Posts with the tag BOSTON

Boston Health Care Rally - Labor Day

Nicole LaChapelle — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 12:03:24 EDT

Our efforts for health care reform become even more crucial as Congress returns to Washington for one of the most important debates of our time. Organizing for America hopes that you will step up now, more than ever, to help ensure that meaningful healthcare reform becomes a reality THIS YEAR.
Boston has been selected as one of only five cities in the country where large rallies in support of healthcare reform will be held on Labor Day. We have all seen that even here in Massachusetts, the voices of healthcare reform supporters have often not been heard over the shouts of those who insist on spreading lies. On Monday, September 7, we have a chance to make it clear that supporters far outnumber those who oppose reform. But sending this message will take everyone pitching in.
We need your help in building the largest crowd we can on Labor Day. Here's what we need you to do:
Attached is a basic flyer about the event, along with a two-per-page flyer with a powerful quote from Sen. Kennedy at the top. We need you to send the rally flyer to your friends, family, colleagues and any other lists you are part of. We need you to let people know about the rally by phone, by email, and face to face. We need you to hand out flyers at events. We need you to host or attend phone banks where we'll be calling supporters to urge them attend the rally (go to http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/search_simple to find existing phone banks). We need you to ask organizations you're affiliated with to spread the word. We need you to come up with other great ideas for getting the word out, and to make those ideas happen.
Also, a powerful way to honor the memory of Senator Ted Kennedy would be to hand out flyers tomorrow morning along the motorcade route to the funeral, encouraging people to help fulfill his dream of universal health care by attending the rally. See below for details.
Lastly, please join Facebook's OFA-MA page at http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=54456812450&ref=search&sid=840333765.2028880808..1, then click on the Rally event link in Recent News, and click on "Share" to send the event to everyone you know and to post it to your profile.
If you are able to help in any way to get people to the Labor Day Rally, please reply to this email right away (the rally is only 10 days from now, so time is of the essence). Someone will follow up with you within a couple days, and we will help you with additional turnout ideas, if you need them.

Details about the Labor Day Rally: Location: Park Square, at the intersection of Arlington St., Columbus Ave. and Stuart St., near the Arlington T stop. Time: 11am-1pmAgenda: While all the details have not been finalized, we know the following: The entire Mass. Congressional delegation has been invited. Rep. Mike Capuano has confirmed, and we expect at least 2 or 3 more members of congress to be there as well. Mayor Menino has also committed to attend. We expect to have no more than 4 or 5 total speakers. There will likely be one policy expert speaking about the importance of health care reform, and a couple of people giving their personal health care stories. There will be a tribute to Senator Kennedy. There will be musical entertainment. And there will be a send-off for the members of congress who are there, in which we will deliver to them thousands of declarations in support of health care reform. To this end, please download the declaration form at http://www.barackobama.com/pdf/OFA_HC_declaration.pdf, and collect as many names as you can between now and then. We will be collecting these at the rally, in order to deliver to the delegation. The rally will end with a march from Park Square to Copley Square. To Sign Up: http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/letsgetitdonehealthinsurancereformnowevents/gpk4cl

Thank you for all your hard work and consideration of these requests,

Nicole LaChapelle
Organizing for America - Massachusetts, Volunteer

Death of Senator Edward M. Kennedy

Michael from Milton, MA — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 20:17:15 EDT

THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release August 26, 2009

- - - - - - -
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION

Senator Edward M. Kennedy was not only one of the greatest
senators of our time, but one of the most accomplished Americans
ever to serve our democracy. Over the past half-century, nearly
every major piece of legislation that has advanced the civil
rights, health, and economic well-being of the American people
bore his name and resulted from his efforts. With his passing,
an important chapter in our American story has come to an end.

As a mark of respect for the memory of Senator Edward M.
Kennedy, I hereby order, by the authority vested in me by the
Constitution and laws of the United States of America, that
the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at
the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at
all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels
of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and
throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions
until sunset on August 30, 2009. I also direct that the flag of
the United States shall be flown at half-staff until sunset on
the day of his interment. I further direct that the flag shall
be flown at half-staff for the same periods at all United States
embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities
abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and
stations.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
twenty-sixth day of August, in the year of our Lord
two thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United States
of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth.

BARACK OBAMA
# # #

Election Night in Boston, MA

Rebecca Crosswaith — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 17:18:52 EDT

http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=513748960881

http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=513749664471

amazing. the city was positively alive.

ALTERNATIVE ENERGY

WEBMASTER — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 02:26:14 EST

The Pickens Plan: For those who would like to become an active participant in a solution for our nations energy needs I urge you to join with T.Boone Pickens in his quest for a cleaner planet through alternative energy.

Also see Green Wave Energy: Green Wave was founded by Mark Holmes and was formulated for viable alternative energy solutions. Green Wave Energy is promoting state-of-the-art energy-saving products and services throughout the country.

Green Wave Energy understands alternative energy technology will become “main stream” when

individuals and organizations understand that alternative energy technology exists and
when people see the economic benefits of using alternative energy technologies

Call 949.645.1701 for information on how Green Wave Energy can help you save the planet.

Alternative Energy
Source: David Apperson

url: http://veterans.barackobama.com/page/community/tag/alternative-energy

OBAMA FOR KENTUCKY [ 1 ]

WEBMASTER — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 22:40:31 EST

Aberdeen * Adairville * Adolphus * Ages Brookside * Albany * Alexandria * Allegre * Allen * Allensville * Almo * Alpha * Alvaton * Anchorage * Annville * Argillite * Arjay * Arlington * Artemus * Ary * Ashcamp * Asher * Ashland * Athol * Auburn * Audobon Park * Augusta * Aurora * Austin * Auxier * Avawam * Bagdad * Bakerton * Bandana * Banner * Barbourville * Bardstown * Bardwell * Barlow * Baskett * Battletown * Baxter * Bays * Bear Branch * Beattyville * Beaumont * Beauty * Beaver * Beaver Dam * Bedford * Bee Spring * Beech Creek * Beech Grove * Beechmont * Belcher * Belfry * Bellefonte * Bellevue * Belton * Benham * Benton * Berea * Berry * Bethany * Bethelridge * Bethlehem * Betsy Layne * Beverly * Bevinsville * Big Clifty * Big Creek * Big Laurel * Big Sandy * Big Spring * Bighill * Bimble * Blackey * Blackford * Blaine * Bledsoe * Bloomfield * Blue River * Boaz * Bonnieville * Bonnyman * Booneville * Boons Camp * Boston * Bowen * Bowling Green * Bradfordsville * Brandenburg * Breeding * Bremen * Brodhead * Bromley * Bronston * Brooklyn * Brooks * Brooksville * Browder * Brownsville * Bruin * Bryants Store * Bryantsville * Buckhorn * Buckner * Buechel * Buffalo * Bulan * Burdine * Burgin * Burkesville * Burlington * Burna * Burnside * Bush * Busy * Butler * Bypro * Cadiz * Calhoun * California * Calvert City * Calvin * Camp Dix * Camp Springs * Campbellsburg * Campbellsville * Campton * Canada * Cane Valley * Caneyville * Canmer * Cannel City * Cannon * Carlisle * Carrie * Carrollton * Carter * Catlettsburg * Cave City * Cave Run Lake * Cawood * Cecilia * Center * Centertown * Central City * Cerulean * Chaplin * Chappell * Chavies * Cisco * Clarkson * Clay * Clay City * Clayhole * Clearfield * Cleaton * Clermont * Clifty * Clinton * Closplint * Cloverport

OBAMA FOR GEORGIA

WEBMASTER — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 03:42:34 EST

Abba * Abbeville * Acworth * Adairsville * Adel * Adrian * Ailey * Alamo * Alapaha * Albany * Allenhurst * Alma * Alpharetta * Alston * Amboy * Ambrose * Americus * Appling * Arlington * Ashburn * Athens * Atkinson * Atlanta * Attapulgus * Auburn * Augusta * Austell * Avondale Estates * Axson * Baconton * Baden * Bainbridge * Baldwin * Bannockburn * Barnesville * Barney * Barretts * Barwick * Baxley * Bemiss * Berkeley Lake * Berlin * Blackshear * Blairsville * Blakely * Bloomingdale * Blue Ridge * Bogart * Boston * Bowdon * Bowens Mill * Bowman * Braselton * Bremen * Brinson * Bristol * Bronwood * Brookfield * Brooklet * Brooks * Broxton * Brunswick * Buchanan * Buena Vista * Buford * Bushnell * Byromville * Byron * Cairo * Camilla * Canton * Carnesville * Carrollton * Cartersville * Cave Spring * Cecil * Cedartown * Centerville * Chamblee * Chatsworth * Chauncey * Chester * Chickamauga * Chula * City of Calhoun * City of Summerville * Clarkesville * Clarkston * Claxton * Clayton * Cleveland * Clyatteville * Clyo * Cobbtown * Cochran * Cogdell * Cohutta * Colesburg * College Park * Collins * Colquitt * Columbus * Commerce * Conyers * Coolidge * Cordele * Cornelia * Council * Country Club Estate * Coverdale * Covington * Cox * Crawfordville * Crescent * Culloden * Cumming * Cusseta * Cuthbert * Dacula * Dahlonega * Daisy * Dakota * Dallas * Dalton * Damascus * Danielsville * Darien * Dasher * Dawson * Dawsonville * Decatur * Denmark * Dillard * Dixie * Dock Junction * Doerun * Donalsonville * Doraville * Douglas * Douglasville * Dover Bluff * DuPont * Dublin * Dudley * Duluth * East Dublin * East Point * Eastman * Eatonton * Ebenezer * Edison * Edith * Egypt * Elberton * Eldorado * Ellabelle * Ellaville * Ellenton * Ellijay * Enigma * Euharlee

GEORGIA SENATE RUNOFF

WEBMASTER — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 17:32:46 EST

Republican incumbent Saxby Chambliss is a few points from Democrat Jim Martin for U.S. Senate in current polling in the Georgia U.S. Senate runoff race. Senate Runoff in 35 Language Translations. Runoff election to be held Tuesday, 2 DEC 2008.

Any help you can give polling voters is greatly appreciated. Democrats want to win this race!

The more Democratic Senators in office the easier it will be for President Elect Obama's economic policies to be implemented without a chance of a partisan filibuster.

REGISTERED GEORGIA VOTERS ARE REQUESTED TO VOTE DEMOCRAT

To register, contact Geneve [ gbergeron@martinvictory.com ] or call 815.252.9684

Ted, Vote Builder Administrator [ techsupport@georgiademocrat.org ] or call 678.278.2103

Georgia Voting Locations [ PDF ]

Want to vote - call 404.748.2754. A Jim Martin for U.S. Senate volunteer will be happy to hand-deliver an absentee ballot application to you home or office.

Obamagelicals are requested to distribute this message to friends within the Obama groups and to other individuals you feel comfortable asking to help on your mailing list.

Thanks - David Apperson

GEORGIA SENATE RUNOFF SEARCH QUERIES
Altavista | Google | Lycos | MSN | Yahoo

Violence in Boston !!

young lady who supports Obama and his dream — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 20:36:48 EST

I believe that with Obama the senceless violence going on will evidently stop. In my oppinion viloence is a serious thing that is going on in Boston, MA. The violence that has happened is the cause to my family's miseries. I lost my brother, Franklin Monteiro, to the senceless violence 4 years ago on November 7, 2004. To this day we still havn't found the person who killed him but I know that one day we will get justice. Violence is why I fear to go down my street without getting shoot. I can not get killed because of the violence because I am the oldest now and I have to be here for my mother. I know many people who would agree with me when I say that violence affects many of our lives and does not allow us to live our lives peacefully. What do you guys think about the violence going on in Boston, MA [ well mainly Dorchester, Boston ] ??!!??

-Ariana Depina

11/4/2008: Christmas Came Early this Year....

Robert S. — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 16:46:17 EST

I'm happy that I was able to get out and vote for the Obama/Biden ticket this morning. My polling location is in one of Boston's black neighborhoods, and the poll workers at my site on Townsend Street did a great job.

Voting was a family event, as grandparents, parents, and children wanted to share in this history making process. While in line, I saw elderly people with canes who could barely walk, but they were excited about voting for Barack Obama for President. There were teenagers who were thrilled to be casting thier first vote ever for Barack Obama. Even would-be thugs were waiting in line, and they were excited to display their Barack Obama buttons.

There were so many happy people at my polling site. As long as some of these folks stay excited about participating in the community and our country, Barack's campaign will continue to yield benefits for years and generations to come.

I am African-American volunteering GOTV in Chinatown

Franklin Katunda — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 06:56:33 EST

By Franklin Katunda 36 seconds ago (Updated 36 seconds ago in the website's main page)

Hello Obama Supporters,

Thank you for reading my thoughts this morning on the "D DAY Nov. 4th 2008"

-- I'm glad I made it from Virginia where I work to Boston my home place yesterday, Monday. I escaped ably the traffic caused by the Manassas, VA Obama's Last Rally when driving to DC Reagan Airport... I got on the Anerican Airlines RJet plane at 7:30 flight and by 8 pm I was in Boston Logan.

This morning (fired up), I am getting ready to go vote two blocks away from my sister's place in my little town of Revere, Massachusetts than I will ride the metro to downtown Boston where the Obama Team has assigned me and Brad, a friend of mine to work on GOTV in "ChinaTown"...

Chinatown? First time campaigning in such neighborhood doing field organizing; I have one day to learn "Hands-on" about it and I;ll surely do it with all the excitement it brings!

My friend, Brad (young white fellow) is preparing to travel to China next year for a temporary work. You can read how happy he is to experience first-hand the feeling of working in a community other your own.

For me, nothing particular! All I know is that I am a young African-American Community Organizer and I am campaigning for Change in Chinatown for the first time on November 4th. That's what makes it exciting to be in the Obama Team: "A campaign by ordinary folks like you and me working for change on the behalf the American people"

Here is the picture: A Black young man in his thirties, wearing an Obama styled-sweater and PIN written in Hebrew (Israel) that reads Barack Obama 08' campaigning in Chinatown

-- About the pin: A campaign person gave it to me last weekend in Boston...She said they got them from Florida where a "Get-Out-The-Vote" in the Jewish community has been successful. Well, for my first time, I am canvassing in Chinatown, downtown Boston on an important election day.

Considering I worked for "Obama for America" in Goffstown NH, Arlington TX, Washington DC, Jamaica Plain MA, and Charlotte NC... The question is - How more surreal this campaign can be... Hein?

I hope you are blessed by this story. Lets get out and win this election; lets organize our neighborhoods and change the world!

I am Franklin, an Obama Surrogate and I approve this message!

WTKK 96.9 Radio - Boston

DotRat — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 00:09:41 EDT

YES...I do actually listen to this Republican outlet on a daily basis. Having input from both sides of the tracks is very important to me. Jay Severin and Mike Graham stick out most to me.....especially as of late. While they Jay tends to be the smarter of the 2....both have come across very childish as of late.... almost seeming desperate and scared because they both know Obama will be victorious in 6 days. Jay refers to himself and his followers as "Patriots" while he uses the most vile language and innuendo to go on his daily rants about Obama. He flimsily hides his borderline racist comments by insinuating that he expects to be called a racist because he does not support Obama. He purposely uses slang words from time to time to imitate uneducated minorities while he stands behind this wonderful story about he "helped" during the civil rights movement.

Here's the deal Jay. Your a draft dodger.....your fathers service does not count. You did little if anything to help the civil rights movement.....and your certainly not helping it today. Don't pretend to "know the issues" as you sit in your little castle in North Shore suburbia while the rest of the working stiffs down here in the city deal with a completely different set of issues than the ones you speak of. We all know how "hard" you work for your money up there in your personal studio. God forbid you pay any taxes at all....how dare the goverment tap your blood sweat and tears.

I thought this guy was smart? Well....this so called libertarian is disgracing his true party of choice.

Cheers

Protecting American Voting Rights!

Omar Dyer — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 11:40:11 EDT

In America, your right to vote makes you an American. In America, your right to vote makes you a tax-payer. In AMerica, your right to vote gets you one step closer at being a citizen. All around the country, voter registration drives, have re-boasted the vibe of voting. Organizations like A.C.O.R.N. which means: Association of Community Organization for Reform Now, have been working too hard in order to get people registered. Yet, the House Republican Base, who's seats are endangered see this organization or any organization like A.C.O.R.N. as a problem. This problem is the same problem that helps people get registered to vote: more like Rock the Vote. In fact both of these two organizations fuel off the same information and ideas set down by the federal government.

What I can't understand is why two programs that do idnentical things, in terms of functioning and voter's rights -- are at the opposite side of the House/ Republican's table: here's an idea! A.C.O.R.N. brings in 90% of their voter drives to the Democratic Party, While Rock the vote brings in 45% of their drives to the Democratic Party. Rock the Vote turns in 55% for the Republican Party, and A.C.O.R.N. turns in 10% to the Republican party -- so this means the Republicans can't inspire their base so they want to pick which program works and what doesn't to favor them. Fact are: 55% of newly registered voters are Democrat, with 25% are independent -- with 20% Republican. Now they want to take away your rights.

The Repubs base wants to say this: These people are criminals, these people are illegally here; these people are not competent enough to vote. Listen, they ARE WRONG: During the primaries, you voted on the voter act initiative; which protects your rights unless you are mentally challenged -- and even then you still have the right to vote with assistance.
Here's you voting rights for 11/4/2008

1: To be registered by 10/4

2: U.S. Citizen that has a residence in the states county for more than 30 days on Election Day: Including a P.O. Box from the stats post office.

3: 18 years of age before Election Day.

4: If you are not in prison or on parole for a felony convicition on or two weeks before election day.

5: College students have a right to use the dormitory as a primary residence -- home or school: and they can oly vote ONCE.

6: Only a person with a misdemeanor conviction can still vote, and they have the right to vote from the jails: MISDEANORS ONLY.

7: A felony conviction can only register: after they have been cleared from: parole, probation, and their current charge.

8: A homeless person can vote if were they usually stay: they can use that place like: a park, a shelter, or a citizen sibling in good standing -- in which they reside in the county of the state they are registering in to vote.

These are the rights you have to vote and these are the rights that A.C.O.R.N. and Rock the Vote is using. One problem: Rock The Vote is an online company, and A.C.O.R.N. is a minority based community program: running under the cleanest rules in America, and just like Coaches! 101 they are under federal investiagtion. I get it when you are clean: you must be evil if you're not a Republican. When you are dirty, and create scandels -- like the financial crisis: you are good with the Republican base. Please be aware of your rights:

http://www.usdoj.gov/crt/voting/intro/intro_b.htm

Possibly the ►BEST FLASH TOOL I’ve seen yet . . .

Isadore Olivia Pine — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 14:05:16 EDT

Check out this Interactive Electoral "WHAT IF?" Map from the Boston Globe, it's easily the best one I've seen: http://www.boston.com/news/politics/2008/specials/demographic_map

▲▲▲IMPORTANT BEFORE CLICKING!▲▲▲
EDIT YOUR BROWSER SETTINGS TO NOT ALLOW COOKIES FOR BOSTON.COM
or you won't be able to revisit the site beyond a few times without registering with them.
annoying indeed lol . . .

Issy Olivia Pine
http://thesaucywench.com

Anyone see last week's Globe article?

fuzzymike — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 14:35:31 EDT

Did anyone see last week's big Boston Globe article on Obama? Grim proving ground for Obama's housing policy

What did you think of it? A few things troubled me: the fact that Obama claimed he didn't know what was going on in these places, and the fact that several of these (possibly corrupt) developers are contributing to or working with the campaign. Seems like a recipe for trouble.

If there's one area Obama should be solid on, it's poverty and housing in the community where he worked so long as an organizer and state senator. And it bothers me a bit that he apparently didn't follow through enough on his policies in this area.

I'm certainly not an expert on housing policy. Are these public-private partnerships a good idea? Have they worked elsewhere?

Generation Obama Rumor Boston

BostonEric — Sun, 16 Mar 2008 21:57:12 EDT

Just came back from the Ben affleck / Jennifer Garner event at Rumor nightclub in Boston, MA.

It was a very good event! Well run, and there was a surprise guest.

Sen. John Kerry and his wife.

Talk was about Kerry's time in Pakistan, and India and Afghanistan and Turkey and his message from foreign countries about the hope that Obama becomes president and that the next 4 years is not a repeat of the Bush second term. That to honor our soldiers sacrifice and hard work we need to pull them out of a war that should never have taken place.

jennifer garner looked lovely - and had a very positive message about her hopes for her child, and her country.

Ben told of how there is nobody he sees on the political horizon that can match Obama in his mesage in his hope in his aspirations of making this country great and restoring our international image.

Somali Americans Stand Up and Be Counted!

Abdul from Boston, MA — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 18:50:01 EST

Somali Americans usually are not inspired to get involved in Civic Engagement, its time for all of us to be part of the change that is spreading in America. Its our home, its our country, its our future, let us make a difference and let our votes be counted. Vote for Change vote for Obama!

1st Checkin to the Campaign

Mike25 — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 09:29:19 EST

It's Tuesday 3/5 - the morning after. It's going to be more work than I expected to get him elected and I'm on board. I just donated another $50 ($100 so far) and I'm ready to buckle down.

We in MA have as much work to do as people in the rest of the country. Hillary is getting big support from MA and us more visionay types need to counter it.

If you don't know me, send me an e and we'll see if we can work together on something. People power always works best in groups.

Introducing Boston Health Professionals for Obama: Press Release

Cheryl from Boston, MA — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 16:24:05 EST

February 18, 2008

Here's the event that jump started the group!

200 BOSTON AREA HEALTH PROFESSIONALS ORGANIZE AROUND OBAMA

BOSTON, Massachusetts -- Over 200 doctors, nurses, and public health professionals in Boston have come together in the last 10 days in support of Senator Barack Obama‘s health plan.

"It is increasingly clear to members of the medical community that Senator Obama has put forth the most sensible and effective plan for health care reform,“ said Vivek Murthy, M.D., M.B.A. one of the original organizers of the group. —Unfortunately, we feel that he is being attacked unfairly over his policy. As health care providers who see the consequences of inadequate coverage on a daily basis, we believe we have an important role to play in educating the public on the substance of Obama's healthcare solutions."

The organization has focused on promoting educational activities in the final push prior to the February 5 election to draw attention to what they believe are the merits of the Obama health care plan, which focuses on providing affordable care, rather than mandating coverage.

"The recognition that it‘s not practical to force struggling Americans further into a financial hole by mandating that they buy an expensive insurance product is what convinced me to support the Obama plan," said Cheryl Clark M.D., another of the group's organizers. "The key reason that 47 million Americans don't have health insurance is because it is unaffordable," says Clark. "Senator Obama seems to understand that the majority of the uninsured live in working families that make less than $60,000 per year and would have difficulty affording plans that, on average, cost $12,000 annually. If people cannot afford insurance, they will simply not buy it regardless of a mandate."

Among their educational activities, the group organized a talk at Harvard Medical School featuring health economist David Cutler, who discussed the merits of the proposed Democratic plans. Cutler, a professor of economics at Harvard University, was an economic advisor in the administration of former President Bill Clinton, and is currently a senior health policy advisor to Senator Obama. Cutler spoke to a crowd of over 300 people to educate them on the benefits of focusing on providing affordable care as a strategy for covering the largest number of the uninsured. Cutler counseled the audience to consider the messenger as well as the message when choosing among the candidates.

"There are some differences among the Democratic health care plans, but they are largely in agreement," Cutler said. "What is important is choosing a candidate who is best able to unite people and create the political coalition needed to get a health plan passed."

The Boston Health Professionals for Obama organization plans to organize future events after February 5 to get out their message during what promises to be an active primary season.

Obama Road Show Raises the Roof in Boston

Jonathan from Acton, MA — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 05:16:01 EST

In a late night rally on February 4, 2008, Senator Barack Obama returned to Boston, the city where four years ago his political career soared to national prominence when he spoke at the Democratic National Convention.

At a downtown convention hall on the eve of Super Tuesday, Obama electrified a capacity crowd of nine thousand. This was no mean feat, considering that many in the crowd had already stood on their feet for five hours outside the World Trade Center, patiently waiting in a line that stretched for many blocks through the streets of South Boston.

Get Out The Vote in Massachusetts!

Rena — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 08:11:33 EST

Organizational meeting and GOTV training

When: Thursday, January 31, cell phonebank from 6:30 – 7:30, GOTV meeting and training from 7:30 – 8:30

Where: Morse Auditorium, Boston University at 602 Commonwealth Ave. The closest T stop is Blandford Street Station on the MBTA Green Line – B line (towards Boston College). It is located just west of Kenmore Square.

Who: Anyone who wants to volunteer during GOTV

Questions/RSVP: 617 367 1187

Sign Up! http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/organizing/4vty4

Military says not to forward e-mail about Barack Obama

Lisa Beyer — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 17:06:57 EST

BOSTON GLOBE: Soldiers warned not to forward bogus chain e-mail using military computers

STARS AND STRIPES: Military says not to forward e-mail about Barack Obama

Boston: Canvassing and Phone Banking This Weekend!

Rena — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 00:26:25 EST

We're hitting the streets and the phones this weekend to talk with Massachusetts voters about the upcoming primary! Please join us in making history for Barack!

Saturday

Sunday (I know there's a Pats game, but come on... at least BE a patriot until 2pm)

Heather Fry at Countdown to Change: A Well-Earned Moment in the Spotlight

Michael Negron — Sat, 15 Dec 2007 16:17:33 EST

Heather Fry, a Dorchester resident, introduced Barack at the Countdown to Change event in
Boston 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:

Justin in Boston: On stage with Barack

Sarah Ramey — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 13:43:16 EST

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

Got any great stories or photos you'd like to see featured on the blog? Email us (as Justin did!) at blog@barackobama.com.

Countdown to Change in Boston

Michael Negron — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 13:17:40 EST

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.”

Photos from 12/02 Boston Events

Rena — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 02:02:27 EST

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!

12/2 Barack in Boston

Samantha Chin — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 21:28:33 EST

saw Barack in boston tonight at the park plaza castle... AWEsome!
it was snowing lightly, windy, and freezing outside. but the line to get in stretched I dont even know how far. the event sold out (tix were $23), let me tell you- going tonight was so much more important and worthwhile than all of my papers, final exams, and whatever else I "should" have been doing.
Im planning on going to NH right after the new year, let's do this!

Video: Barack in Beantown

Sam Graham-Felsen — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 13:30:09 EDT

Check out this new video of Barack and Deval rallying Boston:

And remember, if you're from the Boston area, there's a critical organizational meeting you should attend tonight on how you can make an impact up north in the Granite State:

Tuesday, Oct. 30 | 7:00PM
First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church
Harvard Square
3 Church St.
Cambridge, MA

Click here to RSVP.

After last night's massive rally, we're "Fired Up in Boston, and Ready To Go to New Hampshire!"

Brian Corr — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 07:48:47 EDT

Last night's massive rally with Deval Patrick and Barack Obama was the most inspiring event of the campaign yet!

With 10,000 people present, Deval Patrick gave a 15-minute endorsement speech, laying out clearly and with passion exactly why our nation needs Barack Obama -- and this huge movement for Hope and Change -- to work harder than ever to win the White House and make us proud to be Americans again.

Then Deval Patrick gave an amazing 50-minute speech! He talked about hope and dreams, getting out of Iraq swiftly and safely, abolishing nuclear weapons, helping veterans, teachers, social workers, and Peace Corps volunteers pay for college (and getting the banks out of the business of making college loans). He lifted up the stories of people who work hard every day, but can't make ends meet, and how that must end. He explained the story behind "Fired Up! Ready To Go!" and how inspired he was in a tiny town in rural South Carolina where only 20 people showed to see him in the rain, but they gave him the energy to keep on keeping on!

Over 9,500 rally with Barack and Gov. Deval Patrick in Boston

Sam Graham-Felsen — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 21:38:20 EDT

Over 9,500 supporters rallied on the historic Boston Common tonight as Governor Deval Patrick publicly declared his support for Senator Obama.

(AP Photo/Steven Senne)

Governor Patrick -- who rode a remarkable grassroots movement to victory in the Bay State -- delivered a stirring introduction:

For once, I want a campaign that’s not about the candidate, but about us.

Not about a resumé, but about character. Not about connections or convenience, but about conviction. Not about smearing the competition, but about lifting us all up. Not about the right and the left, but about right and wrong. Not about yesterday, but about tomorrow.

I don’t care whether the next president has experience in the White House. I care whether he understands life in your house.

I don’t care whether the next president has already met foreign heads of state. I care whether he knows something about how people live and think in distant cities and villages and can remember that our actions affect them, too.

I don’t care whether the next president is the first black president or the first woman president or the first whatever, to tell you the truth. I care that the next president has moral courage, a political backbone, the humility to admit what he doesn’t know, and the wisdom to learn from others.

Barack took to the stage and the crowd erupted. And, as a lifelong Red Sox fan, I can attest -- it was loud even by Boston crowd standards.

“Governor Patrick and I share the belief that hope transforms lives and that a grassroots movement can not only help win an election, but bring real change to a state and a country,” said Senator Obama. “What I am seeing on the ground in Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada and South Carolina is the will to win and today I am asking the people of Boston to play an active role on this campaign to change this country.”

A crowd in The Commons

Sam Graham-Felsen — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 18:03:03 EDT

This place is already getting packed. Check out this crowd -- this is just one side of the outer ring of the event area:

Here's another angle from a bit earlier (and a bit brighter shot):

Live from Boston Common

Sam Graham-Felsen — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 16:30:19 EDT

We're here in Boston -- home of the Revolution, the world's best clam chowder, the dirty water, and the World Series-bound Red Sox. (I'm also proud to say it's my hometown).

It's a beautiful fall day in Beantown, and soon, Barack Obama and Governor Deval Patrick will take to the stage. The Common is quiet for now, but soon, this place will be packed. Tons of people are lined up outside.

I just bumped into Jeff [right below], the New York resident who took a leave of absence from his job to volunteer for the campaign. He moved to New Hampshire, where he's been knocking on doors full-time and he's here signing folks up to canvass in the Granite State this weekend.

Working the Obama gear table is Jill [right below], a disabled Brookline resident who volunteered for Governor Deval Patrick for two years and is now volunteering for Barack. "In spite of my difficulties getting around, I went over to Deval's headquarters every day I could," says Jill, whose chief concern, understandably, is health care. "I take fifteen to twenty medications per day," says Jill, "and I was almost in a situation where I would've had to over a thousand dollars a month for one of my drugs. Luckily, I got it worked out, but we really need to fix our health care system. It's really scary when you've got medical problems and you can't get care."

She says one of the reasons she's supporting Barack now is because "he represents a lot of the same values" as Deval Partrick. "Obama supported Deval when no one else would -- when everyone else said Deval couldn't win," says Jill. "That shows what kind of character he has."

Joycelyn [left above], another volunteer working the table with Jill, says she's backing Obama because "he will turn things around for young people."

"The thing that impresses me most is that he's telling the truth," says Joceyln. "I dont want to vote for people who are always teling people want they want to hear."

Deborah Fordham, the volunteer we met back in July at the Hartford Civic Center, is here too. She just drove up from Connecticut to volunteer. Last week, she and other Connecticut supporters had a big week -- they canvassed in New Hampshire and over 100 volunteers showed up for the Countdown to Change event in Stamford ("We did a mini Camp Obama led by Val McCall before the event," says Deborah). She says she's here today because she believes "Obama is the answer."

We'll have more on the rally soon.

Students heading to the Rally in Boston

Sarah Ramey — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 12:21:17 EDT

"I can't even imagine what it's going to be like," Ben says of today's Rally in Boston. "The Boston Commons is this wide open space...with all the students here -- it's exciting just thinking about it."

Ben volunteered this last weekend handing out Rally flyers to the fans pouring out of Fenway Stadium after a Red Sox game. In three hours, he gave out 600 flyers. "People were really positive," he says. "It was great to see so much encouragement -- people were all, 'Go Barack!' and 'Yeah Obama!' which is great, because you never know what to expect with a crowd that big."

Ben says that it's the same on campus. He goes to Tufts University and describes the student body as an even mix of politically interested and not. But of the kids who are interested, "easily the majority are supporting Barack Obama. I think he's the reason a lot of people are involved at all."

Many of the students we've talked to aren't just excited by Barack's youth and his charisma -- they're drawn to the candidate who has been outspokenly opposed to the Iraq War from the beginning. As many students have expressed, it's young people whose friends are being sent to war. It's young people who will have to shoulder the financial burden of the war down the road.

Scott, a writing major at Emerson College, completely agrees.

"We're the generation that grew up with George Bush and Dick Cheney and the Iraq War. That's tough. We need someone to believe in, and Barack is it."

Barack Obama seems so much less like a politician, Scott says, and so much more like a human being who is listening, engaged and thoughtful. Especially with students.

"So many of the older candidates seem so detached -- but Obama just exudes this presence. He's genuine. You trust him to lead us out of this mess, and that's what I know me and my friends are looking for."

Barack's appeal to students is extraordinary, and in a college town like Boston, today's rally is sure to be exciting. So spread the word, get a group together, and head down to the Commons for the big Rally in Boston!

Big Rally in Boston -- Tomorrow

Sarah Ramey — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 13:23:23 EDT

Everybody in New England -- Barack is coming to town. Tell your friends, call your family, and sign up now for this huge Rally in Boston tomorrow.

What you can do TODAY: Pulling out all the stops for Tuesday's rally

Brian Corr — Sat, 20 Oct 2007 11:43:49 EDT

Here's what you can do RIGHT NOW to help make Tuesday's rally incredibly successful -- and I've gotten these additional detail directly from Chicago about exactly what they need. So there are three things you can do (and ask you friends as well).

1) Publicity and handing out fliers with us all over Boston (from Fenway to the Head of the Charles): email Eli Forsythe DIRECTLY at eli.forsythe at gmail.com (include name and phone number so Eli can call you and confirm) and say what day and what 3-hour time slot you can do:
* Sat: 11-2, 3-6, or 5-8
* Sun: 10-1, 1-4, or 5-8
* Mon: time TBD, include availability

2) On Sunday, from 5-8 PM, the campaign will be running a phone bank from Harvard Law School, Pound Hall in Room 201, to tell supporters about the Boston rally. Please sign up at http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/organizing/4vhcb bring your cellphone, and join us!

3) If you aren't able to get out and hand out fliers or phonebank, or if you have a bit of extra time, you can use the easy calling page at http://my.barackobama.com/page/contact/splash/boston and help spread the word to Obama supporters in the area!

And finally, RSVP (if you haven’t already) at http://www.barackobama.com/boston to be part of this a huge rally at the Parkman Bandstand on Boston Common on Tuesday, October 23rd at 6:30 with Barack Obama and Deval Patrick! And once you've signed up, tell your friends!

Let's pull out all the stops over the next few days for this!

Are You Joining Barack and Deval in Boston: Tue., Oct 23?

Brian Corr — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 10:00:55 EDT

Today's news is that there is a wonderful chance to get our friends and colleagues to see the excitement and hope that we all feel:

Sign up at http://www.barackobama.com /boston to be part of this a huge rally in Boston next Tuesday, October 3rd with Barack Obama!

Please join us: we need to make this a HUGE RALLY and keep building on the momentum of Deval Patrick's endorsement of our candidate!

Here are the details:

* When: Tuesday, October 23, 2007 -- Doors open at 7:00 PM
* Where: TBD
* Sign up at http://www.barackobama.com /boston
* How: The event is free and open to the public. Tickets are not required, but an RSVP is strongly encouraged. Click here to RSVP and receive your rapid-entry pass: http://www.barackobama.com /boston

Once you've signed up, tell your friends!

The Roots of the Rainbow Coalition

Novlette, Todos Somos Americanos! — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 14:16:11 EDT

Before there was Jesse's Rainbow Coalition, there was the Boston rainbow coaliton.

I participated in a mayoral campaign in Boston in 1983. We had a candidate, Mel King, who in many ways Barack reminds me of him. Mel was a community organizer (he staged a tent city of displace residents, when the city was building Copley Square) the results were some affordable housing units and "diverse" businesses. He was always out front on progresses issues; he didn't need to be convinced.

But the major moment was his mayoral race. It was during the time of the electoral upsurge when a number of Black mayors were first elected to office, including Harold Washington. In Boston, a coalition of races, students, labor, women, gays and lesbians....etc came individually to work together in supporting Mel's mayoral campaign. When I saw the formation of the groups for Barack, it reminded me of all the groups who form Under the Rainbow, Women Under Rainbow, Labor Under Rainbow and so on. In fact Obama's logo is very similar to Mel's (the closest is the GLBT logo).

The Boston Globe newspaper's headline the day after the Preliminary (sort of an open primary) was a separation of ONE vote between Mel and his competitor Ray Flynn, with Mel short that one vote. The final count would put Mel on top but I was in the office the day after the Preliminary and so many people called in, particularly Black folks, pissed because they had trouble voting on Election Day. But the night of the preliminary, we were sooooo excited and pleased by the results of a Black man in Boston (with its history) coming in that close. So many people showed up at the Parker House hotel downtown Boston, there wasn’t room inside the hotel to accommodate everyone and they brought a chair out to the sidewalk so Mel could address the overflow crowd. Afterwards, a group of us still in a celebratory mood went to a bar at one of the hotels. I don’t know how Mel found us but he dropped by to thank those at this gathering.

But although Mel did not win the final election, at the "election night/victory" party we realized what we had built which tampered the disappointment of not "winning". We partied that night, and the mood of the room left one news channel reporter commenting, that maybe we didn’t know Mel had lost. What they didn’t get is that we realized what we had gain through the skills learnt, the people we met and the joy of having a candidate whom we believed in and was very much proud of.

six months

Jessica4Obama — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 08:48:54 EDT

Summer is here in full force and it is getting hot! Still, I am looking forward to heading up to Manchester this weekend to canvas in celebration of Obama's birthday and reconnect with what NH HQ has been up to.

It's easy for me to get disconnected. The last time I was up in Manchester was for the first round of presidential debates (the highlight of which was an Anderson Cooper spotting--and I'll tell you now that he is a great motivator. I'd be up there every weekend for Coop) and Obama's summer interns were just about to get started. Now my summer is almost over! Thankfully, the campaign is forgiving and if I can only make it up once a month so be it. Better than nothing!

In total, it's been six months since I started volunteering (4 trips to HQ, 2 Obama handshakes, 1 parade, many many mtgs) and there are still six months before the primaries. I'm not gonna get discouraged and I'm not gonna bail. I'm in it for the long haul and I hope you are too. Go Obama!

Upcoming Obama Events around Boston

Justin Saif — Wed, 25 Apr 2007 21:28:52 EDT

Here are 3 upcoming Obama events around Boston that I thought people would like to know about it. You can also search for all upcoming events in your area by clicking on My Events and entering your zip code.

Barack in Boston: What a great night!

Brian Corr — Sat, 21 Apr 2007 10:40:45 EDT

Last night I went to the fundraiser in Boston -- it was excellent!

Barack gave a wonderful speech that really went beyond the usual rhetoric and platitudes and the crowd was completely fired up. I was able to go down onto the floor for the speech and managed to shake his hand -- one the way in and on the way out. (Okay, so I got a little starstruck!) The most memorable thing he said, for me, was "If you make this campaign about all of you, and not about me, together we can transform this society!"

It was really amazing to see 5000 people up in the seats clapping and cheering, and be right in the midst a thousand young people on the floor -- waving signs, cheering and screaming in response to Barack Obama's words. Every single person I spoke to was completely inspired. I saw a number of people with tears in their eyes, and one woman I talked to afterwards said, "I told my friends before the event that I didn't even want to try and shake his hand, but when he came this way I went right over, and now I'm totally overwhelmed. This feeling is incredible -- I'm still shaking from this event."

The organizers and staff really came through as well! The event volunteers did a great job asking people to go up to New Hampshire on Sat., May19th for a statewide canvass -- they want thousands of people to go up and talk to voters in their hometowns, so hopefully they got a few hundred volunteers. (You can sign up by calling 603.668.2008 or emailing NH@BarackObama.com.)

I can't WAIT for 2008!

Hol — Wed, 04 Apr 2007 21:04:46 EDT

Hi Everyone, this is my first blog! and it saves all my friends from getting political emails from me all the time! Soooo, todays topic: Fox news is a joke... they are racist and superficial. This is part of a campaign to keep the presidential debates away from Fox news. There are 2 debates scheduled... one with Fox and one with CNN. After all that Fox has done to put down the black community and Senator Obama, we are encouraging the candidates to block out the Fox debate and only attend the CNN debate. Obama as blocked out Fox news all together, not allowing them interviews or campaign information after they slandered him with everything from being a "Muslim extremist" to a "black racist" - What are they even talking about? So please join in the campaign to convince politicians to boycott the Fox debate. Watch the videos on there web page and see for yourself.

www.foxattacks.com and http://colorofchange.org

if you are interested in anything else like:

~How to help push for resolutions and humanitarian aid in Darfur. (International Day for Darfur in coming up - if anyone interested in joining me April 29th in Boston)

~Civil Rights violations and how to combat them as a regular citizen, aka: getting involved and voicing your opinion

~How to balance out American Aid to both Israel and Palestine... and what is going on over there in general.

~Crimes against our environment... What the world is doing wrong! And how you can help a little everyday!

~What still needs to be done post-Katrina

~17th of April is the International Day of Peasant's Struggle, The Landless Workers Movement in Brazil is the largest social movement in the World! Never heard of it? Want to ? Email me!

And a bunch of other stuff... let me know. This is what I do with my spare time. So email me if you want to get involved!

Love hol

ps, I am a geologist - i have been trained in the art of rock identification... i'm not a lawyer, just a political junkie! and I am sure if you are reading this - you understand.

pps - this is the best web page i have ever seen for a candidate! amazing!

Obama Event at JFK School, April 9 at 6 pm

Justin Saif — Wed, 04 Apr 2007 20:29:04 EDT

Why Should Barack Obama Be Our Next President?

Time: Monday, April 9, 6 pm - 8 pm

Location: Weiner Auditorium, John F. Kennedy School of Government

79 John F. Kennedy Street, Cambridge, MA 02138

Update: April 20 Event with Barack in Boston

Joe Stanganelli — Thu, 22 Mar 2007 17:48:08 EDT

April 20 - Agganis Arena at BU - doors open at 6 - Barack to speak after 7.

The student tickets are selling very fast. Students interested should contact the Obama for America student organizers for their respective schools.

We on the event Host Committee will be taking contributions from others who want to attend starting now. Tickets will be mailed to the donors. Contribution levels and corresponding ticket ranges are $230, $460, $1,150 and $2,300. If you are interested, please contact me, preferably by email at jstanganelli@swsllp.com. (Please note that if you send me a message through this site, but do not include your email address and do not have messaging enabled on your own Barack page, I cannot contact you).

Thank you,

Joe Stanganelli

Obama Bash in Boston

Joe Stanganelli — Mon, 19 Mar 2007 11:37:26 EDT

The campaign's New England Steering Committee is hosting a rally/bash/fundraiser with Senator Obama in Boston on April 20, 2007. It's going to be an exciting opportunity to not only hear Barack speak in person, but for all supporters in the area to help keep the campaign's incredible momentum going.

For more information about the Obama Bash and/or to get a ticket, please contact me. Capacity is limited, so please do not wait.

Now I am a "blogger"?

Joe Stanganelli — Mon, 19 Mar 2007 11:25:31 EDT

There is a first time for everything. I never worked on a campaign before and certainly never raised money for a candidate before. And now I am a blogger? This is all new to me, but I cannot express just how much I believe in the cause (er, I guess that is the point, so over time I will try to express it). I recently joined the campaign's New England Steering Committee, and encourage anyone interested in getting involved or supporting the campaign to contact me. Here is a cut and paste of what I have written on my fundraising page on the site to explain some of my thoughts about Barack and the campaign:

Yes, to answer the first question, Barack Obama is the real deal. I was in Barack's class at Harvard Law School and saw him rise above a pack of 500 talented "Type A(s)" not used to following anyone. In many ways and as President of the Law Review, Barack stood out and was a universally respected leader (no one else I recall held such respect from students and professors, liberals, moderates and conservatives). I truly believe that he has the superior integrity, intelligence and leadership ability to be a great president.

"What about experience?" He has as much or more relevant experience than Rudy, Romney, Edwards. Before becoming a U.S. Senator he was a highly productive state legislator for 9 years in Illinois, a constitutional law professor at the University of Chicago, a civil rights attorney and a community organizer (before going to law school). More importantly, it's not about picking the person with the most federal government experience. If it were, this would be easy. We'd count up years in Washington and pick Cheney or Rumsfeld. Any takers? This is more about picking the person with the best judgment. Good judgment comes primarily from the combination of intelligence and integrity (both in terms of honesty and strength). This is Barack. Find and read the speech he gave about about the impending Iraq war in October 2002 (but after you do, and after you go "wow, he predicted this mess", make sure you come back here to donate). He had less experience then than he does now, and yet had better judgment then than others do now.

"...but can he win?" is your other question. Yes he can. I believe America is ready. If people around the country get to know Barack Obama, and get the choice, I believe he will be our next president.

Unfortunately, the reality of our system today is that it takes a lot of money, early, to be in the race. This is where you and I come in, and now. Indeed, despite Barack's early success and momentum, Hillary Clinton’s huge monetary headstart means that if Barack (or Edwards for that matter) does not raise a ton more money in the next 6-9 months, Hillary will be able to dominate the primaries, because this election the primaries are all going to be together one week after New Hampshire (like a national general election).

As a friend of mine says, those involved and contributing now will decide what choices people have later. I hope you will consider making a donation now to help make sure America gets the chance to know Barack Obama better, and to help make sure the voters have the choice.....

how about a neighborhood meeting?

Peter Terry — Wed, 28 Feb 2007 23:36:12 EST

Hi everyone,

I live in Jamaica Plain and work in Dorchester. I'd like to work with whoever volunteers to organize a meeting in both of those neighborhoods. Something soon, something folksy, down home, where we meet and talk and maybe even figure out what we want to do next. Maybe if a couple of neighborhoods meet it will catch on and we'll have BOFP potlucks throughout greater Boston. Any volunteers? Email me and we'll make it happen!

how about a neighborhood meeting?

Peter Terry — Wed, 28 Feb 2007 23:22:51 EST

Hi everyone,

Obama Rally at Copley in Boston, MA

Jemma McPherson — Sun, 11 Feb 2007 11:45:31 EST

A bit of a delayed post about yesterday's rally at Copley Square. The rally started two hours after Senator Obama's (terrific) announcement in Springfield. I arrived at 1 PM and maybe 100 people were already on the Square. As the speakers got going, more people stopped and stood with us - it seems as though the people who were planning to be there arrived by 1 and most people who arrived afterwards stopped because they saw us and were interested.

Samantha Power made great comments about how ready Senator Obama is, especially with foreign policy and made a good point regarding the Senator's leadership in ethics reforms.

While the speakers were on stage, a lot of people who were driving by were honking - it was hard to tell if they were honking in support! Someone yelled "yay ethanol!" which got a lot of laughs.

Although the turnout was smaller than I expected (since Barack Obama is a big draw, presidential candidate or not)it may be a good thing. It felt very "church basementy" according to one person but that can be great - the kind of people who show up to that kind of rally are committed. It is personal and memorable. Sure it is great to be in a crowd of thousands but it is also important, especially in this campaign, to feel like it is your own and not just a mob's.

Fresh Beginning on a Saturday Morning

Willits — Sat, 10 Feb 2007 10:34:58 EST

Well, it seems as though a long, difficult road has presented it's turnpike to us today. This morning, in about 30 minutes, Senator Obama will finally announce his candidacy to be the 44th President of the United States. I try not to get excited over events such as this, but it's so hard not to in this case. I can say with 100% conviction that for the first time in my adult life, I feel there's a sense of hope in the air.

Looking back in history, we've always found a way to find the right leader for the time. No matter how bleak our situation was domestically or internationally, there always seems to be that one individual who proves to be what our country needed the most. I can't help but think that our journey to that realization is beginning today.