Posts with the tag JJ

Video: JJ Domination

Nick Kimball — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 16:01:58 EST

Everyone is talking about Barack's incredible speech that he delivered at Saturday's Jefferson Jackson Dinner. JJ is the premier Iowa political event of the year and all the campaigns tried to organize the strongest presence.

We live-blogged all night from Veterans Memorial Auditorium. It was clear that Barack delivered the best speech and our Iowa supporters and volunteers had the strongest presence.

Here is a video we put together that shows what a great event it was!

Video: Obama dominates JJ dinner

Sam Graham-Felsen — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 13:30:47 EST

Everyone is talking about the amazing speech Barack gave at the JJ dinner this past weekend. But as this video demonstrates, Barack's speech wasn't the only amazing thing that happened at the JJ. Look at the energy, size and idealism of this movement:

More reactions from Obama's JJ speech

Sam Graham-Felsen — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 16:38:57 EST

Barack Obama's speech at the JJ dinner this weekend continues to draw rave reviews...

Mark Ambinder of The Atlantic:

Barack Obama's speech at Saturday night's Jefferson-Jackson dinner was the best I've ever seen him give.

Todd Beeton at MyDD:

I've finally caught up on my J-J speech viewing and have to agree with David Yepsen that Obama clearly had the best speech last night.

Mike Lux at OpenLeft:

From everything I've heard, his organization made a great impression on Dinner goers, and Obama gave the best speech of the night. His central message that he represents and can deliver real change, which is a strong message in this anti-establishment moment.

And here's an account from Iowa Independent of a couple that shared the table with Barack at the JJ dinner:

"Jill right away said that guy (Obama) is real," Kraus said. "It's not political charisma. It's real. It's genuine. He's doing it for the right reasons."
Kraus said he sees Obama in historic terms.
"He is going to go something momentous," Kraus said. "I feel it in my bones."

Carol Gordon's reaction to the JJ dinner

Matt Nappe — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 15:55:37 EST

I got this email yesterday from Carol Gordon, Grundy County Precinct 7 Chair talking about her experience at JJ:

Wow!! I have gone from being a supporter of Barack Obama to being an impassioned supporter for Barack. I got home from the JJ event in Des Moines at 2:00 AM Sunday, tired but with an energy that won't stop. I couldn't believe I was marching with a group of 4000 to Vet's Aud. doing the chants at the top of my lungs. I felt like a kid again.

On a more serious note, Barack and Michelle's participation in the day's events was a class act and I am proud to do anything I can to make sure in my little corner of the world that he comes out with the most delegates from my precinct.

I sat there listening to his speech with tears in my eyes. He passion for this country and what needs to happen to change America came through loud and clear. His speech was presidential and set him apart from his competitors.

We all need to step it up a notch until January 3 to show the country that the best candidate for President of the United States IS Barack Obama.

To see the parade Carol took place in, click here. To see Barack's speech at JJ, click here.

Did you attend JJ? Tell us about it in the comments.

JJ Pictures

Jaime Mulligan — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 15:08:32 EST

Check out some pictures from this weekend. This slideshow includes the sign war on Friday night and all the events on Saturday--the precinct captain meeting with Michelle, the pre-rally, the parade, and the dinner itself.

Click here to visit the full flickr collection of JJ weekend.

JJ Dinner: In the News

Jaime Mulligan — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 11:49:33 EST

The JJ Dinner this weekend was absolutely amazing, with thousands of Iowans coming out to march in the Obama parade into the dinner, attend the event and hear Barack's incredible speech. Reporters thought so too...check out just some of the coverage--including a rave review from David Yepsen:

Des Moines Register

The leading Democratic presidential candidates showed up for the Iowa Democratic Party’s big Jefferson Jackson Dinner Saturday night.
Five of them gave really good speeches.
Barack Obama’s was excellent.
It was one of the best of his campaign. The passion he showed should help him close the gap on Hillary Clinton by tipping some undecided caucus-goers his way. His oratory was moving and he successfully contrasted himself with the others - especially Clinton - without being snide or nasty about it.
Obama was particularly impressive Saturday night. Should he win the Iowa caucuses, Saturday’s dinner will be remembered as one of the turning points in his campaign in here, a point where he laid down the marker and began closing on Clinton, the national frontrunner...
While the Democratic candidates all had a good night, Obama clearly had the best.

Iowa Independent

DES MOINES -- Dr. Steven Kraus of Carroll looked at the place-setting to his right and did a double-take.
The name read Barack Obama. The U.S. senator from Illinois and Democratic presidential candidate would be sitting next to Kraus and his wife Jill on Saturday for at least part of the Iowa Democratic Party's Jefferson-Jackson Day Dinner, a signature event in the 2008 presidential election process.
..."Jill right away said that guy (Obama) is real," Kraus said. "It's not political charisma. It's real. It's genuine. He's doing it for the right reasons."
Kraus said he sees Obama in historic terms.
"He is going to go something momentous," Kraus said. "I feel it in my bones."

Chase Martyn (on display)

Obama beat all of the other campaigns combined at the sign war, if you can even call thousands of people marching together a “sign war.” ...When General Obama and his army took the hill on their way into the auditorium, the faces of other campaigns’ staff displayed a mix of awe, resignation, and indignation.

MSNBC

DES MOINES, IA – Nearly one in three people at last night’s Jefferson-Jackson Dinner was an Obama supporter. The campaign brought 3,000 supporters to a dinner that had 9,000 attendees. They also made sure to have a representative from each of Iowa’s 99 counties in attendance.

When asked if all of the Obama supporters attending the event were from Iowa, Obama’s Iowa Press Secretary Tommy Vietor said, “All of them. Except for my dad.”
Saying he was running “because of the fierce urgency of now,” a quote from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr....in a room filled with 9,000 Democrats that had spent the better part of the night slamming the Republican Party, [Obama] told the audience that he was running to reach across the aisle to those Independents and Republicans disaffected by the past seven years.
...Obama’s speech was buoyed by his large crowd of supporters. They chanted, yelled and stood up and cheered as he evoked the civil rights movement to talk about how he could only stand on this stage because those who had come before him were not afraid to take the difficult positions that he is supposedly espousing now.

But rather than drawing energy from the crowd to give the pep-rally style, exuberant speeches he is known for on the stump, Obama’s tone was somber, his demeanor serious. He ended on an appeal to Iowans and fellow Democrats.

“That’s why I am asking you stop settling for what the cynics say we have to accept,” Obama said. “In this election, in this moment, let us reach for what we know is possible -- a world repaired, an America that knows it can believe again.”

ABC News

The Obama troops clearly won the contest for loudest cheers in the hall as they offered some call and response with the "fired up, ready to go" chants that have become the standard finale to the senator's stump speech. (And they were decked out in red T-shirts with "I'm fired up" emblazoned on the front and "He's ready to go" on the back.)
...The Obama campaign owned the theatrics of the event.
In...the most rousing speech of the evening, Sen. Obama was sure to revisit his theme of calling for a change in the political climate..."This party -- of Jefferson and Jackson, of Roosevelt and Kennedy -- has made the most difference in people's lives when we've led, not by polls, but by principle; not by calculation, but by conviction," Obama said to applause.

Time

...I have to say, [Obama's] performance was especially striking. Again, the applause at his introduction was thundering. He also drew the longest, loudest responses throughout his speech: hooting, hollering and he was the only candidate to draw an enthusiastic chant. He also was the only candidate that seemed, for lack of a better word, to be working it. He gave that speech as if he was trying to convince people, not just solidifying the support he already had...

Washington Post

[At the Iowa Democratic Party's annual Jefferson-Jackson Dinner], Obama...delivered one of his most focused and powerful addresses. In the view of many in the audience, he emerged as the oratorical winner at the biggest Democratic political event in Iowa before the state's January caucuses.
Obama said his candidacy could produce a new Democratic majority capable of breaking the gridlock and polarization that have plagued Washington for a decade or more. "The same old Washington textbook campaigns just won't do it in this election," he said. "That's why not answering questions because we're afraid our answers won't be popular just won't do it."
[An] Oskaloosa couple left with colorful glow necklaces, handed out by Obama's campaign, peeking out from under their coats.
"We just think he's a very strong character," Barbara Donnelly said. Obama's speech "crystallized it for me," Mike Donnelly said. "...there was something about Barack tonight. He was so forceful."

Barack's JJ Speech

Nick Kimball — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 10:46:18 EST

In case you missed it, here is the speech everyone is talking about from JJ on Saturday.

What did you think?

Pre Rally and JJ- The true story(pictures included now)

Laura Hubka ~From Iowa Where It Started and Will Continue~~~ — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 20:11:39 EST

This is gonna be long folks!

We got there about 1130 am. When we went around the corner. My jaw dropped. HRC signs everywhere...everyone elses???no where. There was poor Shannon holding a huge HOPE sign on the corner. I stopped and asked what was going on. She said we are not supposed to put up small signs until 12 noon and bigger signs until 2pm. I said, well then what the heck is going on? And she said "who knows, they are not making them take them down".
We were off to the Pre event, they were setting up and giving out t shirts to volunteers. We walked around and checked things out. (my hubby has not been a verbal supporter, but even he said we need to go check into our hotel and get back here! I knew then he was in) I smiled! I was fired up and mad!

We hurried to the hotel and got ready and went back. We went right up to the front doors of the Vetrans Memorial Auditorium. LINED WITH HRC signs. big ones, BIGGER ONES.. all lined up with smaller ones stuck in the ground below them. Some of the poor Obama supporters were trying to stick little yard signs with HOPE on it in front of the big signs and these two very angry and pushy young girls (20-24) were sticking signs in front of every HOPE sign and staring at us daring us to put up another one. Finally I got mad and grabbed a hope sign and stood in front of HRC signs then my sister in law and hubby did the same. Everyone that came by smiled. I looked at those young girls and said, HONEY, SHE MAY HAVE SIGNS BUT WE HAVE REAL VOTERS LIKE ME!, she just scowled and walked away. I was steaming. It was so juvinille, considering they got there at 5 am and put up signs- CHEATING!

We went to the pre event with John Legend. It was awesome. I did not wear my boot because I thought I would be ok, well, my foot swelled up so big and I could not stand anymore so I had to sit back to the side and did not see most of it, but when I heard Baracks voice I cried. I was just so overcome with the "fight" I had outside with these rude pushy people. I was overcome with the thought that Barack just might not win because how can he fight when there are no rules. My husband gave me a hug and I felt full of fear.

When the preevent was over we went outside to march with Barack and Michelle to the event just a couple of blocks away. As we got to the site where we were to march from I turned around still fearful. But what I saw was the most amazing thing I have ever seen. The streets were full of people all the way down the block all the way up the other block and down the street. I almost fell over. Where did these people come from! Thousands, and thousands! All of us screaming FIRED UP- READY TO GO! my mind lifted from the bottomless pit of dispair! We really do have the voteers. We marched we talked we all were in awe of the sheer numbers. I can not believe what it must have been like in Central Park. But here we all were true supporters, voters, IOWANS!!

We marched and sang, and chanted. I even lead the FIRED UP- READY TO GO for a block or so before my voice gave out. As we went past the HIllary supporters in thier area we out numbered them 300 to one on the street. We could not even fit into any of the space left for us all. They did not fill up thier space. Across the street Dodd was giving away free beer! We thought about switching for a few minutes (ha ha)

We went inside and all we could do was talk about the sheer numbers, The Hillary people had a look of horror on thier faces. I am not kidding, they were litterly disgusted! and pissed off. I was happy. I we waited in the hall (we had floor tickets the rest of the people had balcony tickets)I talked on and on about how many people we had and how Hillary cheated. I could not help myself. I was on my phone calling my friends that are voters and exclaming that we have won Iowa. We Have WON! That this was just a small cross section of voters. A lot of people there for Hillary were from out of state!

While we waited we held our Barack OBama signs and saw many many others with signs. Then...in comes the rowdy crowd with these blow up bat like things, they are beating on them with DODD right in front of them, they just kept beating on these things. It was loud and gave me a headache. We had to wait for about 45 min to get in. Once we got in, the Hillary people also had those bat things and were beating them in chant. They did not stop for at least an hour. I reminded me what it would be like if she were president...very irritating and nothing I could do about it! They also had switched to bight yellow t shirts with "turn up the heat" on them. All I could think was. OK she was complaining a couple of weeks ago about being picked on and now she wants to turn up the heat. What ever. The first thing I did notice is the number of people we had lost from the march. We could have fit everyone in there. Where were those tickets! WE still out numbered Hillarys people by two full statium rows. But her people had prime seating on the floor and up in the stands (and those darn bat things) I felt like I was at a football game.

As each candidate went on stage with introduction the roars got louder and louder. Hillary's bunch was LOUD, but as Barack came out before he was even introduced, I almost jumped at the sound of our cheers! The house nearly came down! We chanted and chanted and chanted.

The speeches went on and I fell asleep during Harkin (sorry I have a hard time with the guy) then came Clinton with her "I am very comfortable in the kitchen" speech and her cronies with the "Turn up the heat" chant. It was impressive.

Then they called out Barack like he was a prize fighter! the house was on fire! A lot of people were gone from the balcony because after Edwards and the rest spoke, most of thier supporters left. I was sorry for that because then they would not have the opportunity to hear the next pres. talk!

A supporter from the audience called out "we love you Barack" and he called back " I love you too" We were on our feet constantly, we were on our chairs, I was again in tears! Barack was on fire! The crowd was in awe. I even saw some of the yellow blow up bat things beating for Barack! Maybe some wanted to switch? (I can only hope)! We were given a "scipt" as I suppose the Hillary people were. It had the times for things to happen like standing up and raiseing certian signs. We felt like it was some sort of game. It was fun, more fun than I thought it would be. Very entertaining for sure. Just to see what the big campaigns (Edwards, Clinton and Obama) had planned was very entertaining. On the floor seats we got supper and desert, in the balcony they had to buy thier food ..hotdogs ect.)

As it was over and Barack ended his speech we all chanted for quite awhile and would not let Madam Speaker Pelosi speak. She had to wait and so did the HRC supporters. They were quiet then and stayed that way. I ran to the front and waited and positioned myself near the place where Barack would be coming down, of course he went to the other side. But I got myself down there and when he came by I said, can I have 5 seconds? I passed him my circle sign and he almost seemed put off, but then I realized he was looking for a pen. I had one and handed it to him and he said thank you. I walked to my husband that had been looking out for me and my HUGE ankle and I smiled. I said OK we can go

I suddenly realized why the rest of the country listens to us Iowans and why we have such a HUGE responsibilty to this country. We have so many opportunites to meet these candidates and get to know them on a personal level. We have the awesome responsibilty to move this country. We as Iowans are the place the world is looking to to make the decision. I wanted to get home and call the world. Tell them that Hillary cheated..yet again! and no one was going to talk about it AGAIN! I wanted to tell them that Barack talked of the issues not just of being mad about the current situation of the world. We know we are all mad. But Barack has the answers or he knows where to get them.

http://s140.photobucket.com/albums/r13/laurahubka/?action=view&current=P1030005.jpg

http://s140.photobucket.com/albums/r13/laurahubka/?action=view&current=P1030003.jpg

http://s140.photobucket.com/albums/r13/laurahubka/?action=view&current=P1030006.jpg

http://s140.photobucket.com/albums/r13/laurahubka/?action=view&current=P1030007.jpg

http://s140.photobucket.com/albums/r13/laurahubka/?action=view&current=P1030009.jpg

http://s140.photobucket.com/albums/r13/laurahubka/?action=view&current=P1030012.jpg

http://s140.photobucket.com/albums/r13/laurahubka/?action=view&current=P1030016.jpg

http://s140.photobucket.com/albums/r13/laurahubka/?action=view&current=P1030026.jpg

http://s140.photobucket.com/albums/r13/laurahubka/?action=view&current=P1030031.jpg

http://s140.photobucket.com/albums/r13/laurahubka/?action=view&current=P1030032.jpg

http://s140.photobucket.com/albums/r13/laurahubka/?action=view&current=P1030033.jpg

http://s140.photobucket.com/albums/r13/laurahubka/?action=view&current=P1030034.jpg

http://s140.photobucket.com/albums/r13/laurahubka/?action=view&current=P1030035.jpg

http://s140.photobucket.com/albums/r13/laurahubka/?action=view&current=P1030047.jpg

http://s140.photobucket.com/albums/r13/laurahubka/?action=view&current=P1030042.jpg

JJ speech, Soaring but not above the "average" man

TimChicago — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 15:38:01 EST

I've read scores of commentary in reaction to the JJ speech, this individual posted on msnbc blog, and captures brilliantly why the speech works. It's why it worked for me too.

-I got up at 3:00 am in Brussels to see the JJ dinner...
It was worth every lost "Z" to see Obama rock and roll.
Four observations... one obvious... three perhaps less so:
1) Obama and his supporters rocked the joint. They with their numbers and enthusiasm... he with a speech which hit exactly the right notes in exactly the right tone for the time and place. He soared, but he didn't scream... he bit, but neatly... drawing just enough blood - from Republican and Democratic contenders - without scaring the horses (the caucus goers) in the convention center corral.
2) He soared in substance, rhetoric and style without separating from the "average" man and woman with undue erudition and too much charm. He was inspiring, in a "down-home" way, AND seriously Presidential... no mean feat for a black man in Iowa.
3) He tightened his rationale for running AND reached out - to Republicans, Independents and, frankly, other Democratic candidates' supporters.
4) He is signaling to those of his supporters who have feared his recently flatter personal affect and poll results (that is, before his just-reported net 10 point New Hampshire "bump") that the DNC Convention speech "magic" is alive and well, and ready to deploy at the proper course and speed for caucus and primary time.
Andrew Sullivan (Atlantic cover story) is right: this is the right man and the right time... tactically (for the nomination)... strategically (for the general election) and historically (for the U.S. and the world).
Excellent.

Victor Bond, Carlsbad, CA (Sent Sunday, November 11, 2007 11:09 AM)

Barack's JJ speech

Sam Graham-Felsen — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 13:52:29 EST

In case you missed it, here's the video of the speech everyone is talking about today -- Barack's address at the Jefferson-Jackson dinner:

Full text of the speech after the jump.

Influential political columnist David Yepsen writes rave review of the JJ

Sarah Ramey — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 11:19:25 EST

As John McCormick writes in the Swamp: "There is no more influential political columnist in Iowa than David Yepsen of The Des Moines Register. After sitting through six Democratic presidential campaign speeches at last night's Jefferson Jackson dinner, he is giving the night's win to Sen. Barack Obama."

Here are some excerpts from David Yepsen's rave review:

Des Moines Register

The leading Democratic presidential candidates showed up for the Iowa Democratic Party’s big Jefferson Jackson Dinner Saturday night.
Five of them gave really good speeches.
Barack Obama’s was excellent.
It was one of the best of his campaign. The passion he showed should help him close the gap on Hillary Clinton by tipping some undecided caucus-goers his way. His oratory was moving and he successfully contrasted himself with the others - especially Clinton - without being snide or nasty about it.
Obama was particularly impressive Saturday night. Should he win the Iowa caucuses, Saturday’s dinner will be remembered as one of the turning points in his campaign in here, a point where he laid down the marker and began closing on Clinton, the national frontrunner...
While the Democratic candidates all had a good night, Obama clearly had the best.

Morning News -- JJ Dinner

Sarah Ramey — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 10:05:07 EST

As you've probably read by now: the JJ dinner in Iowa was a total success for Barack Obama and Obama supporters everywhere. Reporters thought so too...check it out in today's news:

MSNBC

DES MOINES, IA – Nearly one in three people at last night’s Jefferson-Jackson Dinner was an Obama supporter. The campaign brought 3,000 supporters to a dinner that had 9,000 attendees. They also made sure to have a representative from each of Iowa’s 99 counties in attendance.

When asked if all of the Obama supporters attending the event were from Iowa, Obama’s Iowa Press Secretary Tommy Vietor said, “All of them. Except for my dad.”
Saying he was running “because of the fierce urgency of now,” a quote from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr....in a room filled with 9,000 Democrats that had spent the better part of the night slamming the Republican Party, [Obama] told the audience that he was running to reach across the aisle to those Independents and Republicans disaffected by the past seven years.
...Obama’s speech was buoyed by his large crowd of supporters. They chanted, yelled and stood up and cheered as he evoked the civil rights movement to talk about how he could only stand on this stage because those who had come before him were not afraid to take the difficult positions that he is supposedly espousing now.

But rather than drawing energy from the crowd to give the pep-rally style, exuberant speeches he is known for on the stump, Obama’s tone was somber, his demeanor serious. He ended on an appeal to Iowans and fellow Democrats.

“That’s why I am asking you stop settling for what the cynics say we have to accept,” Obama said. “In this election, in this moment, let us reach for what we know is possible -- a world repaired, an America that knows it can believe again.”

Garance

Barack Obama...finally gave the speech his supporters have been waiting for him to give all year. If anyone comes out of this dinner with The Big Mo, it will be him.
Obama’s supporters used their voices, not tools, to make noise. The moment House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced his name in her introduction, she was met with screams, whoops, ululations, whistles, shouts, and cries of wordless enthusiasm. When she said, “Please welcome the next president of the United States” — a line she’d used in earlier introductions — the crowd burst into what my notes could only capture as “TOTAL ROAR.”

Associated Press

Clinton and Obama stacked the hall with larger contingents than their rivals, Obama bringing along a few thousand red-shirted backers...
''When I am your nominee, my opponent won't be able to say that I supported this war in Iraq, or that I gave George Bush the benefit of the doubt on Iran,'' Obama said. ''And he won't be able to say that I wavered on something as fundamental as whether it's OK for America to use torture -- because it's never OK.''
Obama has been critical of Clinton on all those issues, and he said Democrats are at their best ''when we've led not by polls, but by principle, not by calculation but by conviction, when we've had leaders who could summon the entire nation to a common purpose -- a higher purpose.''

Iowa Independent

DES MOINES -- Dr. Steven Kraus of Carroll looked at the place-setting to his right and did a double-take.
The name read Barack Obama. The U.S. senator from Illinois and Democratic presidential candidate would be sitting next to Kraus and his wife Jill on Saturday for at least part of the Iowa Democratic Party's Jefferson-Jackson Day Dinner, a signature event in the 2008 presidential election process.
..."Jill right away said that guy (Obama) is real," Kraus said. "It's not political charisma. It's real. It's genuine. He's doing it for the right reasons."
Kraus said he sees Obama in historic terms.
"He is going to go something momentous," Kraus said. "I feel it in my bones."

New Republic

"Obama Shines in Iowa"
Barack Obama's speech at tonight's Jefferson-Jackson dinner in Iowa took him back to the roots of his stardom. Crucially, the setting was similar to that of the 2004 Democratic national convention, where Obama's keynote speech changed his destiny: Obama appeared onstage alone, before a roaring auditorium crowd, delivering an oratorically ambitious speech...Obama showed off his star power again and, for me at least, refreshed the logic of his call for "change that we can believe in."
...If I had to declare a winner it would definitely be Obama, who made me think anew about his potential as a nominee who can excite voters.

Live from the JJ: What a speech!

Sam Graham-Felsen — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 01:05:18 EST

Barack just brought the house down. Here's what two caucus-goers, Kevin and Robert, from Davenport, Iowa had to say about his address.

Robert (right):

He took it to the next level. He truly displayed his ability to be President of the United States. He showed us why he's our next leader of the free world.

Kevin (left):

This is the best speech Barack Obama has ever given. He stressed his experience bringing people together in the past, but he especially emphasized the future -- what we can do to make America better.

Live at the JJ: Goosebumps

Sarah Ramey — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 01:03:45 EST

"I've seen him 20 times -- and every single time it gets better."

Joe is smiling ear to ear after Barack's crowd-igniting speech.

"It's goosebumps. I get goosebumps."

Everyone is quoting back their favorite lines from the speech; everyone is still waving their signs; the chairs are being stacked and you can still hear, "Fired up? Fired up! Ready to go? Ready to go!" coming through the halls.

Goosebumps...

Live from JJ: Pictures from the Speech

Jaime Mulligan — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 00:47:48 EST

Here's a link to some of the speech.

Live at the JJ -- Joy!

Sarah Ramey — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 00:44:12 EST

Meet Joy, precinct captain for precinct 54 here in Des Moines -- one of the thousands of cheering Obama supporters here at the end of Barack's speech.

"It is so obvious he's going to win. Look at this room. Listen to this room."

"He is just so strong, so clearly the only one who can bring real change. His speech tonight was incredible -- you're just looking at him, and you just know. This is the one: in every speech he makes me feel stronger and better -- and he is going to make America stronger and better."

The crowd just erupted with another huge Obama cheer -- even as everyone is filing out!

Live from JJ: Barack's Speech

Jaime Mulligan — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 00:08:01 EST

A little less than one year from today you will go into the voting booth and you will select the next President of the United States. Here's the good news. The name G.W. Bush will not be on the ballot. The name of my cousin Dick Cheney will not be on the ballot. We've been trying to hide that for a long time. Everybody has a black sheep in the family. [laughter]

The era of Scooter Libby justice and Brownie incompetence and Karl Rove politics will finally be over. But the question you're gonna have to ask yourself when you caucus in January and you vote in November is what's next for America. We are at a defining moment in our history...The promise that so many generations fought for seems like it's slipping away...we've lost faith that our leaders can or will do anything about it.

It is because of those failures that America is listening...we not only have a moment of great challenge, but a moment of great opportunity. We have a chance to bring the American people together, in a new majority...

That's why telling the American people what we think they want to hear instead of telling the American people what they need to hear just won't do. Triangulating and poll-driven positions because we're worried about what Mitt or Rudy might say about us just won't do...
If we are really serious about winning this election Democrats, then we can't be afraid of losing. The party of Jefferson and Jackson and Roosevelt and Kennedy has always made the biggest difference in the lives of the American people...when we summoned the entire nation to a common purpose, a higher purpose.

A party that doesn't just focus on how to win, but why we should. A party that doesn't just offer change as a slogan but real, meaningful change, change that America can believe in. That's why I'm in this race, that's why I'm running for the Presidency of the United States, to offer change that we can believe in!...I am in this race because I want to stop talking about the outrage of 47 million Americans without healthcare and start actually doing something about it. I expanded healthcare in Illinois by bringing Democrats and Republicans together, by taking on the insurance industry and that is how I will make certain that ever American in this country has healthcare...and I will do by the end of my first term of the President of the United States of America.

...I am running for President because I am sick and tired of Democrats thinking that the only way to look tough on national security is by acting and voting like George Bush Republicans.

...When I am this party's nominee, my opponent will not be able to say that I voted for the war in Iraq...And he will not be able to say that I waivered on something as fundamental as whether it is okay for America to torture because it is never okay. That's why I'm in it!

...I will lead the world to combat the common threats of the 21st century...and I will send once more a message to those yearning faces beyond our shores that says you matter to us, your future is our future, and our moment is now. America, our moment is now.

Our moment is now!

I don't want to spend the next year or the next four years refighting the same fights that we had in the 1990s. I don't want to pit red America against blue America. I want to be the President of the United States of America.

And if those Republicans come at me with the same fear-mongering and swift-boating that they usually do, then I will take them head-on. Because I believe the American people are tired of fear, and tired of distractions...we can make this election not about fear, but about the future, and that will not be just a Democratic victory, that will be an American victory, a victory that America needs right now!

I am not in this race to fulfill some longheld ambitions or because I believe it's somehow owed to me. I never expected to be here. I always knew this journey was improbable. I am running in this race because of of what Dr. King called "the fierce urgency of now." Because I believe that there's such a thing as being too late, and that hour is almost upon us.

...I'm in this race for the same reason that I found for jobs for jobless and hope for the hopeless on the streets of Chicago, for the same reason that I fought for justice and equality as a civil rights lawyer...I will never forget that the only reason that I'm standing here today is because someone had the courage to stand up!

...That's why I'm running, Democrats. To keep the American dream alive..in this election, in this moment, let us reach for what we know is possible. A nation healed and world repaired. An America that believes again.

Barack's supporters erupted at the end of the speech with fire it up, ready to go and kept going through the end of the JJ.

We are here, we are organized, and we want Barack.

Live from JJ: Barack Is Up

Jaime Mulligan — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 23:58:48 EST

Live from the JJ: Michelle in section 16

Sarah Ramey — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 23:30:15 EST

Jennifer is a stay-at-home mom from Hampton, Iowa.

"Michelle, this is the highlight of my life," Jennifer said with a huge smile on her face, shaking Michelle Obama's hand.

Michelle just came over and introduced herself to everyone in our section.

"This is exactly who she is, coming over here, meeting all of us," Jennifer says. "She's so real. She looks you right in the eye. It is such a privilege to meet a woman like that -- the next First Lady of the United States!"

Jennifer (below, right after meeting Michelle) stays at home with her two kids, who are the same age as Michelle Obama's daughters, Sasha and Malia.

"I can really relate to her, and when you listen to her in an interview you can just feel how much she cares about her family. I saw her on Oprah, and the way she talks about her daughters, it's so wonderful. Family is so important -- and both Obamas know that."

"This is just a thrill of a lifetime," Jennifer says. "You know, we're so lucky here in Iowa. Today has been such a blast -- the energy is just huge. Looking around the room and seeing all these different faces -- so, so many different kinds of people. You just look around, and it's obvious: Barack is the only one who's able to bring together people like that. He's not just Mr. Politics. He's uniting us. That's what's so amazing looking around: he's not just promising to unite us -- he already has."

Live from the JJ: Michelle in Section 17

Sam Graham-Felsen — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 23:23:37 EST

Michelle Obama has an effect on people. Virtually everyone she meets is taken by her remarkable warmth and down-to-earth sensibility. When you meet Michelle, you feel like you know her right away.

Right now, Michelle is up in Section 17 here in the rafters, mingling with Iowans who've driven from all over the state to watch her husband tonight at the JJ dinner.

Live from the JJ: Don't take our word for it...

Sam Graham-Felsen — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 23:07:02 EST

Garance Franke-Ruta from the American Prospect:

Barack Obama received the most thunderous — and extended — applause.

Live from the JJ: First-time caucusers for Barack

Sam Graham-Felsen — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 22:48:35 EST

Kelly and Tom of Perry, Iowa, are going to caucus for the first time this year, and they're throwing their support behind Barack Obama.

Tom says he supports Barack because he's "sick of this war" and he believes Barack is the best candidate to bring our troops home. "I have a young son," says Tom, "and he tells me 'Dad I want to join the military some day.' And I support that he wants to fight for our country, I just don't want him to fight for the wrong reasons."

Originally, Kelly was a supporter of Hillary Clinton. But a phonecall from her local Obama field organizer, Anna, changed her mind.

"All the other campaigns had automated messages and I always just hang up on those," says Kelly. "But Anna called me, she listened to what I had to say, she explained Obama's positions, and she answered my questions. That changed my mind -- the fact that someone asked me what I thought."

"Hillary is a strong woman, and I respect her," says Kelly, "but Obama is more about talking to people and listening to them, not telling them what to do."

Kelly says she's excited to caucus for the first time, and she's also fired up about volunteering for Barack. "I used to think my voice didn't count," says Kelly, "but I realized, I can't complain about what's happening in our country and not get involved. I realized I had to make a difference."

Live from the JJ: Barackstars out in full force

Sam Graham-Felsen — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 22:21:15 EST

Without doubt, we have the most diverse crowd here -- people from all different neighborhoods, backgrounds and ages. A big contingent in the crowd are Iowa's Barackstars -- the amazingy well-organized high school students for Obama. In Iowa, if you're seventeen years old by November 4, 2007, you can caucus on January 3rd.

Irene is a Barackstar from Cedar Falls, Iowa. She heard Barack when he visited neighboring Waterloo and found him "an incredible speaker."

"Obama has experience, a different kind of experience, the experience I think we need right now," she says.

At her local high school, which she says is a "small school," there are eighty Barackstars. Every Friday, they wear their Obama gear to get the word out and encourage their classmates to caucus.

She says her classmates are fired up about Barack and she's blown away by the enthusiasm of her fellow Iowans here at the JJ dinner. "It is awesome here!"

Sidney and Susan: Teachers for Obama at the JJ!

Sarah Ramey — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 22:15:57 EST

The candidates are taking the stage one by one...but the crowd around us is completely abuzz about Barack's speech coming up later tonight.

Everyone in here is still riding high from Barack's speech at the rally earlier today, from the incredible marching band that lead the Obama masses to HyVee Hall, and from the back-and-forth Fired Up chants ringing around this hall.

Just spoke to Sidney and Susan between rounds of cheering and chanting, two English teachers here in Iowa who couldn't make it clear enough: they have never seen a candidate like Barack Obama before.

"I grew up in a political household," says Susan, "And I've never seen anything like this."

Sidney and Susan are from Clarion, Iowa, and they drove the whole hour-and-a-half it takes to get here so they could get a chance to see their favorite candidate speak in person. So far, both agree, they've been blown away.

"It's his humanity," she says. "It's just pure humanity that speaks to all these people."

"And his enthusiasm," adds Sidney. "He has such a positive attitude, and it's a reflection of him -- just look at all of us: this crowd is absolutely incredible!"

The Atlantic's Mark Ambinder on the JJ crowd

Sam Graham-Felsen — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 22:08:34 EST

Mark Ambinder:

The only cheers you can hear on television are: "Ready to Go. Fired Up" -- the Obama fight mantra. And occasionally -- "O-Ba-Ma."

Live from the JJ: Faces in the crowd

Sam Graham-Felsen — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 21:47:03 EST

I've been to some loud events in my life -- from Red Sox games to rock concerts -- but this may be the loudest, most passionate crowd I've ever seen.

Among the voices in this remarkable chorus of Obama supporters are Sandy and Jim from Des Moines. Both of them have only caucused once before in their lives, but they are strongly dedicated to heading out on January 3rd this year to caucus for Barack.

"From the first time I heard Obama," says Sandy, "I knew he was special." Sandy is chiefly concerned with "reuniting this country" and she believes Barack can "make us one country again."

Jim nods his head in agreement. "He listens," says Jim, "he's not bound to money and special interests, but to what the people say. That appeals to everyone."

Both Sandy and Jim also believe Barack is the strongest candidate for the general election. "We need to win this time," says Jim. "We've suffered too much under Bush and it's time to get the Republican scoundrels out of Washington."

"I think he can get independents and moderate Republicans to vote for him," says Sandy.

JJ Video: Barack Leads the Parade

Jessica Slider — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 20:49:50 EST

Check out the Pre- JJ parade, led by Barack, from the rally to the Jefferson Jackson Dinner!

Live from the JJ: Barack Comes In

Jaime Mulligan — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 20:38:42 EST

I have never heard anything like that. You know that footage Joe just put up?

Picture that. Louder.

We are organized, we are here, and we want Barack Obama.

Live from the JJ: I Think These People Might Be Ready to Go

Joe Rospars — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 20:24:54 EST

Iowans for Obama in the crowd at the JJ are organized (and vocal) ...

UPDATE: Best comment ever in the thread below:

By Deb for Obama
2 minutes ago

Was anyone else sitting at their computer, chanting with the crowd.
My husband is starting to worry about me.

Live from the JJ: Please Take Your Seats, We're About to Begin

Jaime Mulligan — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 20:17:13 EST

7:20 pm and the program is about to begin.

(Are you guys all ready to go?)

Live from the JJ: The March

Joe Rospars — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 20:10:20 EST

What an amazing moment. Barack led a march of more than 4,000 supporters from the pre-JJ rally into the streets for an incredible show of support. Here's a quick clip of what it looked like:

The thousands of Obama supporters who marched in the parade had just hustled out of the pre-JJ rally to get to the parade site after Barack finished speaking. Lisa in advance, who shot the video above, also got a quick shot of that scene:

We're hustling to get you photos and videos live from the ground here in Des Moines. Stay tuned for more ...

JJ Liveblog: Fired UP

Jaime Mulligan — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 19:56:41 EST

We're about five to ten minutes away from the dinner starting. We have a tremendous presence here. One side of the hall is chanting Fired Up, the other Ready to Go. All the Obama supporters are wearing glowing Os. Pictures and video coming soon.

Deputy Secretary of State Frank Chiodo on JJ: "Tonight's the night for Barack to make his move. JJ is the biggest national event other before caucus night. Tonight begins the sprint."

Here's more pictures from the rally earlier:

JJ Liveblog: John Legend, Michelle, and Barack

Jaime Mulligan — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 16:58:51 EST

John Legend finished up and Michelle was on the stage getting everyone pumped up.

I love him because he's a wonderful husband. He still sends me flowers for my birthday and for anniversaries even though he's running for President. And because he's decent and honest and he tells the truth.

...He's going to unite this country in ways that we have never imagined, and if you can just take a moment to dream...Kids around the world are watching us and they're trying to figure out who is America, what do we stand for...

[Imagine] what they will think...when we elect my husband President...Barack Obama!

Barack came out on stage. The room is overflowing with excitement.

I am lucky to have Michelle Obama. Some people ask me, how did I marry such a fabulous woman. I begged, on my knees, repeatedly. She finally gave in.

I am thankful to her and I am thankful to the unbelievable talent of John Legend. Thank you so much John...

I've been instructed not to give a long speech. I have to save my voice for the JJ Dinner...

There a whole bunch of reasons why people believed that we might not be where we are today. But there's one thing that the...cynics did not understand.

And that is the power of the American people.

JJ Liveblog: Rally Gets Going!

Jaime Mulligan — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 16:23:16 EST

There's thousands of people here and our state field director, Ann Filipic, just kicked off the program.

"Not only do we have 5-time Grammy Award Winner John Legend with us today, but we have the next President and first lady of the United States, Barack and Michelle. Are you fired up?"

The crowd responded "FIRED UP!"

"Ready to go?"

"READY TO GO!"

Weekend Warriors, the band that won a Battle of the Bands up in Ames, Iowa, just came on and is getting the crowd going. People are still coming in the doors, getting their t-shirts and meeting up with their friends.

More pictures soon but here's a few of people coming in, and some quotes from attendees.

"The campaign is steadily moving---not just the candidate, but the organization." Former State House Democratic Leader Dick Myers.

"Today we are lighting up the energizer bunny for the Democratic Party." Sen. Wood.

"I think there is a groundswell slowly moving up for Obama. You see it in the crowds and the energy. [Today] You can feel the enthusiasm." Sen. Bob Dvorsky.

JJ Liveblog: Michelle fires up precinct captains

Sam Graham-Felsen — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 15:51:06 EST

Michelle just fired up the crowd of Obama precinct captains with some incredibly inspirational words. Instead of allowing ourselves to be governed be fear, she said, we should stand up for what's right -- for what we believe in.

Her remarks were broken up by loud applause several times; afterwards, she took a picture with the precinct captains.

JJ Liveblog: Precinct captains streaming in

Sam Graham-Felsen — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 14:31:56 EST

Hundreds of precinct captains from all over the state are streaming in right now.

These folks have already pledged to not only caucus, but take a leadership role in their community in support of Barack.

Soon, they'll meet with Michelle. More to come...

At the JJ: Fired Up and Getting Ready

Sam Graham-Felsen — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 14:12:15 EST

We're here at the JJ getting ready for the action.

Later on today, this hall will be packed, and Obama supporters will be out in full force.

This afternoon, there will be a huge parade and rally headlined by John Legend. We just bumped into Carlos and Mario, two of the volunteers making the preparations:

We'll keep you updated throughout the day.

Liveblogging the JJ: The Sign War

Jaime Mulligan — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 19:24:02 EST

6:42 pm. So if you've never been to the Iowa Jefferson-Jackson Dinner, you may not know that the walls of the room the dinner takes place in are covered in huge handmade signs and posters. And you also may not know that those handmade signs and posters all get put up during a sign war the night before the JJ itself.

It is sign war time. Right now all the campaigns are here in the lobby. The doors open at 7. You can only have five people from any given campaign inside the the hall at any given time.

So we have teams of runners (fired up and) ready to go. The energy in here is amazing. It is definitely, definitely game time.

It's all about organization. And we have it. Here's some pictures of team Obama preparing signs, organizing, stretching, cheering, and generally getting revved up for the massive sign war about to ensue.

7:03 pm. The sign war just started. You can see people darting through the hall, whistles are blowing. Our second team of runners just came out, and the next group moved into position.

There are some people who only have one job: stand there with tape all over them for people running by with posters to grab if needed.

This goes on until 9. It really is all about being organized, and in a way, is no different from what our team does here every day. Work together, involve everyone, and show what this campaign is all about: dedication to changing the world, one step at a time.

8:11 pm. Some pictures: