Posts with the tag GOTV

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

Getting out the Obama Vote

E. Musing — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 07:40:12 EST

One (1) New Voter Registered
September 21 - K&W Cafeteria (Middle America Dining Haven)-Chapel Hill, NC.

Sitting outside of the K&W cafeteria I greeted diners as they entered and exited. Though I was wearing nothing to indicate my support for Barack Obama, most people assumed I was an Obama supporter. The black Obama supporters gave me a thumbs up and "atta girl" for doing the registration. The white Obama supporters would mention something about hoping that Barack wins. Those who I assumed to be McCainiacs and Palinistas would either give me a rude look, avoid eye contact, roll their eyes or just ignore me. But, in this politically aware community, nearly everyone said they had already registered. I only registered one person, a black female who is a Freshman at NCCU and will vote for the very first time. Two convicted felons stopped by and politely told me they could not vote because "they had a record". Both were young black men clearly sorry that they will miss out on the historic event. I checked to see if they were eligible by asking about parole and probation status explaining that once they had served their time and finished these things they could vote. They were not aware that their voting privileges would be restored and excited to learn this, but unfortunately were still on probation. I urged them to stay out of trouble so they could vote in future elections.

Two (2) Voters Registered
September 28, 2008 - Knock for Barack in rural Durham, NC w ith Daphne and the kids

Boy was it shocking to learn that just a couple of miles away from our house was true rural life...we were deep in the country in no time. We took my sons along who wanted to sell boy scout popcorn. They looked great in their uniforms and we thought they would be a good ice breaker so we let them do their popcorn pitch first at each house. When they were done with their pitch, they returned to the car and Daphne and I completed our canvassing/registration visit. Daphne and I felt very "official" as we were on assignment from the Orange County Democratic Party office, had "official" questions, "official" forms and were taking "official" notes that would be used by the campaign to determine how well Barack was doing and to better target voters

The first person we met was kind to the kids, but a little hostile to us. She didn't want to talk politics at all, she wanted no literature, no conversation, didn't want the office calling her any more...nothing. We asked our questions and thought we could quickly be on our way, but when we got to the issue of "healthcare" she unloaded...healthcare was clearly her hot button issue. Turns out she had been in a fight for health insurance trying to buy it on her own when she was unemployed. She was quoted a premium exceeding $3,000 per month! Her husband was luckily a veteran who was being successfully serviced through the VA, but when she was laid off she no longer had employer funded health benefits and found herself in a world of hurt. After first dismissing us, she spent at least 30 minutes telling us all about her fights with the insurance company, multiple quotes that kept getting higher and much more about the situation before she would let us leave. In the end we could tell she was pleased that we took the time to listen as she was much warmer when we departed. We hope she votes for Barack.

The next interesting person was a 72 year old caucasion female living in a trailer park who had not voted in years. She was welcoming and unregistered. She wants Barack to win. We registered her and she even bought a small amount of popcorn from the boys. She will need a ride to the polls. It was really nice meeting her.

Several other people in this trailer park did not answer their doors. We then went to another trailer park out in this rural area and found that people not answering their doors was a trailer park trend. We could see that many were at home. We got an answer at the unit in the trailer park. There was a big American pick-up truck parked out front. The boys went first and a man answered the door. Daphne and I could not see him, but the boys looked at him shocked as they asked if he wanted to buy popcorn. He said no and started to close the door. Daphne and I were behind the door, which was windowless and could not see him. Based on the expression on the boys' faces we decided not to ask this person about their voter registration or support for Barack. When the door closed the boys told us that the man was wearing only his underwear.

We registered one other voter. She was a Republican who had not voted in years. Her house was on the list because her husband and daughter were registered Democrats. She ordered popcorn, but I don't think she'll vote for Barack. In fact she said that she probably wouldn't vote at all...at least we did our part and registered her taking away a convenient excuse.

At the end of 15 houses we had registered 2 voters. 45 volunteers had come out this day to canvass in Orange and Durham County --a great turnout. Our coordinator shared a great story about Vance County where a team struck gold finding a pocket of over 100 unregistered democrats!

Two (2) Voters Registered One (1)Hostile Confrontation
October 4, 2008 - Knock for Barack with Daphne in Goldsboro, NC

Daphne and I had planned to canvass in Orange County again, but our friend Holly told us that the Durham Obama office was heading down to Eastern NC to try and register a good portion of approximately 500,000 blacks and many others in NC who were not registered. So, Daphne and I decided to join them and took off for Goldsboro. For the journey, Daphne prepared a delicious lunch of homemade meat patties, sandwiches, chocolate chip cookies and bottled water...yummy. (Cooking is one of the amazing talents she has.)

We registered our first voter before we even got to the Obama office. A middle aged black man was walking down the sidewalk and when we asked if he was registered to vote he eagerly came forth to sign up. The Obama Goldsboro headquarters was bustling with activity and high energy. They were clearly pleasantly overwhelmed with the outpouring of support that came from the Durham office. After some confusion, we got our assignments and packet of information and headed out the door. The first houses we stopped at indicated that we were either part of a "shock and awe" canvassing plan to attack Goldsboro with overwhelming force, or part of a confused territory assignment process as they had been visited by Obama canvassers just an hour or so before us. But, like good troopers, we soldiered on. At our third or fourth stop we encountered a hostile Palinista. First we visited his wife who was next door taking care of her mother. Our sheet said they were registered Democrats that we should "convince".

Mrs. "Palinista" was very gracious as she explained that whe was still undecided, but leaning towards McCain and was sure that her elderly mother was too. She said that her husband was also likely going to support McCain, but pointed him out to us if we wanted to talk to him. Mr. "Palinista" and his elderly mother were outside in the street in front of the house next door talking. We approached them and introduced ourselves. Immediately Mr "Palinista" attacked. He yelled that he would in no way vote for Obama and that he had already had us come by and at this moment we were harassing him and he would be calling the cops on us if we did not leave. He stood tall and stuck out his chest. His mother nodded as he yelled. My friend Daphne was ready to thank him and leave, but I wanted to understand why he was so hostile to us. I started by asking, "Sir are you a Christian?". When he said yes. I told him that I was too and asked if we could speak about this for a few minutes as Christians. He calmed and said; "sure." At this point we had a civil conversation where he revealed that he did not think Barack was a strong supporter of veterans and veteran rights. He was a Vietnam vet with a ad and grandfather had also been vets. His mother then chimed in to say that Obama would take away the veteran's pension that she was receiving from her dead husband if he were elected. Mr. Palinista agreed. I was able to share my cousin's Vietnam vet story and he could relate to it and softened, acknowledging that I had some understanding of how tough it was to come back to rejection and ridicule after serving and sacrificing for God and country. He then said that he had seen on TV where Barack refuled to put his hand on the bible take the oath of office. He had a real problem with someone wanting to be president who says he's a Christian, but won't swear on the bible. I told him I'd not heard that and doubted that it was trud. He sahred his feelings that Barack would not be protecting Israel and discussed the biblical significance of Israel and the Middle East. At one point Daphne asked if he thought Barack Obama was the anti-Christ and he said "No that is ridiculous" and then added that according to the bible the anti-Christ will be coming from the east...most likely the Middle East. Mr. Palinista's mother nodded the entire time.

During this conversation I was able to explain Barack's Christianity, position on veterans, Israel, healthcare and more. Finally, I asked Mr. Palinista why he was supporting McCain and pointed out that not all Vietnam vets supported McCain referencing the group Viet Nam Vets Against McCain. H said he didn't like McCain either and was voting for Palin because he felt she was the only one on the two tickets who would actually get something done in Washington. I asked if he ever voted for a Democrat and he admitted that he had not voted for a Democrat in recent years, so I asked why he was still a registered Democrat and suggested that he might want to change his party affiliation and offered to re-register him as a Republican. He explained that he will always be a registered Democrat as it is a family tradition where all through the generations his family members are Democrats and will remain so. I suggested that as Christians we should pray over the outcome of the election and thanked him for his time. We shook hands and he was a whole lot calmer when we left. My friend Daphne was in shock at his change in behavior. Proof that God changes things. We were off to the next street.

On the next street we again encountered people who had already been visited by Obama canvassers. The encounters were interesting underscoring just how private peoples homes are. We had no more introductions to men in underwear, but at one house a male Obama supporter answered and appeared to be in the midst removing heavy facial make-up including eyeshadow, liner and mascara. At another house a white McCain supporting female would only answer our questions through a crack in the door.

Our second voter registration came from an older black female. She was very friendly and acknowledged that she had not voted in years. She was registered as an independent and seemed to be very distrustful of "the system" having too much information about her. (She reminded me of my mother who, when we were growing up in the 60s and 70s, was afraid of people, particular government, knowing too much about her and her preferences for fear that she would be persecuted or targeted by the Klan or other groups for her position on the issues or support of a particular candidate.) This charming woman loved Barack Obama and really wanted him to win, but did not want to go to the polls to vote. She was very lively, independent and a self-proclaimed Christian. She thought that her children voting would be good enough. We conversed about how even one vote can make a difference as we expected the election to be close in NC and I asked her to pray about her decision before deciding not to vote. Daphne and I decided tell her about early voting, where few people would be and she would not have to fight crowds. I then started to complete the voter registration form for her and told her that we would give it to her to mail in. She watched as I completed the form from information obtained from the Democratic party office. I asked her if it was correct as I went along. She was completely shocked that we had so much information about her, including her Independent status. It was at this point that I saw an opening and explained that this information was readily available and not voting would not change that or keep it "secret". I then explained that all we needed was her driver's license to complete her registration and then I could turn in the form for her, she would not have to worry about mailing it in and could go vote any time she wanted, including early. For some reason this persuaded her and she eagerly got her driver's license and we completed the voter registration form.

We finished up our canvassing encountering more houses where people had already been registered by canvassers and returned to the Goldsboro Obama Office. When we got there we looked through all the materials and realized why we had so much overlap...it was not a shock and awe take Goldsboro by overwhelming force strategy afterall. It turns out that the Durham office had prepared packets of canvassing forms for their volunteers and had divided up Goldsboro differently from how the Obama Campaign office had, so our Goldsboro Office territory assignment overlapped some parts of the Durham territory assigned to other canvassers.

Too Many GOTV Volunteers for a Rainy Day
November 4, 2008 Daphne,the boys and me

The big historical day was here. A day to have my sons not just witness history, but participate in making history. It was time to make the last big push to get Barack Obama elected. But, it was raining...not just raining it was pouring and I was fasting and praying which meant I would be irritable and hungry and stressed. Yet, we had a plan and now was not the time to change course we had to get Barack elected. So, Joe and I got the boys up at 4:45 in the morning to go to Sunrise Service at Church...start the day with God, with prayer, with celebration. After church we went back home to recuperate, watch CNN and MSNBC before heading out at Get Out The Vote (GOTV) in Orange County.

Khari, Iyin and I picked up Daphne and we arrived at the Orange County location to receive our assignment only to have a conversation like this... " It seems that everyone has either voted or we have enough volunteers." Great so off to Durham? "Not so fast...Durham also has enough or too many volunteers. Great news! What about Roxboro aren't they usually short staffed? Shouldn't we just go there. "Well....no. You see, all the overflow from Durham and Orange County went to Roxboro so they really don't need more volunteers either" Hmmmm...well where can we go that is within a reasonable driving distance? "We're sending everyone to Vance County...about an hour North." Alright crew let's get our umbrellas together and get going to Henderson.

We drove an hour through pouring rain and arrived at the Vance County Obama office in Henderson, NC, along with plenty of other rain soaked volunteers from Durham and Orange counties, eager to get drenched as we get out the vote. My 11 and 13 year old are not so excited about this little venture, but, they are intrigued by all the other people who were just as crazey as their mom and Ms. Daphne. They were also fascinated by all of the door hangers and other cool literature we have to take with us. We got our assigned territory and instructions for how to get people a ride to the polls and headed out to the rural. The first two houses we stopped found no one home, or not answering the door. The next place we stopped at was some sort of school which had a ton of voters listed...we spoke to the administrator to learn that the Obama office had pick ed up all the voters and they had voted. (We speculated that this was the place where they found the 100 unregistered Democrats on September, 28th.) We had trouble finding a few houses and stopped by the fire station where people are voting to ask for directions. Daphne got out and spoke to a middle aged black man hanging out in the rain to direct voters. Turns out he knew just about everyone in the community by name, but not address, and directed us where we needed to go. A car was leaving the house as we arrived. The house was in extreme disrepair and there were at least 10 cats roaming around. I got out of the car and tramped through the wet to the protective porch awning, without an umbrella, for a quick chat. A white boy of about 14 years old answers the door. He informed me that he was babysitting and that the registered voters had just left to go vote. I then ran over to the house next to his. A black boy of about 11 or 12 yearas answered that door when I said that I am from the Obama office. He was home alone and his parents were working some weird shift. He expected that they would be home any minute and that they would vote when they got home. I left him with the cool door hangers and Vote for Change slate of Democratic candidates. We got lost again and returned to the fire station. Daphne braved the rain to get info. We talked to Mr. Knowlegeable again and learn that the people we are looking for are his relatives and have already voted. Cool. We turn in our list at Obama Headquarters and arrived back in Chapel Hill by 5:15 pm. The boys and I headed to the pediatrician so Khari could get his flu mist (Iyin already had his).

Then we waited...

E. Musing

GOTV activities

debbier — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 00:44:34 EST

Hi, y'all. It has been a while since I posted but I am totally excited about our President and Vice-President Elects Barack Obama and Joe Biden.

Had to go through campaign withdrawal syndrome. First, our local group, Barack Team Bessemer registered 2750 new voters in Bessemer, AL. This increased our city's percentage of registered voters by 18%. Our county, Jefferson County, had a clean sweep on November 4. For the first time in history, all Democrats won the seats they sought, including the African Americans.

We, in Alabama, picked up one additional House seat. Bobby Bright, of Montgomery, AL is our newly elected US House Representative. State totals are 4 Republicans and 3 Democrats. For years we only had 2 democrats in the House.

After our voter registration deadline ended on October 24, my sister and I, Angela, traveled to St. Petersburg, FL to knock on doors and encourage early voting. We stayed there a week and had a very exhilirating experience. Chris Haas (or CJ as he was called) had one of the most organized campaigns that I have ever witnessed. Our hosts, Millie and Bob, were very gracious and fired up. ON Halloween night, Millie had to attend a Halloween Party, and Bob asked me to hand out the treats.

My sister and I are lower middle-class African Americans. Bob and Millie are upper income Caucasians. We live in one of the poorest cities in Alabama. They lived on the coast of the Gulf or Mexico in a diverse and upscale community in St. Petersburg. Imagine the looks on the trick or treaters face when I opened the door. I told Bob, "Look, you need to show your face so no one thinks we hijacked your home". We had a ball.

My sister and I sneaked out on Wednesday to see and hear Obama speak in Sarasota, FL. I didn't see many African Americans at the rally or in the city, but everyone there welcomed us. Was told later that this was the hometown of Katherine Harris, former Secretary of State and one of the wealthiest cities in Florida.

We left on Saturday, after receiving word that Birmingham was sending several volunteers for Saturday until the day after the election. I know that we made a difference in St Petersburg. I was thrilled to finally see the election results from Pinellas County.

On election day, another sister, San, along with her husband, Mitch, and daughter, Devin, had the unique experience of taking a 92 year old couple to the polls to vote. A little background: Before Angela and I left for Florida, I registered Mr. Pitts to vote for the first time in his life. He was 92 years old. I submitted an Absentee ballot application for him and his wife (she was already registered). On Saturday, November 1, he received his voter registration card in the mail. They also received a letter from the Absentee Ballot Election Manager stating that because I submitted their applications in the same envelope, they were not eligible to vote by absentee ballot. Mrs. P was wheel chair bound. Mr. P had a pace maker and was also on an oxygen tank. I felt extremely low because I thought there was no way they could make it to the polls. The couple's son was totally disgusted with us. After talking to the couple, we convinced them to go to the polls. Mr. P went to his doctor on Monday and received additional medication to enable him to wait in long lines if needed.

My sister said they were dressed in their Sunday go to meeting clothes and were thoroughly excited to go to the polls on this historic occasion. Mrs. P's name was on the rolls but originally they could not locate Mr. P's name. Finally, a clerk looked in the supplemental rolls and found his name. Mrs. P told my sister to go over than and help him because he had never voted before in his life. She said, "go help him fill that form out for that boy!" I believe this was one of the most rewarding experiences of our lives.

We spent the rest of the day going to Public Housing complexes in Bessemer providing rides to local residents to the polls. There was an elderly woman who had gone to the polls earlier and was told that she had to go to Birmingham to vote even though she has voted at this box for several years. Her son and daughter did not know where the new place was and she had reconciled herself to not voting. Two of our volunteers, natives of Nigeria and the country of India, using their GPS took her to the polls. She was very grateful and excited to be chauffered by these international volunteers.

Grassroots campaigning does work and is totally rewarding.

A Few Vignettes

NTodd — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 22:33:49 EST

I'll have some reflections on the campaign and President Barack Hussein Gobama in a Paxcast and Friday's Special One Hour PaxLive, but for now a few parting highlights:

I was pleasantly surprised to have Ericka arrive several hours earlier than planned yesterday. Almost immediately she was put to work--I'd intended to send her out to canvass Littleton but Trellis, one of our triage guys, quickly assembled an emergency team to go help out the Lancaster folks up north, so I got to GOTV with my best girl.

We got a packet for a very dispersed, unwalkable area north of Lancaster (Grovetown), so we did the car team thing: I drove and Ericka hopped out to knock doors. Mostly "yes, we voted...FOR OBAMA!" from enthusiastic folks, so our IDs were solid overall. One old lady who lived across the street from HS polling place was not sure if she'd vote so Ericka offered a ride...she reconsidered the short distance and said she probably would. Still marked "not voted" so ideally she got a follow-up call before the polls closed.

The sun sets on McCain and the GOP as we canvass Brown Rd.

Darkness was our enemy, but we got most of our turf knocked. On the way back "home" there was a gorgeous moon with Jupiter and Venus below her as the sun set.

We dropped by the office briefly, then went to dinner since we'd been apart for a week. Afterwards we were walking back down Main St and saw a lady I'd canvassed weeks ago who thought Gobama sounded too much like MLK and that her vote didn't matter. She was walking her dog and said hi to us--not sure if she recognized me or ended up voting at all, let alone for O, but she had a big smile and was clearly in a good mood, so I'll take that as a good sign.

Twittered this already, but...Even after a late night and adrenaline crash, we still woke up at 6AM and went to breaky at Topic of the Town. The waitress saw our Obama buttons and noted that last night was awesome, but we were surrounded by Republicans so she had to keep kinda quiet. One loud lady with a flag lapel pin was going on about Soros and Oprah giving money to O, how if money were the only thing then Forbes would've won so there was more there than meets the eye and heck, we don't even know if he's a US citizen or not! We smiled, paid, got outside and laughed our fucking asses off. Get over it folks, we won.

After a nap, we said final goodbyes and left Littleton, which was weird because I feel like I know half the town now and spent a lifetime there. We saw a bald eagle swoop low in front of us just before we hit the Vermont border, which somehow seems a good omen of America's re-emergence from the darkness.

ntodd

PS--Good security: the party took away my database access right away. Makes me a bit sad because it's truly all over, but I think I'll be back in the game next cycle...

Ours

John Woods — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 18:03:51 EST

Excerpted from my personal blog:

Payton handed me the microphone.

"I have a special surprise tonight, if you're willing to make a few more calls for Barack."

A pause. Dramatic effect. People looked a little annoyed that I was interrupting whomever was speaking on MSNBC.

And then, in my best who-wants-a-cookie-Madagascar voice, I said, "I just know some of you have been waiting all night to call Wasilla," while waving the fat stack of call sheets. "There's only one hour left before Alaska's polls close."

Eyes widened. A moment earlier, only five people wanted to make phone calls still. Now we had thirty. It was on.

(Read the rest: http://aciel.livejournal.com/271251.html)

1,053,791 Calls Made to Voters on Nov 4th

Franklin Katunda — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 06:45:08 EST

GOTV Phone Banking Experience on Nov 4th:

Dear Friends,

(At 9:22 pm) -- We just broke one million calls for the day, once again showing the power of this movement, but polls are still open in critical battleground states like Montana and Nevada and the night is still young. Supporters around the country keep calling to ensure voters know where to go to vote. The calls you make in the next hour could make the difference in the outcome of these states.

We are closing in on our goal for 1.2 million calls for Election Day and these are the calls that will bring us to victory. Make calls to Montana and Nevada now.

(Later on ... before the anouncement)

We're still awaiting the final results tonight (As of Nov 4th 2008 later at night), but one thing is clear -- this grassroots movement can never be underestimated.

Thank you to everyone who helped us make an astounding 1,053,791 calls today!

I know it wasn't easy and many of you kept calling long after you were tired and your voice had grown hoarse, but your calls to get our supporters out the polls helped tip the scales in key battleground states like Pennsylvania and Ohio.

We've shut down our calling campaigns for the night, incredibly proud of the record amount of calls made today. You gave it your all and we couldn't have asked for more.

Thank you again for everything you've done. You've been with Barack Obama every step of this journey. This is your night.

Obama For America

+++

PS. I joined the GOTV phonebanking organized by the Obama campaign along with the Local Union UNITE HERE! at 33 Harrisson Ave, Chinatown (downtown Boston). We made calls to Virginia towns of Yorktown, Newport News, Poquoson, Hampton, Petersburg and Kilmarnorck and to New Hampshire towns of Exeter and Hudson from 9am to 4pm

Results: Obama won both Virginia (52% to 47) and New Hampshire (55% to 44)

OBAMA-BIDEN 08'

Get out the vote on your campus

Josh In Michigan — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 12:01:31 EST

John McCain's campaign has as recently as yesterday said that they believe that students won't turn out to vote. Today is our day to prove them wrong and show America that young voters do matter. Our opponent and the media believe that young voters won’t show up - that we don’t care about the election, and are too lazy, too unwilling, or too unmotivated to actually get out and vote.

But today, we’ll prove them wrong.

 Today is the day to turn the page on eight years of failed Bush policies that have seen our middle class shrink, economy worsen, and college move out of reach for more and more people. Today is the day to make your voice heard!

What happens today will determine the direction we want our country to move in. Decades from now, your children will ask you what you did today. Do you want to be part of the moment that changed America - or do you want to stay home, and just hope for the best?  

Our moment is now. Get out and vote - bring your roommate, your friends, anyone you can think of. After you vote, help us get out the vote on this critical day - sign up to help get out the vote on your campus today!

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!

Senator Tom Daschle Gets out the Vote

Greg Hauenstein — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 17:28:41 EST

Our work today and tomorrow will decide the outcome of this election.

Knowing this, the Campaign for Change RV made one final swing through the state to fire up the troops and sign up new ones to hit the streets, dial the phones, crunch the data, drive the vans, and check the polls. Along this trip through Fort Collins, Loveland, Berthoud, Longmont, Louisville, and Lafayette were Former Governor Roy Romer and Senator Ken Salazar were joined today by Former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle.

The crowds everywhere were stunning. As Former Governor Romer addressed the crowds in Loveland and Longmont he noted that things were much different from when he was in office. There were so many more volunteers in the offices and staging locations than he had ever seen volunteer in these areas of the state.

Senator Daschle is one of the longest supporters of Barack's bid for the Presidency. He told the crowds that what he saw in an up-and-coming US Senator four years ago has spread to millions across the country, and that with hard work, this can be spread even further:

"As you make these connections, I know you understand the historic nature of this election. I would argue that this election ranks up there with 1860 and 1932 as two of the most transformational elections of our time. I don't care if you live to be 100. We're going to look back on the year 2008 and we are going to say we were part of that effort. That was the year we changed America. That was the year we gave America new hope."

Here is a video of our stop in Loveland:

This is it. This is our last chance to change this country. Sign up to help us out now.

Voices For Change: Hannah and Jonna in New Hampshire

Sarah Ramey — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 17:01:35 EST

Meet Hannah and Jonna:

Meet a pair of extraordinary volunteers who live in Vermont, and have been canvassing in swing-state New Hampshire every weekend -- since July.

Every weekend.

Since July!

Here's the story in Jonna's own words:

Hannah and I had never met before but went out together each weekend to canvass, and Hannah went from being a shy, retiring canvasser to a star. Now she's helping to staff the new Enfield office.
Today, volunteers streamed in all day. Hannah did back-to-back training sessions, and I took two packets and canvassed all day. As always, I visited with many truly nice people, including some died-in-the-wool Republicans voting for Obama -- and a true NH Independent, who makes his decisions one at a time. He is voting for Obama. It was a great day -- we were out in archetypal, conservative New Hampshire country, and it's becoming Obama country!
We are almost there. In this brand new Enfield office the stream of volunteers was never-ending, all day. Many people I talked to want to vote in this historic election. They are voting for themselves, as well as for Obama.
The only thing that can defeat us now is complacency. As we saw in the New Hampshire primary, we lost when we thought we were winning. We can’t assume anything. We must do everything now to get out the vote for Obama. The campaign is so well-organized – it is all GOTV now. You can even put signs on doors at 4 a.m. to get out the vote if you’re busy during the day. GOTV is easy; anyone can do it. So don’t just worry about whether he wins. Get out there and help the campaign bring in a landslide mandate for this inspiring, honorable, brilliant man. I’ll be out all weekend and at the polls all day helping the campaign do what’s necessary to put him over the top, and I know there are hundreds of thousands of people all over this country doing exactly the same thing.

Please join Jonna, Hannah, and hundreds of thousands of volunteers in this historic movement for change.

Help get out the vote now:

This is IT!

Jeth Rollins Odom — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 13:42:08 EST

OK "my friends",

It's been a long and wonderous year. I went to my local caucuses. I was a precinct delegate. I donated. I got people to donate. I attended meetings. I hosted meetings. I canvassed. I emailed. I blogged. I phonebanked, locally and out of state. I called my state representatives. I talked with my friends. I talked with my family. I gave out stickers. I attended rallies. I voted.

And you? There's still time to help bring CHANGE: http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/actioncenter

We're almost there - YES WE CAN!

P.S. For all you've done, THANK YOU.

Voices For Change: Nicole in Georgia

Sarah Ramey — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 13:33:48 EST

If you're watching the electoral map, an amazing thing is happening. Some states that started off a deep red, have steadily gone in the last few weeks from red to pink to purple, and in the last few days, are even starting to look a little blue.

Georgia is one of them.

Meet Nicole -- mother of 2-year-old Gavin and eight-week-old Hayden, small business owner, and one of the extraordinary volunteers we can thank for Georgia's dramatic transformation.

Even with a newborn, Nicole knows how important this election is and has found the time to canvass, host a Call For Change party, donate -- and most importantly to her, she registered her husband.

Here's Nicole in her own words:

I’ve been an avid fan of Meet The Press for many years. I first became aware of Barack Obama when I saw him appear on Meet The Press. I was struck by how thoughtful, composed, and straightforward he seemed.
Our country is at a critical juncture. We have the opportunity to elect someone who is intelligent and thoughtful about the interests of our nation, and speaks to the dreams and aspirations of so many of us. Now is the time to get out and get involved. It’s time to return honor and admiration to the United States’ reputation in the world. It’s time to create a moment where we can all make our country a better and more prosperous place. It’s time to help elect Barack Obama.

Please pick up the phone, and give Nicole a hand.

You can redraw the electoral map.

Get out the vote:

Wow - GOTV!!!!!

Bob from Elgin, IL — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 12:08:00 EST

I 've voted in every election since I was 18.

This past weekend I've done something I've never done before: went door-to-door talking with registered voters in Indiana as a Barack volunteer with the GOTV program. I did this because I believe that Barack gets it. This is evidenced by the type of organization he and the campaign has built to get people involved in changing our broken, ineffective and inefficient government.

If Barack, when elected, surrounds himself with quality people (as I witnessed this past weekend) and utilizies technology to make every government agency efficient, effective and accoutable to the people who pay for it, we together truly will change the direction of our country.

What an amazing effort by all.

I'm voting formally

David from Tallahassee, FL — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 11:09:39 EST

Back in the early 1960's when I was a young boy, I saw images of freedom riders; young men and women, riding buses to Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia and yes, Florida. These heros, men and women, black and white, came to the South to stand up for justice and sometimes to sit in. Their heroic efforts changed our country and society forever. When you look at those old photos from back in the day, you'll notice that many of those young men and women came to the protest actions dressed formally.

Tomorrow, it's looking increasingly hopeful that we will elect a new president and he will be a sure enough multicultural/multiracial man with a African father and a Midwestern mother. It's the most significant public event of my 58 years on Planet Earth.

To mark this occasion and to honor the brave heros of the early 60's, I'm wearing my best (OK, my only) suit and tie when I go to vote tomorrow. I hope some of you will join me in marking this life changing event.

Mililani for Obama Sign Waving Continues

Ms_CongenialityHI — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 04:31:47 EST

We had a small, but mighty force out on Meheula Sunday afternoon. Received plenty shakas, honks, plus a brief Mililani rainshower blessing on our team of sign wavers, just in time to cool us off from the afternoon heat!

We will continue sign waving from 3pm to 6pm Monday, 11/3.

Login to my.barackobama.com, sign-up and bring family & friends. The person who registers for the event AND brings the largest number of sign-wavers to this event, wins one of my Obama Ohana T-shirts (up to $29.99 value, plus shipping)! www.cafepress.com/obamaohana HINT: We had a family of four out on Sunday, so you gotta beat that turnout for a chance to win!

For Election Day Tuesday, 11/4, let's concentrate on GOTV calls from home or come down to headquarters (Ward Warehouse, 2nd floor, above Nohea Gallery) to make calls and stay for the celebration in the evening. See you there!

GOTV on Facebook

Eric — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 21:31:15 EST

Susan Gordon created an application on Facebook where you can a) donate your status which means tell people who you voted for and b) send e-mails to friends in your profile. This is a a really fast and effective way to GOTV. People do not read e-mail any more, but they sure do use Facebook.

If you have an account go to http://causes.com/election?m=4912bdd3

If not get one, find some friends and get the word out. Its really easy this is amazing technology. For people like me who are phone bank-phobic this is great.

Alabama Barack Team Bessemer-GOTV Events

debbier — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 20:04:45 EST

Team,
My name is Tiffany Campbell and I am organizing the polls for election day. We
need your help to man the polls for this last stretch. The polls are open from
7am to 7pm on Tuesday.

Following are all of the poll locations that Alabama Team Bessemer is going to
cover. Please give us some of your time on this final day.
We will be handing out sample ballots, holding signs and telling anyone who
wants to know why we are supporting Barack Obama.

Please take a look at this list and email me: lanae_campbell@yahoo.com or call
205-243-7474 and let me know where and when you can work. We will be meeting
Monday night at 6pm to get final details and supplies. We need you help for one
more day!!! THANKS!!!

District Location
5607 Bessemer City Hall

- Sadie M. Williamson - all day

5610 Bessemer First Station #5

- Rosa Scott (am) (driver)

5710 Brighton Middle School – THIS LOCATION MAY NOT BE IN USE

5711 Brighton Senior Citizens Center Bldg

5713 Bryant Chapel AME church

- Jerri Clark - 9-12pm

5610 Canaan Baptist Church

5609 Dunbar-Abrams Community Center

-Stephanie Cook - 1 to 7pm

5606 Thompson Manor Community Center

- Patrice Damron - 3 to 7pm

5605 Fire Dept Admin Bldg - 2nd Avenue

5604 Jonesboro Elementary School

- Stacie Robinson - 8 to 2pm

5611 Lawson State Community College

5613 Lipscomb City Hall

5614 Lipscomb Fire Station

5615 New Bethel Baptist Church

5608 Southside Homes Community Center

North Carolina: Where the Voters Are

Titus Groan — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 14:06:25 EST

When Early Voting began, answering the question of "Where are the Democratic voters in North Carolina?" was easy: in the counties with the highest Democratic registration. But now that Early Voting is over, answering that question is a little trickier, b/c it depends on who has already voted. Luckily the NC Board of Elections makes that data available to us.

Below is a table where I attempt to answer this question. For purposes of clarity, I've taken out the obvious examples of the top 3 counties in population--Mecklenburg, Wake, and Guilford. In the first column below, the % is that county's Democratic turnout by the end of Early voting. In the 2nd column, counties are ranked in descending order by their Democratic Registration.

But the 3rd and 4th columns are the important ones. Column 3 is where the counties rank after Early Voting by their numbers of Democrats who've not yet voted. Notice the counties in bold that are moving up the list from Column 2. Finally, Column 4 is a bit of guess work: based on Early Voting, how will these counties rank, after Tuesday, in terms of Democrats who did not vote at all? To arrive at this total I did a rough, across the board estimate: I multiplied the county's early vote turnout % by 150% (FYI, doing this across the state would give Democratic turnout of 80%--optimistic, but very possible). Again, note how the counties in bold continue moving up the list, if things go on as they have so far.

Is this alarming? Yes it is. The reason is that whereas in the 2nd column, registration, the counties in bold account for only 21.3% of Democratic registration (again, not counting Mecklenburg, Guilford, & Wake), in Column 3 they have increased to 24.3% of Democrats who've not yet voted. Not bad, one might say, but it gets worse. If those same turnout trends are extended through Tuesday, those counties in bold (column 4) will then account for (outside of the Big Three), 43.2% of all registered Democrats left at home. I.e., not Durham County, not Orange, or Buncombe, which look set to get their turnout, but these smaller, more rural counties, which probably have fewer volunteers and less GOTV organization. These counties look likely to leave voters at home (just as many of them did in 2004, especially Robeson, which has historically low turnout).

Can this pattern by changed in the next 54 hours???

Early turnout Rank, Dem. Rank, Dems Est.final rank,

registration not yet voted Dems. who stayed home

57% DURHAM CUMBERLAND ROBESON

46% CUMBERLAND FORSYTH CUMBERLAND

47% FORSYTH DURHAM FORSYTH

56% BUNCOMBE ROBESON CABARRUS

51% PITT BUNCOMBE NEW HANOVER

46% NEW HANOVER NEW HANOVER GASTON

58% ORANGE PITT DAVIDSON

23% ROBESON GASTON JOHNSTON

44% GASTON CABARRUS HARNETT

46% ALAMANCE JOHNSTON ALAMANCE

42% JOHNSTON ORANGE ROWAN

37% CABARRUS ALAMANCE COLUMBUS

52% UNION DAVIDSON PITT

52% NASH ROWAN DURHAM

56% WAYNE IREDELL ONSLOW

46% IREDELL UNION HALIFAX

37% DAVIDSON ONSLOW RANDOLPH

42% ROWAN HARNETT CLEVELAND

48% CATAWBA CLEVELAND IREDELL

43% ONSLOW CATAWBA CRAVEN

52% WILSON NASH ROCKINGHAM

44% CLEVELAND COLUMBUS BUNCOMBE

51% EDGECOMBE HALIFAX CATAWBA

51% BRUNSWICK ROCKINGHAM HAYWOOD

45% ROCKINGHAM CRAVEN UNION

38% HARNETT WAYNE SURRY

44% CRAVEN WILSON DUPLIN

41% HALIFAX BRUNSWICK BEAUFORT

37% COLUMBUS RANDOLPH LINCOLN

2 days

Josh In Michigan — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 13:15:37 EST

As of the time of this post, there are 54 hours left until the Michigan polls close in the most important election of our lifetime.

Can you spare a few hours to help us out in these last fifty-four hours? There's so much to do, and your work will make such an impact. Check out some of the ways you can help us out:

Sign up to help Get Out The Vote! It's the most important time of this campaign and we need your help!
Students! Help out on your campus getting out the vote and join Michigan Students for Obama!
Lawyers! We need your help protecting the rights of Michigan voters - sign up to join the Obama Voter Protection Team!
With our Neighbor-to-Neighbor tool, you can make calls from your home, and print lists of your neighbors to canvass!

Just A Minute Of Your Time

Terry From Rome, NY... A Team Member Welcoming Rivals For The Betterment of All. — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 11:54:07 EST

I wrote the following for you my fellow citizens who are attending college, and are supporters of Senator Barack Obama. I want to you to think about it while you are waking up on Election Day and while you are standing in line to vote.

A Minute Of Your Time

By Terry Cardwell

On November 4th., 2008, Cpl. Leroy C. Howe is asking you for a minute of your time.

I first became aware of him as a 13 year old girl, the day my mother took me to visit his mother. When we walked in to the house, her sobbing was the first thing I heard, it still echoes in my soul. She was sitting at a table with a picture of her youngest son, propped in front of her. Leroy was such a handsome figure in his military uniform, his face is forever seared on my heart. She was blaming herself for signing the papers that let him join the service. He was only 17 when he begged her to let him go to fight for freedom, in a place called Vietnam, there was no stopping him. Reluctantly she let him go.

She was now facing the nightmare she had feared that day she had signed the permission slip, she was going to have to bury her baby. He had been killed while trying to save the life of a fellow soldier. His heroic action had earned him the Silver Star. And there was a write up in the local paper, in which the headline on the front page screamed, the total number of soldiers killed to that date was 10,000. Their names are etched on a black stone wall.

Leroy instilled in me something I have carried with me through the rest of my life. He had the courage to fight for us all, so we wouldn’t have to use a gun to change things. It was so ironic that he died before he could even vote at the age of 21. Therefore, when the 18 year olds won the right to vote, I honored his sacrifice by exercising it.

Over the course of my life, the amount of time I have spent voting will never add up to the loss of his. He should have turned 60 this year. This year the Leroys of all of our generations are asking you for a minute of your time. Please vote.

Now please take a second to pass this on to every college student you know.

Send to friends: Voting tips to get through election day

Mike Lundgren — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 11:39:15 EST

This Tuesday, more than 80% of the Missouri and Kansas electorate are expected to vote. There will lines so bring a chair, book and/ or iPod. Above all else, stay positive and encourage others to stay in line!

Polls are open Tuesday, Nov. 4 from 6AM to 7PM (7AM in Wyandotte County)

If you are in line when polls close you can still vote if you remain in line

You may be required to cover campaign t-shirts, buttons or stickers before entering the polling place

Confirm your registration and polling place / don't wait in the WRONG LINE!

MO: https://mcvr.mo.gov/voterlookup/

JoCo: www.jocopolo.com/index.asp

KS: https://myvoteinfo.voteks.org/

Bring a piece of personal identification

This includes your driver's license, a paystub, passport or utility bill (your driver's license is recommended, but not required)

Be prepared - be informed about candidates and issues in advance or while standing in line to minimize delays

Sample Ballots: www.kmbc.com/politics/17774584/detail.html

More about Missouri: www.govotemissouri.com

More about Kansas: www.voteks.org/guide/stepseven.html

If possible, vote during off-hours

Off-peak voting times are expected to be from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. and from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m.

If you experience a problem…

Request a provisional ballot from election officials!

Ask for help! (there will be lots of election lawyers milling about - don't hesitate to seek advice)

If you encounter a long line, don't sweat it

Bring a smile, iPod, chair and/or something to read

Encourage others to stay in line

Hold a place in line for elderly or disabled (offer them your chair)

Kansas law allows you up 2 hours (3 in MO) away from work to vote; just be sure to inform your supervisor in advance.

Bring extra magazines for your line-mates--heck, bring two chairs

Before you cast your ballot double-check your choices to make sure they have been recorded properly.

Happy Voting!

Making Calls

Kim — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 10:13:16 EST

Can't tell you what a joy it is to talk to a person in Colorado and then one in Virginia and have them both be equally excited, grateful for my call and anxious to vote. Tuesday can't come soon enough. Keep calling, keep calling, keep calling.....

Ruby Dee Headlines New Rochelle Rally

Theresa Kump Leghorn — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 18:08:30 EDT

Actress/civil rights activist/icon Ruby Dee headlined our Parade for Change rally here in New Rochelle, NY today. Intro You must enter an Intro for your Diary Entry between 300 and 1150 characters long. Actress/civil rights activist/icon Ruby Dee headlined our Parade for Change rally here in New Rochelle, NY today.

About 700 people turned out on a sunny fall afternoon to show the city's support for Barack Obama and Joe Biden with a rally on the steps of City Hall, and a 2 mile march to Library Green and back. Congresswoman Nita Lowey, Mayor Noam Bramson and City Councilman James Stowe joined Ruby Dee to address the crowd, along with rally organizers Angelique Francis and Caroline Graves. The gathering was representative of the diverse population of this small city (population 72,000) in Westchester County. Youngsters carried handpainted signs and us older folk shouted variations on favorite slogans from rallies and marches past. The goal was to remind our fellow citizens to Get Out The Vote; the mood was hopeful and collaborative, with people volunteering to help at the polls and hand out literature at the train station. The police were great; they blocked off part of North Avenue, the city's main thoroughfare, for our march, and for the most part our parade was greeted enthusiastically by motorists (who honked their horns gleefully and displayed their own buttons and tee-shirts) and pedestrians, who waved and yelled along with us.

We know New York is not a battleground state -- many of us have traveled to Pennsylvania over the last two months to help where we are needed -- but it felt good to create some excitement here at home.

How We Fight

NTodd — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 15:27:19 EDT

Our canvass staging area, quiet and calm before this morning's kickoff event.

Gathering with Rep. Niki Tsongas after her pep talk.

Clipboards, paper and pens are the most important tools next to our volunteers.

More below the fold...

North Carolina: Where are the remaining votes?

Titus Groan — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 15:06:40 EDT

With 4 days left, my question is: Where are the remaining Democratic votes in North Carolina?

At first glance the answer seems obvious that most of them are in 3 areas:

metropolitan counties such as Mecklenburg, Wake, Guilford, Durham, and Forsyth;
to a lesser extent, smaller cites or counties in the orbit ofthe large ones, counties such as Buncombe, New Hanover, Pitt, Johnston, Gaston, Alamance, Cabarrus, Union
college towns & counties, such as Orange and Pitt.

These are, after all, where the most Democrats are registered. So perhaps my question should be phrased a little differently: where are the Democratic votes that will be left at home after Tuesday, November 4?
This question may have a very different answer, because the counties I listed above have the advantage, in general, of having great GOTV organizations. What I'm concerned about is other parts of the state that have, historically, much lower turnout.

In the list below, counties are listed in order by the 3rd column, which I'll get to in a moment. But in the 1st column you'll see the number of Democrats registered, and the usual suspects are there--Mecklenburg, Wake, etc. These also happen to be counties that are having great early voter turnout this year, too.

In the 2nd column, as a rough way of estimating this year's eventual turnout in the county, and trying to account for the great enthusiasm and organization this year, I've taken these same counties 2004 turnout percentage, added 10% to it, and multiplied it by the 1st column. In reality, I expect greater than a 10% increase, but no matter--the idea is to get to a comparative number in the all-important 3rd column: Which counties will leave the most Democrats sitting at home, not voting?

That list will start looking quite different: notice in particular how Robeson County starts moving up the list, from 11th in registration to 7th in "not voting." This is due to its low turnout in 2004, and also to its
low turnout, compared to other counties in the 2008 primary and 2008 early voting to date. In fact, because the GOTV is so good in Buncombe, Orange, etc., that Robeson jumps right over them. In fact I anticipate it will jump over Durham and Forsyth, too, and leave the 5th most voters at home--maybe as many as 25,000.

To a lesser extent the same is true for Cumberland, a neighboring county: while it has better turnout than Robeson by far, it still tends to trail other metropolitan counties. From 5th in registration it jumps to 4th in
"won't vote", and could easily surpass Wake and even Guilford in this number, ending up leaving the 2nd most voters at home.

County       Reg.Dems     Projected    Won't Vote
                           Vote

Mecklenburg       283948    206146        77802
Guilford              173146    125704        47442
Wake                 248978    208146        40832
CUMBERLAND    106778     69299        37479
Durham            116961     82341        34620
Forsyth           100214     72755        27459
ROBESON          54031     28528        25503
PITT                    56102     36410        19692
Gaston          49117     30256        18861
Buncombe           77532     60552        16980
New Hanover    55930     39375        16555
Onslow             31683     19168        12515
Catawba        32861     20604        12257
Orange             55329     43212        12117
Johnston             40289     28807        11482
Cabarrus        39708     28391        11317
Union                 37895     27512        10383
Rowan              33437     23172        10265
EDGECOMBE       29086     18877        10209
HALIFAX             27163     17031        10132
Iredell                34899     24953         9946
Davidson        34333     24548         9785
NASH                 35672     25898         9774
HARNETT        28828     19344         9484

This seems sad in any year, and in this year's election, potentially devastating. 60,000 or more voters left at home in these 2 counties alone, lmost as many as Mecklenburg. Can--and should--anything be done about this at this late date? Could they use more help down there from some of the more volunteer-rich counties? By the end of Saturday, over half of Durham County will have voted. In Robeson? As of a couple days ago, only 12% or so had voted. I don't know the answer about rellocation of volunteers--I just wanted to call attention to it before it's too late.

Help Get Out the Vote and Win Montana

Zach in Helena — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 14:08:12 EDT

Get Out The Vote (GOTV) has started. Over the next four days, we’ll be knocking on doors and calling supporters, reminding them to go vote on Tuesday, answering their questions, and arranging rides. Recent polls show Senator Obama virtually tied with Senator McCain here in Montana, which means that a good GOTV effort will absolutely be the difference between winning and losing. Don’t wake up on the 5th and wish you’d done more.

3 days

Josh In Michigan — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 13:13:01 EDT

With three days until Election Day, we need your help! Just today, the Huron Tribune, a newspaper in one of the "reddest" areas of Michigan endorsed Barack, showing that our message is carrying through every corner of Michigan. While momentum continues to build here in Michigan and around the country behind Barack's message of change, it's no time to let up. This race is not over, and it's no time for complacency. We have over sixty offices open across Michigan - why not stop in today?

Sign up to help Get Out The Vote! It's the most important time of this campaign and we need your help!
Students! Help out on your campus getting out the vote and join Michigan Students for Obama!
Lawyers! We need your help protecting the rights of Michigan voters - sign up to join the Obama Voter Protection Team!
With our Neighbor-to-Neighbor tool, you can make calls from your home, and print lists of your neighbors to canvass!
Use our Letters to the Editor tool to write your hometown paper about why you support Barack!

The Political Benefits of Trick or Treating

Craig Buckser — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 03:42:10 EDT

As precinct captain in my neighboorhood, I need to do my part to get the vote out. This weekend, I need to make sure that every targeted household in the precinct (of which there are about 250) gets a flyer with polling place information.

I had three volunteers help me knock on the doors of all 580 voters in he precinct. But none of the three is available this weekend.

So, when I took my 4½-year-old son out trick or treating tonight, he put on his firefighter costume, and I put on my Barack and No On 8 buttons. He asked for candy, and I asked for volunteers. It worked. My son snagged enough candy to get him through the fall and winter, and I found help at three homes. In one house, I had not previously met the owners, but we started talking after I saw their yard signs and they saw my buttons. And, I found two more people to help me with this weekend's leafleting.

Although Barack doesn't need to get out the vote in California, we have close races on Propositions 4 (proposed parental-notification requirement for minors seeking abortions) and 8 (ban on gay marriages). So it is important to get supporters to the polls in California. There is a benefit to the presidential campaign, too. The less time I spend distributing flyers, the more time I have to call swing-state voters.

Change Is About To Arrive!

Sister Rose — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 02:27:10 EDT

I bring greetings from Parkersburg WV where many have voted early and the anticipation of change is like a static charge in the atmosphere. I will be spending Saturday volunteering at the Democratic Party office and I am looking forward to being part of history in the making. Even though I am just now joining the fray here on the greatest site since Ebay, I have been working hard to tell everyone I come in contact with as to why they should vote for Senator Barack Obama! I believe change is about to come, it is ready to arrive in all its splendor. Many fear change but when it is for the good, when it moves you out of your comfort zone and force you to strive to be a better human being, it is electrifying.

I created a short photo video as a special GOTV message as seen through the eyes of my 3 year granddaughter Jaden. When she see Barack on the TV, she goes immediately up to the screen, kiss it, says "Hey it's me Jaden!" and then cheers "Babies for Obama"! My son, a student at Fairmont State is an avid political pundit whose insight to the political landscape is to behold. My daughter and mother are rocking the vote for all the Obama Mommas! My grandson Isaiah even dressed up like Obama for Halloween. He was a big hit just like the man he said he wanted to grow up to be like. Senator Barack Obama has inspired my entire family including 4 generations of Robinson women! I look forward to working the phones and sign waving until the end. Then on the dawn of November 5th, let the greatest change to ever hit America begin!

God bless! Sister Rose Coleman

Events this weekend

Josh In Michigan — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 20:05:01 EDT

We have so many great events this weekend - if you're not able to make one, visit your local Campaign for Change office to get involved in this critical time!

Saturday, November 1st, 2008

9:30 AM         March to the Polls with House Speaker Pro Tempore Mike Sak
GRIEU
917 Bridge St NW
Grand Rapids, MI

10:00 AM       March to the Polls with US Senator Carl Levin
Wayne County Sheriff Warren Evans
Campaign for Change Headquarters
2875 W. Grand Blvd
Detroit, MI

10:00 AM       March to the Polls with State Representative Brenda Clack,
Genesee County Treasurer Dan Kildee
CWA Local 4103
1214 S. Saginaw
Flint, MI

10:00 AM       March to the Polls with US Senator Debbie Stabenow
Bread House Bethlehem Temple Church
1518 S Washington Avenue
Lansing, MI

10:00 AM       March to the Polls with State Senator Deb Cherry
Rollhaven
5315 S. Saginaw Rd
Grand Blanc, MI

10:00 AM       GOTV Rally with the AFL-CIO,
Michigan Senator Mark Schauer,
Michigan Representative Mike Simpson,
Michigan AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Tina Abbott ,
Michigan Democratic Party Chair Mark Brewer,
MSU Board of Trustee Member Diann Woodard,
Steelworkers Local
3700 Ann Arbor Rd
Jackson, MI

11:30 AM       March to the Polls with Michigan AFL-CIO President Mark Gaffney
Former House Minority Leader and Candidate for MSU Trustee Diane Byrum
Kalamazoo City Commissioner Don Cooney,
Former Kalamazoo Mayor Bob Jones
The Star Building
402 E. Kalamazoo
Kalamazoo, MI

12:00 PM        Canvass Kick-Off with Governor Jennifer M. Granholm
Western Michigan University
Kanley Chapel – Dialogue Centre
1900 W Michigan Ave
Kalamazoo, MI

12:45 PM        Kalamazoo College Stop-By with Governor Jennifer M. Granholm
Former House Minority Leader and Candidate for MSU Trustee Diane Byrum
Hicks Center – Room 110
1200 Academy Street
Kalamazoo, MI
Please enter via Lovell St.

1:00 PM          Canvass Kick-Off with US Senator Debbie Stabenow
Lansing Campaign for Change Office
505 N. Capitol Ave.
Lansing, MI

1:00 PM          Canvass Kick-Off with US Senator Carl Levin
Detroit Campaign for Change Office Headquarters
2875 W. Grand Blvd
Detroit, MI

1:30 PM          GOTV Phone Bank with Governor Jennifer M. Granholm,
Former House Minority Leader and Candidate for MSU Trustee Diane Byrum
617 W. Portage St
Kalamazoo, MI

2:00 PM          Office Stop-By with Barbara Levin, Candidate for US Congress Gary Peters
Rochester Hills Campaign for Change Office
6841 N. Rochester Road
Rochester Hills, MI

4:00 PM          Canvass Kick-Off with Former State Senator Diane Byrum
CWA Local 4123
3530 Douglas Ave.
Kalamazoo Township, MI,

4:00 PM          Canvass Kick-Off with US Senator Carl and Barbara Levin
West Bloomfield Campaign for Change Office
4123 Orchard Lake Rd
West Bloomfield, MI

Sunday, November 2nd, 2008

2:45 pm          Phone Bank with Lieutenant Governor John D. Cherry
Across from Campaign for Change Office
7 North Saginaw
Pontiac, MI

4:00 pm          Canvass Kick-Off with Lieutenant Governor John D. Cherry
Michigan Democratic Party Chair Mark Brewer
Flint Campaign for Change Office
877 E. 5th Ave.
Flint, MI 48503

4:00 pm          Canvass Kick-Off with Michigan Change To Win President Phil Thompson
Lansing Campaign For Change Office
505 N. Capitol Ave
Lansing, MI

4:00 PM          Canvass Kick-Off with Former Governor Jim Blanchard
Wayne County Sheriff Warren Evans
Detroit Campaign for Change Office Headquarters
2875 W. Grand Blvd
Detroit, MI

4:00 pm          Canvass Kick-Off with Michigan AFL-CIO President Mark Gaffney
15031 Michigan Avenue
E. Dearborn, MI

5:15 pm          Meet and Greet with Lieutenant Governor John D. Cherry
Saginaw Campaign for Change Office
122 N. Michigan Ave.
Saginaw, MI 48602

5:30 pm          Bay City Democrats GOTV Dinner with Lieutenant Governor John D. Cherry
Michigan Senator Bart Stupak
Michigan Democratic Party Chair Mark Brewer
UAW Local 362 Hall
4427 Wilder Road
Bay City, MI

Slideshow: Early Vote for Change Rally

Zachary Scott Edwards — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 16:10:25 EDT

Here are a few more pictures from the rally today in Des Moines.

We've got a big weekend ahead of us, and Barack made it clear that we all need to pitch in to help Get Out the Vote. Click here to find a location near you, and join us to work for change.

It's GOTV Time

Matt Wall — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 15:38:13 EDT

I'm back in California - and it's now GOTV time. TAKE ELECTION DAY OFF FOR BARACK. Even if you haven't volunteered before, please consider taking the day off - even if it's so you can give your place in line on election day to somebody who has to go to work who might not otherwise be able to vote if they had to stay in line. That's an extra vote for Barack.

Texting for Volunteers to Get Out The Vote

Craig Buckser — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 04:09:59 EDT

After collecting supporters' cell phone numbers during the campaign, particularly for the running mate announcement and on the last night of the convention, the Obama Campaign is putting those numbers to good use.

This afternoon, I got a text message inviting me to a phone bank two miles from my home on Saturday. I suspect it won't be the last text message I receive from the campaign over the next few days.

We can win Montana – ONLY WITH YOUR HELP!

Zach in Helena — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 23:57:07 EDT

We can win Montana, but we urgently need your help. We have roughly 70 staging locations around the state for you to work out of – please help out at a location near you. The way we win this is with your help calling and knocking on supporter’s doors, which we will be doing every day from now until November 4th at 8:00pm. Sign up for a Get Out The Vote shift right now. With your help, Barack can win Montana. Please sign up today.

Turn Indiana Blue

Joyrexus — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 23:51:20 EDT

Below is a quick bullet-point overview describing the current state of the race in Indiana (with links to more info). Potentially useful to send to friends thinking about participating in the final GOTV drive.

Note that Obama himself is speaking in Lake County tomorrow night (details here).

Indiana is one of the closest races in the country right now. It is considered tip-able by a good GOTV effort given the number of newly registered voters. (State profile here.)

What will really ensure Indiana's chances for turning blue is high voter turnout in the Democratic strongholds: Northwest Indiana, Indianapolis, and Bloomington.

Early voting is proving to be popular in Lake County, Indiana. So popular that election officials are giving people more time. (Short audio clip here)

Early voting sites in Lake County will be open Saturday and Sunday until 5 p.m. and until noon on Monday.

The county GOP is suing to stop early voting at the satellite centers because of “the potential for fraud.”

The case is on appeal after the Indiana Supreme Court ruled against the GOP last week.

(For more on the vote dispute and voter suppression efforts, see this recent story.)

The nearest Obama field offices are in Hammond and Gary (map here), a short Metra ride away.
You can sign up for the final GOTV drive here.

From fivethirtyeight.com:

Many criticized the Obama effort, arguing that Indiana couldn't possibly go blue, and that working the ground here is a waste of resources. Instead, we have a race that, in Dan Rather-speak, is as tight as a tick. Recent polls have showed the race within the margin of error, and the Obama campaign is confident that in a coin flip race -- a better ground game can make the difference.

Still, Democrats have to be considered the underdog here. Indiana hasn't gone blue since 1964 in LBJ's landslide year, and Republicans won by roughly 510,000 votes in 2004. Still, if we apply our 80-20 split on the self-selecting new Obama registrants (80% Obama registrants, 20% McCain) and a 75% turnout rate (newly registered voters vote in higher rates than regularly registered voters), then Obama just added approximately 318,000 votes in Indiana. Now the challenge is to get about 100,000 existingly-registered Bush voters to switch to Obama, approximately 4% of the roughly 2.5 million Indiana voters from 2004.

We'll be back in Indiana before the end, we suspect, as this could be one of Election night's great dramatic stories. Locals in Lake County predicted a long night, especially as Republicans have resisted early voting centers in Gary and Hammond, Democratic strongholds and the 5th and 6th biggest Indiana cities.

On the Road in New Mexico

Ellee Koss — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 16:09:52 EDT

I continue to be deeply moved by the enormity of the possibility of an Obama Presidency. Even before watching Barack’s infomercial I was in tears off and on yesterday. I am here in Alamogordo, NM from San Francisco. By the end of the election I will have been here for 3 weeks. In the heart of a very red county, I am blown away at the commitment of local people and other out of state volunteers.

Two days ago I called back a woman who wanted a ride to early vote. I asked her how she was. She said: “ Not too good. My cancer is back and my lungs are filling up. I just want to go vote.” Within the hour she had voted.

This week we had the privilege of hosting Retired Brigadier General Tom Daniels. Tom took the train from Fort Worth, TX to El Paso and then drove to Alamogordo. He has been supporting Barack since day one, is part of the National Security Advisory group and couldn’t just stay at home any more. Eight months ago, Tom had a double lung transplant. This trip was not easy for him yet he was here talking to everybody he met. Not once did he complain. Several other vets came into town, one made it his responsibility to make sure that all of Tom’s needs were met. Yesterday, in dealing with a family death, Tom found the loving support from a group of strangers he had just come to know.

Yesterday, I was privileged to be part of the Northern California Finance Committee Conference Call, our last call before the election. The stories everyone told, from their travels across this incredible country, had all of us in tears.

Last night, we had a local event, for Vets and Military folks at the home of Janie and Dal Ellington. The Brigadier General was there, local people, out of state volunteers, and even people from other countries were there. We were a diverse group and we watched Barack’s infomercial together. We cried together. We laughed together. And yes, we loved together.

This is the possibility of a Barack Presidency!

YES WE CAN!

NOW let's go out and knock on some more doors and make some more phone calls!

On the Republican Party - a Must Read

Steve Diamond — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 15:42:02 EDT

Everyone should read this thoughtful post on the history, present condition, and future of the Republican Party.

It details how a party that was once progressive has been taken over by a coalition of rabid right-wing evangelicals and greedy capitalists that would be unrecognizable to the party's founders, not to mention its leaders as recently as 30 years ago.

One unfortunate side effect is that millions of self-identified Republicans haven't yet realized how completely the current party has repudiated the principles it once espoused. So they continue to misinterpret the party's current talking points as if they were spoken in a context that is now obsolete, and they continue to vote Republican as if the party still represented what it once did. Tragic, really, especially if they somehow pull off a win on Nov. 4.

Let's make those calls and get out the vote!

GOTV Plan in Red Lion, PA

George A Sanders — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 01:32:40 EDT

With the McCain campaign putting a big chunk of their remaining effort into PA we will need everything our volunteer team can do to win this election. The canvassing effort is the primary focus. Here is the canvassing schedule:

On Saturday 10am-1pm, 1pm-4pm, 4pm-7pm; we will be reminding voters about when to vote, where to vote and how to vote. This will be a day with very brief conversations with friendly voters.

On Sunday 10am-1pm, 1pm-4pm, 4pm-7pm; we will be handing out door hangers as another reminder with the voter's specific polling location.

On Monday 10am-1pm, 1pm-4pm, 4pm-7pm; we will be handing out door hangers as another reminder with the voter's specific polling location.

On Tuesday 8am-11am, 11am-2pm, 2pm-5pm, 5pm-8pm; we will be going to doors urging supporters to go vote. This will be a day of exciting but quick conversations, we'll leave door hangers for people who aren't in.

If you can fill in any shifts email or call me (717-332-7429, george.a.sanders@gmail.com)! All our shifts start at the Red Lion Bed & Breakfast, 101 S Franklin St in Red Lion. Thank you for any help you can provide. We are looking for more drivers/runners and food donations too. If you are not sure about any jobs described, email me and we can find something for you to help with! Thanks again for everyone's help so far.

Blogging for Change: Governor Granholm

Josh In Michigan — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 18:06:44 EDT

Above: Photos from Governor Granholm in Muskegon Heights tonight

(We're so excited to have Governor Granholm as a guest blogger tonight - join her in working to create the change Michigan needs by electing Barack Obama and Joe Biden! Sign up today to help Get Out The Vote!)

I am so pleased to support Senator Obama. With Senator Obama in the White House, Michigan will finally have a friend in the White House, and a leader who cares about the issues that matter most to me and all Michiganians. At a time when our automotive industry is facing unprecedented challenges, Senator Obama has pledged to partner with our automobile industry to help them research the fuel-efficient hybrid cars that will help America become energy independent. At a time when we've just passed legislation to help make Michigan the alternative energy capital of America, Senator Obama will invest in wind, solar, hydroelectric, and other clean forms of energy that Michigan is uniquely poised to lead in. He will finally enforce fair trade policies after the disastrous last eight years that have seen Michigan's jobs go on a slow boat to China, on the Internet to India, or on a fast track to Mexico. And finally, Senator Obama will unite Americans who are tired of the divisiveness that have helped the select few at the expense of the great many. I am proud to support Senator Obama for president, because I know Senator Obama will make our whole nation proud after such a catastrophic presidency for our nation.

I was in Muskegon, Grand Rapids, and Ionia on Sunday campaigning for Barack, kicked off a canvass in Brighton on Monday, and I'll be phone banking in Farmington Hills tonight. The enthusiasm for Barack - even in traditionally "red" parts of the state - is incredible. With so much at stake in this election, for Michigan and our country, it's so important to keep volunteering, to keep the momentum the Obama campaign has built in Michigan going. When I see such incredible support for Barack in West Michigan and Livingston County, I know that this campaign has tapped into something special, and we can't let all of those ready for change and hope down.

We need all of you to do as much as you can to ensure Senator Obama is our next president. There are over sixty Campaign for Change offices open around the state, and each one needs your help calling your neighbors, knocking on doors, and spreading the word about the positive change Senator Obama will bring to Michigan, and all of America.

Yikes! McCain is Closing the Gap!

Adam J. Bezark — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 14:44:31 EDT

Today's rassmussen.com survey (they're the most accurate polls in my opinion) shows a sudden narrowing of Obama's lead. From 7% over the weekend, to 6% yesterday... and today it's 3%.

THREE percent.

That's nothing, kids. NOTHING. Three percent is within the margin of polling error. It's within the Bradley Effect margin. It's within voter-suppression range, or Diebold-tampering range.

For the last month, Obama has been ahead by at least four percent, usually five to seven. Now all of a sudden it's three? What's going on?

And the news is likely to get worse. Rasmussen publishes their stats based on a moving three-day average. So if the gap was 6% yesterday and 3% today, that means last night's individual survey may have showed McCain tied, or even AHEAD of Obama. We won't know until tomorrow's polls come out... with only five days left to go.

What could be causing this catastrophe?

Last Lap in Pennsylvania

Lucy — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 13:50:26 EDT

Sent out the following message today to the Baltimore-area groups of which I am a member - feel free to copy and circulate to everyone you know!

In case you’re not certain whether you want to go to the trouble of travelling to Pennsylvania at this point, please take a look at the following excerpts from today’s “Rasmussen Reports” (emphasis added):

“Monday, October 27, 2008

In Pennsylvania, John McCain has pulled back within single digits of Barack Obama.

The latest Rasmussen Reports telephone survey of voters in the state shows Obama with 53% of the vote while McCain picks up 46%. That seven-point margin is half the 13-point advantage Obama enjoyed early in October.

Not coincidentally, Obama’s current lead is matched by a seven-point advantage on the question of which candidate is trusted more on the economy.

However, while McCain has closed the gap, virtually all the movement comes from an increase in his support rather than a loss of support for Obama. This is the third straight poll showing Obama’s support at or above the 50% level.

Still, the tightening poll results help explain why the Obama campaign has been paying so much attention to the Keystone State this week. Obama and Biden are both campaigning there along with major campaign surrogates.

Obama is now viewed favorably by 56% of Pennsylvania voters, down three points from earlier in the month.

McCain’s favorability ratings have been moving in the opposite direction, up four points to 54%.”

With 21 Electoral Votes, Pennsylvania is a key state in this election.

Volunteers helped register over 100,000 new voters in Pennsylvania this year.
Volunteers will do the work between now and Tuesday to get these voters to the polls on Election Day.
Volunteers are essential to winning Pennsylvania for Obama on Election Day.
Pennsylvania is critical for Obama’s election as President.

And finally:

York is less than an hour away, and Lancaster is only a few minutes further.
One three-hour shift will make a difference.

Click here for information on volunteering between now and Election Day.

Are YOU Ready to Get Out The Vote?

Anne Marie @ NH HQ — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 09:47:14 EDT

Change happens because the American people demand it. Because they rise up and insist on new leadership and new ideas, a new politics for a new time. - Sen. Barack Obama

Six days until the election - six days to join us in making history. This isn't the time to let up and rest on our laurels, it's the time to push forward to victory. This is what happens if we get complacent:

Don't trust the polls. We need to push through the finish line.

Sign up now to help us fight for every last vote.

Make calls with us, knock on doors with us, help out in your local office, bring food to volunteers and staff, house a volunteer, make calls from home, put Obama flyers around your town... whatever you can do our staff can help you with.

This is our time.

Lazy Americans of America Unite! Watch "LEAP YEAR PATRIOT" - a new GOTV comedy short!

J.M. from Santa Monica, CA — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 15:24:09 EDT

"Leap Year Patriot" (4 min)
funnyordie.com/jmfinholt

My friends and I made this little comedy short last weekend in an attempt to get out the all-important Lazy American vote.

Will it singled-handedly get every last Lazy American to the polls?

Find out after the jump!

Field Blog #16: Sandwich Fair in Central NH

Anne Marie @ NH HQ — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 16:15:09 EDT

Earlier this month, local Democrats flooded Central New Hampshire for the annual Sandwich Fair. Shaw, a local teacher and Obama fan, reported that foot traffic past the Democratic booth was awesome. According to Shaw, the Sandwich Democrats had wonderful support and enthusiasm from a crowd that some estimated at 10,000 people for the weekend. Folks loaded up on their favorite Obama gear, picked up information on volunteer opportunities with their Local Field Office, and educated themselves on all of the down-ticket Democratic candidates.

Shaw explained that the Sandwich Fair is a traditional agricultural fair that has been running annually for well over a century. It features an old fashion midway with rides as well as events like tractor pulls, oxen twitching, and show horse jumping. Dozens of farm animals are carefully groomed and judged- you'll find everything from chickens and rabbits, to cattle and llamas, to goats and ducks. As with most fairs, food is a big draw too. Blue ribbons are awarded for the best apple pie, top blueberry jam, biggest pumpkin, and most beautiful quilt - just to name a few.

Although Sandwich sits in one of the more rural sections of the state, local residents can volunteer at one of the four Obama Field Offices up north. Whether you only have an hour on a weeknight for some data entry or a couple hours for neighborhood canvassing or phone calls, we need you. With Marty in Plymouth, Scott and Ashley in Conway, Tim and Joe in Laconia, and Kate in Berlin, there's no shortage of field organizers to get you connected in the North Country. With eight days left to connect with undecided voters in Northern New Hampshire, the time to act is now. Your voice is too important. We need you. Join us. Sign-up to join New Hampshire for Obama

Come visit Marty, Scott, Ashely, Tim, Joe, and Kate at:

Plymouth
42 Main St. Apt. E
Plymouth, NH 03264
(603) 438-2762

Conway
85 Main St.
Conway, NH 03818
(603) 447-3330

Laconia
54 Canal St.
Laconia, NH 03246
(603) 528-2931

Berlin
225 Main St.
Berlin, NH 03570
(603) 752-2715

If you have any questions please call or email NH@BarackObama.com.

This guest Field blog was written by Martin Schubert, Field Organizer in Plymouth.

Sunday Reno Canvassing

Tim — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 21:25:13 EDT

Cavassing today in Reno. We went door to door trying to get people (Obama supporters really) to get out and vote early here in Nevada.

They've got a great early vote system here. You can vote in any of the Scolari's grocery stores and a few other locations. Shop and vote in the same trip!

We knocked on 60+ doors between the two of us and made contact with 20 people. With the exception of one random guy everyone we met was really nice and were all planning on voting for Obama or already had. We even got one woman to volunteer for next weekend! By the way, the campaign is still looking for folks to come out next weekend through the election.

One funny story... I was excited to knock on a door with an Obama sign in the window. A very friendly woman answered and I said, "Saw the Obama signs in the window, just here to make sure you're getting out to vote early." She said, "Those are my husbands signs, I'm not supporting Obama." I smiled and said, "OK then, well please tell your husband to get out and vote early! You can vote whenever you get around to it."

We both shared a laugh and she said goodbye with a "Kudos to you for getting out and volunteering. God bless you." Even the McCain supporters aren't too bad here.

Thanks so much to Liz Brown and her husband for hosting the northern Reno GOTV effort from their home. Very well organized and full of spirit! We're going back to meet up with Liz tomorrow for some more canvassing!

Field Blog #17 Pearl at the Seacoast

Anne Marie @ NH HQ — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 17:49:36 EDT

This blog was written by Field Organizer Stephen Goepfert

The Seacoast region is proud to spotlight one of our best volunteers, Pearl. In all of her 87 years, Pearl admits that she has not seen a campaign like this before. The organization in Hampton and the excitement generated by the primary inspired Pearl to take an active role with the Obama campaign. She volunteers every Thursday night and reaches out to neighbors for hours making phone calls.

Ever since the beginning of the primary, Pearl has dedicated herself to advancing Democratic candidates in any way she can. You can see Pearl out on the corner waving signs, in the office making phone calls, or signing up for multiple Get Out the Vote shifts. When asked whether or not she has enough time to do all these things, Pearl replies "Busy is the way to be."

Pearl could not sit home this election. She truly believes that Senator Obama has great presidential material. Too often, Pearl says, politicians say that this is the way things have to be. However, Pearl believes that Barack sees thing as they should be. This election is the most important of her lifetime - and this is from someone who's seen America at many crossroads.

Recently at our GOTV training, Pearl impressed everyone by signing up for 7 shifts. Her contributions to this campaign are proof that you are never too old to get involved.

Crunch Time

Matt C — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 17:46:37 EDT

For any of you who might be feeling confident right about now, remember 2004, when even on election day, the exit polls showed a huge win for Kerry. Polls are almost always wrong. We still have to do the work. If young people go out and vote, we win. But we have to get them out.

That being said, here are the things we must do in the next few days:

Dorm Captains: Several dorms still need captains for our final GOTV push. Email rachelrubyc@gmail.com to sign up.

Volunteer shifts for GOTV: We’ll need thousands of people volunteering during Get Out the Vote. Sign up for a shift today.

Stop by an event, (or help out): These are just some of our upcoming events! Email caffrey@osudems.com to find out how to help.

Flash Mob

What: Giant street visibility effort.

When: 5 to 6 p.m., Oct. 28

Where: Team Obama Office (1902 N High St)

Obama Hustle on the Oval

What: The line dancing sensation that’s Baracking the nation.

When: 3 to 4 p.m., Oct. 30

Where: The Oval

Hallow-Bama Party

What: Pumpkin carving contest, bobbing for apples, costume contest, the standard halloween party stuff.

When: 3 to 5 p.m., Oct. 31

Where: Wexner Plaza at 17th

HOPE to see you soon!

10/05/08 Suncoast Estates, Pct 68: Voter Registration

Jan — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 14:37:54 EDT

Woo-hoo! Managed to get a resident of Suncoast Estates to be my buddy. She knew the place to be to catch the most residents - a convenience store/gas station in the middle of this community. With permission from management, we set up shop right outside the door.

Once again, managed to register 11 new voters, assist with changes of address for several of those who moved here from out of county.

I also passed out quite a few applications for restoration of civil rights to convicted felons, but sadly had to explain that it was probably too late for this election. Why don't they tell these individuals that they can apply when they leave jail? None had a clue that they had that opportunity - they all thought that was it, no more civil rights of this type ever again. I was sure to point out the phone number for the ACLU on the back of the form - told them to jot it down & put it to use if they didn't hear from the state in a reasonable length of time.

This day was doubly important since the next day was the LAST day anyone could register in time to vote in the upcoming general election on 11/4/08.

At day's end, I took all the forms to my precinct captain (pct 67). She rushed them to the Lee County Hqtrs that evening so they'd be in the Supervisor of Election's office the next morning.

Afterwards, I followed up by making 200 1/4 page flyers regarding anyone's need for a ride to the polls to be distributed that Tuesday during the weekly food distribution at the Suncoast Estates Outreach Center. Some folks were dubious, but warmed up to the idea when reminded that voting is a secret ballot.

I spoke to our area's new Rides Director and his assistant to fill them in about these huge community that encompasses almost all of Pct 68. The next Tuesday I delivered the sign-up sheets for rides. I haven't heard from the director of the center as to how that went - hopefully very well. She was going to fax them directly to our local Obama hqtrs as the pages filled up.

Hmmm, I need to do some more follow-up and see how that worked out. Oh, the Outreach Center offered up their parking lot as a staging area for rides, too!

Again, I felt so good inside after this event that actually took so little time and effort on my part. It was food for my soul...

I couldn't vote early, but ...

Janet from PA ... no longer bitter, because hope has prevailed — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 21:47:44 EDT

... today I helped two senior citizens vote ... early ... for Barack!

As a member of "Delaware County Senior Volunteers for Obama," I've been making calls to folks in [mostly Republican] retirement communities. Today I was able to obtain absentee ballots for two Obama supporters, Dorothy and John, aged 93 and 94. They'd applied (or thought they had) six weeks ago and hadn't gotten their ballots yet, and they were desperate.

After getting affadavits (permitting me to act as their agent) faxed to me by the Delco Election Board, I drove to Dorothy and John's apartment, had them fill in the affadavits and absentee ballot applications, drove back to the Board of Elections, obtained the absentee ballots, took them back to D&J for their votes and signatures ... and then returned the ballots to the Board of Elections.

This took a total of three hours.

Dorothy -- whom I had not met until today -- is very sharp, "with it," and well informed about the issues. Physically, however, she is not at all well ... breathing problems, spasms ... she is very frail and can hardly walk. She'd told me on the phone that she and her husband, who's paralyzed from the waist down and in a wheelchair, are both "hanging on by a thread" ... but they simply HAD to vote in this election ... because life in a country run by McCain and Palin was "unthinkable."

As I sat beside Dorothy in her living room, helping her fill out her application (no simple task), I saw her write her birthdate as 3/8/15 ... and I gasped, because I was born on 3/8, also. Clearly, this encounter was MEANT to happen!

And then when I returned later with the actual absentee ballots, and she filled hers in and let me assist her husband to do the same ... and together, we got two votes "signed, sealed, and delivered" for Barack ... she was so incredulously grateful that I'd taken the time to do this wonderful thing for her and her husband. In fact, she promised to bake me a birthday cake next March!

I was crying all the way home ... tears of joy ... for Dorothy and John; for my own parents, who didn't live to see this incredible election; for all Obama supporters everywhere.

That's my early-voting story ...

... donate in their honor?

Link

It's Time to Get Serious!

Carmen — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 00:53:07 EDT

To all my friends who have been idly sitting by, watching Barack Obama's poll numbers rise, it is time to ask yourself, "What have I been doing for the Campaign for Change lately? Ask yourself, "Am I getting complacent?"

I have not posted on this blog in roughly a month because I have been knocking on doors in Pennsylvania, canvassing voters. I've also been busy entering voter registration and phone call canvassing data to prepare for getting out the vote.

We are now in the GOTV phase, and it's tme to get serious! Please don't be one of the supporters of Senator Obama who wakes up disheartened, dissilusioned and disappointed on Wednesday, November 5th, saying "If only I had done more..." If you can't give the time, give the money. If you can't give the money, give the time to this campaign. The time is NOW.

We need everybody to "Get up offa that thing" and get to work. Even if you can only donate an hour of your time to enter data, to make calls to a battleground state, to canvass in a battleground state, to knock on doors to persuade voters. We are 13 days away from the most important election of our lifetimes. Do something.

TOMORROW: Flint rally with Sen. Stabenow and Rep. Brenda Clack

Josh In Michigan — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 15:51:05 EDT

We hope you can join us in Flint tomorrow for a special Get Out The Vote reception with U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow and State Representative Brenda Clack. We're not slowing down one bit in Michigan, and are taking nothing for granted -- that's why we hope you can join us tomorrow in Flint!

Thursday, October 23, 2008
Get Out The Vote reception with U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow and State Representative Brenda Clack
6:00 p.m.
The Village Banquet Center
G-5244 N. Saginaw St.
(north of Carpenter Rd.)
Flint, MI 48505

Plan of attack

Dan Hubbell — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 01:18:14 EDT

I'm back at my day job now, but last week at the Obama office in Raleigh I discussed with the field organizer there what I'll be doing when I show up again at the end of October.

It's the final GOTV (get-out-the-vote) operation....

Signed, sealed, delivered.

John VanDeventer — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 01:05:36 EDT

It's Obama's campaign song - and it's my vote for Barack Obama! I dropped my ballot in the mail back to Michigan on my way out for an evening run.

When you vote, make sure your ballot is:

1. Signed. In Michigan - and many other states - you are required to sign the envelope you return your ballot in. If you forget to sign the envelope, you're vote won't count.

2. Sealed. Another crazy thing about Michigan absentee voting - it takes more than one stamp to meet the postage requirement. The future of our country is worth a few extra cents - put two stamps on that sucker. Even if you use those crazy 'Forever' stamps.

3. Delivered. YOU NEED TO GET YOUR BALLOT TO THE CITY CLERK ASAP. Allow for an extra day in case you miss the collection time. Allow for a few extra days due to the huge volumes of mail flooding into clerks' offices. Allow for an extra week in case a tornado hits the Post Office. The point is: DON'T TAKE ANY CHANCES; fill out that ballot and get it back to make sure your vote is counted.

This is so exciting. This is a historic election for our country. Make sure you VOTE so you're not just witnessing history, you're making it.

Countdown to Victory

Ron — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 12:27:40 EDT

There was a great GOTV training yesterday in Columbia. We are in need of volunteers for the next 16 days and especially on Election day. There will be a 'Get out the Vote' campaign in Saline County (and the rest of the country) that is unprecidented in history. We are asking you to be part of this effort and to stake a clain to this historic election. Contact your local office to see how you can be involved.
We will be having volunteer training & GOTV training on Wednesday, Oct. 22nd at Saline County Democrat HQ. Volunteer training will begin @ 5:00pm & GOTV Team training @ 6:00pm. We will be in need of many volunteers on election day and would ask anyone that can spare a day or a few hours to help us in this effort. We are in need of volunteers for phone banking, drivers (to take folks to the polls), canvassing, 'turnout reporters' and comfort/hospitality volunteers (help provide food/drink to volunteers & voters). The polls show the race neck & neck in MO and the difference could very well come down to rural areas of the state.
Join us at HQ or call: 660-529-3447 or 660-631-2929 for complete details. Thank you for all you have done and are doing for the campaign. Together we can change America!

Keeping our energy level up during the last two weeks of this campaign!

James Middleton — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 19:29:56 EDT

When I was in my senior year of high school, I starred in our class play -- "Sweet Charity." Nashua Senior High School put on the production, which featured James Middleton as Vittorio VIdal. (Sorry -- I can't remember the names of the other actors.)

I remember how on night one, things went great. We all sang beautifully, scene changes were crisp and quick, and lines came out like they were supposed to.

On night two, after being admonished "don't lose the energy!" of course -- we lost the energy. People forgot lines, scenes got almost wrecked, and my singing -- although I recall was still good -- suffered because I forgot to turn my wireless microphone on. The stage crew responded by raising the stage mics, but some people in the audience couldn't hear me very well, according to some of my friends. (Maybe it was a good thing -- depending on whether you liked my singing voice...)

The point is that it IS difficult to keep your energy up. But we could have avoided this, if we had remembered to make a checklist before going on for night two.

Think of this election as being a lot like "night two." Make your checklist now, or even in a week. Refer to it often. On electtion day, make sure to take it WITH YOU everywhere that you go. Having a piece of paper, an iPhone, a Blackberry, or any other personal note-taking implement will help you. The idea is to avoid either forgetting important things or panicking when you realize that you have forgotten something -- and can't remember what it was.

That's it. I believe that we CAN WIN THIS THING -- but in the 24 hours leading up to election day, the only thing that we must remember is to GET OUT THE VOTE. Period. If that isn't clear, simple, and easy enough to remember, then forget it -- and just do it anyway.

Also, if you are disabled and need a ride to the polls, or need help with a ballot, then be sure to contact your Obama state / city office. And if you can help someone else, then be sure to offer your assisatance. For my part, I'm hoping to vote absentee in Massachusetts, and then travel on the 4th to New Hampshire to help coordinate their GOTV efforts.

Greene County GOTV Meeting

Verna — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 07:51:06 EDT

Last night I had the pleasure of attending a GOTV (Get Out The Vote) meeting in Waynesburg, PA, Greene County. The meeting was well-attended, and it was great to see so many people ready, willing and able to help in these last few weeks before the election.

My 10-year-old son heard me talking when I got the call about the meeting, and he did the, "Where are you going, Mom? Wish I could go to an Obama meeting." (Hint. Hint.) So, when he got home from school, I asked his how he'd like to go with me. He was SO excited, and he was even more thrilled to find out that on the inside of the flyer they gave us at the meeting was a poster for Obama/Biden. (The only outting I've seen this kid be more happy about is when we go to Toys R Us.) He was a bit disappointed when he found out that Barack wouldn't be there personally, but he was okay with it when I explained that Senator Obama was getting ready for the last debate. :)

We talked about the final efforts to contact the people who have been identified as likely Obama supporters, remind them how important it is for them to vote in this election, and to actually get them to the polls on election day. At the end of the meeting, we all made some phone calls to see if we could get more people to help with the efforts before the election. (My son was quite disappointed that he couldn't help with the phone calls!)

If everyone else at last night's meeting got half as fired-up as my son did, then there's no way we can fail. He left there determined to talk to all his friends about how they all need to talk to their parents about voting for Obama. He wanted to take extra posters to put up all over his school, but I explained that the teachers and administrators would probably not let him do that. He also has plans to talk to our neighbor ladies, four seniors whom he has befriended, and make sure they know about getting out to vote for Obama. (I am SO proud of that child!)

So, if you weren't there or at a similar meeting somewhere else in our state and country last night, get in touch with your local campaign people and get involved. There are phone calls to make, doors to knock on, polls to watch, and some people are going to need rides to the polls on election day. Volunteers are needed to coordinate the efforts as team leaders too. There is something that everyone can do.

None of the tasks are difficult, and the only thing that is really required is the investment of some time and energy. The rewards of getting to watch the returns on the night of November 4th, as Barack Obama is declared the president-elect will be well worth it, and even more so on January 20th, when we watch him take the oath of office!

You know, we have a chance to be a part of history right now by being involved in this election. We've watched the last two presidential elections be so close that it only took a little bit to tip the balance. (I won't go into that subject in this post.) We must understand that the ONLY way to be sure that there's no way this election can be taken from our grasp is by ensuring that the margin of victory is too great to be disputed by the opposition. We have the opportunity to make this a decisive victory...dare I say it? LANDSLIDE.

I know one 10-year-old boy who will be very happy that he was able to be a part of an Obama victory, and he will be celebrating on election-day night and inauguration day. When it comes right down to it, it is HIS future that hangs in the balance.

Count Me In! Here's How You Can Be Part of the Change

Laurel K. — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 11:24:41 EDT

Be a surrogate for Barack! Regular Walk-the-Talk canvassing heads out from the Stagecoach Inn, now through Oct. 31: Thursdays 4-dusk, Saturdays from 10-2 and from 2-6, Sundays after church and before Packers games: Oct. 19, from 11 to 2, Oct. 26 from 2-6 pm. To sign up call the field office (262) 240-0102 and mention you're signing for for GRAY Team Cedarburg Canvass. Remember to meet at the Stagecoach Inn. To all in the area interested in meeting our fine community--which will stay together AFTER the election to help implement change--do come to the Sunday Potluck Powwow Supper at the Ozaukee County Field Office in Mequon at 6 p.m., 10521 N. Port Washington Road. Bring a dish to pass if you can! Hope to see you there! --Laurel

DETROIT RESTAURANT FINAL DEBATE WATCH & WEEKEND FUNDRAISER

Nina Calahan-James, Freelance Writer — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 03:54:36 EDT

Calling all Obama Supporters! All MDF members! !!

This Wednesday, Oct 15 - DETROIT
Final Debate Watching Party at Bert's on Broadway hosted by MDF
1315 Broadway (not in Eastern Market)
Show up an hour early to hang out and discuss next steps (GOTV prep)

Sat. Oct. 18 -DETROIT
MDF Detroit Obama Organizational Meeting
(T-Shirts available at this meeting)
6 pm
51 W. Hancock

Friday, Oct. 24 - DETROIT
MDF GOTV Fundraiser at Bert's on Broadway - 5:30 to 9 pm
Help Sell tickets to raise money to fund our important work
$15 for tix - email isaacrobinson313@gmail.com to rsvp

Hope to See You There!!!

Change is Coming

Barbra — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 12:21:39 EDT

Yes, we can! (But we need your help.)

If ever there was a time to donate a couple of hours for a good cause, that time is NOW. We have a massive effort to hit the streets and talk with voters, and we need YOU (and your friends) to help meet our goals.

Please contact your local Obama Headquarters for volunteer shifts available in the next few weeks, and be sure to sign up.

Thank you on behalf of all the women who know if we win Stark County, we can win Ohio, and we can win this election!

Phone banking--the best bang for your volunteer buck

Scott D. — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 05:29:01 EDT

Just wanted to get in a few words here about the "neighbor to neighbor" tool available here on barackobama.com.

I am consistently impressed by the ingenuity of the Obama campaign. What we have here is a well-oiled machine that enables you to call swing voters from the comfort of your living room! You sign in. You use the simple, intuitive web interface to make your calls and input the responses. Rinse, repeat.

It can be amazingly rewarding. Depending upon which state you choose to call, you could either be calling supporters to make sure they vote and provide them with early voting info. Or you could be calling undecided voters to help convince them to support our cause. It's a little more work, but pays off in a much bigger way.

I would encourage all of you who are struggling with how to get involved to utilize this tool and connect with other voters. Yes, you'll be nervy for the first call or two. But believe me--if I can do it, then YOU CAN DO IT. You'll find yourself relaxing in no time. And when it goes well it can give you some serious warm fuzzies!

Make phone calls. Be an ambassador for Barack to undecided or McCain supporting friends and family. Make sure your friends and family who support Barack show up and vote. Encourage them to vote early, if they're in a state that provides for it. THESE are the biggest ways you can have a postiive impact on this election.

What are you waiting for? It's going to be a tough 21 days ahead. Victory is within grasp. But we cannot get complacent or lazy.

Get out the Vote, or no more real meds for you.

Jerod Poore — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 13:49:01 EDT

I've added a few things to the Obama Prayer Cards site.

There are now two cards for each selection. Why waste the paper? Keep one and give one away. There's also a little mixing and matching available.

I've also added a prayer for getting out the vote. It's not all that original, as I just kludged together three existing prayers, including one for community organizing. There was no saint acting as an intermediary for that one, even if it is a Catholic prayer.

Plus I've made a crappy banner for the get out the vote drive using my very own, and singular pill font:

Click on the above thumbnail for a full size .jpg There's also a version with a transparent background and .png (for printing) versions at the Obama Prayer Cards site.

Shoulda, Coulda, Woulda...

Lon from Thompsontown, PA — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 05:11:05 EDT

I could talk about all of the things I should have done for the Obama Campaign up to this point, but that would be a waste of time - just like the time that I could have spent (but did not) helping the campaign. Instead, I am going to tell you what I will be doing from now until Election Day. I do this to hold myself accountable for taking action and to encourage others who, like myself, are becoming active "late in the game." I have just signed up for two groups in my county - one that specifically works with the Obama/Biden Campaign and another that has the broader goal of getting out the vote. There is a meeting this Friday for the GOTV group which I will be attending. I will also be making phone calls this week on behalf of the Obama/Biden Campaign encouraging voters in Pennsylvania to support the campaign and to vote on November 3rd. In addition, I will be donating a small amount of money to the campaign. It may not seem like much, but if enough people with limited resources, like myself, join together to accomplish a task, I believe our efforts will produce great results. So... Don't think of yourself as one person trying to change the world. Join a team in your area and change your corner of the world. We can do it - together.span.jajahWrapper { font-size:1em; color:#B11196; text-decoration:underline; } a.jajahLink { color:#000000; text-decoration:none; } span.jajahInLink:hover { background-color:#B11196; }

Get Up and Volunteer

Barbara from White Plains, NY — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 02:59:47 EDT

We trekked over to Scranton, PA from North White Plains, NY to listen to Hillary, Bill, Joe and Jill. After a 2 hour trip we found a tiny driveway almost obscured by a car wash and I wondered if this was the place. When we arrived we found an almost empty parking lot, since we got there at 10:30 AM for a 3:00PM show. Technically the doors were set to open at 1:15 PM. After finding way too many t-shirts that we loved we settled on a few and donned them. We walked toward the line forming outside the Sports Arena, which was a metal sided building similar to the Office's Dunder Miflen building. Waiting in the hot sun we met a few really great people and it helped to pass the hours away as we all shared our stories and how we came to be there in Scranton today.

At about 12:00 a Volunteer came over and asked us if we wanted to be on the stage and we said of course. So we all got green bracelets and were sent to stand with the media trucks until it was time to go inside. We were sent through security ahead of everyone else on the line, which had grown to the entire length of the parking lot, and they sat us on bleachers directly behind the stage. We were told that we had to be on our best behavior and they gave us all signs to hold. Cameras pointed at us directly. After standing in the sun for 3 hours it was great to be in an air-conditioned building even if we had to sit sqashed together on metal bleachers that swayed when we all stood on them.

But after a brief speech by Jill Biden who introduced Hillary Clinton who then introduced Bill Clinton, it was all worth it. Bill Clinton is still charismatic and sounds so genuine. He still looks great too! Then Hillary talked and I had never seen her speak in public. I have met her and spoken with her personally, but she is such a great speaker. Then we heard Joe Biden, and if I liked him before today, I love him now. He is a great speaker and he had everyone in that place screaming. I had heard a lot of his speech in bits and pieces, but altogether it is very impressive. At one point he stopped the teleprompter to say a few words about Hillary Clinton and how they were really friends. But the end of his speech was so powerful. He said: "Get up", and fight. He kept saying Get Up and the crowd went wild. I really love Joe Biden and he is such a strong candidate.

Biden said a few choice things about Palin, but when the crowd booed her he said it was okay. He also talked about why the McCain/Palin ticket has gone into the negative because they have no plan to save the economy. He says that the Obama/Biden ticket has a plan for taking care of small businesses and jumpstarting the economy. He talked about Health Care and one thing he said that got the greatest ovation: "We will stop the war in Iraq!!!" As he kept repeating it he got enthusiastic loud cheering.

We need Barack Obama and Joe Biden to win this November and it is time for everyone who has been sitting home and thinking that will do it to think again. Unless you are physically unable to get out please try to volunteer in your local campaign office. Also, talk to your friends and family and try to sway those undecided voters or even those who are leaning toward McCain/Palin. Joe Biden said that "this is the single greatest election we have ever had." We all need to make sure that this time we don't fail to elect the right people. Could you stand another 4 years of McSame? Or do you want to see a way out of this chaos that the Bush Administration has left for us? It is time to do whatever you can to get out the vote.

After being at this rally I am going to donate as many hours as I can to electing Obama and Biden. My children's future and my own and more importantly, 90% of this country needs them to be elected. So don't wait. Do whatever you can. If you speak to an undecided voter ask them which candidate is going to do the most for them. Get Up and go speak to whomever you can. Our country's life depends upon it.

Get out the Vote, or no more real meds for you.

Jerod Poore — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 16:27:13 EDT

I've added a few things to the Obama Prayer Cards site.

There are now two cards for each selection. Why waste the paper? Keep one and give one away. There's also a little mixing and matching available.

Plus I've made a crappy banner for the get out the vote drive using my very own, and singular pill font:

Click on the above thumbnail for a full size .jpg There's also a version with a transparent background and .png (for printing) versions at the Obama Prayer Cards site.

Canvassing

sarobinson — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 15:04:04 EDT

Up until now, I've supported the campaign by donating money. I maxed out for the primary and have put a dent into the general. While money is important to a campaign I also decided to donate my time. Yesterday, I canvassed a community in Fairfax VA together with a young man I met for the first time in the DNC parking lot. The canvassing left me hopeful for an Obama win but equally important it restored my faith in my fellow citizens. People were mostly nice and polite. Even if they were with the other candidate, they were not disrespectful. All in all it was a great experience and I'm signed up to GOTV.

Also, a special "shout out" to my fellow canvassers from DC. and especially David. I couldn't have had a better partner in canvassing and I think we made a great team. Hope you made it to NY okay.

3 Yards and a Cloud of Dust

John Cavanaugh — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 13:30:19 EDT

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - Voters who are young or African-American or who sat out the last few elections had never been more sought after as the campaign hits its last weeks in Ohio.

Meghan McCain, the 24-year-old daughter of the Republican nominee, visited voters in rural central Ohio. Obama sent music mogul Russell Simmons to rally voters in urban centers of Columbus and Cleveland. And NBA star LeBron James - the closest thing Ohio has to a sports saint - joined Obama's campaign as a pitchman.

"It's all about getting young people to understand how important it is to vote. This is a time that could be life-changing for a lot of people," said James, who campaigned for Obama in his native Akron.

Both campaigns are using the biggest megaphones they can find to build on past years' models. Republicans still plan to carry rural areas; Democrats want to run up big numbers in the state's urban centers.

But both are attempting to go past that.

Obama's Ohio campaign is playing in areas that don't normally get campaign staff. His massive neighbor-to-neighbor program reaches goes into rural areas and traditionally Republican areas. The Democrats have a satellite office within 42 miles of every Ohio resident. All told, Obama's 300-person-plus staff in 79 Ohio offices is twice the size of John Kerry's in 2004, aides said.

Obama's campaign is forcing McCain's to spend time in areas once thought reliably Republican. Luckily for McCain's workers, the Ohio GOP has long organized the state with a groundgame that never truly shuts down after elections. The grass-roots volunteers remain engaged, and the state and county parties keep tabs on them.

McCain is running a leaner campaign, but the Republican National Committee's collaborative Victory Committee is supplementing those efforts. McCain has 40 Ohio offices, but they're open far fewer hours and have far fewer paid staff.

"The groundwork had been there for years. That gave us a good foundation through the dog days of summer," said Jon Seaton, McCain's aide tasked with running Ohio and Pennsylvania. "In other states, creating the infrastructure was a lift. We could get right into it here."

_By Philip Elliott

GOTV

NTodd — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 20:40:07 EDT

AP:

The surge in new voters that helped propel Barack Obama to his party's presidential nomination is carrying over to the general election — 9 million newly registered voters who are overwhelmingly Democratic and could add up to a big victory on Election Day.

If they show up.

In states where registration is recorded by party, including eight key states that could decide the election, voters have signed up Democratic in the past six months by a margin of nearly 4-to-1.

Tonya Barker is among them. The 30-year-old mother of two from eastern North Carolina said it wasn't until this election — when the Illinois senator burst onto the national scene — that she finally found a reason to vote.

"Why would I waste my time on someone I don't believe in?" said Barker. "I think I knew Barack was coming."

Simply registering voters, even when the numbers are skewed so heavily toward one party, is no guarantee of success.

Historically, voter turnout among new registrants has been low. And while candidates have months to run registration drives, they have only a tiny window — several days during early balloting, just hours on Election Day — to get out the vote.

Still, an Associated Press analysis of registration data found that if the millions of newly registered voters turn out at the same rate as in 2004 and cast ballots with their declared party of choice, Obama could have the votes he needs to wrest several battleground states away from the Republican Party and its nominee, Sen. John McCain.

Now that early voting has begun, or will soon, in a number of states, the campaign has been shifting from just looking for basic ID contacts to actual GOTV. I know we will also be calling voters to remind them to vote before and on Election Day (I got a message from them before our primary, too, and an e-mail this week about early voting), not to mention running buses to get people to the polls, etc.

I suspect the newly-registered will come out in larger force than they did in 2004. They are more energized and Obama's got a real ground game thanks to his community organizing experience. And don't forget, you're a part of it--as the VT State Director observed at Camp Obama, if you can only volunteer one day this cycle, make sure it's Election Day.

Please also consider doing more now and throwing some cash in the kitty so he can maintain his advertising advantage.

ntodd

Hookup with UMBC College Dems

Ray — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 14:00:55 EDT

Retrievers for Obama,

I'm also sending a message to the listserv, but today I met with Lina Hargadon who is working with the College Dems. She would like the Retrievers for Obama and the College Dems to join forces for the final run up to the election.

Please contact me at hoff@umbc.edu, Menal (menal1@umbc.edu) or Lina (linahar1@umbc.edu) for further information.

We are looking for volunteers to help distribute contact info for absentee ballots, to canvass the campus, and the get out the vote on November 4.

Ray

A Tsunami of New Voters?

AndyA — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 02:27:26 EDT

The deadline for new voter registrations in most states was Monday, October 6th, 2008. USA Today mentioned 'a tsunami of new voters' were registered in many of the battleground states. In those where party preference was indicated, Democrats increased by 800,000 and the number of Republicans decreased by 300,000. The decrease was caused by people switching party preference.

In Harris County (Houston, TX) we have a different story. The current Voter Registrar, a Republican, succeeded in dropping 200,000 voters from the list of almost 2 million voters in the county. Party preference is not indicated on the application. We now estimate that, with the hard work of volunteers, we managed to sign up just that same number, 200,000 new voters. So, we struggled mightily to stay even in Harris County.

This means that the Get Out The Vote (GOTV) effort becomes even more important in Harris County. We have to urge our Obama supporters and Undecideds to "vote Straight D, and vote early". Besides getting the Obama/Biden ticket elected, we want to win back the Texas Legislature, and definitely, to replace the incumbent Registrar of Voters.

Minnesota Latino Community Demonstrates Unprecedented Organizing Strength

Xavier Lopez-Ayala — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 17:46:20 EDT

Earlier this afternoon, Minnesota Latinos for Obama launched a major effort to raise money for a national Latino GOTV operation designed to engage and turnout millions of new Latino voters.

We'll have pictures and a full write up soon, but for now, check out the press release about the event and fundraising effort:

ST. PAUL – Today, New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson joined Minnesota state Sen. Patricia Torres Ray and hundreds of members of Minnesota's Latino community for a reception at the Landmark Center in St. Paul to kick off a major push to raise more than $100,000 as Minnesota's contribution to a national Latino voter turnout program that will engage millions of new Latino voters for Barack Obama's Campaign for Change. This unprecedented financial haul is a symbol of the growing Latino organizing strength in Minnesota and the strong base of support Senator Obama has mobilized among Minnesota Latinos.

Governor Richardson spoke to hundreds of supporters about Senator Obama's plans to strengthen families, restore our economy for working Minnesotans and build strong communities.

"Barack Obama is the only candidate who can bring this country together to get the economy working again for middle class families," Governor Bill Richardson said. "John McCain just does not get what families are dealing with in this tough economy. We just cannot continue with four more years of the failed policies of the last eight years. Senator Obama will invest in our families, get a hold of this economic crisis and get this country back on track by re-focusing on middle-class families."

Torres Ray, the first Latina state senator in Minnesota history, has long been a strong and active Obama supporter.

"Latinos are a critical and growing group of voters who will help determine the course of this election in key states," Torres Ray said. "Here in Minnesota, the Latino community has never been as strongly organized and activated as it is now. This outpouring of support for Senator Obama reflects the fact that he has stood with us time and again on issue after issue. John McCain has let Latinos down, letting the radical wing of his party shape his views and undermine his principles. We need Barack Obama and Joe Biden in office to return a strong voice for the issues we care about."

Join the Oregon AAPI Action Team!

Ramey Ko — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 19:04:24 EDT

For too long, the Asian American & Pacific Islander vote has been forgotten or ignored. Sen. Obama is committed to real change and giving AAPIs a real voice in this election. Join the Oregon Obama campaign's AAPI Action Team and help organize efforts in the Oregon AAPI community to:

1) Register as many new voters as possible by the Oct. 14th deadline;
2) Reaching out to undecided AAPI voters; &
3) Make sure everyone votes once ballots drop on Oct. 17th.

Sign up today on MyBarackObama.com: http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/gshcd2

Ramey Ko
www.AsianAmericansforObama.com
Donate
http://Donate.AsianAmericansforObama.com
Join us at BarackObama.com
http://My.AsianAmericansforObama.com/
Join us at Facebook
http://Fans.AsianAmericansforObama.com

When is the next Marysville neighborhood canvassing event?

Jennifer Smolen — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 02:07:54 EDT

Hi neighbors. I know everyone has been busy, and for that reason I haven't organized any doorbelling or canvassing events here in town. There are opportunities through the Obama campaign Field Organizers in Everett every weekend, but none surrently scheduled in Marysville.

If I can get an idea of how many of you would be interested in Marysville canvassing, we could schedule something over the next couple weeks. Let me know! If there are interested volunteers, I want to get something arranged for you ASAP!

Thanks for all you're doing on the campaign trail.

Jennifer

Detroit: IT MATTERS!!!!!!

kcdetroit — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 22:06:23 EDT

cross posted from DAILY KOS

I left Detroit for Los Angeles 10 years ago. I loved Detroit, but I had to go. Detroit is a town that most who live there either love to hate or hate to love. It is as tough as city as there is in the United States. It is a example of what can happen when the American Economy can work for the people, giving the working man the ability to rise above, and then a sad demonstration of what happens when that very government lets them down, allowing all they have gained and worked for to deteriorate into urban rot. As we enter what we all acknowledge as the Most Important Election Of Our Lifetime, it is time for us to think about the City of Detroit, and how it could hold the key to winning the election for Barack Obama.

The Problem with Polls, Eugene McCarthy Told Me

William from Arcata, CA — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 04:47:42 EDT

"The problem with polls," Senator Eugene McCarthy told me, "is that your campaign reads them."

While looking for something else, I ran across this quote in an old story I did for the Boston Phoenix. But it certainly jumped out, in view of this week--the worst polling week of the campaign for Obama. (Even if, as it now looks, they aren't that bad at all.)

McCarthy had been saying that polls weren't always accurate, they weren't always relevant, and the only poll that counted was on election day. But if they were good, your campaign people could get complacent. And if they were bad, they could get discouraged. Both are bad, but this year in particular, discouragement is worse.

But bad poll numbers can discourage people in their first campaign, who aren't used to the ups and downs. They can discourage veteran campaigners and observers, as we "catastrophize," and recall again the bewildering behavior of voters in every presidential election since Jimmy Carter, except two. It evokes our fears that voters aren't taking this seriously, that they look at this election with all the seriousness of voting for an American Idol.

There's nothing wrong with a little motivating fear. But this year in particular, any real discouragement and consequent lack of optimistic action could be deadly.

Why? Because (I believe) this election is going to be won on enthusiasm.

It's a change election. The electorate itself is changing, as America is becoming more diverse and more young people are getting politically aware and involved. But we may not be past the point of no return yet. The people who have been running things are powerful and they aren't giving up.

Enthusiasm is particularly important for the two most crucial segments of the electorate for Obama's victory: young people and African Americans.

If young people become defeatist, turn bitter and cynical, they not only may fail to vote in sufficient numbers, but they deprive the campaign of the energy and enthusiasm that fuels voter registration and get-out-the-vote efforts. Young voters represent the future that everybody should be voting on.

The African American vote is also imperiled by discouragement. I saw Oakland CA performer and activist Donald Lacy do his one-man show, "Color Struck," this past weekend. From the stage he expressed wonderment at Obama's nomination, but couldn't quite believe that America is going to elect a black man to the presidency. After the performance he came out into the lobby wearing an Obama t-shirt. But in conversation he seemed even more skeptical. Somehow, Obama is going to be prevented from winning. But...he was still wearing that t-shirt.

From what I've heard before, this seems like a common attitude in the African American community. Their enthusiasm is going to drive them to the polls, or their discouragement is going to keep them home.

That's why the worst thing about polls is that your campaign reads them. Reading them is one thing. Taking them to heart is another.

Obama folks, you can't control the media, or what others do or say. You have power over only yourself. Over what you do, and how you do it. Enthusiasm is infectious. And that's going to be very, very important.

Remember how this started?

Yes, we can.

Free Obama T-shirt from American Apparel and MoveOn.org!

Captain in Chicago — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 01:20:43 EDT

500,000 Young Voters for Obama (click me, I'm a link) »

We're spinning up a massive program to register half a million young voters in swing states. If you donate $12 or more to help get this program going, we'll send you a hip Obama T-shirt for free, with free shipping, too.

Donate & get your T-shirt (click me, I'm a link) »

-- from MoveOn.org

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

See another shot of the T-shirt on someone's Flickr »

Democracy is not a spectator sport. Volunteer today to help put Senator Obama in the White House. There is too much at stake to sit on the sidelines!

Today: Attended three-hour MoveOn.org calling party for Obama -- called Democrats in Midwestern swing states and asked them to step up and volunteer at their local campaign office. Took photos at party. Emailed two people and asked them to donate a small amount through my fundraising page. Invited several people to join mybarackobama.com.

Full Speed Ahead

Maurice Holman — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 10:02:55 EDT

So I have just signed on to be a Deputy Field Officer for the Obama campaign. This means I'll be sent to a battleground state to help with voter registration, get-out-the-vote (GOTV), and talking to undecided voters. My involvement came through something called Camp Obama, which is a two-day training initiative that goes over 1) the fundamentals of organizing, 2) Senator Obama's message, and 3) general leadership points.

I won't lie, two full days of training can be a bit long. But there were three things that made it worth the effort (you know, besides the larger issue of electing a competent, non-cynical president): 1) our instructor was cheerful, enthusiastic, and genuinely cares about what she's doing. 2) We were given a tour of the wonderful national headquarters of the Obama campaign -- which is awe inspiring in its understated, youthful, hectic (even on Saturday), and positive ways. 3) I met a wonderful new group of friends -- 5 of them in fact -- and we call ourselves the "Crazy Eights." (Our table was table 8).

One of the greatest things about this campaign is the way it's able to reach different people from all walks of life. It's like diversity on steroids. We had two accomplished writers: Norma and Laura. A veteran volunteer and retiree: Bobette. A (former?) Republican small business owner: Nancy. A recently engaged (and refreshingly positive) young Latina from the corporate world: Maribel. And, a recent college graduate who will soon be starting law school: Latrice.

And then there's me: a recent law school grad who is just trying to make sense of the world.

So, I hope to blog about my adventures during the next two months as we work to elect Barack Obama.

Why Obama Will Win (Part 2): Democrats have registered more voters

FiredUpInCA — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 02:00:43 EDT

CBS News:

"Nationwide, there are about 42 million registered Democrats and about 31 million Republicans, according to statistics compiled by The Associated Press.

The Democrats have posted big gains in many competitive states, including Nevada, New Hampshire, Iowa, Colorado and Florida. They have also been targeting historically Republican southern states.

Since 2006, the Democrats have added 167,000 voters in North Carolina, while the Republicans have added 36,000. The Democrats' biggest voter registration goal is in Georgia, where the Obama campaign hopes to register 500,000 voters before the election, said Dean, who has spent the past month traveling the country on a voter registration bus tour.

"The Obama folks are serious about Georgia," Dean said. Georgia has added 337,000 voters since 2006, but the state does not identify them by party affiliation.

In Pennsylvania, the Democrats have added 375,000 voters since 2006 while the Republicans have lost 117,000."

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/09/06/politics/main4422449.shtml

Look at this chart:

PA shows the stark contrast. In PA, between April-August of 2008, Republicans registered 289 new Republicans. Democrats registered 98,137 new Democrats. Even if 90% don't show up that'll still be a greater number than the Repubs if all 289 of their April-August registrants show up.

"Since President George W. Bush's reelection in November 2004, the Democrats have gained nearly 700,000 registered voters while the Republicans have lost nearly 1 million."

http://dailykos.com/story/2008/9/6/05150/43557/176/588661

Note: Although Kerry lost the popular vote by more than 3.5 million (a landslide in a 50-50 nation), Kerry lost the presidency by a much smaller amount: fewer than 140,000 votes in Ohio.

So let's Get Out The Vote and get this country on track.

Diversey/Halsted, Tues., Sept. 9 -- join us!

Captain in Chicago — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 19:19:55 EDT

Sept. 8, ETA: Event is now closed -- we're at capacity!

Greetings, neighbors!

On Tuesday evening, Sept. 9, I'm going to a GOTV (Get Out the Vote) training session near Diversey and Halsted. Can you come? I hope you will -- just send me a friend invite via this site and mention the GOTV event, and I'll reply with a link to more information about it. I'd love to meet some more people from the neighborhood and this group! There will be snacks and you can meet others who are committed to helping get Obama in the White House. It doesn't matter one iota if you've never done anything like this before -- that's what the training is for.

I believe that if each of us volunteers even just a couple of hours a week, we can put Obama in the White House. (Plus, once you volunteer an hour or two a week, I bet you will want to do more.)

Congrats on the success of your party at Joe's. Now let's guarantee success for the Democratic Party!

~~Please join us (bring a friend if you can) -- it'll be fun an~~d you'll feel great for helping to get our country back on track and focusing on the issues we care about.

Democracy Is Not a Spectator Sport.

Today + yesterday: Made 21 calls.

Overcoming the Skeptics

DonDallas — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 01:08:21 EDT

Everyday in my office i run into skeptics. Mostly GenX men who are so cynical about changing anything in Washington and worse they don't have any desire work for it. It can be discouraging.

I have learned to not waste my time on these types right now and just show them what can be done.
There are plenty others who are willing to listen and will get involved if you ask them. I just keep on keeping on. Working on Voter Registration, fund Raising and organizing in my precinct in Dallas

The hard part is putting up with their constant comments about Senator Obama, usually delivered as a joke, But the negativity is very telling of their real motive. While not necessarily on purpose, their motive is to have you be just like them, not engaged and apathetic.

Not this time, not this year. Go Obama!

It's Time To Play ( Demographics)

FreedomOfSpeechForObama2008 — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 07:52:13 EDT

Hi everyone,

I'd like for you to try something . Click on the link below and take a look see at all the cute little demographics they got going on.

http://abcnews.go.com/Polli...

They got gender, race , age , income level, ect. Now, after you take a look at who's supporting who based on these demographics, see if you can answer this one question for me.

Ready ? Here we go.

QUESTION:

What would the polling results look like if polling firms only contacted White Evangelical , Conservatives over the age of 65 with land line phones , but "weighted" everyone else ?

(weighted means to basically make up shet based on how they "think" other groups will vote).

IF YOUR ANSWER IS :

A Fake "Tight" Race That Really Isn't , You're CORRECT !

http://www.realclearpolitic...

Have a nice day,

Dee Anna

A CALL TO CENTRAL FLORIDA

danielanthony — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 13:16:28 EDT

August 9, 2008

Folks, I reside in Orlando, Florida and have been volunteering with a great group of stout supporters called Orlando4Obama. They have a website: http://www.orlando4obama.com/ and it does a great job of broadcasting local events, goings-on and other happenings in the Central Florida region. We have less than 100 days until the General and the national campaign is on the ground organizing at full throttle.

THIS IS A CALL TO CENTRAL FLORIDIANS

If you reside in Central Florida, please contact the Obama For America Headquarters today:

1011 East Colonial Drive
Orlando, FL 32803
(Google Map)

PH: 813-857-1760

1. ask them to identify your "Obama Neighborhood Organizer"
2. contact your Obama Neighborhood Organizer
3. ask him/her how you can...

GET ORGANIZED
GET ACTIVE
GET OUT THE VOTE

Attn 18th congressional dist-IL: I'm "Getting by with a little help from my friends"........I need you now!

freedom4u_n_me — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 03:47:28 EDT

I'm happy to announce that I was just made the 'Organizer for the 18th congressional district of IL'!

Our main objective is to GET OUT ThE VOTE! We want to begin weekly meetings for planning, phone banking, trips to IA, and voter registration activities.

GOAL: The weekend of Nov. 1st- Nov. 4th: WE WANT AT LEAST 175 PEOPLE (from our district alone) IN IA TO GOTV!

I'm in Peoria County. Can you help me?

I need your help in:

Adams

Brown

Bureau

Cass

Knox

Lincoln

Macon

Marshall

Mason

Menard

Morgan

Pike

Putnam

Sangamon

Schuyler

Scott

Stark

Tazewell

Woodford

So far I need to find a handicap accessible, FREE, center where we can have meetings and do phone banking.We will be receiving a lot of help from the campaign. If you're afraid money will be an issue, don't worry!

Please contact me:

Gail/Obama in the heart, Peoria,IL http://my.barackobama.com/page/group/ObamaintheHeartPeoriaIL

gail.newtson@gmail.com

Thanks..............everybody!

Attn 18th congressional dist-IL: I'm "Getting by with a little help from my friends"........I need you now!

freedom4u_n_me — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 18:58:28 EDT

I'm happy to announce that I was just made the 'Organizer for the 18th congressional district of IL'!

Our main objective is to GET OUT ThE VOTE! We want to begin weekly meetings for planning, phone banking, trips to IA, and voter registration activities.

GOAL: The weekend of Nov. 1st- Nov. 4th: WE WANT AT LEAST 175 PEOPLE (from our district alone) IN IA TO GOTV!

I'm in Peoria County. Can you help me?

I need your help in:

Adams

Brown

Bureau

Cass

Knox

Lincoln

Macon

Marshall

Mason

Menard

Morgan

Pike

Putnam

Sangamon

Schuyler

Scott

Stark

Tazewell

Woodford

Please contact me:

Gail/Obama in the heart, Peoria,IL http://my.barackobama.com/page/group/ObamaintheHeartPeoriaIL

gail.newtson@gmail.com

Thanks..............everybody!

Back to School the Vote

mommatee — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 11:52:31 EDT

Good morning, everyone. When parents have to register their children for school, wouldn't it be a good thing to set up somewhere nearby to do some voter registration? I have set up an event for this purpose. Find out when registration is at a school or at schools near you and get a group together. In my state, most schools begin in mid-August, so registration will begin soon. In other areas where school begins in September, registration probably takes place in August. Whenever, we have a good opportunity to do some registering. The date of the event doesn't matter. We have enough time to scour about for locations, gather materials, get volunteers to work the locations, and there would be enough time before the GE for the registrations to be in effect. I included another idea for the GOTV effort along with this event.

Please sign up for my event. (I don't know how to include the link.)

If you've joined our group, please read this post!

Chris "Moose" Forbes — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 17:06:08 EDT

No matter how old this post may be, if you have joined our IC25 Precinct group, please make the jump, and read this full post.

It will be the source for learning what some of those confusing abbreviations mean, for contacting the people you need to know to help out in our precinct (and whose houses you can skip, to save time), and the best ways to Get Out The Vote (GOTV) this November (see, there's one).

Media Relations by Sandra Hamer (Full Text)

Southeast Shelby County for Obama — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 00:42:30 EDT

QUICK LESSON ON
MEDIA RELATIONS FOR YOUR EVENT

By Sandra Hamer

When planning a major event, try to contact the media within 3 weeks. I use to be an assignments editor before I was a reporter. The assignments editor is a point of contact for the public regarding spot news, events and other media worthy opportunities.

Make sure that your event has a hook and that it is newsworthy. Certain days of the week are slower than others (Sundays, Saturdays during the day and holidays) Just because your event is in a few days doesn¢t mean that the media won¢t cover it.

Media Relations by Sandra Hamer (Excerpt)

Southeast Shelby County for Obama — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 19:04:23 EDT

http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/shelbycountytn/gG5RcR

Registering voters

Wayne C. — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 23:40:04 EDT

Just spent about 2 hours today registering voters in Eugene, OR with a great group of people. I had the privilege of working with a long time resident of Eugene (who will be staying in contact so today not only helping elect a great president, but made good friends along the way) signing up 8 new registrants and give out a few more for them to send themselves near the Eugene library and bus station. Also got to talk up a few Obama supporters to get them to donate, volunteer, etc. on the website, though none today were quite willing to give information committing themselves to it. It was great fun and seeing at least two dozen people there, volunteering their time (many young college age, though others like myself certainly not all, some even volunteering time from their summer vacations from as far away as TX and IN). It was great seeing this enthusiasm and when I had to leave there were already 60 new registrations and many were still going strong around the Saturday market.

At least in OR the process to get people registered is easy with a simple form they can fill out that we send in for them. Even if people think they have registered, but are unsure (moved, not voted recently, do not remember receiving their mail in ballot, OR thing, etc.) we were told to have them to go ahead and fill out a form just in case. If a duplicate is received, the registrars’ office will not have an issue. Better to ensure a voter is actively registered than to miss a possible voter come Nov. 4. There were a few folks who were just not interested in even registering (slightly rude even with our very low key pitch), but they were more than counter balanced by the big “Thank You” from many others already registered (not to mention the new voters registered), but that were happy we were trying to get more people involved in our government.

Anyway I would like to encourage all Obama supporters check out the events section and get out the vote (GOTV). Even if you are in red state or very strong blue state, the more votes Obama can get for the overall vote giving him a greater mandate for change. Once I do a couple of more events with the team, I plan to take my knowledge and try to do some things on my own in the smaller rural area where I live. I hope everyone who reads this will do the same.

Sincerely,

Wayne Cassidy

GOTV for Obama!!!!

FYI, found that the bus station or any place people were sitting relaxed a great place to approach as they had more time and were more willing to listen and get signed up. Bit more difficult when people were “on the move” as they tended to tune others out. Also my new friend and I found that mentioning we were registering voters first let people know we were not asking for a petition or something and made them more amicable to listen. Once they listen they were much more receptive to registering and even occasionally to voicing their support for Obama.

The Wisdom of Hope

arvan reese — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 20:07:33 EDT

The wisdom of one generation, reached by the hope of another.

A project to pair one young voter or first-time voter with one senior citizen for a ride to the polls in November. A gift to both people and to the country in return.

Neither heat, nor cold, nor gloom of night . . .

Dave McLane — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 13:22:39 EDT

To see how things went in the field, I teamed up with Malinda Evans and Linda Martin, who said it was OK with them if I tagged along. They looked very organized what with identity cards on lanyards ... Read full text

GOTV and Volunteer Sign Up at the 12th Annual Fatherhood Walk and Rally

Kathy — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 14:57:19 EDT

To All Obama Supporters in and around St. Louis, Missouri:

The Fathers Support Center and the Fatherhood Initiative are sponsoring the 12th Annual Fatherhood Walk and Rally on Saturday, June 14th, 2008, at the St. Louis Art Museum.

Come celebrate fatherhood!!

The theme this year is "Fathers and Families Walking for Education, Health and Relationships." The purpose of the "Walk and Rally" is to bring about awareness for the need of responsible fatherhood.

Voter Registration and Obama for America volunteer sign up will be participating and we're looking for volunteers.You can find event details by searching on zip code 63110 or check out my page!

Hillary set to "suspend" her campaign puablicly Saturday.

CorpusMama — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 01:42:52 EDT

I don't know what to make of it.

Hillary has the right to suspend her campign. This allows her to seat her delegates at the convention. This was also done by John Edwards but he did release his delegates.

Also it it said that Bill has gone back to work full-time in his Harlem office. How sad is it when the current President of the United states congratulates Barack Obama, but there is nohing but deafening silence from our former Democratic President of The United States, Bill Clinton?

As the true sociopaths they are it is impossible for them to admit defeat or give a very convincing performance that they will work their hearts out for Barack Obama.

No matter what happens, I think we can GOTV for Obama anyway.

The world is excited about the possibility of Obama being President. We can not let the world down.

I look forward to helping in the leadup to the general election and beyond.

Barack Obama made history last night. Let us keep helping make history by electing Barack Obama the First AfricanAmerican President of The United States of America.

LOOK:AP & MSNBC REPORTS WRONG-GOTV!!!!

CorpusMama — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 15:41:24 EDT

AP is calling the nomination for Obama and MSNBC is reporting it!!!

This causes voters not to show up at the polls. We need to win tongiht. We need more votes!!! Please keep calling and working it to GOTV.

Montana and South Dakota we need you we honor you, please help us.

Yes We Can

Why We Have To Call Today To GOTV

Jody Rodgers — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 10:26:44 EDT

Out of the over 1,000 phone calls I have made for the campaign maybe one of the most important ones I made was last night. I had reached an older woman in South Dakota and she told me supported Obama but that she wasn't going out to the polls today because she had heard that Obama had already clinched the nomination. When I had stressed to her that he had not and how crucial her vote was she stated that she thought her vote wouldn't count because of the fact that the South Dakota Superdelegates like Daschle had already decided for the voters of SD who their state was going to support. Of course I explained to her about the difference between delegates and Superdelegates and how she had a vital role in determining how many delegates that SD was going to send to the National Convention and how important that may end up being was. In the end she took what I was saying to heart and decided to go out to the polls today!

Too often I feel when I am calling on the day of the primary or the night before it isn't having an impact but obviously we have an significant role to fill in dispelling myths in SD. He hasn't wrapped this up quite yet and my friends we still have an urgent need today making calls. So if you can, please sacrifice at least half of your lunch and get out, an informed, vote today!

I'm not Political, I'm Obamian

Kim — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 01:00:35 EDT

When I went to Wilmington, NC for GOTV I met a very nice lady and we talked for 10-15 minutes. I asked her if she was planning on voting in the primary (held that day), and she said "No, I don't think I'm going to vote." I asked why, and she said she didn't believe that Barack would be any different than the rest of the politicians....who say/do anything to get elected, but once the election is over, nothing is done...empty promises. I listened quietly then told her my story. Yes I too was very cynical, had lost hope, lost belief about our democratic process, but I no longer felt that way. I explained how Barack has inspired me to get involved, something I've never done before, that this was, in essence, at the core of why I believe in and support Barack Obama - he IS different, he embodies true Change, he is not a "politician", rather he is working for us. I talked about The Movement, all grassroots funded, no money taken from lobbyists, he's accountable to US as in we the people, instead of we the CEO's of Big Business. I also told her my oldest son just turned 18 and I certainly did NOT want him to be drafted, (ie if McCain were elected). We talked about healthcare, making ends meet and finally I said that I was supporting Barack Obama for President because I'm not political, I'm Obamian. I said "You know, I just think that we should give the man a chance." She smiled and replied "I've learned alot today from you and I agree, we should give the man a chance". She concluded by telling me she would call her sister so they could go vote for Barack together.

Top 5 reasons for still making calls

Jeff — Sat, 31 May 2008 19:00:46 EDT

Each of these happened to me today and if you call they will happen to you as well I would bet

5. You get the chance to speak with people from all over the country

4. 3 big points

3. You can disspell rumors

Today I had someone who was supporting another person because they didnt like that he wasnt American enough. I asked why they said he didnt support the flag, take the pledge etc. You can reach out and gently find the way to convince them this isnt the case. Find the common ground. We wont win this person for Tues but we may in Nov. She was interested enough to research it some more. That is the power of a call.

2. You might not win them for the primary but you might help bridge the differences with Senator Clinton supporters

Both today and many other days I have had supporters of Senator Clinton who are big supporters. By reaching out though I often get but if he wins I will be supporting him. You can make a difference and bridge this gap

1. You might not win them for the primary but you may make those who were Republican think about things and they may be on our side in Nov

As they learn more, they like that he is tough on terror (ie wants to be in Afghanastan) is interested in reducing taxes for many (middle class, those on social security making less money). So many things they may agree or you can educate them on other stands of his. This happened to me at least 5 times today and they were in many ways the most fun calls. Each person I believe will now look at Senator Obama in a different way. I dont know if we will get them, but I did reach them and he is now a consideration whereas before he didnt even get that. This is a great feeling.

So come get some of those good feelings yourself. Pick up the phone.

Re: "There is always a way"

Spencer Hahn — Tue, 20 May 2008 17:50:25 EDT

I just read a GOTV calls post about calling voters in Kentucky.

(http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/stateupdates/gGBDrf)

In it, Steph talks about how she called a voter in Kentucky who suffered from a recent stroke and couldn't find a way to get to the polls to vote. Steph coordinated for a volunteer to give the voter a ride to the polls and she says it was the most rewarding call she had made that day.

That reminds me of what happened to me on Election Day here in Indiana. While campaigning outside a major polling place in Lafayette, IN, a homeless man went stomping out of the polling location because he was refused the right to vote, even though he was properly registered. While my friend and I kept him engaged and talking for a few minutes, I called the voter hotline and finally got a legal professional on the line to help him out.

We didn't even know who he wanted to vote for until he later volunteered the information, but it didn't matter to us because the most important thing in that moment was correcting the injustice that had been done to him. In the end, we went back in with him and cleared up the issue and he finally had the opportunity to exercise his voting right. It was probably the most rewarding part of the whole day for me.

I'm raising $1000 for Barack Obama! Donate to my fundraising effort!

http://my.barackobama.com/page/outreach/view/main/donpablohahn

Send an email to your entire address book today

Emily — Mon, 19 May 2008 12:00:33 EDT

Canvassing for the shy. We can all do this. Tell everyone WHY you are voting for Sen. Obama tomorrow. Here is how mine starts,

"When some people are asked about what, specifically, they like about Sen. Barack Obama they respond with, “He is such a good speaker.”

Today, one day before Kentucky votes in the Democratic primary, I want as many Kentuckians as I can reach today to know that his speeches on hope and change are not the only things bringing me to the polls tomorrow. Here are a few reasons I will be voting for Sen. Obama:"

The complete post contains my whole email...

GOTV in West Virginia

Asher Heimermann — Mon, 12 May 2008 16:25:19 EDT

It is time to get out the vote in West Virginia!

We're only 33 delegates away from securing a majority of all pledged delegates and the calls you make can help close the gap:

http://my.barackobama.com/call

The conversations you have in the coming hours will ensure supporters know when the polls are open and undecided voters have one last chance to hear how Barack will bring our nation together for change.

It has been decades since West Virginia played a significant role in deciding the Democratic nominee. Right now we have a chance to let West Virginians know how important their voices are and ask them to stand with Barack Obama on Tuesday, May 13th.

Reach out and help bring us closer to a majority in all pledged delegates:

http://my.barackobama.com/call

Thanks for all you are doing!

Why I think Hillary won't quit. Ever!

CorpusMama — Thu, 08 May 2008 20:46:51 EDT

I have spoken to a drug industry analyst from PA who has known the Clintons for years and who was even asked to join her campaign. He would have, but she insisted that he pay $2300 to show his loyaltyto the Clintons upfront! So Clintonesque.

He believes by alienating the white middle class workers and keeping her older white female base, Barack Obama will not be able to win against McGain in the fall.

She also has her machine working the Governor of Montana and wants to count the Puerto Rican vote(even though they can't vote in the fall) as well as seat the Fl and MI delegation. Then she and Bill will work the superdelegates and may even literally buy votes of pledged delegates at the convention.

So we must not take any vote for granted in the remaining states. I will gladly make phone calls for you guys this weekend and through the last race in June.