A message from Utah State Director Suzanne Gelderman:
Rachel and Rob are traveling across the country creating a photographic essay of grassroots Obama supporters called "We Are The Ones Project". They came to Utah Obama for America headquarters on September 1, 2008.
In their words: "Specifically, we're highlighting average citizens and grassroots communities as the real stars of this campaign, by giving them a celebrity-style photo shoot at Obama events. Selected portraits will be exhibited in a New York gallery show in November and eventually published in book form along with collected stories gathered at house meetings, rallies, and fund raising events throughout America."
Check out the photographs of Janet Lee and her dog with the giant Obama puppet she created; Bob and Malinda Bills, a couple that comes for Data Entry Night every Monday; Maggie Flanigan, a high school intern who is at our headquarters every day after school and on weekends, and her friend who came to volunteer for the first time ever that night.
Slideshow below:
You can find more photos on their blog at www.wearetheonesproject.com
This past Thursday, Obama supporters gathered at Canyon Rim Park in Salt Lake City to watch Barack's acceptance speech under an open sky. ABC 4 News reported on the event:
On August 5, 2007, Obama spoke to an enthusiastic crowd at Park City’s Olympic Park. He admitted that he was a bit overwhelmed by the number of supporters who came out to hear him speak that day. As 75-thousand people cheered on Obama in Denver, hundreds did the same in this east bench neighborhood.
Check out the slideshow below to see what you may have missed:
This past Saturday, the Obama campaign demonstrated its commitment to running a 50 state campaign and competing in every part of the country by holding an open house at its Salt Lake City headquarters that drew more than 700 people. The office opening not only fired up Obama-Biden supporters across the state, it also earned a lot of attention from the local media.
Matt Roth with Fox 13 Utah reported:
As far as our research can tell, it is something unprecedented in Utah politics. None of Utah's political veterans can remember a Democratic Presidential Campaign funding a fully-staffed Utah office leading up to the general election.
KSL/NBC observed:
Obama opened a campaign office here in Utah today. The opening of the office is part of his 50-state strategy -- an office in every state in the nation, even the Republican ones. "A long-time running, there's been problems with the Democratic Party in Utah. Anything we can do to break down those barriers is amazing," Kingery said.Mathis says opening a campaign office in Utah is amazing. He said, "You're in a very Republican state, and you've got a line of people stretched down the sidewalk. People are really excited, enthusiastic, really wanting change."
Check out the slideshow below for a glimpse of what you might have missed!
Hillary Clinton has yet to admit that the Democratic Presidential Primary is a done deal, but the tone of media chatter that I've heard is that she's going to - on a night of her own choosing, when she can have the spotlight on her for a moment. My personal feelings about that very, but at the moment, I feel like that's an OK thing. Granted, her 'offer to be Obama's VP, in order to unify the party' seemed rather out of line, to me. But, hey, I'd be happy to follow he lead and offer myself as Obama's Technology Czar. Ezra Klein put it best, I think:
If you were Clinton and, on the one hand, you had your hated adversaries in the media clamoring for you to drop out, and on the other, you were mobbed, every day, by devoted supporters who had invested their hopes in you and begged you to keep up the fight, and you yourself wanted to continue prosecuting your case, well, what would you do?
I don't think there's a chance in hell that she'll be Obama's VP. In fact, I think McCain would be more likely to offer her the job than Obama, but we all know that's not very likely, either. Obama will likely choose someone to round out his skills, maybe someone strong on foreign policy, to satisfy those who believe he needs more experience. I do believe he'll make a wise choice, no matter who it is.
If Hillary gets a job in the Obama administration, I could see it having to do with healthcare, since that is one of her strong points, and the one she seems to be the most passionate about, at least if you narrow it down to things Obama and Clinton can agree on. And that would satisfy a lot of people.
Last night, about 5 hours after I scheduled the "Yes We Did" party, people began to show up at the SkyBox Grille. Kurt Bestor beat us all in the door, and was just beginning a snack as I walked in with Dimitrios and his girlfriend (sorry, I suck at names) to the back room where the big screen awaited us. Not long after, people began arriving, eager to own another little piece of this campaign. Many were people I'd never met before. Others were the people who I've known since this all started, like Theodore, Strider, Brandon, Janet Lee, Laurie Noda, and so many more. Rob Miller brought Utah Attorney General candidate, Jean Welch Hill, and Pete Ashdown and Robin Ballard brought their two youngest children. I would guess attendance at about 40 people. Which really isn't bad, considering the short notice everyone had about the event.
Chris Vanocur, of ABC 4, sent down a camera to check out the activities. Halfway through Senator Obama's speech, I was asked to do an interview, and so I missed much of the speech. I love technology, though. It's all on YouTube, and if you else would like to (re-)watch it, just head over to the official Obama Blog. Kurt Bestor and Theodore Cowan were also interviewed, presumably because of their status as elected National Delegates for Senator Obama. ABC 4's video feed isn't allowed on this blog's setup, so I can't post it here. But, you can view it on ABC4.com.
KSL also had some interesting coverage yesterday regarding the Democratic Primary, including Donald Dunn's take.
There were two other reporters there last night. Unfortunately, I didn't realize that they were reporters until it was too late, and they were gone. Apparently, one was from the Salt Lake Tribune.
The Deseret News had some other interesting news coverage yesterday. They quoted Wayne Holland as confirming rumors that I keep hearing, about Helen Langdon and Karen Hale switching from Hillary to Barack, as well as saying that Jim Matheson would be coming out for Barack. I've been hearing about the first two for a long while now, and from many different people. I had almost begun to think it was wishful thinking, but regardless, this is good news!
Now we can get on to the serious business of facing John McSame McCain. You know, Mr. 4-More-Years-Of-Bush, who thinks that spying on Americans is patriotic and on registering new voters across Utah. Watch for a summary very soon about the successes we've already had!
Last Wednesday, hundreds, thousands or some large number of people showed up at Washington Square for the Peace and Human Rights Rally. So, we decided that would be the perfect place to register new voters, and update others' registrations. I had at least 6 people join me, including Cheryl, Theo, Brandon, Susan, Sherri, and Claire and her son. I swear there were a couple more but I didn't do a sign-in, so I'm stuck with the ones my short memory will recall. Anyway, we were able to register 43 voters. Not bad for an hour's work, right?
Here are some of the photos from the rally, much thanks to Theo for getting some of the better shots for me.
It took me 3 tries, but I finally got a full shot of this "Prez Lie Dispenser" sign.
These guys with the foil signs walked in front of and through the crowd several times.
Here's a shot from near the back of the crowd.
One from the side.
Another from the side.
Here's Rocky at the beginning of his speech.
I liked the signs put up from High Road for Human Rights. They said:
Our America Does Not Torture
America: Where Everyone Including The President Is Bound By Rule Of Law
Torture Is A Subversion Of American Values
Anyway, we've had a lot of positive stories about Vote for Change across Utah. Josh Der sent this email about the Logan Vote for Change event:
On Saturday, May 24, 2008, Utah State University for Obama, Cache Valley for Obama and the Cache County Democratic Party jointly organized a voter registration drive in Logan. We had four volunteers and we collected 16 new voter registration applications, 6 of which were Democrats, 6 were unaffiliated and only one of which was Republican. This was a test-run and was a great success, considering it was nice weather on a holiday weekend without any big events happening in Logan. One of our volunteers scouted the community for potential drive locations, one registered voters downtown and two volunteers worked outside of a locally owned, progressive coffee shop/deli counter. We wore our Obama flair, but focused on registering people to vote. If they asked why we were doing it, we told them about the Vote for Change campaign. We were well received and connected with some potential volunteers. By the end of the day, we came away feeling excited and energized. We also gave out free Obama bumper stickers to supporters who expressed interest. We didn't really push the stickers, but still gave out close to 30 of them. This registration drive represents something tangible, easy and proactive we can all do to promote Obama. The more we promote Obama in Utah, the stronger the democratic party will be on Election Day, regardless of how Utah's electoral votes are cast. This means the possibility for REAL change on a local level, where we are most directly affected. Here are a couple pieces of advice for organizers based on our experiences: 1) Identify locations before you start. Corporate-owned grocery store chains (e.g. Walmart or Albertsons, etc.) don't want anything to do with politics, so don't bother sending volunteers to these places, they'll just get turned away. I've found locally owned businesses are much more receptive to this voter registration drive. Consider the management's perspective; try not to bother patrons inside of the business, but rather catch them on their way in or out. Don't block the entrance and don't be too pushy. Look for places where you'll get a lot of foot traffic. Consider your target demographic and go to where you are likely to find them (e.g. for youth, find the local hangouts or work on campuses; for Latinos or Asian Americans, go to an ethnic market or restaurant). If you can (and they will allow), get a booth or a table at a local festival or farmer's market, otherwise get a lot of volunteers to work the crowd. In any case, its best to work in a location where people are not in a rush and can spend a few minutes to fill out the form or to chat with you. 2) Visit your County Clerk's office. They are required to provide voter registration application books to organizations who are registering voters. They will give you 4-5 books of 50 applications. Each volunteer will need a book, so this may limit how many volunteers you can use, but if a few different people request them independently or you make a plea that you are working a large event, you may be able to get more. The books have carbon copies so you can give each voter a receipt that is proof of registration and will get them a ballot in case they don't get their voter registration card or their application gets lost somehow. The books fit on a clipboard well and you don't have to make any photocopies or carry stacks of loose paper or bulky state-printed mail in forms (however, its good to have a few mail in forms to give out to people who don't have time, want their voter information kept private, or want to give it to a friend). Be sure to check that all the required information is completed and legible. When you finish a book, bring it back to the County Clerk and they will replace it. Set up your own vote for change event: http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/create
On Saturday, May 24, 2008, Utah State University for Obama, Cache Valley for Obama and the Cache County Democratic Party jointly organized a voter registration drive in Logan.
We had four volunteers and we collected 16 new voter registration applications, 6 of which were Democrats, 6 were unaffiliated and only one of which was Republican. This was a test-run and was a great success, considering it was nice weather on a holiday weekend without any big events happening in Logan.
One of our volunteers scouted the community for potential drive locations, one registered voters downtown and two volunteers worked outside of a locally owned, progressive coffee shop/deli counter.
We wore our Obama flair, but focused on registering people to vote. If they asked why we were doing it, we told them about the Vote for Change campaign. We were well received and connected with some potential volunteers.
By the end of the day, we came away feeling excited and energized. We also gave out free Obama bumper stickers to supporters who expressed interest. We didn't really push the stickers, but still gave out close to 30 of them.
This registration drive represents something tangible, easy and proactive we can all do to promote Obama. The more we promote Obama in Utah, the stronger the democratic party will be on Election Day, regardless of how Utah's electoral votes are cast. This means the possibility for REAL change on a local level, where we are most directly affected.
Here are a couple pieces of advice for organizers based on our experiences:
1) Identify locations before you start. Corporate-owned grocery store chains (e.g. Walmart or Albertsons, etc.) don't want anything to do with politics, so don't bother sending volunteers to these places, they'll just get turned away. I've found locally owned businesses are much more receptive to this voter registration drive. Consider the management's perspective; try not to bother patrons inside of the business, but rather catch them on their way in or out. Don't block the entrance and don't be too pushy. Look for places where you'll get a lot of foot traffic. Consider your target demographic and go to where you are likely to find them (e.g. for youth, find the local hangouts or work on campuses; for Latinos or Asian Americans, go to an ethnic market or restaurant). If you can (and they will allow), get a booth or a table at a local festival or farmer's market, otherwise get a lot of volunteers to work the crowd. In any case, its best to work in a location where people are not in a rush and can spend a few minutes to fill out the form or to chat with you.
2) Visit your County Clerk's office. They are required to provide voter registration application books to organizations who are registering voters. They will give you 4-5 books of 50 applications. Each volunteer will need a book, so this may limit how many volunteers you can use, but if a few different people request them independently or you make a plea that you are working a large event, you may be able to get more. The books have carbon copies so you can give each voter a receipt that is proof of registration and will get them a ballot in case they don't get their voter registration card or their application gets lost somehow. The books fit on a clipboard well and you don't have to make any photocopies or carry stacks of loose paper or bulky state-printed mail in forms (however, its good to have a few mail in forms to give out to people who don't have time, want their voter information kept private, or want to give it to a friend). Be sure to check that all the required information is completed and legible. When you finish a book, bring it back to the County Clerk and they will replace it.
Set up your own vote for change event: http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/create
Lots of people are organizing small drives, and local businesses seem to be supportive, and often let people run the drive from there. In fact, Golden Braid Books contacted us, to offer a location. It's easy, and even if you don't want to run one yourself, you can join us at larger gatherings, like next weekend when we get going at Utah Pride. Check out events statewide.
Lots of people today at the Salt Lake County Democratic convention. My first time participating as a delegate for my precinct. It was great to meet other members of Utah for Obama as well as other Obama supporters.
Hello!!! I'm new to this blog!!!! I want to devote my time to Obama's 2008 campaign as much as I can right now with my schedule. Barack Obama is impeccable with his word that makes me inspired very few people can follow that lead or even take it... IF you have any articles that are worth reading about Obama, please send them to me I'm really interested in being educated about Obama much more so I can make it possible to stand behind him 100%!!!
If anyone needs shirts made or any other advertising materials for Campaign purposes only! please contact me I have several contacts that are involved in distribution as well as manufacturing shirts for very minimal costs. I'm heavily involved in import/export trade so I make that possible every day.
Those of you who have a Myspace Profile add me!!!! http://profile.myspace.com/douglasandrewstewart
Chair - Misty Fowler Co-chair - Mark Rothacher Treasurer - Unfilled Community Relations Director - Satya Kallepalli Community Relations Assistant - Jacque Roberts Media Relations Director - Nathan Garcia Secretary - Theo Cowan Events Coordinator - Janet Hurley Voter Registration Coordinator - Gail Turpin Scheduling Coordinator - Matt Ledingham Materials Coordinator - Duchess Schuman Writer's Group Coordinator - Unfilled
Last week, I met my sister at her new favorite coffee shop for a round of Apples to Apples. I hadn't been there before, but I kind of fell in love with the place. Rumours Coffee was very comfy, and the owner, Franz, was sitting there with my sister and her friends playing the game with them, since they were the only late night customers that evening.
When I decided to set up a Utah for Obama Meet n Greet, I hoped that Franz would let us meet there. I called him today, and explained what Utah for Obama is, and that I wanted to host weekly meet and greet events at Rumours. I told him I wasn't sure how many people would want to come, but that I would limit registration to 10 people for this first time, and that we could talk after the first time to see how many people he felt comfortable having.
