Posts with the tag Get Involved

Pray for the USA

Mary from Clifton Park, NY — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 17:01:32 EST

It's been a long time coming, and a change is gonna come! We must, as Americans, continue to pray for this great nation, and our current President as well as President Elect Barack Obama and his family. We must remember to continue doing our part in making and keeping this country a great nation.

The voters stated profoundly that we, as Americans, will no longer stand for the same old same old. We have a voice in our vote and we will stand together to bring about a change in this Nation. Therefore, if there are "repeat offenders" in your legislative, senate, or congressional seats, VOTE THEM OUT! We will not get anywhere with the same people in office. We hear it everyday...if you think you're going to get a different outcome doing the same thing with the same people in control, you're fooling yourself, wasting your time, and remaining stagnant.

It's time to stir the waters, take a leap of faith, and exercise that FAITH WITHOUT WORKS IS DEAD! Get involved! Your little bit counts - even if it's just helping to feed a neighbor's child; making sure your neighbors are safe and warm; helping the children in your neighborhood complete their homework; lending a hand to the senior citizen in your community; etc. At least participatie and not stand idly by watching things get worse - that is no longer an option.

This crisis is real and WE BELIEVE that YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE! YES WE CAN!

We will continue to pray and remain involved in whatever needs to be accomplished to bring Americans together, change the economy, and educate our children - the future leaders of this great Nation.

Take care and GOD BLESS AMERICA!

Mary

Yes We Have, Yes We Did, And Yes We Can Again!

Sophia — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 12:50:57 EDT

Let me start off by saying — this is about us.

This campaign is not about Senator Barack Obama. This campaign is not about Senator John McCain. This campaign is not even about Senator Hillary Clinton, Senator Joe Biden, or even Governor Sarah Palin.

No, this campaign is, has always been, and always will be about US.

This campaign is about us because whoever is chosen to be the next President of the United States of America is direct reflection upon us as American citizens, as a nation.

I say all of this to remind people that we are all a part of this choice, whether or not we vote in November 2008.

I want people to remember that it is sooo important to talk but it is much more important to take action. Action bodes movement in the direction that may actually end up in change that leaves an impact upon other people’s lives.

In light of the first debate between the two presidential nominees, I want to stress how important it is to take action right now, each and every single one of us.

I am an avid supporter of Senator Barack Obama, so the list of action points that I have listed below are to support Senator Barack Obama.

If you support Senator Barack Obama, the Democratic Party, or just are against a McCain-Palin administration and you are looking for some way to feel a part of making something happen, please read below. Thanks!

Be sure that you are registered to vote: http://www.voteforchange.com/index_obama.php

10 ways to get involved: http://obama.3cdn.net/56d7862be8e614eef6_b6m6bndg2.pdf

Spread the word about these ways to get involved or any others you come up with - we did it and we can do it again!!! We really can!

"Just keep swimming...just keep swimming!" - Dory

http://oshunlife7.wordpress.com/2008/09/27/yes-we-didand-yes-we-can-again/

5 days

Josh In Michigan — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 15:30:39 EDT

If you saw last night's TV special, "American Stories, American Solutions," you know what this election's about.

It's about people all across America who are trying to fight for their families while feeling the pinch of the economic crisis.

It's about parents and grandparents who want their children to have better lives than they had.

It's about making health care accessible; it's about helping Michigan's middle class.

It's about rebuilding our economy and restoring the American Dream.

Most of all: it's about you.

Don't be sorry on November 5, the day after the election, that you didn't do more. We have over sixty Campaign for Change offices open across the state, and so many ways to get involved in your own community.

There are five days left to get involved in this historic campaign. Together, we can create the change Michigan - and America - needs. What will you do to help?

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!

6 days

Josh In Michigan — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 20:01:31 EDT

It's hard to believe, but there are only six days until the most important election of our lifetime.

Six days until change - or more of the same Bush-McCain policies.

Six days until hope for Michigan families.

Will you sit out on the sidelines? Or will you get involved in this, the most important point of our campaign. We must work together; we must keep the momentum going - we must not fail. The stakes are too high this election to stay home. With over sixty offices across Michigan, there's a Campaign for Change office near you to get involved. November 5, the day after the election, don't be sorry you didn't do more!

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!

Thank you - together, we can make history.

Make a difference in New Hampshire!

Brian - NH HQ — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 02:05:32 EDT

Barack is up in the polls right now, but a lot can happen in the next three weeks.

In October of 2000, Al Gore was up by double digits -- and it all came down to a handful of votes in a single state.

This year, that state could be New Hampshire -- and you have a unique opportunity to make the difference for Barack.

There's an Obama field office right near you. Join your fellow supporters for a volunteer orientation session Saturday at 10:00 a.m.

RSVP now to get involved in your community. Here are the details:

       Obama-Biden Campaign for Change Headquarters
       359 Elm Street
       Manchester, NH

       Saturday at 10:00 a.m.

You can play an important role in a key battleground state.

Supporters taking action in their communities -- making calls, knocking on doors, talking to friends and neighbors -- is how we'll win this election.

I hope you'll join your fellow supporters and be part of this unprecedented grassroots movement.

Thank you for your support,

Jon

Jon Carson
National Field Director
Obama for America

Only three weeks left!

Josh In Michigan — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 19:24:17 EDT

With only three weeks left until the most important election in our lifetimes, it’s so important to do all you can to make sure Barack and Democrats up and down the ticket win in November to bring the change we need. There are so many ways to work in your community, from phone banking to canvassing. If you have one hour - or if you have a whole weekend - every little bit helps, and only with your support can we win on November 4.

Contact your local office today, or visit the Barack Obama online action center to find out how you can get involved! So many new people are inspired by Barack to get into politics for the first time, and there’s never been a better time than now to do all you can. Get involved today!

Why this election is so important

Josh In Michigan — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 15:15:39 EDT

Here is an incredibly powerful video made by a supporter - not by the Obama campaign - about why this race is so important. Barack’s campaign brings hope to so many, bringing new people into the political process as they stand up and take action to help bring the change we need. With only twenty-one days until the election, now is the time to do everything you can to overcome the divisions that have turned so many Americans away from politics for so long. Visit your local Campaign for Change office today to learn how you can help change America!

Together, we cannot fail. Together, we can overcome the broken policies and divided politics of the last eight years. Together, we can renew an economy that rewards work and rebuilds the middle class. Together, we can create millions of new jobs, and deliver on the promise of health care you can afford and education that helps your kids compete. We can do this if we come together; if we have confidence in ourselves and each other; if we look beyond the darkness of the day to the bright light of hope that lies ahead. Together, we can change this country and change this world. (from Barack's speech in Toledo, 10/13/08)

Donate, talk to your friends, support Obama, FISA

BigSean — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 00:35:19 EDT

After the FISA vote, I stopped donating and suspended blogging here. Mostly I was bitching about FISA anyway. While I'm not happy about that vote, I firmly believe that Barack Obama will make a great President and have renewed my financial support for his campaign. I hope that you will do the same.

http://my.barackobama.com/townhalldebate

Louisiana is now a tossup state based on current polling data, one that has been deep red for a long time. As an independent voter, one who does not belong to any political party, I remain encouraged about this as I think that a change in the political landscape presents an opportunity for those who are all over the political spectrum.

There are a few points of disagreement I have with Barack Obama and while he will not always make decisions I agree with, I believe that those decisions will be made with due consideration and in consultation with people who view different angles of an issue. This stands in stark contrast to the leadership we've had for the last few decades.

Louisiana can deliver her electoral votes for Obama. Vote, encourage your friends, families, and colleagues to vote. Make your voice heard.

If you have the means, chip in a few bucks here: http://my.barackobama.com/townhalldebate

The finish line is within sight. Let's get there and get ready to run the marathon.

What can you do?

Randall Isenhour — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 12:09:25 EDT

I got a call from my sister the other day, a bit distraught, and she was asking me, "What else can I do? I'm losing sleep at night thinking that the Republicans could still win this!"

There are a number of things one can do to help out during these last four weeks of the campaign. Here is what I have been doing:

Donate anything you can to the Obama campaign. I have given the maximum amount to the campaign that an individual is allowed, but I started off with a small donation of $25. This makes a huge difference!
Set up a profile on http://my.barackobama.com/ and get connected with people in your area--especially if you live in a swing state! There are lots of events you can get involved with through this site right here, so take a look around.
Blog if you are so inclined. It has really helped me sort out my thoughts, and it also gives me a way of bookmarking links and encapsulating thoughts in a way that can be reused and shared again.

The only thing i don't believe in doing is traveling to other states to influence voters. I saw a documentary earlier this year about some people from New York who traveled down to Allentown, PA to talk to swing voters, and how that strategy backfired.

Nevertheless, I do believe in get-out-the-vote campaigns in places where citizens may be struggling to secure their own basic right to vote. If you can get involved in that in a state other than your own, I admire your willingness to help out your fellow Democrats!

Get Active to achieve the change!

Michael — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 18:58:04 EDT

Today was a great day. I got into the Hollywood office for the Campaign for Change and got on the phones. I called as many people as I could before my brain turned into marshmallow (that turned out to be 170 or so). I want to say I am glad I decided to get involved. It is easy to sit and say you want change but if you truly want the change you will do what you need to do to get it. I urge everyone reading this to go to their local office and volunteer, if you can't do that use the neighbors for neighbors on this site! Get involved, help create the change! It is the truest form of Democracy on the ground level and I have to say I love it!! In order to achieve change we have to get involved and defeat the apathy.

Apathy can be overcome by enthusiasm, and enthusiasm can only be aroused by two things: first, an ideal, with takes the imagination by storm, and second, a definite intelligible plan for carrying that ideal into practice. ----Arnold Toynbee

Get Involved Today-- Help Obama Supporters Vote Early!

Zachary Scott Edwards — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 11:06:52 EDT

Obama supporters are working hard in Cresco, organizing in their neighborhood and working to get votes for Barack! They are not only making a huge difference in this campaign, but clearly they are having fun doing it!

This weekend is one of the most important before Election Day, because thousands of people across Iowa have just received their vote by mail ballots and they are literally holding votes for Barack. We need your help to make sure they get their ballots cast for the change we need

The best way to get involved this weekend is to head into your local office. Click here to find an office near you, then come on by sometime this weekend—we’ll be going out for canvasses all day today, and tomorrow!

If you can’t make it to a local office, consider making a few phone calls to our supporters to encourage them to early vote using our Neighbor to Neighbor online call tool. We’ll provide talking points, and phone numbers. It’s easy!

We are going to need all of our best supporters to vote early so that they can help get more people to vote early, and also help our supporters get out to vote on Election Day. In 2004, George Bush won Iowa by 10,000 Votes. We can’t let that happen again.

Use our new lookup tool below to find where you can vote early--- then stop by your local office to help get more people out to vote early!

Women's Suffrage

Nanci — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 01:27:53 EDT

I just came home from a viewing of the HBO production "Iron Jawed Women" about women's suffrage in the 1900's (1920, to be exact). The star was the other Hilary, Hilary Swank. What these women endured, the dedication and total commitment they gave to their cause, against all odds and at great personal sacrifice moved me deeply. If you are older than 88 years, you were alive in the time that women did not have the right to vote. For me, that is only a generation away. Incredible!

Today, we must be committed to reminding women of the preciousness of that right, and the responsibility, in particular to our childre, in particular our daughters. It is not about having a woman on the ticket. That would be to say that women were still chattels and mindless extensions of men. It is not about the second time in history that a woman has campaigned as a Vice Presidential candidate. That would be to say that woman do not understand the issues, much less care about the future of our country and what it holds for our daughters and our children.

Women know that Barack Obama and Joe Biden stand for the issues that women stand for: equal rights under the Constitution, fair wages and the right to strike, education for our children that is not only granted to the rich, jobs so Americans (male and female) can make a living wage and not see their jobs outsourced overseas so corporate greed-pots can line their pockets while workers scrape to make ends meet, and the right of a woman to decide what happens to her own body. This is not a pro-abortion stance, this is the right to decide, and not be told our values. The right not to be told whether or not we are "Christian" enough, the right not to be lied to by those we entrust with leadership, the right not to be told that the economy is strong while we see it sliding away, and not to be told we are not Patriots and not supportive of our own sons and daughters who are fighting in the wrong war. The right to be compassionate, and not judgmental. If we give up these rights, we give up what America stands for.

Barack Obama and Joe Biden echo the values that I have forged in my life as a citizen of America, as a woman and as a patriot. That is why I am passionate about this election. That is why, for the first time in my life, I am volunteering to see Barack Obama elected. That is why I urge you to stand up and be counted. Make your position known. Listen to what the candidates have to say, watch their body language, believe first the words you hear for yourself and not the spin put on the words. Think for yourself, judge Obama's values against your own. I think if you do, you will find that you can support this candidate as well.

Be certain you are registered to vote. If you have married or moved since voting the last time, go to a political headquarters, call the Democratic party in your area, call your congressman and find out how & where to change your name and address. If you are not registered, know that in Washington State the deadline is October 4. After that, the election will be decided without you. If you turn 18 years of age before November 4 you can register to vote in THIS election NOW. Don't wait.

Don't wait for change to happen. As John Mayer says "Waiting for the World to Change" never works. If you and I do nothing, how can we have change? If we re-elect the same party, how can we have change? Don't let the Republicans continue to assume you are too dumb to see through their political lies and strategies. Don't let them continue to talk down to you. Demand answers. Demand truth. Demand accountability. Demand to hear what the woman on their ticket knows about national and international politics. Demand your rights as a citizen and a woman in the glorious country of America.

VOTE OBAMA!! OBAMA FOR CHANGE!! OBAMA FOR HOPE!! OBAMA FOR PRESIDENT!!

It's Time to Get Involved

Kaye — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 17:00:37 EDT

This summer went by pretty fast and these next few weeks will go by even faster. If these last 8 years haven't convinced everyone of the "fierce urgency of now" then I guess I'm just going to have to reach out to my family, friends, and neighbors to keep them focused on what really matters in this election. I've signed up for the neighbor to neighbor program at my.barackobama.com and plan to start makig phone calls to voters to encourage them to vote for Barack Obama. These next few weeks are critical for voter registration in Pennsylvania and other states that require voters to register at least 30 days in advance of election day. If you can't attend a voter registration event, consider taking some voter registration forms to work or social events to distribute to people that aren't registered yet. Bottom line, don't sit on the sidelines. Get involved!

for the first time I have the desire to get involved

Erin — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 22:16:39 EDT

I am interested in helping with the Obama campaign in my area but do not feel comfortable going door to door, making phone calls, or hosting an event at my house because I don't know much about politics and don't feel that I would be much use in educating others.

This is the first time that I have ever had a desire to learn more or get involved. Other than donating money, what can someone like me do to help?

OK, so it's time to get re-ignited!!!

Lesley from Pompano Beach, FL — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 14:56:44 EDT

Now that the two conventions are done and the election is in sight, I have decided to re-engage my committment to helping Obama/Biden. I will attend an organizational meeting tomorrow morning looking for a way to help. The last week watching the GOP machine in action, researching who Sarah Palin is and what she supports has freaked me completely out!!! John McCain use to be such an independent person. Now the radical right wing has gotten ahold of him. He has become a a puppet. As a mid-forties female, this actually scares me. I have been a Christian and a republican most of my life. I switch parties 5 years ago. I understand the Christian faith ideas. I also have seen the Christian right who have become insanely dedicated to their position turn into a group of hateful people. Did you see their abhorant behavior at the convention? They were so disrespectful of Barack Obama, expecially Sarah Palin. I am a Christian who believes that we should be living examples, not legislators of our brand of morality. When I was growing up we were taught that people would come to faith by our example. What happened to that?? Why does the radical right think they own our country? This is a country of freedoms. Freedoms of religion and of choice..... Imagine if another faith group took over and inflicted their values on them!!! I think I remember they had this motto not too long ago: "Take Back America!" From who?? Other Americans? Time to Unite for Change. I cannot stand by and do nothing. My vote is important, but my work is vital.

From 2004, worth repeating!

Barbara C. Benedict — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 16:39:53 EDT

From 2004, on the road on the way back from Ohio and working on the Kerry campaign. Passions not completely defeated, I sent this out to friends and family. It's worth repeating!

>> Subj: Please get ACTIVELY involved! Date: 11/5/2004 10:34:49 A.M. Pacific Daylight TimeFrom: barbarabizinc@aol.com

Spread the word to everyone you know with like minds and ideals:
Please get ACTIVELY involved! There's no more free ride to democracy folks! We need smart people like you to actively help!

"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter."
-Martin Luther King

Spread the word:
If you truly value your freedoms and those of others it's time to roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty. Nobody can do it for you. Many of us tried with all our means and might, with all our hearts and souls this past election, but the results show, it takes the *whole* village.

There are so many good choices of ways and orgs to get involved with so you can *actively* help. Sorry, tragically, just sitting around pontificating, just watching the news, and not even just voting is enough people! YOU need to do more than that. Don't forget how many *died* fighting and persevering for your right to take, in most cases, just a few minutes to vote and have your opinions heard.

Tragically, most people gave more time standing in line for a movie on one Friday night than they did to this election, to our future!

Here's just a few places you can learn how you can actively help:

Save the Supreme Court:
http://www.democrats.org/savethecourt/index.html

Move On:
http://www.moveon.org/front/

Democracy for America:
http://www.democracyforamerica.com

Air America Radio: (a wonderful liberal radio station)
http://www.airamericaradio.com

As fellow dem club member Jane says "There are good people in Washington that are fighting for what we believe in. We can help them."

We MUST help them. It's time to grow up America! We are adults, not little kids and Government is not Mom and Dad taking care of everything for us. It is our personal responsibility to participate, meet our obligation to carry some of the load that ensuring Democracy must bear. If you don't actively participate, you have absolutely no right to complain about anything! To not participate *is* to participate in creating the loss. Not participating is to promote this shameful insanity the world must bear.

Barbara <<

This is a good place to jump off from and start to talk about now. We have to do just a little bit more this time. Give just a little bit more effort: one more letter, one more phone call, one more flyer or knocked on door can make all the difference in the WORLD! And it will! Yes we can! Si se puede! : )

Getting Involved after Barack's Birthday

Zachary Scott Edwards — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 11:05:56 EDT

Last night was Barack’s Birthday Cake and Canvass events across the state and we had hundreds of people at our offices reaching out to their friends and neighbors to talk about getting involved in their precinct team.

We even had oversized birthday cards that were being personalized with messages to send to Barack, and one of our best supporters dressed up like Uncle Sam! Check out a few pictures from the event:

In order for our campaign to be successful in November we must ensure that we are building our Obama Precinct teams from now until the election. If you haven’t already signed up, click here to join your team—this is the most important thing you can do for our campaign. After signing up, someone from our campaign will reach out and get you more information about how you can make a difference.

If you have already signed up to join your team, come on down to your local office, or visit the Iowa Election Headquarters to vote early for Barack—you can even use our invitation form and invite more people to vote early!

There is still a lot of work to be done to ensure that we take back Washington from the lobbyists and special interests who have written our public policies for far too long. Barack said it best.

“If you're walking down the right path and you're willing to keep walking, eventually you'll make progress. “

100 Days to Change- TODAY!

Zachary Scott Edwards — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 11:55:16 EDT

Today marks exactly 100 days before November election. All across the country, thousands of Obama supporters will be talking with their friends, family, and neighbors about Barack and the importance of getting involved right now. Here in Iowa, we will be walking and talking during our 100 days to change canvasses—most start at 1 pm, but today is the perfect day to come into your local office no matter the time. Join us for the neighborhood canvass near you!

Last year, our campaign held a day of action that helped us reach out to tens of thousands of people across the country. It was an unprecedented day in the history of campaigning, only made possible because of the outpouring of grassroots support. Check out a video from the event:

Don’t forget, today is 100 days before the November election! Join us at a 100 days to change canvass, or signup to let us know you are ready to join your neighborhood team!

Unite for Change-- Get Involved Now

Zachary Scott Edwards — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 13:03:24 EDT

This past weekend, Story county Democrats gathered in Nevada, Iowa for a barbecue and meet and greet to discuss the upcoming election that is just over 100 days away. The event was attended by dozens of local activists and several elected officials and candidates. The most amazing part of the afternoon was the fact that so many of the attendees supported other candidates during the primary process, but they were on the exact same page about our need for new leadership and our need to unite to bring change from the statehouse to the White House.

Here are a few pictures from the event:

Today in Sioux City and in Fort Dodge, there will be two similar events that if you are able, you shouldn’t miss! For more information and to RSVP, click the links below.

Fort Dodge Unity Event with Roxanne Conlin

Sioux City Unity Event with Michael Mauro

If you aren’t able to make it to one of these events, then sign up for one of the canvasses this weekend—on Sunday there will only be 100 days left before the November election, and we need your help to make a difference in your neighborhood! Click the image below for more information and to join us!

Getting Involved in Sioux City. Offices Across Iowa.

Zachary Scott Edwards — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 12:51:09 EDT

Over the past few weeks, we have seen a tremendous outpouring of support all across Iowa. The campaign for change now has over 19 offices where we are working to elect Democrats up and down the ballot. There have been hundreds of new volunteers joining us to organize their neighborhoods for Barack.

This is an extremely important time during our campiagn, and we need your help to build our neighborhood teams as we grow towards Novemeber. We need you to be talking to your friends, family, and neighbors about the changes that are needed in Washington and why Barack is the best person to help us make it happen.

Click here to find an office near you and join us.

Since the office in Sioux City opened, it has been bustling with activity--- check out the article written about some of the work.

Obama volunteers dialing for support
SIOUX CITY -- If you're a registered Democrat and your phone rings, it could be Paul Seaman wanting to know if you're going to support U.S. Sen. Barack Obama for president in November.

And would you like to volunteer for his campaign? Vote by mail?

Seaman and other volunteers are making hundreds of calls a night from lists of potential and confirmed Obama supporters from the new campaign office on 506 Nebraska St. in Sioux City.

Obama's opponent, Republican Sen. John McCain, plans to open a Sioux City office Aug. 1 and is scouting for a location.

Neither candidate has clinched his party's nomination for president, but it's presumed each will at the national conventions later this summer.

Meanwhile, local Obama volunteers are looking ahead to the general election in November and doing whatever they can to see their candidate win the White House.

Seaman, a 52-year-old chef from Sioux City, said he started volunteering because he believes in Obama and his message.

He said the response he's gotten from callers has been positive.

"People have been excited, for the most part, pleased that they have been called," Seaman said. "People have been enthusiastic and interested."

Ann Dailey, a paid organizer for the Obama presidential campaign, said building momentum is what the campaign is all about. The volunteers aren't soliciting donations.

"What we're all about on this campaign is building a grassroots movement," said Dailey, a 23-year-old from Moline, Ill. "The most important thing is to get people involved. It's not just getting them to come in once and getting them to make a few phone calls."

Currently, about 5,000 Obama volunteers statewide are making phone calls, canvassing, attending county fairs and marching in parades.

Corrie Hendricks, 19, of Sioux City, said she it's worth her time and effort to volunteer for the campaign.
Read more...

Looking Back at Barack in the Clarion Hometown Inn

Zachary Scott Edwards — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 12:24:52 EDT

This blog was guest-written by one of the Obama campaign's interns from the caucuses, Patrick. During a recent family reunion in Clarion, Patrick stayed at a hotel with a very interesting background. Check out this amazing story below:

On the outskirts of Clarion, Iowa, just past the railroad track and the Hardees on highway 3, sits the Clarion Hometown Inn. Walking in, you are likely to be greeted with a smile by Lyn Thompson, who manages the hotel with her husband Bret.
Last November, Lyn and Bret hosted a special guest. On a trip that included stops in Marion, Fort Dodge, Grundy Center, and Clarion, Sen. Obama spent a night in room 200 at the Hometown Inn. While the campaign has transitioned from Iowa to all fifty states since January, you might say Barack is still a nightly guest at the hotel.
Proudly displayed behind the check-in desk is a photograph of the Thompsons with Sen. Obama. In between Brett and Lyn and their son Jason, Barack smiles like he’s part of the family.
Lyn recalls how she and the cleaning staff worked longer hours than usual in the days before the visit to make sure the hotel was in tip-top shape. “It was like he was a guest in my home,” she says. “He was a real genuine guy. A real honest, genuine person. You could take whatever he said to the bank.”
Today, the photograph prompts enthusiastic responses from many overnighters. Lately, she confides, “Lots of guests ask which room he stayed in, in the hopes that maybe they will get the same room.”
What will the Thompsons do to the presidential suite if Barack gets elected? “We're going to have a gold plaque made for the door saying ‘President Obama stayed in this room’,” says Lyn.
Bret and Lyn were lucky to get a personal visit from Senator Obama, and he didn’t forget to ask for their votes. Bret, who in addition to managing the inn is a police officer in Clarion, has normally voted Republican. This year though, he plans to cast his vote for Barack. As for Lyn, she knows the election is all about change: “Barack will take us in a positive direction. It’s time to get the economy going again, to get jobs going again, and to get people enthused and patriotic again.”
After all these months, the excitement about Barack’s visit and his candidacy hasn’t worn off. For Lyn, knowing Senator Obama made the Clarion Hometown Inn his home for a night “was the highlight of my life so far."

Our campaign across Iowa has been growing for over a year, and every day we hear amazing stories about our supporters and the work they have done to build up our grassroots. If you would like to get more involved, and join amazing supporters like Lyn, Bret, and Patrick, find an office near you, and stop by to help make the difference in your neighborhood!

Click here to check out some more pictures of Barack's trip to Clarion, Iowa:

Barack Buddy Update

Fred - Team Liaison - Smyrna-Vinings — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 11:35:50 EDT

To find out more about being a Barack Buddy, go here: http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/fredwhite/gGxffY

To join the movement, go here: http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/4g4qr

So, for my first update on being a Barack Buddy, I've decided to give an example using one of the two people I've decided to buddy with -- my mom...

Getting Involved in Sioux City

Zachary Scott Edwards — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 17:49:12 EDT

This weekend the Barack Obama campaign for change in Iowa held office openings across the state. There are now a total of 15 offices where Obama supporters and Democrats are organizing to ensure success up and down the ballot this November. It’s been an exciting few days, with canvass kickoffs and our precinct captains coming back into these offices—honestly it sometimes it feels like a family reunion.

Our team of volunteers and amazing precinct captains in Sioux City recently got together for a pot luck dinner to talk about how they are going to organize their communities and reach out to their friends, family and neighbors. Many of the supporters have known each other and been working together for months (and some over a year!), but there were also lots of new faces looking to get involved in our campaign for change.

Pot Luck Dinner at the Sioux City Office

We would love for you to join us at one of our local offices and find out about upcoming events, or learn how you can get involved with your neighborhood team. Click here to sign up online and someone from our campaign will reach out to get you more information.

Although we are working at all of our offices across the state to elect Democrats from the Statehouse to the White House, one thing that continues to be on all of our minds, and that will continue to be a large part of the work we are doing here in Iowa, will be volunteering in the communities that were affected by the recent tornados and floods.

If you haven’t already, find out how you can make a difference by visiting our flood relief website.

This photo is from the Siouxland’s Habitat for Humanity event that was attended by Obama supporters from Sioux City. Dozens of volunteers have been helping out every weekend, but there are still thousands of people who need our help, and we strongly encourage you to find out how you can make a difference for these communities.

Click here to get involved.

Coming Together to Bring Change to Iowa

Zachary Scott Edwards — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 13:56:16 EDT

This weekend in communities across Iowa, people from all walks of life came together at parades, picnics, concerts and family gatherings to celebrate our independence. Many of our supporters were at these same events, doing the hard work it takes to ensure that we grow our campaign for change by registering new voters and talking about the change we can bring to Washington by electing Barack Obama as our next president. In these upcoming weeks and months we are going to need to unite and make a difference in each and every one of our communities to ensure that Democrats win up and down the ballot and bring change from the statehouse to the Whitehouse.

There are many ways you can start making a difference right now:

If you aren’t already registered, ensure that your voice is heard! Click here to stand up and register to vote, or invite someone else to register by clicking here.
Our campaign will be working everyday from now until the election at our offices across the state. We would love to have you stop in and join us. Click here to find an office near you.
As some of you may already know, we let our supporters know about upcoming events, and important deadlines via email. We are also going to need volunteers to join our organizing fellows and staff as we talk to our friends, family and neighbors about Barack and our campaign for change. Click here to sign up for email alerts, or to let us know you want to join us and make a difference in your neighborhood!
We also have Obama organizing fellows and staff members who are relocating to neighborhoods across the state. We are going need your help, and if you are able, we are going to need places to stay for these dedicated supporters. Click here if you want to join our campaign by housing an Obama organizing fellow or staff member.
The flooding and damage from tornados has affected thousands of people across our state. If you aren't already involved, we must be working together to help rebuild these communities. Click here to visit our resource page and find a way you can make a difference.

Yesterday, Barack spoke at the national meeting of the African Methodist Episcopal Church in St. Louis, Missouri and spoke about our need to reach out and bring our communities together:

“As long as we’re not doing everything in our individual and collective power to solve the challenges we face, the conscience of our nation cannot rest.”

In these upcoming weeks and months, we need your support, and your help to grow our campaign for change across Iowa. Find a way to make a difference to help unite our communities and join us to do the important work it will take to ensure that we are building a better future together.

Get involved in Iowa

Zachary Scott Edwards — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 19:56:28 EDT

Our campaign just sent out this email. If you would like to get updates from us on upcoming events in Iowa, click here to sign up.

Zachary,

My name is Jackie Norris, and I'm the State Director for the Obama campaign in Iowa.

I want to thank you for everything you've done so far to build our movement. Supporters like you answered the call for change in all 50 states and helped secure the Democratic nomination for Barack Obama.

Iowa will play a crucial role in our general election strategy.

We have a great opportunity to succeed here, so we're rapidly gearing up for the months ahead.

But only you can make this happen.

This Independence Day weekend, Obama supporters are coming together to help bring even more people into our political process by attending voter registration drives and encouraging Iowans to vote early, walking in parades, and reaching out to folks in our communities.

Sign up to attend a July 4th Vote for Change event in your community:

http://ia.barackobama.com/iajuly4th

The election will be here before we know it, and we cannot afford to wait to get started.

In fact, our work on the ground is already underway. Right now, Obama supporters are gathering weekly to help in voter registration events across the state.

And in the coming weeks, volunteers across Iowa will make important contact with friends, family, and neighbors to spread the word about this campaign and encourage everyone to vote early.

No previous experience is necessary to get involved. All you need is a hunger for change and a willingness to turn your enthusiasm into action.

Attend a July 4th Vote for Change event near you:

http://ia.barackobama.com/iajuly4th

I look forward to working alongside you in the weeks to come.

Thanks,

Jackie

Jackie Norris
Iowa State Director
Obama for America

P.S. -- Can't make it to a Vote for Change event this Independence Day? There will be plenty of opportunities to get involved as the campaign grows. Sign up now and learn how you can make a difference in Iowa:

http://ia.barackobama.com/iasignup

Getting Involved Across Iowa

Zachary Scott Edwards — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 20:43:44 EDT

Tomorrow all across Iowa, our campaign for change will be doing the important work it will take to ensure that we are successful in November at electing Barack Obama as our next president.

In Des Moines, Democrats from across the state will be meeting at the State Convention to discuss the Iowa Democratic platform and we will be electing delegates to the Democratic National Convention.

If you were elected as a delegate or alternate and had plans to attend the state convention, here are the details:

Iowa State Convention
Saturday, June 28th
Hy-Vee Hall
730 3rd St
Des Moines, IA
Registration: 8 am
Start time: 9 am
If you have any questions, contact us at Iowa@barackobama.com.

Also tomorrow, and during the upcoming weeks and months, we will be helping to rebuild the communities that were affected by the recent floods and tornados. If you are able to help tomorrow, or if you would like to make a donation, please visit our flood relief website and find out how you can make a difference.

Click here to get involved in re-building the communities affected by the recent storms, and don't forget to keep checking back for more opportunities to help out those in need.

Iowa for Obama organizing meeting with the Mayor of Des Moines, Frank Cownie

There is still a lot of work to be done in the upcoming weeks and months, and we hope you will be getting involved to reach out to your friends, family, and neighbors.

Our campaign has never been about top down change, and this is the crucial time when we need everyone getting involved and doing whatever they can to make a difference. Together we can reshape politics in America and take back Washington from the special interests and lobbyists who have shaped our public policies for far too long.

Join us, and help support our campaign for change here in Iowa.

Too busy to be a good citizen!

Dixie Belle — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 13:38:04 EDT

So here is the problem as I see it today. I believe in voting and I believe in being an informed voter. But I don't have time!!! Even now I feel guilty for posting this post instead of reading McCain's and Obama's platforms or doing something productive along those lines - or doing my work from home (Freelance writer/PR contractor) or cleaning the house or or or . . . . To me this is the biggest problem in our representative democracy - we need active, informed citizenry, but who has the time to show up? Or do the research? That said, I know there are lots of people who make the time and I am in awe of them - I don't mean to imply that people aren't doing that because to me one of the most moving parts of this campaign has been all the people who are showing up and getting involved for the first time. That is awesome!!!!

So here is my question - Hubby and I debated yesterday a proposal by John McCain to create a new international body (League of Real Democracies, or something superhero gang sounding like that) instead of the United Nations. Now we all know the UN has had some problems, but how is McCain going to recreate the wheel or duplicate the effort or whatever his plan is and avoid those problems more effectively than we could just try to change the existing system??? What is Obama's stance on the UN? Has it been effective? Does anyone know?

Tomorrow the Last Day to Change Registration!

Zachary Scott Edwards — Sun, 18 May 2008 20:37:40 EDT

The Obama campaign in South Dakota just sent out this email reminder. Don't forget, tomorrow you can participate in One-Stop Early Voting all across the state!

Dear Zach,

Tomorrow is a crucial deadline in South Dakota -- it's the last day to register as a Democrat so you can vote for Barack in the primary.

Even if you aren't registered to vote or have never voted before, you can register and vote early all at once -- but you must act tomorrow, Monday, May 19th.

Don't wait -- look up your early vote location, and register and vote for Barack tomorrow:

http://sd.barackobama.com/SDearlyvote

Thanks,

Obama for America

P.S. -- If you're already registered, make an even bigger difference.

This movement has never relied on special interests or top-down change. We've been successful because people like you have come together, in states across the country, to bring about our common vision of change.

Help lead this effort in South Dakota -- become a Community Captain for Barack today:

http://sd.barackobama.com/SDcaptain

United Blogging Today :: Blogging Against Disabilism Day..

Cindy Sue Causey — Thu, 01 May 2008 14:25:07 EDT

Thought there might be some out here (too) who would like to stretch, exercise their Voices by participating in an annual united blogging activity over at Diary of a Goldfish.. What they're looking to do once again this year is try to bring to light [discrimination] against persons with disabilities (PWDs)..

If it will help fuel some food for thought, "disabilism" (aka ableism, ablism, disablism) can be used to express that [discrimination] remains pervasive, widespread, and is being viewed by many as on wholly equal par with racism and sexism..

The details for participation in this year's united effort are on Diary of a Goldfish's current entry:

lobolobolob.blogspot.com/2008/05/blogging-against-disablism-day-2008.html..

If you've written something in the last day or so or get this tonight and write something tomorrow, looks like they're "cool" with that..

Cyber hugs from North Georgia.. :wink:

PS.. If you do participate, please feel free to let me know, also, and I'll be tickled to additionally help highlight you, too..

Volunteer Stories and next meeting

Fort Wayne 4 Obama — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 12:41:22 EST

There are amazing volunteers all around the State and this country. I wanted you all to meet some of ours. We are building a strong outreach in Allen County and hope this will inspire you to participate in the campaign for CHANGE. Julia Beck, Fort Wayne Julia is an assembler at General Motors. She joined AC4O on Feb 19th. Knowing how important it is to get Barack's stance on the issues out to voters, Julia was empowered to make additional tool kits for the next meeting. She came in with nearly 70 kits for new members! Everyone can get involved and have a piece of this campaign. Get involved and play your part. Aisha Hallman, Fort Wayne Aisha is an employee of the Dupont Branch of the Allen County Public Library. Knowing she had some time to enter data that we collected, Aisha stepped up and asked if there was any data to enter. We had just received more than 50 supporter cards in addition to new group sign ups at our last meeting. She took the stack and entered each name, email address and phone number to help complete our group information. There is a place for each person with whatever skills you have in the Barack Obama campaign. Join us to make CHANGE happen. Stacy Banks , Fort Wayne (Chicago) Stacy Banks is originally from Chicago and was a member of Barack's Church Trinity UCC. She stepped in where she felt she could help just like many volunteers. The volunteers in the Obama campaign are given ideas of what things need done, but are empowered to do whatever they feel they can to help. Stacy made enough copies to create 100 MORE tool kits for volunteers to spread the word about Barack Obama and his stance on the issues. Stacy continues to be active at meetings and is considering further participation by being a State Delegate. Robin Simunek, Fort Wayne Robin didn't let a scheduling conflict slow her participation down for the group. Although she couldn't attend the last meeting, she baked a fresh batch of banana bread for callers that attended the phone banking for Ohio voters. Nothing makes volunteers happier than FOOD. This was Robin's idea on how she could make a difference for the morale of our volunteers. Don't you want to join us? Roger McNett, New Haven Roger host the site ourdems.org. Knowing that AC4O may need a place to host messages about events and tasks, Roger stepped up and volunteered his skills to program a page just for us! He is constantly making sure we have everything we need posted and is wonderful about making suggestions and providing ideas on getting the word out about AC4O. Roger is a huge asset in our communications for the group! Our next meeting is Wednesday March 12 at the Allen County Democratic office at 7:15. Meet these wonderful volunteers and others like them who are just ordinary people trying to do extraordinary things.

Keeping the Movement Going after the Election

George A Sanders — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 00:43:14 EST

Social networks via the Internet have the many benefits we know about. Continuing this organization of people after the election opens up a whole new way for a president to implement a goal. With less costs, distributed work, and low barriers to entry for most Americans! This is a way for Senator Obama to activate the people he refers to in his speeches as helping/working from the bottom up.

Continuing the connection to such a robust grass roots organization will require a changing of the focus of the organization from pitching the candidate and fundraising to Doing. Doing that hopefully in a positive way solves problems for a goal that is defined by his administration, not just promoting a political position like many blogs, lobbyists, etc and waiting for the government to do something. We've already heard Senator Obama say in his stump speech about having environmental/green workers corps. Having a ready to go network will help that get off the ground, be successful, and do more faster.

We could really help make sure a new program like a green workers corps actually happens, help with recruiting for the corps, provide fundraising for budget short falls, encourage accountibility. We could all be involved in a variety of tasks with that kind of scope, small and big as we each have time. The key thing is that we could all participate in our democracy more directly, long term, with something we want to make a difference on whether the environment or other issues.

A new civic duty.

Can you relate?

Dwight — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 08:24:59 EST

I am inspired to become involved with this political campaign by none other than Barack Obama. In my profile, I only checked one issue of interest: good government / ethics. Obama is the only candidate who seriously addresses this issue. And if we are to make any real strides regarding other issues, we must start here.

I used to be fed up with federal politics. I quickly learned that nothing is as it seems. What WMD's? Worse yet, it seems to matter not that elected officials blatantly cover up the truth with poor rhetoric and yet remain in office. The current and past administrations sicken me, not inspire me.

Then, I heard Obama speak. Inspiration was kindled. He must win this election if we want any progress in the direction of realizing the fundamental, founding principles of our country. (I intentionally omit the word 'great' because I don't think it accurately describes our current status, at least not the great country it could be.) If Obama loses this election, we get more of the same. Guaranteed.

It's no secret who really in control of this country. Remember 'newspeak' from George Orwell's 1984? Most might think it irrelevant, but think about it. Isn't the majority of the population so consumed with such a vast array of information that it is virtually rendered ineffective? Many of these and others have given up, choosing instead to idolize mindless entertainment. Obama brings focus and purpose back to where it should be -front and center- on the information that matters, allowing us to believe and act effectively once more.

Never too young to volunteer! My 6 &4 year olds go door to door for Obama

Susan in Crofton — Sat, 02 Feb 2008 18:22:28 EST

We had a great day today! We are fired up and ready to go. Myself and my two kids, Anna (6) and Matthew (4), went door to door for 4 hours for Obama in Glen Burnie, Maryland. The kids are real troopers handing out pamphlets and asking people to support Obama. I love that my kids are getting to see what it really means to be active citizen in a democracy. It takes more than just holding opinions, it means taking action, so that those opinions can make change happen.

We had been to an Obama rally and decided it was time to kick it up a notch and get out there and volunteer for the campaign. It was great to get out and talk to people about what would be best for our county. We talked to people who hadn’t even thought about the election yet, and we talked to people about their hopes and fears, and we asked those undecided voters to imagine the possibilities with President Obama.

I truly believe that Senator Obama will give our County and my kids will have a better future then we would have without him. So, I urge all of you who feel the same to make phone calls, go door to door, or do what every you can to help. Your candidate and your country needs you. And you are never too young or too old to help.

PS We also got to meet 2 great guys that were in our canvasing group. It was great fun Khalid, and Eaves.

It's never too late

Adele Nicols — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 19:51:09 EST

It's never too late to get involved. I really don't have time to go places and volunteer very much, but have started making calls for OBAMA right from my living room. It's easy and it's been a lot of fun. Only one hang up in 20 calls tonight. I've gotten into some of the most intriguing conversations with people on the fence with Hillary and Barack. Would love to hear how people are getting involved. Even just word of mouth and speaking with friends about this great opportunity we have can have a profound effect.

Express yourself!

Momentum Grows with Strong Grassroots in Nevada

Zachary Scott Edwards — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 16:11:34 EST

We’re another day closer to the January 19th Nevada caucus, and it’s another great day to get out there and reach out to undecided friends, family, and neighbors. Our momentum after our win in Iowa has given way to extraordinary efforts by our local volunteers and our many interns. It’s clear that Nevadans are getting more engaged and interested in Barack’s message and the change he can bring to Washington.

In Reno yesterday, a snow storm couldn’t keep our fired-up supporters from getting out there, knocking on doors, and walking their precincts. We can see and feel the momentum for Barack growing all over Nevada, and people are enthusiastically becoming more invested in standing up against the politics of division— more interested in ending the special interests grip on Washington.

Join our grassroots, sign up for canvass shifts, and work for change at one of our 11 offices statewide.

Reno, Nevada (from left to right): California Border State Volunteer Michael, Local Volunteer Marjorie, and our fantastic intern Caleb

Down in southern Nevada, the weather is certainly less cold, but our volunteers are making up for it by working long hours on the phones and making sure that all undecided voters and supporters are contacted and given an opportunity to get involved and stand up with their friends, family and neighbors on January 19th.

One of the most important things you can do for Barack, is to sign up for phone bank shifts at one of our 11 offices statewide.

Local Precinct Leader Pam and our all-star intern Robert on the phones at our Henderson Office

There are less than 2 weeks before the Nevada caucus, and we need to make sure that doing the hard work on the ground it’s going to take to organize in every precinct. If you still have questions about the Nevada caucus, visit our caucus center for all your answers and a great video explaining the caucus.

Get involved and start contacting your friends, family, and neighbors for the precinct caucus. Now is the time to work for change.

Sample email to unregistered/undecided friends

VM — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 16:40:26 EST

Hi ____________,

Please register to vote and take some time to research Barack Obama. ____________ and I have researched and listened to all of the candidates. Obama is the only main contender who has accepted NO money from corporations and lobbyists (the entities who currently own our government and undermine the interest of the voters). He is strong and clear on every issue that is affecting the balance of our world today -- energy independence and the environment, war, health care, education, corporate taxes, and diplomatic foreign policy. It is not too late to register to vote now, but it will be soon, and (your state) could be a very tight race. Your votes count, and so do all of your friends' votes. Get them involved, and spread the word of hope and change that we so desperately need as citizens of a declining country. Everything you and I have spoken about that's wrong with the world will be affected by this election. Don't let another Washington lobbyist-owned candidate make it to office, or we'll have at least four more years of environmental destruction, a broken economy, and a chaotic warring world. Please do it for __________; we desperately want to see him grow up in a world that is at least as good as ours was as children. The United States is the largest world superpower; do not underestimate the consequences of this election, and be thankful we have one viable candidate who can make a difference and who has proven himself several times over to be a person of integrity. Read his bio here: http://www.barackobama.com/learn/meet_barack.php http://

www.register-vote.com/

http://www.barackobama.com/index.php

Nevada Caucus Countdown: One Month to Go!

Zachary Scott Edwards — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 17:49:15 EST

There are less than 30 days before the Nevada caucus and things are heating up on the ground here. We need everyone to get involved and canvass their neighborhood, phone bank, or volunteer at your local Obama field office.

Our early state status in the democratic primary process is ensuring that the nation’s attention will be focused on the Silver State leading up to the January 19th 2008 caucus.

We need everyone to stand up and speak with your friends, family, and neighbors about Barack and the change he is going to bring to Washington.

It took a lot of blood, sweat and tears to get to where we are today, but we have just begun. Today we begin in earnest the work of making sure that the world we leave our children is just a little bit better than the one we inhabit today. – Barack Obama

The Obama campaign in Nevada now has 10 field offices that are open and ready for business. Stop by and pick up a free Obama DVD to share with undecided Nevadans. We also have tons of policy papers, information sheets, and Obama gear that are all great for letting your friends, family, and neighbors know why you support Barack Obama.

Get involved today!

Please Help!

Brian S. — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 00:13:12 EST

If anyone is looking for a fundraising page, I could use some help!

TO ENCOURAGE YOU, I WILL DONATE ANOTHER $10. FOR EACH AND EVERY DONATION MADE THROUGH MY PAGE. ALSO - I WILL PURCHASE 5 YARD SIGNS FOR EVERY DONATION THROUGH MY PAGE AND PLACE THEM ALL OVER MY STATE OF NEW JERSEY - A FEB. 5TH STATE!!!

I have been an Obama supporter and member of this site from DAY ONE...Thanks so much for your time and consideration...

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

Thanks everyone!!!

Four Quick Ways You Can Help Barack Win SC Right NOW!

T. Neil Sroka — Wed, 26 Sep 2007 12:07:59 EDT

With Saturday's Walk for Change II fast approaching, supporters throughout the Palmetto State are taking their position on the O-Train and doing whatever it takes to get involved.

If you're looking to take the next step and start playing an active role in our movement to send Barack there's a bunch of ways you can get involved and "Take the Next Step" right now:

Join us for Walk for Change II this Saturday - Supporters throughout South Carolina and the southeast are taking to the streets of SC on Saturday and we need you're help to get the word out about Barack amongst your friends and neighbors. This is a grassroots movement and there's nothing you can do that's more grassroots than going door-to-door, speaking neighbor-to-neighbor.

Write a Letter to the Editor - With our simple letter to the editor tool it takes just a few minutes to get Barack's message of hope in your local paper.

Visit your Local Field Office - With seven field offices in the Palmetto State its easy to find an office near you and get involved on a local level. Whether its making calls, helping enter important supporter data, or helping out with a special project the volunteer coordinators in your local field office can help you find a way to get involved that's sure to help Barack win -- they just need you to ask!

Bring a Friend - Every friend you bring to Saturday's Walk for Change or with you to your local field office helps us grow this movement. Every additional letter you encourage someone else to write raises the chances of inspiring even more South Carolinians to join us. Every time you bring someone else along you help us continue building an unstoppable force for change.

So, come on, get out there, move that mouse -- get active. Together, we're going to change this country, but it's going to take all of us to make it happen.

Why I'm Here

Sandra — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 15:40:08 EDT

June 17, 2007

I met Barack Obama yesterday. I shook his hand. I thanked him for his work. His bodyguard picked up my business card from the floor, read it and put it in his pocket.

Curiously, none of those things were the highlight of my day.

Shake off your slumber, kick off your slippers!

Tower9 — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 14:18:52 EDT

Hi friends,

The newest polls just came out. San Jose State Survey and Policy Research Institiute just came out with the newest California polls. Hillary 37%, Obama 15%, Edwards 15%. The CNN poll over last weekend has Hillary 35% and Obama 23%. We are not connecting with enough people. We had a nice surge when he first announced in Feb but now that this long campaign is under way we seem to be sitting out more often than not. If we continue to do this over the next 6 months, Hillary could take California. She has 45% of the women vote. We must motivate, convince, encourage all of our friends, colleagues, male and female, black, hispanic, asian or white to step up and help us take back our government. Write your newspapers! Send the link of the new Iowa adds to your friends! Blog! Come to market night! Get someone registered! Record the forum on PBS on Thursday and send it to a friend! Make a donation! Wear your Obama t-shirts! Put a bumper sticker on your car! Get a friend to make a donation! Do just one thing a week to help the campaign!

We're in pretty good position nationally, but California will be critical to Sen. Obama's success. So it's time to dig in and get to work.

Come on....we can do it. Let's take back our government!

Mary

Match someone's first donation now.

lionanimal — Tue, 06 Mar 2007 09:46:26 EST

AS a supporter of Senator Barack Obama will you match someone's first donation now? You have the opportunity to make a difference. If you enroll in the website program from Obama's headquarters on this BarackObama.com website (see the pulldown menu from "Get Involved" on the horizontal toolbar above) or (see the following details with links) you will have the opportunity to write a short essay to a wider audience. You are not alone. There are individuals within the public that are like you. Reach out! Connect! Organize! Exercise your constitutional civil rights to support the candidate of your choice in the style of your choice: spiritually, morally, materially, and financially. By Vermonter 25 minutes ago Hi,

The link works if it is just this:
Link

(This would be action dot barackobama dot com slash promise)

Thoughts from a young democrat...

Brian Noel — Sat, 10 Feb 2007 19:41:36 EST

February 10, 2007

Today’s news of Senator Obama’s official entrance into the ’08 presidential election did not surprise me. I was not surprised that there were thousands of people standing outside in the shivering cold to hear him speak. What’s surprising is how several states away, in the former Capital of the Confederacy, a young Caucasian male in sweatpants, watching a stream on a laptop at his girlfriends apartment, could relate to a black Senator from Illinois.

What is great about Barack Obama now officially being in the race for our great party's nomination for president is that I have something to focus on. Now I have something to which I can direct all of the energy that is boiling inside of me. Every day I am frustrated by the cynicism and negativity that surrounds our country's politics.

Being a young student of politics, I thirst for a news outlet to keep me abreast of the day’s news as I go about my day to day activities. Considering that I don't possess a satellite radio, I am stuck listening to conservative radio shows in my city that offers only a biased AM radio selection. It is here that I rely on the likes of Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, and Glenn Beck to name a few, to keep me motivated with their outlandish commentary to stay a Democrat and get involved.

Although the outrageous semantics of these radio shows is great motivation, it isn't enough to activate me. To become politically active I needed something that gave me something to work for, not something to work against. Something that was positive, rather than pointing out what is wrong with our world. Barack Obama's campaign offers this cautious optimism.

In listening to the politicians that have polluted our televisions, and listening to the entertainers that dilute truth and change stories to benefit their own agenda I had become uninterested in our country's government. Feeling like these folks, who may physically resemble my family, couldn't relate to me I have longed for something different. I have longed for the emergence of a leader who can not only bridge the gap between our political parties, but also unite our own political party behind a common view.

Barack Obama speaks this language. He understands the weakness that is created by a divided government. In his book, he speaks about the experienced politicians such as Virginia's own Republican John Warner, who can have a casual and comfortable association with someone from the other party after debating their political views to an effective outcome. Our partisan politics, and partisan media outlets only weaken our nation and places unnecessary hurdles into our beautiful political process. Negative politics is only one aspect of politics that is wrong with our country. The other is the voters, the users of our political system, the beneficiaries. Considering how low the voter rate is in our country, it would benefit us to educate the ones who do chose to vote. My family represents what I feel is a large portion of our country's voters; voters that can not site more that one view of any candidate in any election, no matter how large the consequence. As an example, during the most recent gubernatorial election for the Commonwealth of Virginia my brother and I had a heated debate over who was the better of the two candidates. Republican Jerry Kilgore was running against Democratic Lieutenant Governor Tim Kaine for the office. During this argument, I stated all of the reasons that I believed made Tim Kaine the better choice. After this barrage of policies and personal attributes that I shot at my brother from my lips, I expected a loaded response. It didn't surprise me that since the presidential election in '04 that my brother hadn't changed a bit. He spoke so adamantly about voting for Jerry Kilgore, but couldn't articulate why. The driving factor in him even voting in that election was that his friend told him that if Tim Kaine was elected he would lose his gun rights. He knew that when he drove around town, he saw signs that said "Sportsmen for Kilgore". But he couldn't name one other reason to vote for him. He voted for Jerry Kilgore, just like he voted for George Bush in the '04 election...blindly.

These voters crowd the polls of our nation. It is our job to activate ourselves, and help educate our friends and families about the policies that make a difference in our day to day lives. Sure the Iraq war is a huge issue in the '08 election, but can the majority of our population speak intelligently about any other issue facing our country today? We must commit ourselves to starting today to become as familiar as we can with our candidates stance on all issues. Start today so that we can articulate clearly why it is that we prefer Senator Obama over any other candidate on the political scene. What would feel differently about the United States of America with Barack Obama in the White House? Educate yourself, educate each other...get involved!