election Day.
Please join us Tuesday, October 21st, for a rally with Senator Hillary Clinton in Hibbing:
Tuesday, October 21st Doors Open: 6:00 p.m.
RSVP online at: http://mn.barackobama.com/HibbingChange
Joe sent out the email below last night....
My wife Jill is an extraordinary woman. Jill's passion has always been education, and even during the campaign she's been teaching class during the week and joining me on the trail on the weekends. But this week, she also found some time to go to campaign headquarters and call voters in crucial battleground states. Jill has always had a great time talking to potential supporters, and I'm sure her calls brought Barack and me a few votes closer to victory. But you live in a battleground state, which means you're in a unique position to talk to swing voters face-to-face. Will you reach out to potential supporters in your community by going door-to-door? Watch this video of my wife reaching out to swing voters -- then get a list of voters near you and start knocking on doors today. With the conventions and the debates behind us, this election is now in your hands. Reaching out to swing voters is one of the most powerful ways to make a difference right now. No matter how many rallies Barack and I hold or speeches we give, supporters like you talking to fellow voters one-on-one is the way we're going to win this election. Get your list of supporters today and knock on doors this weekend: http://MN.barackobama.com/n2nMN Thanks for everything you're doing, Joe P.S. -- Can't talk to voters this weekend? Sign up to make calls for the campaign later this week.
My wife Jill is an extraordinary woman.
Jill's passion has always been education, and even during the campaign she's been teaching class during the week and joining me on the trail on the weekends. But this week, she also found some time to go to campaign headquarters and call voters in crucial battleground states.
Jill has always had a great time talking to potential supporters, and I'm sure her calls brought Barack and me a few votes closer to victory.
But you live in a battleground state, which means you're in a unique position to talk to swing voters face-to-face. Will you reach out to potential supporters in your community by going door-to-door?
Watch this video of my wife reaching out to swing voters -- then get a list of voters near you and start knocking on doors today.
With the conventions and the debates behind us, this election is now in your hands.
Reaching out to swing voters is one of the most powerful ways to make a difference right now.
No matter how many rallies Barack and I hold or speeches we give, supporters like you talking to fellow voters one-on-one is the way we're going to win this election.
Get your list of supporters today and knock on doors this weekend:
http://MN.barackobama.com/n2nMN
Thanks for everything you're doing,
Joe
P.S. -- Can't talk to voters this weekend? Sign up to make calls for the campaign later this week.
In the words of Senator Obama, the "Obama for America Campaign is a different type of campaign."
For the first time in campaign history, children ages 12 and under, have a place to go and actually vote—through their voice. What a great way to be introduced to politics and to express your support for Senator Obama.
The Superior Telegram talked with students in Ms. Krull’s fourth-grade class at Great Lakes Elementary School.
Here's what some of them had to say:
Matt:
I want Obama because he wants to cut taxes for the middle class and raise taxes for the higher class. With McCain, I don’t want Palin because she doesn’t have the best ideas I don’t think. And I like Obama because he wants to take troops out of Iraq. McCain wants to increase troops in Iraq.Most important issues of election: change, the economy and the war in Iraq.
I want Obama because he wants to cut taxes for the middle class and raise taxes for the higher class. With McCain, I don’t want Palin because she doesn’t have the best ideas I don’t think. And I like Obama because he wants to take troops out of Iraq. McCain wants to increase troops in Iraq.
Most important issues of election: change, the economy and the war in Iraq.
Blake:
I like Obama because I think he’ll be better for our country than McCain. I like McCain; I like his ideas, some of them, but I don’t think he has what it takes to be president. And if he dies, which he could any minute now, we have the Sarah Palin campaign going on. I don’t think she could really do it because she’s only been governor of Alaska for like two years. She doesn’t impress me that well.[McCain] wants to unravel heath care. I don’t want another George Bush.Most important issues of election: the economy.
I like Obama because I think he’ll be better for our country than McCain. I like McCain; I like his ideas, some of them, but I don’t think he has what it takes to be president. And if he dies, which he could any minute now, we have the Sarah Palin campaign going on. I don’t think she could really do it because she’s only been governor of Alaska for like two years. She doesn’t impress me that well.
[McCain] wants to unravel heath care. I don’t want another George Bush.
Most important issues of election: the economy.
Natalie:
I want Obama to be elected because he’s a democrat, and I’m kind of an independent. So is my mom, but my dad’s more of a democrat. But Obama, I think he’d be a better president because he stands for things that are a little better than McCain. McCain has good ideas, but not as good as Obama. He (Obama) wants to lower gas prices and help us with the economy and stuff. He wants to give heath insurance, so that’s why I like Obama.Most important issues of election: taxes and health care insurance.
I want Obama to be elected because he’s a democrat, and I’m kind of an independent. So is my mom, but my dad’s more of a democrat. But Obama, I think he’d be a better president because he stands for things that are a little better than McCain. McCain has good ideas, but not as good as Obama. He (Obama) wants to lower gas prices and help us with the economy and stuff. He wants to give heath insurance, so that’s why I like Obama.
Most important issues of election: taxes and health care insurance.
Are you a Kid for Obama, like Natalie, Matt, and Blake? If your family isn't already supporting Barack, it's time for you to have "The Talk."
On every issue important to kids and families--the economy, taxes, health care, or the war in Iraq--Barack has the vision to bring about the change we need.
Family members talking to one another about Barack is one of the ways this movement has grown so large. Even if your parents are already convinced, talk to your grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.
You may be the only one who can convince them.
The Obama campaign just announced that Hillary Clinton will campaign for Barack and Joe up on the Iron Range next week.
ST. PAUL – U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton will hold a public rally for Barack Obama’s presidential campaign next Tuesday evening on the Iron Range.Sen. Clinton will speak with Minnesotans about her trust in Sen. Obama’s steady leadership and ability to turn around our economic crisis. Sen. Clinton will discuss the current crisis and the leadership required to bring the change we need.More details will be announced in the coming days.
ST. PAUL – U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton will hold a public rally for Barack Obama’s presidential campaign next Tuesday evening on the Iron Range.
Sen. Clinton will speak with Minnesotans about her trust in Sen. Obama’s steady leadership and ability to turn around our economic crisis. Sen. Clinton will discuss the current crisis and the leadership required to bring the change we need.More details will be announced in the coming days.
Hillary said it best in Scranton last week:
Barack Obama and Joe Biden are for you and that’s why I am for Barack Obama and Joe Biden. My friends, this is an all-hands-on-deck moment for America. We’ve got to work hard and we’ve got to work together. This is a fight for the future and it is a fight we must win.
Barack Obama and Joe Biden are for you and that’s why I am for Barack Obama and Joe Biden.
My friends, this is an all-hands-on-deck moment for America. We’ve got to work hard and we’ve got to work together. This is a fight for the future and it is a fight we must win.
All hands-on-deck!
Let's change this country!
Last weekend, a group of "Mamas for Obama" used the my.barackobama.com grassroots organizing tool to set up a playdate with their kids at their neighborhood park.
From the beginning, this campaign has been about everyday people stepping up to make change happen in their own communities. As Barack said today in Londonberry, NH:
John McCain thinks this campaign is all about me – but the truth is, this campaign is about you. Your jobs. Your health care. Your retirement. Your children’s future. That’s what this election is about. That’s what I’m fighting for. Because I can take 3 more weeks of these attacks from John McCain, but the American people can’t take four more years of the same failed policies and the same divisive politics. That’s why I’m running for President of the United States.
Barack was raised by a single mother who put herself through school, followed her passion for helping others, and taught Barack that there are no barriers to success if you are willing to work for it.
His grandmother, who also helped to raise him, worked on a bomber assembly line during World War II. Michelle, Barack's wife, has been described as "the rock of the Obama family." She and Barack want their two daughters, Malia and Sasha, to grow up in an America where both work and family are part of the American Dream.
All of Barack's accomplishments have been made possible because of these women. And it is because of these women that Barack fights for women's rights. He fights for healthcare and education, support for working parents and an insistence on equality.
These are the issues that are important to the women who support Barack -- women who come from all types of backgrounds, and who are united by care for their families and their communities.
We can turn the page on the last eight years and create a better world for our children, but we need your help. By talking with your neighbors about Barack's plan for women and families you can help bring change to Minnesota and to America.
This election is too important to sit on the sidelines -- so get out there, and get started!
Check out the pictures from the "Mamas for Obama" playdate and share your photos with us:
Kris Tesch of Wadena writes in the Pioneer Journal:
Change is coming! Enough is enough! I am tired of trying to make it from paycheck to paycheck only to find myself out of money before my next paycheck — struggling to get my sick child to his medical appointments in the Cities and putting food in his stomach, a roof over his head, clothes on his back and warmth in the cold. My child comes before me in anything! My needs are not being met because I am struggling to give him what he needs. One income in a household can’t possibly make ends meet. My husband works many overtime hours including Saturdays so we can try to make it. And it is not enough. I am disabled and can’t work, but I had to get a job this summer to help and then I find out that I am over-doing it and making myself weaker and sicker. I have had to set my illness aside and peel myself out of bed in the morning to go to work even if the pain is unbearable. I invite you to walk in my shoes for a while. My husband and I have needs, too, but we have to put our needs aside to get our son what he needs and to pay the bills. You don’t see us together out in the evening because we can’t afford to go. We have lived here for six years now and we like our little town but we have yet to go out to the movies or to dine in one of the eateries or go to mingle with our friends and neighbors in our community because we can’t afford it. We don’t even have winter coat. But we don’t mind as long as our child has what he needs. Our economy needs help, people that have invested their money or have 401(k)s (us included) can probably kiss their investments goodbye for now. Health insurance needs an overhaul so people with pre-existing conditions can still be covered and so that everyone can afford to have coverage. Social Security needs to be saved so when we retire it is there for us and our children. Medicare needs to be changed so all of our seniors and disabled can pay for their medications and see their doctors as needed. Something needs to be done so all of our children can go to college because college tuition and expenses are through the roof. Our children’s schools and education needs help. Something needs to be done with the meth, drug and alcohol problems that are a plague on our society. Do you want me to continue? With all the promises that both candidates are making and lies about each other, who knows what and who to believe anymore. But I know one thing, I am and have been ready for a change! Kris Tesch Wadena
Change is coming! Enough is enough! I am tired of trying to make it from paycheck to paycheck only to find myself out of money before my next paycheck — struggling to get my sick child to his medical appointments in the Cities and putting food in his stomach, a roof over his head, clothes on his back and warmth in the cold. My child comes before me in anything! My needs are not being met because I am struggling to give him what he needs. One income in a household can’t possibly make ends meet. My husband works many overtime hours including Saturdays so we can try to make it. And it is not enough. I am disabled and can’t work, but I had to get a job this summer to help and then I find out that I am over-doing it and making myself weaker and sicker. I have had to set my illness aside and peel myself out of bed in the morning to go to work even if the pain is unbearable. I invite you to walk in my shoes for a while.
My husband and I have needs, too, but we have to put our needs aside to get our son what he needs and to pay the bills. You don’t see us together out in the evening because we can’t afford to go. We have lived here for six years now and we like our little town but we have yet to go out to the movies or to dine in one of the eateries or go to mingle with our friends and neighbors in our community because we can’t afford it. We don’t even have winter coat. But we don’t mind as long as our child has what he needs.
Our economy needs help, people that have invested their money or have 401(k)s (us included) can probably kiss their investments goodbye for now. Health insurance needs an overhaul so people with pre-existing conditions can still be covered and so that everyone can afford to have coverage. Social Security needs to be saved so when we retire it is there for us and our children. Medicare needs to be changed so all of our seniors and disabled can pay for their medications and see their doctors as needed. Something needs to be done so all of our children can go to college because college tuition and expenses are through the roof. Our children’s schools and education needs help. Something needs to be done with the meth, drug and alcohol problems that are a plague on our society. Do you want me to continue?
With all the promises that both candidates are making and lies about each other, who knows what and who to believe anymore. But I know one thing, I am and have been ready for a change!
Kris Tesch
Wadena
Minnesotans, like Kris, are in desperate need of economic relief
Barack's plan will cut taxes for 95% of families. John McCain will provide billions in tax breaks for big oil companies and giant corporations with no relief for millions of middle-class Americans. Barack is calling for three times the tax cuts for middle-class families. Find out what this means for you and your family -- use our new tax calculator and find out how much your family will save.
Yesterday, Barack unveiled his Economic Rescue Plan for The Middle Class, including special measures for job creation, a moratorium on foreclosures, and increased tax relief for families. As president, Barack will provide a new $1,000 tax cut for workers and new tax benefits to help families pay for college, childcare, and save for retirement.
"Our purpose today is to come together to contribute and contribute significantly to make sure Barack Obama is elected the next president of the United States."
With those words, Marian Moore opened up a night of musical entertainment, dance, and revelry at The Lab in Minneapolis hosted by Minnesota Artists for Obama.
[Tonight is the product of] three ordinary citizens who thought this election was too important to just stay on the sidelines and see what happens. So they put in their time and resources to make this happen.The presidency for Barack Obama is within reach, and we have just 23 days. After that, the window's closed. What can we give and what can we do to make sure we wake up happy on November 5th?We really can't afford another 4 years of an assault on everything that is good and that is beautiful in the world
[Tonight is the product of] three ordinary citizens who thought this election was too important to just stay on the sidelines and see what happens. So they put in their time and resources to make this happen.
The presidency for Barack Obama is within reach, and we have just 23 days. After that, the window's closed. What can we give and what can we do to make sure we wake up happy on November 5th?
We really can't afford another 4 years of an assault on everything that is good and that is beautiful in the world
The fundraiser, organized by Susan, Mary, and Jan, demonstrates the belief in the power of coming together at the grassroots level, a fundamental tenet of Barack's campaign for change.
The 250 folks who gathered to show their support for Barack, enjoyed musical performances by Adam Levy of the Honeydogs, Prairie Home Companion regulars Prudence Johnson and Dan Chouinard, and John Munson and Matt Wilson of The Twilight Hours. Rhythmic Circus, a local tap dancing troupe, also performed.
Jeff Blodgett, the Obama campaign's Minnesota State Director, spoke with passion about Barack Obama:
The McCain campaign keeps asking the question, "Who is Barack Obama?"But we know who he is, we know the answer. We know that Barack Obama is a man who has devoted his entire life to his community, his country, and that he will be a president who will make the economy work for the American people again.Barack Obama is someone who has tapped into something we're feeling right now in this room--people are ready for change. They're tired of divisive politics and people want real leadership.And while some want to create fear by asking these questions, our campaign here in Minnesota is focused on talking to people about the issues. Because that's what the people want to hear--what is the next president going to do to help me and my family?Minnesotans deserve better than they're getting from John McCain and his campaign.And on November 4th, we're going to make sure they get it.
The McCain campaign keeps asking the question, "Who is Barack Obama?"
But we know who he is, we know the answer. We know that Barack Obama is a man who has devoted his entire life to his community, his country, and that he will be a president who will make the economy work for the American people again.
Barack Obama is someone who has tapped into something we're feeling right now in this room--people are ready for change. They're tired of divisive politics and people want real leadership.
And while some want to create fear by asking these questions, our campaign here in Minnesota is focused on talking to people about the issues. Because that's what the people want to hear--what is the next president going to do to help me and my family?
Minnesotans deserve better than they're getting from John McCain and his campaign.
And on November 4th, we're going to make sure they get it.
From day one, this campaign has been driven by the everyday people, like Susan, Mary, and Jan, who, instead of sitting idly by, stood up and acknowledged their responsibility to make change happen in their community.
Whether it's volunteering at your local Obama office, joining a Team Obama in your neighborhood, or setting up a personal fundraising page, there's something we can all do to impact the future of this country.
After all, as Susan, Mary, and Jan ask, "When has an election in our lifetime been more critical than this?"
Check out the photos from the Artists for Obama event in Minneapolis below, and sign up to volunteer:
Last week, we posted a video of two friends, Anya & Emily, canvassing in Minneapolis.
Both Anya and Emily have made a personal commitment to volunteer for at least three hours each week to make sure Barack wins Minnesota on November 4th.
Watch the video of the drive back from the canvass, as Emily and Anya share their experiences with each other:
When you get out and talk to voters about Barack, you feel like you're making a difference, because...you are!
Check out Neighbor to Neighbor right now and see how easy it is to print up a list of people to canvass right in your own neighborhood.
This post-debate weekend is the perfect weekend to get out there and talk to your neighbors about the real differences between Barack Obama and John McCain. Getting a real live visit from a real live supporter makes a difference at this crucial time when voters are making up their minds.
And it's also a great time to get your kids involved!
Anya said it best: it's inspiring just to hear how excited other people are about Barack Obama.
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:
