Posts with the tag NH

ALTERNATIVE ENERGY

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

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

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

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

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

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

Alternative Energy
Source: David Apperson

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

How We Fight

NTodd — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 15:27:19 EDT

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

Gathering with Rep. Niki Tsongas after her pep talk.

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

More below the fold...

Weekend Politicking

NTodd — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 13:35:46 EDT

So much for writing a cohesive post about campaigning. Just the usual highlights:

Dunno if I've said it before--I think maybe in a Paxcast or PaxLive--but on average 12 doors knocked means 1 vote, no matter what the outcome. My canvass teamsknocked 80 doors and got 23 IDs (16 for O, 7 for M). Overall our teeny office knocked ~600 doors (best canvass day yet) with ~300 IDs (150 O, rest split between U and M).

Saturday we crossed paths with 2 sets of Jehovah's Witnesses--a couple of older ladies, one dad and his young daughter. I was telling R, my partner that day, about the voter "universes" we use to cut turf and one of the ladies overheard. She said they were also going door-to-door to speak of "universes" but really the word they use is "kingdom." Yes, I said, as I took yet another copy of Watchtower, which we kept seeing in door handles as we did our own lit drops.

An 8yo kid walking around the neighborhood asked what we were doing--we said asking people to vote for Barack Obama and Jeanne Shaheen. He took some lit home. Later we bumped into him in front of his house as he was riding a mini motocross bike and he asked if we'd ever met Jeanne Shaheen. Sadly, no, since I couldn't go to the campaign event in Littleton last Sunday.

I met a real live PUMA! Husband refused to tell us his leanings--very common here, not sure about outside NH--but wife said she voted for Hillary in the primary and was writing her in next week. She didn't look too crazy, but I suspect her gardening hat covered up some horns or something.

One door, 4 contacts, all voted for McCain already. Owners of a convenience store I frequent just down the hill. Nice chat, though some amazing dissonance: tired of all the fighting, we're all Americans, etc, yet voted for the ticket that calls us anti-American. Congratulations to them for the birth of twin granddaughers--President Obama will make sure they are healthy and have a bettter country to grow up in.

Sunday J and I ran the gamut. Literally asked by one refusal, "don't you guys have anything better to do on a Sunday?" Shit, man, we're doing this before the Pats game starts! Ran into a number of young voters whose parents/grandparents were our targets--all Obama, very stoked. Healthcare a big issue for them, one even mentioned the historic aspect of a black man winning.

Congressman Paul Hodes dropped by the office before an event down the road, left his very sweet dog Mango with us. He likes Cheezits. Mango, I mean, not Rep Hodes. Hodes is leading his opponent 51-25 (24% undecided because nobody knows Republican Jennifer Horn, as my canvassing results bear out). Everything looks good for Obama and the Dems in NH next week.

I don't understand the refusals any more than I understand undecideds. I don't think people are stupid, though perhaps a bit too insular and disengaged from the democratic process overall--what is this Republic if not a place where you don't just vote, but also engage in discourse in the public square? Still, I guess having 18 bajillion strangers descend on your home demanding answers might be a little off-putting. Personally I enjoy chatting with people on either side of the door.

Was interrupted doing data entry by local character Charles Buckley, a long-time criminal defense lawyer, naval combat veteran, and former presidential candidate (won 0.21% of the vote in the NH Democratic primary back in 2000). Interesting fellow.

Drove home with Venus bright and low in the sky, just above the mountains with the remaining orange glow of sunset, Jupiter above to the left. Beautiful end to a lovely, tiring weekend. Somehow, it gives me hope...

ntodd

Bus for Change: Canvass Concord, NH

Nicole LaChapelle — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 00:14:06 EDT

Bus for Change - Canvass in Concord, NH

Join us on the BUS FOR CHANGE! Registrars of Probate Dave Sullivan and John Merrigan with WMASS for Obama '08 are sponsoring a 54 person bus to canvass in Concord, NH on Sunday, October 26th. Bus stops are:
Sheldon Field, Old Ferry Road, Northampton, MA at 9 AM; with people meeting at 8:45 AM
Eric Carle Museum, 125 W Bay Road, Amherst, MA at 9:15 AM; with people meeting at 9:00 AM
Robsham Visitor Center, 300 Massachusetts Ave, Amherst, MA at 9:30 AM; with people meeting at 9:15 AM
On Route 202, Orange, MA, (exact location to be announced) at 10 AM; with people meeting at 9:45 AM
Bagels, coffee and water are being provided for the ride. Canvassers should bring their own lunch. The bus will be leaving Concord at 4:30 PM, arriving back in WMASS between 6:45 PM to 7:30 PM depending on your bus stop.

To reserve your seat on the Concord Bus for Change, please email Nicole LaChapelle at nicollemarie@gmail.com.

Please note: carpools from Northampton and Greenfield to the general Keene area will continue in addition to this bus trip.

Obama in NH 10/16/08 (HD)

Steve Garfield — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 07:08:20 EDT

Click to watch: Obama in NH 10/16/08 from stevegarfield on Vimeo.

Barack Obama: It's gonna take a new direction.

It's going to take new leadership in Washington.

It's gonna take real change in policies and politics from the last 8 years. ...and that's why I'm running for President of the United States of America

I noticed that I think this whole change thing is catching on.

Kendal seniors working hard for Senator Obama

Jennifer Randolph — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 21:09:31 EDT

Nestled in the beautiful landscape of Hanover, NH , the Kendal retirement community is renowned for its active, engaged senior residents. A dedicated group of Obama campaign volunteers from Kendal demonstrates why this reputation is well-deserved.

For several weeks now, Kendal residents have been holding their own phone bank for Obama out of their residences, with Edie Gieg taking the lead in organizing their efforts. The dedicated group has proven to be quite a force in reaching out to New Hampshire voters throughout the state, smashing their own calling records and earning a special trophy from campaign staff (seen below).

How do they do it? Each morning, Edie Gieg's pie basket (also seen below) appears with fresh calling packets for volunteers to pick up. By evening, packets are returned to the pie basket to be picked up by staffers for data entry. The next day, the process starts again, and hundreds of calls are made.

Hats off to our great team of Kendal volunteers!

Our Upcoming Event!

Adrienne from Marlborough, NH — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 13:59:25 EDT

Hello folks,

Thanks for visiting our group page! The first few entries of this blog will detail what we've been up to so far, in case you are just joining the conversation.

An inspiring email from David, re: An Obama Event You Can SPELL!

Hello Fellow Obamafolk,

On Saturday October 4th at 2:15PM myself, my family and heaps of Obama
supporters will punctually descend on downtown Keene each carrying a
letter or sign with a letter with the intention of spelling the word
CHANGE. Imagine pumpkinfest, but switch the pumpkins with letters -
one person carrying a huge paper mache"C", another wearing a sandwich
board with an "H" on either side, another carrying a poster with a
bright pink "A", another holding a torn piece of cardboard with "N" in
black marker, another holding a huge toy snake contorted to look like a
"G" and then someone with a bold "E" on their Tshirt. They meet at
Railroad square, introduce themselves, and march around downtown
proudly spelling "Change" along with throngs of other proud spellers.

Joining this happy group will be other signs supporting Obama-Biden
that say "Change You Can Believe In" and other phrases we've heard from
the campaign. The campaign will also be present accepting commitments
to give an hour a week of canvassing neighborhoods - making sure
supporters will vote.

New Hampshire continues to be a toss-up in the polls. We live in a
state that could decide this election. We have to do something. So
why not have some fun doing it?

So please come, and bring a letter.

Join our Obamagroup to receive any updates or to link with others who
are coming and expand on the idea. A sub-group would like to do some
singing. Another would like to make some puppets. Another is planning
some sign making parties. Click below to join.

Then please forward this to whoever you think would like to come. We
need lots of people to come to make this true Pageantry and Spectacle.
The press will be there, so wear your Saturday best.

Look for posters around town. Help create a big buzz.

I have taken to walking around downtown with a letter under my arm.
People ask. I answer, "I'm hoping to spell something" Something we
need.

Hope to make Change with you on October 4th, David.

For the event sign-up page click here!

http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/voterregistrationdrive/gpgh24

Plymouth MA goes to NH

Janet Alfieri — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 10:21:39 EDT

Every Saturday, from now until November, there will be carpools leaving from the rest area at Exit 5 off Rte. 3 (McDonald's, Native American totem pole) in Plymouth Mass. to help out with door to door canvassing in NH. All those from the So. Shore or Cape areas who wish to participate are asked to arrive around 7:30 AM. The parking is free for those who wish to leave vehicles there. Please bring money to help defray gas costs for drivers, food, water, pens, clipboard and energy. It is useful to dress in layers.

There will be a training session for everyone. So, if you have never canvassed door to door before, you will have the opportunity to ask questions and will be supplied with a "script" to get you started. Remember, our job as canvassers is mostly to identify Obama supporters and to help those who sincerely are undecided get the information they need from the campaign.

Please sign up on BarackObama.com for any Saturdays you can go and tell your Obama backing friends who want to help the campaign. The event name is "Plymouth Ba-Rocks" and there is one sign-up for each Saturday. Our job, besides ensuring Massachusetts goes for Obama, is to help keep the swing state of NH blue.

Time is short. Please help if you can. Link on flip.

New Hampshire Veterans for Obama Steering Committee Roundtable in Manchester, NH

Brian - NH HQ — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 03:02:00 EDT

Thursday night, at the American Legion Sweeney Post in Manchester, New Hampshire a group of Veterans met at a roundtable to discuss Senator Barack Obama's stance on Veteran affairs and benefits. Medal of Honor recipient and Vietnam veteran, Captain Paul "Bud" Bucha, joined them to kickoff the New Hampshire Veterans for Obama Steering Committee.

Bill from the Manchester Sweeney Post started off:

We need a change in this country. We need a change now. We need to bring somebody into the White House who will speak for us veterans, who will get us a VA facility like we need here in Manchester; the only state in the United States that doesn't have a full service VA hospital. We need people here to help us. We need Obama in office. We need Carol Shea-Porter in office. We need Governor Shaheen in office. We need everyone to help us veterans. A lot of guys who have got a lot of issues, they can't get them taken care of here. They have to travel to Massachusetts. They have to travel to Vermont, whether it's for cancer treatment or mental health facilities.

Jim Smith, retired Air Force General, served 28 years mainly as a fighter pilot, introduced Captain Bucha:

I supported Senator Obama early because I saw in him someone who understood that the last seven years of this nation's experience did not match what our nation stood for. And I think in Senator Obama we've got a candidate, that not only is right for this time, he probably represents the best candidate for change we've seen in several generations.

BILL, CAPTAIN "BUD" BUCHA (standing) AND GENERAL SMITH

Captain Bucha shared many great stories with this group of veterans, but when he spoke about leadership he listed his five elements of leadership: integrity, confidence, competence, compassion, and humility. In twenty years he hasn't found more than those five, but he found all five in Senator Obama:

I looked at those five things and I said, that's Barack! He didn't wait like they said... He told us the truth of who he was and everything about him. He didn't hide it... He wrote it in a book and it's there. So he's been honest and he's been compassionate... But no where in those five things is timing great. No where does it say, 'oh in 20 years experience'... If there were, David wouldn't have thrown that rock at Goliath. It would have been an old guy. Alexander would never have conquered Persia. It would have been an old guy. Abraham Lincoln would have never been allowed to be President. It would have been an old guy. Ulysses S. Grant wouldn't have accepted the surrender. It would have been an old guy. Martin Luther wouldn't have walked up those steps. It would have been an old minister. Dave Patreaus would not be leading in Iraq and I would have never been given command of my company. I didn't have five minutes of experience before I became a company commander. I'd been at the business school in Stanford. And as a result, time and grade wasn't important. History is repleat with people who are young, who rise to the occation, who have these other elements of leadership. And that's what I saw in Barack.

Captain Bucha continued, making it known and clear that Senator Obama's voting record has been and will remain strong for veterans. He believes in what Senator Obama told him, "I believe it starts with the oath and ends with the cemetery." Captain Bucha followed with verility:

You take your oath. You die. That's the obligation of the country to the veteran. And the only difference is some point along the way you take your uniform off, whether it's 30 years or whether it's two years. But the obligation remains. And I thought, that was a unique concept to finally have someone have the guts to say.

It was inspiring. But the above picture has one empty chair. YOU need to fill that chair! The New Hampshire Veterans for Obama Steering Committee needs you. All veterans need you! Join New Hampshire Veterans for Obama and reach out to your fellow veterans: at home, in email, at the VFW, and local gatherings. Sign-up to get more involved and keep up to date with the important events all across the Granite State and the issues important to all veterans.

Adolfo Carrion talks Obama at the Latino Festival in Manchester

Brian - NH HQ — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 16:22:40 EDT

This last Saturday, Adolfo Carrion Jr., president of the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials, traveled to the Granite State to talk to voters at the Latino Festival in downtown Manchester about Senator Obama's plan to help working New Hampshire families.

Mr. Carrion spoke to people in the community about healthcare, the economy, party unity, and the importance of registering new voters. The current number of unregistered Latinos in New Hampshire is likely to be more than what made the difference in the presidental elections here in New Hampshire in both 2000 and 2004. New Hampshire Latinos can make the difference in this election. Visit the New Hampshire Election Headquarters.

Mr. Carrion had an opportunity to talk about the issues important to New Hampshire with U.S. Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter (above). Throughout the day, Mr Carrion was joined by State Senator Lou D'Allessandro (below) and local community leader, Lillye from Manchester.

The highlight of the day was the warm welcome Mr. Carrion and Lillye (below) received walking up and down Union Street. The owners of almost every shop were eager to talk about this critically important election and put signs in their windows showing support for Senator Obama. As Mr. Carrion recounted later at the New Hampshire Campaign for Change Headquarters, he was amazed at what the folks had to say... they were just waiting for someone to stop by and ask for their support.

See New Hampshire! We need to get out there and ask for support! The excitement is in the air. The Convention starts next week. Attend a Convention Watch Party near you. Organization meetings will be held across the state this week, Wednesday evening, August 20th. Find your local office. Get involved!

Visit NH.barackobama.com and become a part of this historical movement.

WMASS for Obama Canvassing Impact in NH as of August 2, 2008

Nicole LaChapelle — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 23:47:00 EDT

Western Massachusetts Obama volunteers started going to New Hampshire on July 12th and returned in varying numbers each Saturday. Some Saturdays, our group was 9, another time over 20. Regardless of the size, the spirit and commitment is strong to get to as many doors as possible to identify supporters and potential volunteers. Upto August 2nd, Western Massachusetts Obama volunteers out of the Keene, NH office have:

Knocked on 1,990 doors
Made 817 contacts with NH voters
Identified 570 Obama supporters

Additionally, in the first joint canvass of Democratic candidates Obama, Shaheen and Kelly, Western Massachusetts volunteers assisted in identifying:

73 Shaheen for US Senate supporters
77 Kelly for NH Senate supporters

Thank you to everyone giving time and effort - and PLEASE join us in pushing IDENTIFIED the Obama supporter number over 1000 in the greater Keene area! Carpool sites are listed under my events for every Saturday morning from now until the general election.

See you in the Granite State!

Manchester Office Opening last night!

Brian - NH HQ — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 14:58:33 EDT

Wow what a crowd! Over 150 supporters came to celebrate Senator Obama's 47th birthday and the official opening of the Manchester, New Hampshire Campaign for Change office. There were many special guest speakers including Democratic Chairman Raymond Buckley, Rep. Mike Brunelle, Jim Demers, Senate President Sylvia Larsen, Sen. Lou D'Allesandro, and Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter.

The walls were covered with signs from all the Democratic candidates: Obama, Jeanne Shaheen, and Carol Shea-Porter. Sign-up sheets on the back wall were filled with people signing up to volunteer, write letters to the editor, and house out-of-state volunteers.

The theme of the night was the urgency of everyone to get involved to support the coordinated effort to turn New Hampshire blue and elect all the Democrats down the ballot. Mr. Buckley noted the power of this campaign and the excitement of everyone who was involved during the primaries and the importance of the great state of New Hampshire in deciding the outcome of the 2008 Presidential election. The time is now! Get involved.

If you missed the event or live outside of Manchester, find an office near you.

Also, if you haven't already created an account on my.barackobama.com to get started! You can stay informed by searching for local events, joining groups, and you can get updates by joining the New Hampshire Action Team! This will get you plugged right into the action so you will know how you can help the campaign and when.

Want to VOLUNTEER?

Why go to Keene, NH to canvass this Saturday? And what we did on the 19th!

Nicole LaChapelle — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 21:49:37 EDT

Good evening, fellow Western Massachusetts activists:

A huge thank you to the 22, YES, 22 WMASS volunteer canvassers that came to Keene on July 19th. The WMASS July 19th canvass numbers stacked up this way:

833 doors knocked on
310 contacts made
200 supporters identified

With such great results on the 19th and the 12th, WHY come canvassing again on the 26th and each consecutive Saturday through November? Because, the latest U of NH Poll has Obama ahead in NH 46% to 43% with a margin of error of 4.5%. Meaning NH is really a toss up, a battleground state. Every door counts, every face to face, an opportunity between an Obama activist and an:

Obama supporter, reassures that voter of their decision and gives them an opportunity to join us in volunteering
voter leaning Obama who is more likely to be swayed by a person on their doorstep taking their own time than a 30 second commercial or robo-call.
undecided voter willing to listen or wanting to ask questions of a person on their doorstep in their neighborhood.

All politics is personal and canvassing makes a national election personal, door by door.

Join us canvassing for the first time, second time or third time on Saturday, July 26, 2008.

Carpool locations:

8 AM
Raymour & Flanigan, 837 Riverdale Road, West Springfield, MA
Corinne Wingard, corinne01001@gmail.com

8:30 AM
Sheldon Field, Old Ferry Road, Northampton, MA
Nicole LaChapelle, nicollemarie@gmail.com

9 AM
Big Y Supermarket, Mohawk Trail, Greenfield, MA
oscarma01301@gmail.com

Look forward to seeing you in NH!

Nicole LaChapelle
NH Coordinator
WMASS for Obama

Unity and Inspiration

Kelly Salasin, citizen — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 12:24:54 EDT

(I wrote this email to my family and friends after attending Unity yesterday; I thought it might have a home here as well.)

~for the children

4:30 am
Saturday, June 28
Marlboro, Vermont

Dear Community of ALL,

Yesterday, I had the great privilege of attending a political rally in Unity, New Hampshire. I use the word "privilege" because I could afford the time, the energy and the gas it took to devote an entire day to this journey. I also had the privilege of the company of my two young sons, Aidan 7 and Lloyd 12.
It was their enthusiasm that helped fuel this endeavour for me. They were also my inspiration.

Despite being born in the sixties, I grew up with little inclination to participate politically. As a young adult I found politics disconnected and depressing. When I moved to Vermont at age 30 that changed. Suddenly things were on a small enough scale that I could manage the attention and faith it took to start participating. Vermont's Town Meetings were my inspiration. Fellows like Bernie Sanders and Jim Jeffords fueled me on. I still didn't feel hardwired to fully engage in the political process, but I began to hope for my own sons. They attended town meetings with me, ate a chicken supper beside Bernie, and participated in walking with his senate campaign down Main Street in the 4th of July parade.

Lloyd and Aidan showed more interest in politics in their short lives than I had in my entire life. In fact, much of their sand play with peers at South Pond was politically based. And when I ran to tell Lloyd that Obama and Hillary were going to be in New Hampshire less than 2 hours away, he gave an enthusiastic, "Let's go!"
That was all I needed to take the next step to get the tickets and pack us up for my first national campaign event.

I don't have the poltical savvy to know all the reasons why I shouldn't have been inspired by Senators Clinton and Obama, and I never will. My mind just doesn't operate that way. I am much more interested in the internal politics of our own hearts and spirits than I am driven by what happens on the outside with others. That said, I do want to be part of the change. Like Gandhi, I want to "be the change" I want to see in the world... rather than just complain that it doesn't exist. And though, I have never been politically minded, I have always had a passion for history, and a deep fascination and regard for the spirit of this country- for our Declaration of Independence and the freedom we created in it.

9/11 was for me and for many others the spiritual "bottom" of my political experience. It left me wanting to disown this country once and for all; and it also caused me to realize just how much I loved this big bully. I grew up, politically speaking, around 9/11. I began to realize that my participation or lack of it played a part; that for whatever reason, I was tied up in this country and its identity and its actions.

On the drive to Charlemont, New Hampshire where we boarded shuttles to Unity, I explained to Lloyd- and to myself- what a leader was all about.
It's like one of those amazing teachers you hear about, I said, like that guy in Los Angles that took that poorly performing class and made them math wizards. They were disconnected, self-absorbed, criminal, disenfranchised and rightly so. And it wasn't that he was so great, but that inside each of them was greatness and he helped them find it. He "lead" them to it. He created a place of belonging for them. He believed in them. He inspired them to their own strengths and greatness. That's what this country needs in a President, I said as much to myself as to Lloyd, whose nose was in a graphic novel.

At the rally, under the bright afternoon sun, surrounded by trees and fields, Hillary and Obama, in their own political speech writing ways, said just that. She said, that it wasn't about one person, it was about the change we wanted to create. He said that his hope lies in the faces of all of us, in our basic decency and caring. Seeing them together like that, two leaders, male and female, black and white, I felt complete.

I don't know if these two beautiful people have the answers, but I do know that the answers lie inside of us, inside each of us. I discover that every time I work with someone in my role as a life coach. My hope, and the reason why, to my son's great surprise that I bought my first bumper sticker (that says "HOPE"), is that these two people can lead us to our own inspiration to change.

It pains me and I know it pains each of you that we live in a world where children are hungry. It brings me to tears that I don't know what to do about it.
It brings me to tears that great suffering is happening on "my watch" while I eat my organic cereal and type on my laptop to you.

"NOT ON MY WATCH!" I want to scream, but I don't know where to direct my voice and my energy and my passion. So many of you have that clarity. I see you act on behalf of others in so many ways. Social and political activism have never had the clarity for me. But I am a writer and a thinker and connector; and that is what I have to offer to make the change. What about you?

We don't have to do everything. We don't have to be good at everything...
"You only have to let the soft animal of your body love what it loves. " (Thank you dear Mary Oliver for planting that seed.)
That's why there's so many of us, to make it easier. Our talents and interests and gifts blend like circles on a beautiful hand sewn quilt. Let's get stitching so that we can cover this world with this blanket of warmth, and food, and protection, and safety.

I know I am idealistic. That's how I came. And I know that many of you know much more about the process because you've actually been participating for a lot longer. But maybe there's a place for me to inspire you with my innocence and heartfelt conviction. I know our leaders are imperfect, but is that where we want to focus our attention? How would this country and its ideals have ever been born if we had focused on the imperfections of our inspired founding forefathers!?

And I know this country isn't perfect. There's history books filled with our sins against humanity. But there's also a light, and that's what I want to follow and help grow.

I see the light of hope in my children. They each wanted an Obama t-shirt that showed his face in red, white and blue with the word, CHANGE, below it. Lloyd wondered why I didn't buy the "CHANGE" bumper sticker. I couldn't put one man's face on my car, but I could put the word "HOPE" out about him, appreciating that my sons' would be the change.

We stood under a hot sun in a parking lot at a race track in New Hampshire waiting for the school bus that would take us to UNITY, to the playground of an elementary school, where the groundskeeper in suspenders, crowned "honorary mayor" for the day, introduced not one, but two, candidates I had respected for President.

Behind us in that shuttle line of hundreds, stood two elderly women, who looking around them at all the young people, said with pride, "This is our future."

On the return bus ride to the racetrack after the rally, I looked at all the folks around me- in front of me and behind me- and thought, "This is my country-" the elderly man with Parkinson's beside me, the college students laughing in front of me, and the family, behind me. I felt connected and proud.

I'm not writing to tell you to believe in Obama or even that I do; but I believe in us, and I know that we need a leader to bring the change that we need in this world- not cheaper groceries or gas prices for us- but provision for all and stewardship for the blessing of this earth.

At the end of the day, the boys and I raced to the pond. I wished Hillary and Barack could have joined us. I'm sure they needed the swim and I would have liked to see them out of their suits enjoying the gift of Vermont. But alas, they have a different dharma than we do. They're no doubt off on a plane to do more of what they did in Unity- more speeches, more politics. God bless them.

I find myself praying for Obama and his family that they would be safe from the dangers of this world so that our country might be led by a man who I saw to be "good". He stood, not more than 6 heads in front of me, and I took him in; not his words or his plan, but his spirit. That's what I went to see.

I had to wake my boys before 7 yesterday in order for us to be there on that field when Clinton and Obama stepped out of the newspapers and into the world before me. Now that it's summer, Aidan is the hardest to wake. But when I said to his shut eyes, "Aidan, today is the day we go see Hillary and Obama," he jumped out of bed like it was Christmas. No kidding.

By noon, under that hot sun, in a crowd of thousands, he broke down in tears, begging to find any way to get back home. Lloyd and I created a little world under a beach towel for him and he found his strength to go on. Though they were only 15 feet ahead of us, he could only see Hillary and Obama when I lifted him up on my shoulders. He spent most of the time on the ground, half the size of those around him, but he said that he was glad he came. And when we got to the pond, he told his cousin all about the rally. And to my surprise, Lloyd's classmates Ferne and Emma were enthralled that we had gone to the rally and ran to find Lloyd to see his photos and hear about it.

My popularity index as a parent immediately rose, have plummeted the week before when I was not among those many Marlborians who made sure their kids found a television to watch the night long Celtics win.

"You put us all to shame" said another parent about the journey I made with my boys.

"No, they were our community reprensentatives," another explained.

I have great hope that this beautiful man of color and character might be our country's representative.

My husband told me that both Michelle and Barack Obama made the maximum individual contribution to Hillary's indebted campaign the other night, and that Barack has asked his supporters to donate what they can to offset her great debt. Today, I'll make my first ever direct financial contribution to a political campaign at a national level to both Hillary and Obama. I like the feeling of supporting his campaign and supporting Hillary with hers that has ended. It has spirit.

That's what drew me to Unity, New Hampshire yesterday morning- the spirit of it.
And did you know that the school groundskeeper that introduced Hillary and Barack, was a Republican?

United we stand, divided we fall. My greatest hope is that we can co-create a world and a country that we are proud to call our home; and that when our time comes to leave this place, we can say that on "our watch" unity and beauty prevailed.

Do I believe a political leader can provide the change we want to see in the world?

No.

But I hold great hope that we can co-create it with his leadership.

"Help us to be the always hopeful
Gardeners of the spirit
Who know that without darkness
Nothing comes to birth
As without light
Nothing flowers."
-May Sarton

Kelly Ann Salasin
LifeArts VT!
Supporting and Celebrating Life's Expression~
Kripalu YogaDance, Life Coaching, StoryKeeping & more!

"Let the beauty we love, be what we do." Rumi

POB 37, Marlboro, VT 05344
(802)254-7724

Obama & Cliton Unity Tour

Jaclyn — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 15:09:27 EDT

We've all heard the news: Obama and Clinton will be campaigning together this week, kicking off the tour in Unity, NH on Friday. How I would like to attend! Only there are a few minor set backs:

1) I have no idea when or where it starts

2) I have no transportation as my parents are working

3) I do not know if you have to be invited, or not

It is a shame a great opportunity like this will go by, as NH, of course, does not see much attention as bigger, more popular, states. I live such a close distant-if any one can help me with info of the dates and time, maybe I can figure out a way to get to Unity. Heck, for the chance to see Obama, I'll walk.

Edit: I just found out it will be held at Unity Elementary. Now just for the time it starts...

What local people should consider doing

Milli Knudsen, ObamaMama#39657289115 — Fri, 30 May 2008 04:06:57 EDT

The wrongs of our society can not all be righted by getting Barack into the White House, though that will be the biggest boost of all, but what needs changing is going to take a lot longer than 8 years in Washington, DC. What I think we should all do is pledge to work together locally to make the changes we need to. We should promise ourselves to be just as relentless as the spin doctors who have whipped public opinion into a negative spiral. I lived in the 1950's and I remember hard economic times in Maine where I was born and raised, and it wasn't just the children who believed in fairy tales. Adults believed that anything was possible, too. As a tribute to my father who used to write to his Congressman Ed Muskie on a regular basis, and as a tribute to my mother who reached out to people she barely knew, offering food, clothes, and encouragement, I am throwing my hat into the ring to run as a first time candidate for public office in NH.

You can only ask "Why doesn't someone do something?" only so long before you ask yourself "Why not me?"

An English teacher reflects on Dreams from My Father

Jean Locicero from Milford, NH — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 18:29:46 EDT

I was for Barak in NH before it was cool. I snow shoed out onto the 4 foot deep snow drift that was my front lawn and pushed in my Obama sign. At Christmas dinner in another state, one relative came up with a great idea at a family gathering: let's all say who we want to win the next Presidential election. Someone a little less filled with Christmas cheer said, "Ah, let's make it a secret ballot." When the votes were counted, 4 Obama votes showed up, which I learned in the ride home all came from my house. Well, in front of the Christmas fire, after every vote was counted, the snowball began to roll: "Well, if I thought he could win, I would have voted for him...." and "Do you really know anything about him..."

By the time the primaries rolled into their state, Barak did win. Maybe the Christmas ballot game did win a few hearts and minds. But the question, "Do you really know him?" rankled me a bit because I realized that I knew his speeches and positions, I had seen him march in a parade in front of the school where I teach, but I wanted to feel I could answer critics because I had really done my homework. Borders bookstore helped. They displayed the books by all the major candidates on a table at the front of the store. So I bought Dreams from My Father.

While my PhD poli sci husband read Audacity of Hope, I preferred Dreams. A memoir should do the trick, I thought. I read it. And I will read it again and blog here the ways it has informed my views of the primaries.

Let's start on p. 5, "...as a child I knew him only through the stories that my mother and grandparents told. They all had their favorites, each one seamless, burnished smooth from repeated use." How many families have those stories? What do we cling to about the ancestor/relative/strangers in our photos on the mantles? Do we look long and hard at the pictures trying to see into the eyes to know who those people are that we came from?

On my mantle stand 2 framed pictures of my grandparents, one from their wedding day and one from their 50th anniversay. He immigrated in 1917 from Sicily; she was born in a little NH town, and they were lifelong, voting Democrats. In summers, when I came up to NH from MA with my parents and siblings, Grandpa marched us off to Democratic picnics. He talked about how he could vote and how we were Americans. His burnished tales were those of relatives in the "Old Country." So we always knew we weren't quite whole here, no matter how proud he was to be a citizen.

Is that enough to say I think I understand Barak's lines on p. 5? Is it enough to feel strongly about immigration?

New Hampshire Recount

Eli Greenberg — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 02:14:00 EST

I'm definitely keeping my eye on the NH recount. Some of the statistics that have been released to the public are quite astonishing. This is why I think we should stick with hand ballots until we can create a voting machine that works and cannot be tampered with. While I don't really know if there is enough of a difference to swing the state to Obama, I'm still very concerned as to how we conduct elections in this country.

European press: It wasn't a miracle - Hillary won via a rigged vote

Amy...Yorkville, IL :-) — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 12:31:03 EST

What's the Obama Campaign saying about this article? http://www.inteldaily.com/?c=144&a=4865

(Planetary Movement) -- The mainstream Italian media are reporting both the rigging of the New Hampshire primary for Senator Hillary Clinton and the official demands for a swift, accurate and impartial recount. In an article written by Marcello Foa, one of Europe's most respected journalists, it appears that vote tallies for all Democratic candidates as well as Republicans were reduced by Diebold vote-counting machines.

In an analysis of the hand-counted ballots, the influential Milanese newspaper - Il Giornale, reports that all Democratic candidates except Senator Hillary Clinton made gains when the New Hampshire ballots were manually tabulated, while Senator Clinton made inexplicably large gains where ballots were tabulated by computerized scanners.

According to the report, Ron Paul should have finished third in the Republican primary rather than fifth. Thus, it would appear that both Barack Obama and Ron Paul were the primary targets of vote-rigging operations in New Hampshire.

Il Giornale cites the Princeton study that alerted public attention to the vulnerability of computerized voting machines used throughout America to deliberate vote-tampering and election-rigging via manipulation of the memory cards.

The state of New Hampshire is equipped with computerized tabulation machines manufactured by Diebold, devices that have received a massive amount of negative publicity after the public awareness of vote-rigging surged dramatically following the presidential election scandal of 2000.

In previous statements, former President Jimmy Carter - who has a global reputation as one of the foremost authorities on election procedures - has frequently pointed out that the United States of America does not meet international criteria for electoral security.

NH Votes vs. Polls Controversy Continues

Chip Roberson in Sonoma, CA — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 14:32:16 EST

This story around the NH primary is continuing to develop and I have found four good articles that shed some additional light and perspective. The questions are not resolved but at least some more information is coming to light.

New Hampshire Recount?

Kelly Ayers — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 18:28:29 EST

I wonder if anyone else has heard of this recount demand by Kucinich (sp?)? He claims that Obama DID win in N.H. because there was a fault in the voting machines. He claims that when many votes were hand-counted Obama won. It will cost his campaign 2000 dollars to order the recount, and he reportedly (CNN) has paid it!

Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa???

I mean this would be thrilling, but is it real?

Kelly Ayers

Oak Ridge, TN

Just Back from NH

jentutsy — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 17:46:41 EST

Just got back from an intense weekend Getting Out The Vote in Rochester, NH. 4 cold nights at the Anchorage Inns. 3 long days working with some of the most inspired, articulate, kind, caring, informed and fired up people I've ever met. This was about more than politics. We were a movement.

I'm still reeling a little from the end result. I, like everyone else, can't figure out how the polls could have been so wrong... But I am so proud to have gone on my own time, on my own dime and slogged through the wet, slushy streets of NH, knocking on doors and talking to people about Senator Obama.

I learned a lot from being on the ground and talking to Americans in their homes about what is important to them. Sure, there was the occassional person who slammed the door, or the few intolerant folks who don't like progressives, etc. But people are sick of Washington. They are sick of candidates that don't listen to them. Who don't care about the working poor. Who are more concerned with their own ego, than the wants and needs of their constituents. I talked to a man who says he's written numerous letters to his local Congressman about some problems that need to be addressed in his neighborhood and hasn't ever heard back. He said he could remember a time when writing a letter meant getting a response - of some kind. I talked to a woman who said that Senator Obama was the only candidate that she'd heard talking about the working poor and what he intended to do for them. She was 61 years old, and in her own words, had been just a "sliver above poor" her whole life. She made just enough to not qualify for any public assistance, but was always struggling just to get by. I talked to a man shoveling his neighbor's driveway who just couldn't WAIT to vote for Senator Obama. He had signed up to be a volunteer at the polls because he knew he'd be one of the first people to vote on Tuesday, and he was FIRED UP and READY TO GO! And sadly I talked to a few people who apologetically said that they loved Senator Obama and his message of hope and change, but were too jaded and cynical to believe it was actually possible anymore, and were therefore going to vote for the status quo candidate.

Many people who told me they were not going to vote for Senator Obama apologized to me, saying they felt bad that they weren't voting for him. What a sad statement about the state of affairs in America - that people can't feel good about who they are voting for, and are too afraid/disaffected/cynical to vote for the person they CAN feel good about voting for. I truly believe that winning in SC means convincing the people there that it is OK TO HOPE! We are at a place in our history where the current administration has botched things up so badly, that we have a unique opportunity to shift the paradigm and try something completely different. But the fearmongering of the past 7 1/2 years - while it has people hungry for change - also has them scared. Scared to hope for anything more than "not as bad as it is now."

Better. I kept hearing that phrase. "I just want someone in office who's better than George Bush." Well people, at the crossroads of history, better is not what you hope for, strive for, fight for. Dare to dream BIG. We don't want to just be better off 4 years from now - because that's not saying much, unfortunately. Better means fewer soldiers and civilians are dying in Iraq. Better means our deficit (currently at $5,116,464,836,848.38 - US Treasury Direct) drops a couple of billion. Better means our schools are marginally performing in 4 years. That our healthcare insurance costs don't raise a lot more than the 78% they've gone up since Bush took office. That's better. Demand more.

We want to be GREAT in 4 years. We want to restore our standing in the world. To have our troops home and safe. We want affordable healthcare for EVERYBODY. We want our schools to start teaching again; we want Art and Music and PE programs restored. We want to live in a country where people believe in their government again. Where they do, indeed, ask not what their country can do for them, but what they can do for their country. Where people don't look crossly at their neighbors because they don't belong to the same political party, and blame them for the mess we're in. How nice would it be to live in a country where we don't have to see those "Don't blame me, I didn't vote for him" bumper stickers?

Barack Obama is the only candidate in this race who can fill that bill. Who can bring people together, inspire them, and effect change. He dares to dream big and inspires us to do so. One thing I saw first hand in NH is what his message can accomplish on a grassroots level. Our office was two doors down from another candidate. Let's say that candidate's name is "Billary." Here's a little compare and contrast. Our office was a mess. People were sleeping on the floor in the back room and freshening up in the showerless bathroom. Working, lierally, around the clock. Almost no one in the office was actually paid anything. We were all volunteers who came on our own, and used and gave of our own resources, without complaint and with total commitment. We were told to run a clean, pleasant, professional, courteous ground operation. To NEVER speak badly about anyone else's campaign or person. To never answer a question if we didn't know the answer, but to be sure and get the proper information to the person asking it by calling the office, where someone was available to us at all times. There were volunteers from CA, IA, IN, NY, MA, ME, MD, DC, as well as dozens from the town of Rochester itself.

Billary's office was often empty. There were few volunteers from the area, but many paid operatives from DC. They sat at desks. Their office was neat as a pin. We never ran into them canvassing. We hardly ever came across her literature. Her people seemed largely absent from the area, which was strange. One of the aforementioned paid operatives disclosed that Billary outsourced all the phone calls to a service. Contrast that with our Obama office where we were using our own cell phones to make calls from call lists until the polls closed on Tuesday, because we had more vounteers than phones, and a desire to work until the very last minute.

I ran across a lot of misinformation as I canvassed as well. I wondered where it was coming from. Especially since it seemed to be the same two issues over and over again. "I've heard Senator Obama doesn't support a woman's right to choose - got that in an email..." No ma'am, in fact the National Right to Life Committee gave Senator Obama a 0% rating which means his record is fevently and adamantly Pro-Life. "I got an email that says that Senator Obama refused to particpate in the Pledge of Allegiance..." No Sir, that's not accurate. When asked where they got this information, all of them said emails from that Billary candidate. These are the politics of Karl Rove. As Democrats, haven't we prided ourselves, in fact, assuaged ourselves after two horrifying national elections, with the knowledge that at least we didn't stoop to the Republicans level and campaign in the mud? We may not have won in 2000 and 2004, but at least we didn't lie and drag our opponents down with falsehoods and deviousness. Well, the Democrats seem to have their own Karl Rove in their midst now, and whoever it is, s/he is working for Billary.

I encourage anyone and everyone to get out and start knocking on doors. If you can go to an early state - Nevada or SC - GO!! Take a day or two. Call it a working vacation. Get involved. This campaign is about more than politics. It's about our nation's character. We don't need 4 more years of divisive, negative politics from a President we cannot trust. Now is the time to get registered to vote, to get your friends, family and neighbors registered to vote and to get out and canvass and call and do whatever you can to fight for Change We Can Believe In!! I myself am going to go down to SC for the weekend leading up to the primary when last minute votes will be critical, and then coming back here to NYC to fight hard until Feb. 5 to sway people from the status quo here in Clinton Country. If you have ever considered doing anything for this campaign, if you really, truly believe that Barack Obama is the inspirational leader that can change the way this country is viewed and views itself - I implore you to GET INVOLVED!

NH, Fluke or Scam?

Aris — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 12:02:35 EST

Anomalies bug me. I like to think of myself as a pretty decent observer of the human condition and this whole NH thing just doesn't sit well with me.

One thing that seems to have stuck in my gut is remembering them talking about the difference between the Obama and Hillary rallies in the days leading up to the vote. I remember the morning Joe guy saying that he noticed alot of out-of-state plates filling the parking lot at the Hillary rallies.

Then I read this from an older USA today story while I was doing a little research for my next article:

"New Hampshire allows same-day registration at the polls, has no minimum residency period and defines a voter's home as the place where he or she sleeps most nights or intends to return after a temporary absence. The state, not the parties, runs the primary, and changes to residency laws have been hotly contested."

"This year, New Hampshire Democrats pushed through a change that some Republicans contend would enable campaigns to bus in people who could cast a ballot and then vote again in their real home states. "You can vote in New Hampshire without being a resident," said Republican state Sen. Bob Clegg. "You can vote in the primary because you someday may want to live here."

Democratic state Sen. Peter Burling calls such arguments "part of the campaign of fear to restrict people's right to vote."

Anomaly? Maybe ... I know you bloodhounds won't let me down :)

Obama '08 - History in the making

NH Needs Hand Count of Vote Count by Diebold

Mary in Aurora, Adams Cnty — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 17:41:17 EST

There are serious questions about the vote count in NH. See http://www.BradBlog.com for lots of details. Brad is an expert in this area.

All of the poll numbers prior to the election were 'right on' except the Obama/Clinton numbers!

The exit polls also seem to indicate that the pre-election polls were correct. Brad is looking for credible details of the exit poll.

We should all call for a hand count of votes in NH. It is a small state, 40% of the votes are hand counted already so the effort to hand count the rest would be relatively easy.

We MUST do everything that we can to not let another Florida or Ohio happen again!

I'm Sold

Wed, 09 Jan 2008 14:04:29 EST

Over the past weeks and months of listening to and reading speeches, studying party platforms and voting histories, I was sure I'd vote Democrat, but until this morning I just couldn't narrow it down much further than Obama? Hillary? Obama? Hillary? The candidates' platforms bare out similarities in areas that concern me, and I waffled around - feeling that, though it may be for the wrong reason, as a woman, perhaps I should be more devoted to Hillary's campaign, helping her make that Armstrongesque giant leap for woman/humankind, and, then, of course, having those nostalgic warm fuzzies from growing up in the (comparatively) economically and socially stable Clinton years. But, despite all of that, she just wasn't ringing bells for me, and I couldn't quite place what was so troubling. This morning, Obama illuminated everything.
Driving to work, listening to Morning Edition on NPR (like any good Liberal would, right?), I heard Obama clearly and intelligently discussing his loss to Hillary in the NH primary. He was everything I missed about the Clinton years: thinking on his feet, bringing reason and rationality to irrational accusations and obtuse demands, and conveying polite, firm erudition - the kind of presidential basics that we're all painfully aware have been missing in the Oval Office for the past 7 years. And then, addressing the Clinton campaign's continued inaccurate claims that Obama's war votes have been inconsistent, I remembered all the things I didn't miss about "Billary": the lies, the coverups, the smug presumption partnered with all of that intelligence that the masses are not as intelligent or informed, and, of course, the effort (however charismatically sung, danced, or wept, as the case may be) to cash in on that insulting belief. The difference, simply put, is that Obama has faith in us to be smart, educated, and devoted citizens. He sees us not as sheep to be herded, but as partners who can come together to tackle the issues with him. That open, inviting optimism, honesty, and trust is exactly what I've been waiting my whole life to see in the White House, something I was beginning to believe might never materialize, and now I can hardly contain my excitement, knowing there's something I can finally do about it! This must be what they mean when they talk about Obama Fever. I can say this for sure: He may have lost the NH primary last night, but Obama won my vote this morning.

post-primary thoughts

Cindy Brewster — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 07:05:28 EST

From my southwest corner of New Hampshire, we are stunned at the overall results of the primary.

Here in Cheshire County, Obama was the clear winner. I was one of the many volunteers making calls and going door-to-door, and it seemed that very few people were pro-Hillary. There was -- and still is, I'm sure -- mega-excitement about Barack. The polls intensified that feeling. But the terrific campaign coordinators never gave up, never sat back, never thought this would be an easy coast. They worked really hard, and our county delivered.

Looking at the breakdown of NH votes by towns and by counties, it's apparent that where we lost were the big cities of Manchester and Nashua. These are the blue-collar strongholds for Clinton, lots of immigrants, economic issues. Our main university is out of session right now, and there is a question as to whether enough attention was paid to getting those students' votes, as there was in Iowa; I see that the results for Durham seem pretty paltry.

As disappointed as I am, I see this as a minor setback and part of the huge learning curve for Barack's campaign. Hillary is a veteran of this kind of fight; she and Bill should never be underestimated in their cleverness and ability to manipulate the media and the public. Many of us are left wondering if those tears were scripted or real. I can believe either scenario. Too many women, I think, responded to that with sympathy. The Clintons will fight with every fiber of their beings, and they are not above dirty politics, as we all know. Expect their tactics to get much worse.

In our area, the huge response to Barack and the lack of large rally facilities actually were a problem in some cases. I know of a number of people who were still undecided during the final days and were put off by the huge lines and long waits to get in to the last Obama rally; they ended up going to the smaller Edwards event, and then voted for him.

Don't underestimate the anti-Romney sentiment here, either. We've had a front-row seat to his tenure as governor of Massachusetts, and there are many here who are appalled at the idea of him as nominee or [shudder] President. With Barack supposedly up so high in the polls, it seems that a number of Independents went for McCain as an anti-Romney vote.

I'm hoping that in the long run, we'll be able to look back and say, the NH bump in the road was a good thing. The pro-Obama public were getting a little hysterical and giddy, way too early in the long slog to the White House. It gave the campaign a reason to refocus, learn what didn't work, and how to make it work better in the upcoming states. 37% to HRC's 39% is mighty close, and way better than anyone thought he'd do here a few weeks ago.

So, shoulder to the wheel, everyone -- Yes We Can!!!!!

Why NH made me redouble my effort

Sam — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 03:31:52 EST

Let me apologize in advance for any rambling; I’m more excited and hungry for victory tonight than I was after Iowa, and I imagine I might get a bit carried away on tangents because of it.

After all the poll numbers, I don’t think any of us had prepared for Barack to come in second to Clinton in New Hampshire tonight; for the euphoria that arose from winning a race that was in question from the beginning, it seems disappointment would be the only proper reaction to a lost race where polls had us leading by double digits. I must admit I felt a burst of disappointment when I heard the race was called for Clinton tonight, but that feeling quickly subsided. Maybe it was the other Obama supporters around me or hearing the Dropkick Murphys in the car on the way home (“it starts with your fists but ends with your minds”), but for some reason the disappointment quickly turn into determination to make sure Obama is our nominee.

I know the frustration of losing a “sure deal.” (I’m both a Democrat and a life-long Cubs fan, so trust me on this.) But I also know that back in February of 2007 when Barack declared his candidacy there were no sure deals and losing to the inevitable nominee was to be expected. Back then I was able to take a certain amount of perverse pride in knowing that while I might not support the predetermined winner I was supporting the best candidate for the office. Only in the fall did that pride transform into elation when I saw that so many other people had heard Barack’s message and policies and realized he was who our country needs. Also, about that time I realized that it wasn’t enough to just vote for him and attend a fundraiser or two. When I talked to my Republican and non-political co-workers and family members and heard them mention how much they loved Barack’s sincerity and message of hope I knew we had a chance to get him into office and that I shouldn’t roll over and accept the safe choice that was supposed to represent my party in 2008; with so many disparate voices getting excited about voting for a person they could believe in instead of the usual lesser of two evils, I felt a personal responsibility to step up and help make this man our president.

After going from a long-shot outsider to the front-runner and back to whatever the media wants to dub him after tonight, I still feel the same way. I didn’t think it would be easy to elect a president that will bring our country together, remove cynicism and arrogance from the White House, and make us hold our heads high when we call ourselves Americans. The fruits of victory are so great that I’m not going to give up and try to feel comfortable in knowing I passively supported th greatest candidate of my lifetime. Barack’s not slowing down and giving up. Michelle sure isn’t slowing down and giving up. (Malia and Sasha might prefer if they just went back to Chicago right now, but I’m sure the girls will love DC and make a lot of new friends after they move there.) The least I can do is redouble my efforts and make sure we do as well as possible in Nevada, South Carolina, and the rest of the states; Barack is offering us a mix of competence, optimism, and integrity that is not only very rare but also quite necessary to our polarized and often nihilistically indifferent country; no other candidate from either party offers anything close to this, regardless of what their new campaign signs might say.

Believing this, I’d be remiss if I was to just give up volunteering now and hope for the best.

Instead, I’m opening up my schedule to phone bank more. I’ll be at River Road tomorrow to phone bank our mates in SC and I plan on phone banking through my.barackobama.com for at least another hour every night through Feb. 5. (Funny, it’s also a great justification for me to skip the gym. What altruism on my part…) I was on the fence before tonight, but I’m going to drive down to SC at least one weekend this month and canvass for the campaign; I think seeing people who feel so passionately about Barack that they’ll drive six hours to walk around and talk to strangers will give our neighbors who are supporting the campaign added motivation to bring their friends and family out for Barack on the 26th. The red Mazda wagon seats four semi-comfortably, so if anyone wants to come along you’re more than welcome. (Granted, you might be subjected to listening to my radio selections if you don’t chip in for gas, so I hope you’re down with alt-country, early punk, and late-night AM conspiracy radio…)

I realize that most people don’t have the flexibility and free time I have when it comes to volunteering, and I’m not passing judgment on anyone based on the time and effort they put into the campaign. (I know if I had kids I probably couldn’t even take the time to write this, let alone travel out of state.) We are all supporting Barack, and I know you all will do as much as feasible for his campaign. What we’re fighting for isn’t just the nuts and bolts such as affordable healthcare, getting our troops out of Iraq while maintaining stability in the Middle East, or making sure my newborn niece won’t still be paying off her student loans when she’s 35. We’re fighting to restore greatness to this country. All Americans want our pride and hope in our country to be reflected in our leaders’ actions. We want to be respected by people in Paris, Nairobi, and Karachi as a nation that leads not out of arrogance and sheer military power but out of compassion, competence, and humility. I’m by no means jingoistic, but I am proud that through all the adversity in our history America strives towards greatness and always sees a future that is brighter than the past. It’s been difficult to accept that over the past seven years, and I think another president who operates on fear-mongering and self-interested compromise would only make it harder to accept. Fortunately, in Barack Obama we will have strong and wise leadership that inspires us to do even better as individuals, community members, and countrymen. (I know, as a gen-xer who grew up thinking Social Security was a sick joke baby boomers were playing on me, I’m expected to be more cynical and not write such syrupy dreck. But Barack’s optimism, intelligence, and thoughtfulness have torn down that façade and shown me and many others of my ilk how to be hopeful again.)

Thanks for reading this, and let’s haul.

Sam

Best Possible Outcome

Michael Blackburn — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 23:37:44 EST

Sure, a victory tonight in New Hampshire, especially a convincing cross-spectrum "pounding" like Iowa would have been nice. At that point, the MSM would have broken out the robe and crown. There was plenty of talk here about cabinet posts, and indeed even the Colin Powell "non-dorsement" was made out in the press as a detente by the General for an encore as Sec. of State. I myself was suggesting an Atty. General post for Edwards and magnanimously suggesting we find a place in the cabinet for Hillary to "wonk out." I now have to eat those words, and it reminds me of the bitter taste of the 2000 and the 2004 elections, where I knew afterward that I didn't give everything to beating Bush. To my credit, it's hard to give your all to a negative cause like that. I have a cause I believe in this year.

It will be a fight, just like all worthy goals are. We can be extremely proud of our close showing in NH. The credit goes to our volunteers there faced with ClinCorp, who have been organized in these early primary states for decades. The rest of us, maybe we relaxed a little bit. The mantle of "front-runner" wore a little easy on us. I know I haven't phone-banked this week, although I did several times for Iowa. I haven't contributed money since Iowa. If we'd won tonight, the temptation to coast could have grown even stronger, and the possibility of a Super Tuesday Suprise could have lost everything. Remember the fate of the Hare in his race with the Tortoise.

No, my friends, this is the best possible outcome for the Obama campaign. We will struggle on the ground, on the stump and on the airwaves. We will win the nomination only by the sweat and effort of every one of our movement. We will hone our organization and our campaign and we will win in Nevada and SC, win on Super Tuesday, win in November and make this country whole again.

Yes We Can.

EEEEEEwwwwwww!!!

I'm not Political, I'm GRASSROOTS! — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 23:29:55 EST

EEEeeeeewwwwww......

Hey Hillary thanks for attempting to STEAL our movement and taking credit for all we have done. I guess you'll take anything you can get. I'm so happy about New Hampshire, because it clearly showed many of us how petty, cheap and self centered you really are. There is no class or dignity and no end to what you are willing to do to be the nominee.

Change is not you. You are not change. You are status quo, the establishment, the past and not the future.

Work hard yall...we caught a glimpse of what it could be like...let's make it happen!!

DONATE, he'll need it.

New Hampshire Watch Party Tonight

Asher Heimermann — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 19:03:00 EST

Please join us tonight as we watch the election results come in from New Hampshire. We will be gathering in the chatroom at ASHERHEIMERMANN.com starting at 8pm ET / 7pm CT.

Please RVSP: http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/4vyb4

Obama Draws Out-of-State Voters

WNC Obama Supporter — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 15:10:31 EST

From Huffington Post:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/off-the-bus-reporter/obama-takes-subtle-jab-at_b_79992.html

Ian Bryan was visiting from Asheville, N.C., and had decided to canvass in South Carolina based on what he heard. "I think Obama's constituency is sick of the negative campaigning," said Bryan. "I think he handled it the best way he could. He did it in a joking way, but it's important not to ignore it."

Marjory Rome traveled from Massachusetts to hear Obama speak and said while she is leaning toward Obama, she was wishing to hear less jargon and more on what he was planning to do. Obama himself mentioned that he does talk quite a bit about hope, but it is something he believes very strongly in based on the fact that he grew up on love, an education and hope.

Bryan agreed that hope should continue to be stressed, "This country needs to get off the anti-depressants and start looking forward to something."

Field Notes From Nashua, NH

WNC Obama Supporter — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 15:06:46 EST

Saturday, January 5th:

I've been in Massachusetts for the last 2 weeks, on vacation with my family and I want to share my experience from just over the NH border.

Like most of us, I tuned in to the Iowa primaries with a child-like anticipation. When the news stations started calling it for Obama, I started jumping up and down like a maniac. Then I calmed down and found myself shedding tears of relief. We really can elect Barack Obama as our next President.

I was up half the night on January 3rd, surfing the blogs for insider comments.

But as I read up on views from around the nation, I started to get worried. Even though the Iowa winner is the likeliest candidate to win the nomination, posts started coming in which tried to downplay the win.

"Wait for New Hampshire" was the talking point from the right and many newspapers have been regurgitating that message for the last 48 hours.

Rather than get worried, I talked it over with my wife and decided to spend a day, just 19 miles over the border from where my in-laws live, campaigning for Obama in NH. At the end of the day, here is my report:

Obama, McCain Get Early Votes

Asher Heimermann — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 01:16:02 EST

Residents of two tiny towns stayed up late to give Barack Obama and John McCain early victories in the New Hampshire presidential primary.

Voters in two small New Hampshire villages, Dixville Notch and Hart's Location, cast the initial ballots just after midnight Tuesday.

In Hart's Location, Democrat Obama received nine votes, Hillary Rodham Clinton received three and John Edwards received one. On the Republican side, McCain received six, Mike Huckabee received five, Ron Paul received four and Mitt Romney one.

In Dixville Notch, on the Republican side, McCain received four votes, Mitt Romney two and Rudy Giuliani one. On the Democratic side, Obama received seven votes, John Edwards two votes and Bill Richardson one vote.

Obama leading in NH 10% ahead of Hillary

Hinda — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 19:21:05 EST

MANCHESTER, New Hampshire (CNN) -- Two days before New Hampshire's Democratic primary, Sen. Barack Obama has opened a double-digit lead over Sen. Hillary Clinton in that state, a new CNN-WMUR poll found Sunday.

Obama, the first-term senator from Illinois who won last week's Iowa caucuses, led the New York senator and former first lady 39 percent to 29 percent in a poll conducted Saturday and Sunday -- a sharp change from a poll out Saturday that showed the Democratic front-runners tied at 33 percent.

Support for former Sen. John Edwards, who edged out Clinton for second place in Iowa, dropped from 20 percent in Saturday's poll to 16 percent.

read the whole article here

10 things we can do in New Hasmpshire

Mr. Mr. — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 15:21:18 EST

(please pass on to all those in New Hampshire)

10 THINGS YOU CAN DO FOR BARACK OBAMA IN THE NEXT 48 HOURS:

1.) THE BURMA SHAVE IDEA: CREATE SETS OF SIGNS WITH SHORT PIECES OF A LARGER MESSAGE(for example, sign 1 would say "Your polling place is", sign 2 would say "just within range,please go and",sign 3 would say "Vote for Barack and", sign 4 would say "Bring this country a change!" and sign 5 would be a large Obama '08 sign...you can then get a large number of volunteers to stand 75-100 feet apart from each other leading up to the polling places(making sure the last one is at least 100 feet away from the polling place itself)..this plan can be effective!

pASS ON TO ALL YOUR FRIENDS IN nh.

2.) You can blanket businesses and see if you can put up signs and even pass out small flyers that say: "Don't forget to watch the clock, and Don't forget to vote for Barack!!"

3,) Call all friends and family and co-workers and close neighbors that you know in New Hampshire and encourage them to vote for Barack! Offer to give them rides to the polls!

4.) Now that you have done step 3, encourage these same people to repeat the process with their group of friends, family, co-workers and close neighbors!

5.) See if you can create an Obama chain with as many people as possible and stand with arms outstretched and holding hands with both supporters on either side of you and hold signs for visibility!

6.) Hold a "Honk and Wave" event near busy roads, streets,and intersections and hold up signs and wave for visibility!

7.) Take part in last minute phone banking!

8.) If there is a plan in your area to have Obama pollwatchers in place to see who amongst our supporters have not voted yet, please help with going to homes of voters and place reminder stickers on their doors to Get Out and Vote!

9.) Get on the Internet and blog for Barack!

10.) If you believe in the power of prayer, PRAY for this change to take place!

I am planning to give at least 40 hours of my time to help Barack win Missouri on February 5th, but I am just a member of the working poor and I have work and family commitments and I am unable to come to New Hampshire...so that is why I am writing to you and asking for all of you to fight to bring a second victory into the Obama column! You are now the BARACK STARS OF THE SHOW!! We cannot afford to have another 4 more years of war in Iraq and skyrocketing healthcare costs and bickering in Washington! Let's move out of the Twilight Zone!!

Take care and let's BA-RACK AMERICA!!
Kurt Neumann

Barack Obama takes New Hampshire lead

Obama for President — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 17:16:20 EST

Barack Obama takes New Hampshire lead
Last Updated: 9:09pm GMT 05/01/2008

Barack Obama has seized a 10 per cent lead over Hillary Clinton in the New Hampshire primary race, according to the first opinion poll since his victory in the Iowa caucus on Thursday.

In pictures: Iowa primary results

Your view: Is America ready for a black president?

The "bounce" in his support has enabled him to leapfrog Mrs Clinton, who previously had a comfortable lead in the state, greatly increasing his prospect of becoming America's first black president.

Victory in New Hampshire could greatly increase Barack Obama's chances for nomination

New Hampshire holds the nation's first presidential primary on Tuesday.

According to the survey, by the Rasmussen Reports, Mr Obama received 37 per cent support from 510 likely Democratic voters polled on Friday, compared with 27 per cent for the former First Lady and 19 per cent for John Edwards.

In the Republican race, the one-time national favourite, Rudolph Giuliani, trails with just eight per cent, John McCain has extended his lead over Mitt Romney - 31 to 26 per cent - while the anti-war libertarian Ron Paul is third with 14 per cent.

The Iowa victor, Mike Huckabee, is on 11 per cent.

New Hampshire Watch Party

Asher Heimermann — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 15:56:48 EST

ASHERHEIMERMANN.com will be hosting a New Hampshire Chat/Watch Party starting at 7:00pm! We will have four hours of discussion about Barack Obama and New Hampshire.

Please RVSP to get the URL and Password to enter the chatroom. If you have any questions, please contact, Asher Heimermann, at asher@asherheimermann.com or 920.918.5281.

To RVSP: http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/4vyb4

Today, Saturday Jan 5th ABC Debate in NH

Franklin Katunda — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 14:54:41 EST

Ready, Set, New Hampshire Debate

7:00 - 8:30 for Republicans

And 8:45 - 10:15pm for Democrats!

On Saturday, January 5, 2008 -- only two days after the critical Iowa caucuses and three days before the first in the nation New Hampshire primary -- ABC News, Facebook, and ABC affiliate WMUR will team up for a historic debate night.

Republican and Democratic contenders for the White House will meet on stage in two separate events, both in primetime, and presented by ABC News.

The participants for the Republican debate will be as follows:

Former Mayor Rudy Giuliani, R-NYC
Former Governor Mike Huckabee, R-Ark.
Senator John McCain, R-Ariz.
Rep. Ron Paul, R-Tex.
Former Governor Mitt Romney, R-Mass.
Former Senator Fred Thompson, R-Tenn.

The participants for the Democratic debate will be as follows:

Senator Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y.
Former Senator John Edwards, D-N.C.
Senator Barack Obama, D-Ill.
Governor Bill Richardson, D-N.M.

"World News" anchor Charlie Gibson moderates the Republican contest first from Saint Anselm College in Manchester, New Hampshire, from 7:00-8:30pm ET. The Democrats take the stage second, from approximately 8:45-10:15pm ET.

Surrounding each debate, "Good Morning America" host Diane Sawyer will anchor live reports, providing a re-cap and analysis of the evening's events. She will be joined by "This Week" anchor George Stephanopoulos. Bianna Golodryga will report from the ABC News/Facebook desk.

To participate in the debate, all candidates needed to meet one of three criteria:

1) Place first, second, third or fourth in the Iowa Caucuses

2) Poll 5% or higher in one of the last four reputable random sample New Hampshire telephone surveys sponsored by an established news organization and conducted and released on or before January 4, 2008.

3) Poll 5% or higher in one of the last four reputable random sample national telephone surveys sponsored by an established news organization and conducted and released on or before January 4, 2008.

Will N.H. Be Obama Territory, Too?

Obama for President — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 17:45:46 EST

Nice article from Post.

http://blog.washingtonpost.com/the-trail/2008/01/04/will_nh_be_obama_territory_too.html?hpid=topnews

Here is Article:

Will N.H. Be Obama Territory, Too?

Obama finds a friendly audience in Dover, N.H. (AP).

By Dan Balz
NASHUA, N.H. -- There was a sense of urgency in Hillary Clinton's voice when she opened her first post-Iowa rally in an airplane hangar early Friday morning -- and a look of concern on the face of the man who introduced her, former President Bill Clinton.

New Hampshire and its presidential primary are familiar territory to the Clintons -- not at all like the inhospitable landscape of the flatlands of Iowa and what the Clintons regard as that state's quirky caucus process. They see it as the right place at the right time. They may be in for a surprise.

After finishing third in Iowa behind Barack Obama and -- marginally -- John Edwards, Clinton and her husband launched what they hope is a comeback with an open plea to voters in the Granite State.

The former president leveled a not-so-subtle dig at Iowa as he introduced his wife. "Ladies and gentlemen," Bill Clinton said, "New Hampshire is going to be given the chance to prove that you are the first [pause for emphasis] primary. You're going to be given a chance to show your well known and deeply deserved independent judgment."

What the Clintons fear is a rush to judgment, an Iowa-driven rush to back Obama's candidacy after his decisive victory in Iowa. They want to slow the momentum, force New Hampshire voters to think twice before jumping aboard the Obama bandwagon and prod Democrats and independents here to do what they have done many times in the past by defying conventional wisdom.

New Hampshire saved Bill Clinton's candidacy in 1992 by awarding him a second place after his support had plummeted over Gennifer Flowers and the draft. Hillary Clinton will need more than a second-place finish to put her hopes for the nomination back on track. Back-to-back losses will leave her crippled.

But compare the states of Iowa and New Hampshire and the landscape looks far less favorable for Clinton. The reality is, this is the state that always set up best for Obama, even when he was struggling here. The demographics and political culture lean more in the direction of Obama than toward Clinton. His goal now is to realize the potential that the electorate in New Hampshire offers.

Look first at Iowa and where Obama did best. According to the National Election Poll entranced poll, Obama enjoyed a margin of better than 2-1 over Clinton among independents. He won overwhelmingly among young voters between the ages of 17 and 29 and among voters between the ages of 30 and 44. He was the clear choice of liberals. He beat Clinton decisively among voters with incomes above $75,000.

The entrance poll questionnaire did not ask respondents to say how much education they had, so that critical measurement of the electorate is missing. But the Iowa Poll published two days before the caucuses in the Des Moines Register, which nearly nailed his victory margin exactly, showed Obama the clear choice of those with college degrees.

In virtually every demographic category where Obama found his greatest strength in Iowa, New Hampshire's electorate has at least as many or more of those voters, based on a comparison of the entrance polls from Thursday's caucuses in Iowa and from the 2004 Democratic primary in Hampshire.

Take independents. They constituted 20 percent of the caucus electorate in Iowa on Thursday, but four years ago in New Hampshire they constituted nearly half (48 percent) of the Democratic electorate.

Some seasonal adjustment may be necessary because there was no competitive Republican primary in 2004 to siphon off some of those independent voters. But even in 2000, when John McCain was swept to victory on the strength of big support from independents, the electorate in the Democratic primary between Al Gore and Bill Bradley was 40 percent independents.

Older voters were Clinton's friends in Iowa, not Obama's, and in the caucuses they accounted for 22 percent of the participants. In New Hampshire four years ago, voters over age 65 represented just 11 percent of thee Democratic electorate.

Younger voters accounted for a larger share of the Iowa electorate on Thursday night than they did in New Hampshire in 2004 -- but that may be attributable to the Obama campaign's efforts to encourage college students and even 17-year-olds to participate in the caucuses. That pushed their share of the electorate up over 2004 in Iowa and the same could happen here.

Even without data from the Iowa entrance poll, it is a well-documented fact that New Hampshire's electorate is one of the best-educated of any of the states with early primaries or caucuses. That should help Obama, although in the most recent CNN/WMUR-TV poll by the University of New Hampshire, Obama and Clinton are running pretty evenly among those with college degrees or more.

Clinton's team has long believed they could offset many of those demographic disadvantages with strong support among women in New Hampshire. Women accounted for 54 percent of the electorate here in 2004 and 62 percent in 2000 and in the most recent CNN/WMUR poll, Clinton held an 11-point lead among them.

Look too at past history. It's true that New Hampshire has often favored insurgents or underdogs over front-runners, but that has been the case most often when front-runners were establishment Democrats. Walter Mondale was the establishment front-runner who swept Iowa but lost to insurgent Gary Hart. Al Gore, the establishment front-runner in 2000, trounced Bill Bradley in Iowa but struggled to win New Hampshire.

Clinton will smartly cast herself as the underdog in the final days in New Hampshire and no one knows better than her husband how to put on a stretch drive in this state. But not everything sets up for the senator for New York here, which is why she faces such an enormous struggle over the next four days

How do I volunteer in NH this weekend?

David from Grand Blanc, MI — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 16:15:08 EST

Is it possible to fly to NH and volunteer this weekend? I feel that Obama has to win NH to win this election.

Back in NH!!

Sophia — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 16:05:06 EST

As it became clear that my holiday travel plans were not going to materialize, I couldn't resist the temptation to go back to NH. There is something so energizing and almost addicting about volunteering in these early states. Last Saturday, I returned to the Keene office where I had spent some time previously to join other CT supporters. On Sunday, I decided to go to the Peterborough office so I could become familiar with the area before GOTV. This weekend, I went canvassing with a partner for the first time which was such a great experience! Justin my canvassing partner on Sunday, has been volunteering in the Peterborough office since October. He wasn't just a great partner because he knows the neighborhoods and owns a GPS which kept us from getting lost (although I do not want underestimate how important that was! ), but because his policy knowledge is so solid. Many of the people of Hillsborough were willing to chat so I had a lot of opportunity to hear Justin explain some of the details of Obama's policies which was a great learning experience and will be incredibly helpful down the road during NH GOTV and in SC and CT.

I am so excited to watch IA tomorrow and head to NH for GOTV. I also can't wait to go to SC. Although I love the people of NH and feel right at home there since I spend a lot of time "up north" climbing and hiking (BTW, I finally added the logo to my climbing and hiking website) I am looking forward to seeing some people of color during my canvassing!! If you haven't signed up for SC yet, there's still time!

One Week until NH!

Asher Heimermann — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 00:23:27 EST

Happy New Year New Hampshire!

We're down to one week before the NH Primary. That's only 7 days to get the job done, to give Barack Obama a victory in the Granite State.

This past weekend more than 850 volunteers canvassed all over the state.

More than 15,000 new supporters have joined the campaign this month alone.

Thousands of supporters have signed up to volunteer on January 8th and the days leading up to it.

Hundreds of new volunteers are signing up to join them each day.

But beyond the numbers, its people like you that have built this amazing grassroots organization. That's why we're going to need your help with our critical get out the vote (GOTV) effort on Tuesday, Jan. 8th. We need your time and we need your voice - join us in the final push:

http://nh.barackobama.com/jan8

Finally, if you haven't yet seen this great video, please take a minute. THIS is what a movement looks like: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AmUUYo9o9eg

In seven days we will change the world - are you ready NH?

Has Des Moines Register Wasted its 2008 Endorsement?

Franklin Katunda — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 12:05:37 EST

Has Des Moines Register Wasted its 2008 Endorsement?

It may be hard to tell right now if the newspaper did indeed lose its point, but all we knowis that the largest Hawkeye Newspaper; famous because of its known and revered journalists, such as David Ypsen, has also drawn harsh critics while publishing 2 weeks before the caucus an editorial, endorsing two political candidates, with two opposed directions to be the candidate of their respective parties.

Was the Newspaper trying to play nice to DC's Inseders?

Their endorsement not only confused many other newsmakers but most importantly iowa voters for the simple fact that these endorsed candidates cannot represent the views the base of these 2 parties( democrats and republicans) express. By endorseeing Hillary Clinton and John MCCain, thye Newspaper had alienated the independent voters when they were expected to be balanced or neutral in covering candidates' stances and validate their credentials. When it comes to the direction which this country should take, Journailsts should be the least to be involved in candidates' endorsement. This sounds very much like the "Hanity&Colmes Show", so called right-left balanced. The Fox-News Show is actually funded by a right-leaning press company.

No need to remind that Fox News, their host TV network, was the most poorly rated in terms of debate coverage in the 2008 presidential debates. Their failures are also due to the fact that they could not reach out to the Democrats Candidates to get them on any Fox-News-sponsored debate. Partly because how can you moderate a debate with candidates like Barack Obama, John Edwards or Hillary Clinton whom your TV channel has spent more time weighing insults against rather than covering the facts?

Allegations like: " Senator Barack Obama was a Madrassa student in Indonesia…" Or marketing TV and video ads that attacked former Sen. Edwards has the most expensive hair cut or Hillary Clinton’s private personality versus her qualifications to be a woman president. All these negative ads should never have come from a news company (like Fox Noise)...Only in America!

About 2 weeks after the board of the Des Moines Register had endorsed Hillary Clinton, (whom voted for the war and never apologized for), the largest newspaper organization in the U S primary process clearly sent a bizarre signal to voters in terms of which direction the base should take in their choice, when on the Republican side it supports John McCain (whom voted for the war in Iraq and have no reason to apologize for it and still preaching for a military surge).

Now, the same Des Moines Register has been proved wrong by Iowans understanding the realities of what America needs: a brand new January 1st 2008 polls shows now: “Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama has widened his lead in Iowa over Hillary Clinton and John Edwards heading into Thursday's nominating caucuses, according to The Des Moines Register's final Iowa Poll before the 2008 nominating contests.”

May Be the People of Iowa will VOTE different from what Des Moines Register Wants...

Now this could have been predictable to the newspaper's editorial board to see an Obama’s rise was so predictable when its Poll's team wrote on January issue: “dramatic influx of first-time caucus goers, including a sizable bloc of political independents. Both groups prefer the Illinois senator in what has been a very competitive campaign.”

Senator Barack Obama went up to 32%Senator Hillary Clinton levels to 25%Fmr Sen. John Edwards has no changed at 24% The findings so far, mark the largest lead of any of the Democratic candidates in the Register's poll all year, underscoring what has been a hard-fought battle among the three well-organized Iowa frontrunners, wrote the Des Moines Register. It is to mention also that this telephone survey has been polled out of 800 likely Democratic caucus goers was taken Dec. 27-30. And like most Americans know, this is a period when Senator Barack Obama suffered some attacks from exterior groups and unions supporting Clinton and Edwards.

These latest Polls, the last ones before IOWA caucus day also prove that endorsements from Unions, Newspapers or Officials and Negatives Ads cannot help candidates to win an election before a sound mind people. The ads were prepared to send out in the air, some lies against Barack’s healthcare plan and his ethics, not taking money from lobbyists, on his ability to take on special interests. But, clearly, these tactics don’t work anymore in America.

Now what does this tell us? These latest polls two days before the Thursday Caucus Day are, wrote the same paper are: “…An indication of the Obama's appeal in Iowa, Democratic caucusgoers say they prefer change and unity over other leadership characteristics."

So, Obama Supporters, lets get out there and caucus for Obama in Jan 3rd (Iowa) and vote on Jan. 8th (New Hampshire)

Franklin Katunda,

Obama for America 08'

Online Group Coordinator

Last Week Canvassing in NH

Franklin Katunda — Sat, 29 Dec 2007 19:51:44 EST

I just returned from a bus trip that tool us today (dec 29) from Boston, Massachusetts to Nashua, NH. I just got home now aound 730pm and i'am excited about it.

I tell ypu what? the Obama momentum is building rapidly, as many voters are making up their mind. Still, we had to be patient with those who want their right to choice be respected, which is they don't "disclose" their position until the caucus day (January 8th)but tell you they are LEANING towards Barack Obama.

We had a lot of good feedbacks about Barack...People who really believe he is the "needed" candidate fot change now.

If you live in Mass, NH or VT...you can still get involved by signing up on the webpage: nhdotbarackobama.com. I personnally will be back in Manhester NH (the 7th and 8th) for the caucus.

I still have a room for an overnite stay at my friend in Manchester NH, if anyone wish to come. You can email me (through my blog). Simply click my name on the title and leave me with your email-contact.

FIRED UP, READY TO GO!

Franklin

Dead Heat in Iowa & N.H. - Help keep momentum going!

Kevin Florida — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 09:10:29 EST

I am rallying everyone to donate $25 to help push Obama ahead in these states!

- CLICK HERE TO DONATE NOW! -

By Paul Steinhauser

CNN Washington Bureau

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Just two weeks until the Iowa caucuses, the Democratic presidential candidates appear to be in a dead heat in the Hawkeye State, according to a new CNN/Opinion Research Corp. poll.

John Edwards, Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama are virtually tied for the Democrats' top spot in Iowa.

1 of 2

Thirty percent of likely Iowa Democratic caucus-goers support Sen. Hillary Clinton of New York as the nominee, with Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois at 28 percent and former Sen. John Edwards of North Carolina at 26 percent, according to the poll, released Thursday morning.

With the poll's sampling error at plus or minus 4 percentage points, it's a virtual tie for the top spot in Iowa, the first state to vote in the race for the White House.

New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson is at 7 percent, with the remaining Democratic candidates all in the lower single digits.

On the Republican side, 33 percent of likely GOP caucus-goers support former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee as the nominee.

Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney comes in second place at 25 percent, followed by former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani with 11 percent. See which issues are fueling Iowans' picks »

Sen. John McCain of Arizona and former Sen. Fred Thompson of Tennessee are tied at 9 percent, Rep.Ron Paul of Texas at 6 percent, with the rest of the Republican field in the lower single digits. Watch how different issues point to different candidates »

The margin of error for Republican caucus voters is plus or minus 5 percentage points.

Don't Miss

There are only 14 days left until Iowans head out to caucus, but the survey suggests that many voters have yet to make up their minds. One in three likely Democratic caucus-goers say they're still trying to decide whom to support. That number's even higher among likely Republican caucus-goers, with 40 percent still undecided on their choice for the nominee.

CNN Polling Director Keating Holland warned that "all these figures should be treated with extra caution, because it is extraordinarily difficult for polls to accurately assess who will attend the caucuses, and Iowans are notorious for making their minds up late in the game."

The survey indicates that Iraq is still the top issue for Democrats, with one in three likely Democratic caucus-goers saying the war is the most important issue in their choice for president. Health care follows at 27 percent with the economy 1 point back.

"Clinton is seen as the candidate who is best able to handle the economy, Iraq, and health care -- the top three issues of concern to Democratic caucus-goers -- with her biggest advantage on health care," Holland said.

The economy appears to be the most pressing issue for Republicans, with one in four likely Republican caucus-goers saying the economy is the most important issue in their choice. That's followed by illegal immigration at 20 percent, abortion at 18 percent, terrorism at 17 percent and the Iraq War at 12 percent.

It appears Iowa Republicans think Romney would do the best job among the GOP White House hopefuls in handling the economy, with 34 percent of likely GOP caucus-goers choosing Romney, 11 points ahead of Huckabee.

"Although Huckabee is the favorite candidate of likely GOP caucus-goers, they admit that other candidates would do a better job on nearly every issue tested. For some, such as terrorism, immigration and Iraq, he finishes in third place," Holland said.

"What's driving the Huckaboom? Abortion. It's the only issue tested on which Huckabee ranks first, indicating that even though he is not a single-issue candidate, he may have single-issue appeal."

It appears the Huckabee vote is the born-again vote, with the poll suggesting his support among Iowans who say they are born-again or evangelical Christians is nearly 30 points higher than among nonevangelicals.

Huckabee served as a Baptist pastor before entering politics. Romney has a 10 point edge among nonevangelical voters.

"There is also a surprising gender gap among likely GOP caucus-goers," says Holland. The poll indicates women prefer Huckabee over Romney by a 40 percent to 18 percent margin. Among men, it's Romney 30 percent and Huckabee 28 percent.

On the Democratic side, Clinton is the favorite of women, older voters, liberals and those making less than $50,000 a year. Obama has an edge among moderates and younger voters; Edwards does best in union households and among married voters.

The poll surveyed 543 Iowa residents who say they are likely to vote in the Democratic caucuses, and 359 who say they are likely to vote in the Republican caucuses. Interviews were conducted by telephone December 14 to 18.

Obama Plan Realistic, says the NH's Union Leader.

Franklin Katunda — Sun, 16 Dec 2007 18:38:57 EST

Dear Friend,

After Hillary unsuccessfully attacked the Obama proposal for Healthcare and even when john Edwards presented his, the NH Union Leader (the largerst NH New paper) thinks Senator Barack Obama Plan is more realistic, balanced, which gives it more leverage in the next presidency, as far as the Congress Legisklative process.

The plan won't be called Hillary's socialized healthcare, but won't leave citizens unprotected, while not mandating its tenure. However, his plan ensures coverage for children.

Please read the following: http://www.unionleader.com/article.aspx?headline=Obama's+health+care%3A+A+smaller+pill+to+swallow&articleId=fd9098a3-458d-44b2-9bf2-8b33b62f50ef

MA-2-NH team

Franklin Katunda,

Campaign Worker

NH Phone Banking

Asher Heimermann — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 21:11:47 EST

New Hampshire's first-in-the-nation primary is 27 days away, and a win for Barack will help build momentum across the country.

You can strengthen our support in New Hampshire and help win this important contest by picking up your phone and inviting supporters throughout New England to canvass in New Hampshire any weekend between now and the primary.

http://my.barackobama.com/nhgotvphone

Phonebanking is one of the most effective ways to reach out to other supporters, and by using our campaign's online phonebanking tool, you can get started whenever it's convenient for you.

When you're ready to begin, the online phonebanking tool will provide you with a call script, a list of supporter names and numbers to call, and all the background information you'll need to get started.

Help build this weekend's New Hampshire canvass by calling fellow supporters and asking them to go door-to-door and talk to Granite Staters on Saturday or Sunday:

http://my.barackobama.com/nhgotvphone

Thousands of Obama supporters who live in states that border New Hampshire have indicated that they are willing to volunteer for the campaign. This is a chance for you to tell them about a great opportunity to make a difference on the ground.

If you call fifty supporters and five of them canvass this weekend, you will have helped spread Barack's message of change to nearly five hundred New Hampshire voters.

Going door-to-door and talking directly with voters is essential to building our support in New Hampshire. And you can help make that happen.

Use our online phonebanking tool and help spread the word about the canvass this weekend:

http://my.barackobama.com/nhgotvphone

FROM THE BOSTON COUNTDOWN FOR CHANGE....

Franklin Katunda — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 22:15:23 EST

It's not over yet...Endorsements are still pouring!!! I am glad DesMoines Mayor Cownie will play a big role in streinghtening the 30 days countdown to change in Iowa caucus.

Dear Friends, I just came back from the Boston "Countdown to Change" Event where I was invited to be on stage with Barack, sort of a "cheering person" on the stage's background. Senator Obama got public endorsements from 3 Boston's city councilors: Mr Sam Yoon, Mr Flaherty and Mr Ross. The event got a big turnout as Bostonians ruched in that Park Plaza Castle under 20 degrees F. and little bit of snow outside.

It was a successful recruting time for more volunteers as many registered to attend several "door-to-door" trips to NH every other weekend until the JANUARY 8th NH Election Day. Boston's city officials are known to be champions of the concept of grassroots canvassing "door2door" from their last city's race, and they understand and salute the kind of politics Barack Obama will bring in Washington DC.

I had personnally backed in 2005, Boston City Councilor Sam Yoon,(a friend of mine) who happened to be the first ASIAN-AMERICAN city councilor in the history of Boston. Not to mention Massachusetts Gov., the honorable Deval Patrick, who endorsed Obama already and headed along with us last Nov 10th to "Nashua canvassing for Obama". We are on the right track to get Obama ahead of the NH polls, just like he twice proved his lead in IOWA.

GO OBAMA...Barack Rocks Boston !!!

Two NH Polls Verify Obama is Rapidly Closing the Gap!

Jennifer Haro — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 18:36:07 EST

Two recent polls indicate that Barack is rapidly closing the gap in New Hampshire with Sen. Clinton and now trails her by only a seven point margin! This from Sam Graham-Felsen's blog:

Today, Rasmussen released a poll of likely primary voters in New Hampshire which found Hillary Clinton at 33%, Obama at 27%, and Edwards at 15%.

And on November 30th, a Fox News poll of likely New Hampshire Democratic voters showed Clinton at 30% followed by Obama at 23% and Edwards at 17%. Also notable in the Fox News poll: more voters said they would be very or somewhat satisfied with Obama (74%) as the Democratic presidential nominee than with Clinton (69%) as the nominee.

While rival campaigns increase the attacks, voters in the critical early states increasingly agree that Barack Obama is the candidate with the honesty, integrity, and vision to bring about fundamental change in Washington -- change we can believe in.

From Where Will Come the "Swift Boating" in 08' Elections?

Franklin Katunda — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 23:24:45 EST

In stead of tackling the right issue, which was to ending the war in Iraq, the Aemrican electorate got distracted and lured into the "swift boating" slur which caused the democratic candidate John Kerry to loose the race.

The 2004 controversial attacks, negative and without any substance as they were, are not far from what we can expect or anticipate in 2008 elections. Though the American people is tired and now lacks trust in Washington DC insiders they still fascinated by the sensational and reveal to be less educated on issues of America.

At the Obama Campaign, we ought to be swift in dealing with and very methodical in responding to any attacks from other candidates (democrats or republicans), insiders or outsiders. Just because we are for the politics of Hope doesn't mean we should back down to deloyal attacks and let them go unresponded to or challenged.

Make no mistake, we need to confront them with facts about their own baggages and tangible arguments that stop these old, "dirty" opponents from spreading their negative and unecessary acts of provocation to the detriment of ther real debate our campaign offers to the american people. Front runners in National polls on both sides are to be scrutinized carefully.

Figures to watch from now until the Primaries Caucuses are

(1) Hillary Clinton,

(2) Bill Clinton,

(3) The right-wing pundits,

(4) Conservative Candidates and their Media ( e.g Fox News)

(5) The "pro-Clinton" Anchors (e.g. Keith olberman, Wolf Blitzer)

GO OBAMA....We are on the right track to win. Lets strategize and win wisely!

-- By Franklin Katunda

NH Union Leader - Obama is more realistic on healthcare

Rena — Sun, 25 Nov 2007 11:42:44 EST

Link

Community Service / Visibility Opportunity!

Ben Martin — Sat, 24 Nov 2007 16:36:15 EST

We have a great opportunity to show the civic spirit of the Obama campaign in the Concord area! I've spoken with the parks director and they need a group to help rake leaves along Washington Street at White Park. Let's get a group together to help keep White Park clean while we show Concord that Obama is not just about politics - he's about working together to keep our communities and our nation vibrant. Post replies to let me know if you think you'd be interested in doing some good while getting the Obama campaign some visibility in Concord sometime in the week or two after Thanksgiving.

Jamaica Plain Meeting This Monday!

Rena — Sat, 24 Nov 2007 03:56:05 EST

Hey all -

There's a meeting in JP on Monday. Let me know if you're interested and I'll put you in touch with Mark to RSVP.

-Rena

To: Mark Pedulla
Subject: Barack Obama Volunteer Meeting in JP

Greetings,

I hope that this email finds you well and that you enjoyed the holiday.

My name is Mark Pedulla and I am a volunteer with Barack Obama's campaign. Along with many of you, I live in Jamaica Plain. We are setting up volunteer meetings in different neighborhoods around Boston with the immediate goal of helping Obama win the New Hampshire primary. There are only 6 weeks left until the primary in NH on January 8th, so if you are interested in getting involved to help with the campaign, now is a great moment.

We are holding the volunteer meeting for Jamaica Plain, Mission Hill and the Fenway this Monday, November 26th at 7:30pm in the back room of Doyle's Cafe (3484 Washington St., Jamaica Plain).

We hope that you can join us for this meeting. If you are planning on making it and could let me know by email or phone, that would be great: (message me for his contact info. -Rena). If you cannot make the meeting, but are interested in volunteering please also contact me by email or phone and we can figure out the best place for you to plug into the work. In terms of major upcoming events after the Monday meeting, there will be a large group from Boston traveling to NH to canvass on Saturday, December 1st and Sunday, December 2nd, feel free to contact me for details.

This is a very exciting moment in our national politics and there is a lot of work to be done. If you have any questions, please let me know, and we hope to see you at the meeting this Monday the 26th.

Sincerely,
Mark Pedulla

Gov. Patrick Joined us in Nashua NH

Franklin Katunda — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 10:29:18 EST

Congoboston.com-- Last November 10th, 2007, three school buses loaded with Obama supporters left a parking lot at the 99 Restaurant, across from Bunker Hill Community College in Charlestown, Mass to the primary voter’s state of New Hampshire. In response to a call from Deval Patrick, the “historically” first African American Governor of the state of Massachusetts, more than a hundred of supporters signed up and showed up, while enduring some 25 degrees morning weather for a bus field trip to three New Hampshire’s towns.

Among many supporters were former Deval’s campaign staff during his 2006 bid for the Beacon Hill, a few Obama-leaning political activists; also came along the “Obama-MA-2-NH” Campaign staff led by Nicole Derse. In total, 500 Obama Canvassers all teamed up for this Rendez-vous in knocking on voters’ doors in NH’s neighborhoods. In facts, last October 22nd at the Boston Common, Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick publicly endorsed Sen. Barack Obama over Hillary Clinton in the race to the White House.

Our own, Franklin Katunda, Congoboston.com’s chief editor participated in the Boston Rally and the Electoral Canvassing, as both the Editor of the most active Boston’s Community News Network for Congolese-Americans and Residents, and most as Campaign Worker. He registered with “Obama For America 08” to support the candidacy of the Illinois Senator to the White House. Using the very same Congoboston’s expertise he has developed as Community Organizer with the use of ( an affordable yet popular technology) - the Internet, Franklin Katunda launched (February 2007) an online network that courted supporters for Barack Obama… At this time, it counts about 106 members nationwide. The group is called “Africans & Americans for Obama.”

Franklin wants to gather what he called the “New Majority” Vote around the candidacy of the Illinois Senator for the Oval Office. On its web-blog’s main page, one can read this: “We are a Nationwide Network with a mission to gather and to inform the American electorate in its "New Majority" that includes many unspotted new voters, such as US-naturalized Africans ... All awakened and determined to "Make History", and to electing Senator Barack OBAMA as President of the United States of America in 2008”

" The hope generated in me during the Senator’s Springfield Illinois Presidential Bid and the dynamics for change that America needs after decades of failed policies and mismanaged governances, said Franklin who claimed that reason led him to align, head on, with the Obama campaign. Despite the pundits, biased national polls and favors from the media to the established candidate, Hillary Clinton, Franklin, just alike Barack Obama, believes in the audacity that an “improbable quest” can bear in a status quo.

“Senator Obama (who wasn’t running for president at that time) inspired me, not only after I heard his DNC speech in 04’, but more he made me adopt him as my role model among African Americans political figures during my graduation day in Boston. This is a while back in June 2006… Amazingly, I was lucky to have him as keynote speaker during my graduation at the University of Massachusetts-Boston ”, Commented Mr. Katunda.

His network for Obama extends from the Washington DC-Virginia-Maryland area where he has enrolled in a public affairs/media internship to Dallas Texas, where he hosted at a friend’s house, a little earlier in the race (April 07); it was part of a Nationwide Grassroots House Barbecue for Obama. About thirty people, Texans from all backgrounds and racial groups showed up for that social gathering at Kale Kasonga’s. As part of the Boston’s Chapter of the group “Umass-Boston for Obama”, he enrolled along with Brad Stoler (a former Umass-Boston Alumnus and friend) in the Manchester NH campaign office, providing phone banking (to update voters from the headquarters, through local phone calls) and participating in the most New England weather-challenged door-to-door canvassing in the NH neighborhoods.

“Time is now for American voters and especially new voters: US-naturalized Africans and (19 and+) first time voters to get involved and be part of the history in the making” said, Mr. Katunda. Diring his Dallas event, he inspired many voters, such as Andy Ribaudo of Dallas Texas to start his own high school online group, "Our World" at the latest barbecue in the Lone Star State.

“I don’t think there is any thing to loose supporting Obama at this point and time, and history will only reward audacious citizens for trying.” conferred to us Franklin, who write as an online community news editor of Congoboston.com.

In closing, we reproduce here an extract from the bus chatting: “ Governor, Sen. Obama inspired me when he gave a speech at my graduation (June 2nd 2006) at Umass-Boston; before heading to your fundraiser to support your bid for Governor of Massachusetts; and this happened on the same day afternoon at the Hines Convention Center, if I’m not mistaking… Today, I find myself priviledged to be onboard this bus with you and shake your hand. (A Citizen of Massachusetts and his Governor), both heading up to NH to support him for the Oval office… Isn’t it amazing?” -- Franklin Katunda

Dear readers ( US citizens or legal residents), to get involved in or support this movement for change as it goes beyond just the 2008 Elections, please send an email at Franklinkatunda@yahoo.com, and a reply will follow with an invitation to join the group. The main target will be to “get out” the African Vote in New Hampshire in the primaries (January 2008). Here below is the story about the field trip from the Boston Globe and a picture of Franklin Katunda posing with the Honorable Deval Patrick, Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts onboard the bus that took them to Nashua NH (A picture courtesy of an Obama Supporter)

Please copy and paste the following link on the address bar to see the photo:

My DocumentsMy PicturesObama.Paris.BostonObama.Paris.Boston 013.jpg

By the Congoboston Staff,

© November, 2007

Last Week in the Early States

Sarah Ramey — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 16:00:36 EST

"Should he win the Iowa caucuses, Saturday’s dinner will be remembered as one of the turning points in his campaign..." wrote David Yepsen, for the Des Moines Register.

There's no question: the Jefferson-Jackson Dinner dominated Iowa last week -- and Barack Obama dominated the Jefferson-Jackson Dinner. "TOTAL ROAR," one journalist reported to describe the crowd's response as Barack took the stage. The stands were packed with Iowan volunteers, staffers and caucus-goers, all dressed in red Obama shirts, all waving round Obama logos of hope, and all cheering and chanting their hearts out back and forth across the stadium.

If you haven't checked out the speech yet, now is the time:

Jaime Mulligan and her energetic crew of photographers, bloggers and videographers live-blogged the whole event, beginning to end, so be sure to check out the Iowa and HQ pages and scroll through to see how the whole extravaganza unfolded.

But the excitement couldn't be contained in Iowa alone last week: in New Hampshire, Governor Deval Patrick himself, along with a team of hundreds of canvassers, came up from Massachusetts and spent Saturday spreading the word about Barack.

New Hampshire also got another important visit last week from Pulitzer Prize-winning author and long-time foreign policy advisor to Senator Obama, Samantha Power. Ms. Power is also a professor of foreign policy and human rights at the Kennedy School of Government and the Founding Executive Director of the Kennedy School’s Carr Center for Human Rights Policy. She came to Merrimack, Concord and New London to explain that America doesn't just want Barack Obama for President -- in the larger global context, we need him.

Then in South Carolina, Barack outlined his vision of the Reclaiming the American Dream in this interview in the Charleston Post and Courier:

People feel like the American dream is slipping away. I see it all the time when I'm traveling through South Carolina, when I'm traveling in Iowa and New Hampshire. It's not just one region of the country. People generally feel like they're working harder. They haven't seen income growth. Their costs for health care, for gasoline, for home heating, for college have all risen, and they're using credit cards to stay afloat. They're using home equity loans to stay afloat.
We have not had in the debates a serious conversation about education. ... When I'm traveling around South Carolina, through the Corridor of Shame, and walk into schools built in the 1800s, I can tell you a lot of folks in South Carolina are deeply concerned about education. I think that the plans that we have to expand early childhood education, to close the achievement gap, to provide higher teacher salaries and better professional training and support, to change No Child Left Behind so it's not punitive and forcing teachers to teach to the test but is instead encouraging creativity in arts and music and a well-rounded education for children....

And over in Nevada, Barack unveiled his plan for rural Nevada. He said:

For far too long, politicians entrenched in Washington have listened to special interests while shutting out rural Americans. The result is policies that work for corporate interests, but against rural communities.
...We need to seize opportunities in rural America to secure our energy future and save our planet. The research and development that has already taken place in Nevada will be critical to advancing this initiative and tapping resources in rural communities.
...We need to give a hand to the next generation of ranchers, so they get the skills and incentives they need to help them afford their first ranch, and we need to stop tilting the scales against family ranchers.

And in anticipation of Veterans Days, there were several community meetings in Las Vegas and the surrounding area -- one hosted by Larry Stokes, 20-year-old veteran and president of the Washington DC chapter of the National Association for Black Veterans. That event was held at the United States Veterans society, and veterans from all over the state of Nevada came together to discuss Barack Obama's plan for Honoring Our Veterans.

For more on all the early states, check out their homepages at Iowa.BarackObama.com, NH.BarackObama.com, SC.BarackObama.com and Nevada.BarackObama.com.

Oh, and one last note from the JJ:

NECN clip of Deval Patrick arriving in Nashua, NH to campaign for Obama

Rena — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 19:38:30 EST

I was standing out in front of the Nashua HQ office when the bus with Gov. Patrick arrived. Here's a pretty good news clip... Particularly amusing for me because I'm the one he's shaking hands with. :)

Sweating the Small Stuff

Novlette, Todos Somos Americanos! — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 13:22:20 EST

On Saturday, November 10th I traveled to Keene, NH to help canvass in the area. This was my third time canvassing so I knew what to expect. I left more literature than talk with people which is to be expected. So those few times when someone opens the door and chat for a few minutes are more memorable and meaningful to our effort. When one of those people who open the door, invite you in to their living to give your spiel, it makes those times even more special.

Such was the case when I rang the bell at one house. As life long residents of New Hampshire they knew why I was there and invited me in to sit down. I thought it best not to start off with why I was there (they could clearly see the campaign buttons) but instead to ask how they were doing. Well in the time I spent with The Princes, I found out Mr. Prince was just recovering from surgery to have a pacemaker installed (he's 91), they were both in the military and traveled to Boston in 1946 to get married and they are originally from the Manchester area. I then asked Mr. Prince if he had decided on which candidate he would vote for. He said no, but made a point to say that he always vote. I also found out there was no one particular issue which would determine the candidate he would support. My impression was that he would vote for the person he felt would do the least harm, be the less corrupt and be more honest (as far as politicians go). My impressions were borne out when as I was heading out, he shared that it seemed to him when politicians get to Washington they are just out for the money, they don’t try to do things that will help the majority of people but instead only things that will help a few.

I learned more about what Mr. Prince thought as I was heading out the door. I can’t recall what I said to make him share his feelings but I mentioned Senator Obama’s view about the ways of Washington and fairness and being honest about what people need to hear. He probably wont recall all of that and which campaign worker visited his home to talk with him. So I suggested and will encourage the staff in the Keene office to send postcards, wishing him a speedy recovery from his surgery, best wishes for Thanksgiving and the coming New Year.

There’s a book titled Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff, but I think with Mr. Prince, it’s the small stuff which may be the difference in who he votes for in the voting booth.

Obama Polling well at this point

Mike — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 00:20:34 EDT

I think the Clinton machine has used all their gas and influence. People respect Barack Obama and they truly like him. We will see his numbers rise. He's got the opportunity to win Iowa and springboard from there. She could lose Iowa and fall from there. It's hard to "spin" a defeat in Iowa for the Clintons, especially if she loses another Primary like NH or South Carolina.

Around the Table with Michelle Obama

Kelly Nordstrom — Sat, 06 Oct 2007 20:48:27 EDT

Michelle Obama is an inspiring woman. I was fortunate to learn this first hand as I sat around a table with her and 11 other women Friday at Manchester's Jewell and the Beanstalk. She gets it. She knows what we're going through.

It was a privilege to meet Michelle on a such a personal level and to share my struggles as a working mother; but even more awe inspiring to me was the company I found myself keeping. When I left (early, to get back to the office to see patients), I found myself not feeling starstruck by meeting Michelle Obama; but instead, thinking about how much we working women have in common; how silent we are with each other around issues of work and family; and mostly, how much I wished to get together again with the women I met that day.

Imagine being in the position, that you could actually afford to stay home and raise your family full-time; but that your job was the only one that came with health benefits? One working mother at our group was moved to tears recounting how she had to go back to work, even though they could make ends meet on her husband's income, because it was the only way to keep their medical insurance. I don't know many families that can afford the $500-1,000 monthly premiums to buy their own health insurance.

With Barack as our President, children would be valued. Women's work would be valued. And as Michelle said, it's not just about policy, it's about soul. This country needs a deep change, a soul-moving experience, to remind us that family values are not something that the Radical Right invented. Family values mean families first.

Mothers might be able to come closer to achieving balance if there was easy access to affordable and high-quality childcare, if family medical leave were paid and gave a family time to get to know each other before going back to work after giving birth or adopting a child, if employers were supportive of breastfeeding mothers; and, if more moms and dads could create flexible schedules that allowed them to also be parents in addition to productive employees.

In my office that afternoon, a mother brought her son in for his 6 month check up. She and her husband have great careers, they have exceptional childcare, but she feels guilty every day she leaves for work. She and her husband wonder what the impact will be on her son of him being raised by someone other than the two of them. She said, "Kelly, he's awake for an hour before I go to work and an hour after I get home. That's all the time I get to spend with him." She is not alone, and imagine how much worse it is for a single-mother, or for a mother that has to work more than one job to keep a roof over her children's heads.

Thank you to Sally and Jarel and Katherine for planning such a terrific event. I feel blessed to part of such an inspiring campaign. Days like Friday inspire me to do more...

Most importantly, I thank Michelle Obama for giving a voice to working women across America. I thank her for bringing together this diverse and strong group of women. I thank her for her candor, her compassion, and her hopefulness. I too am hopeful, as I believe that with Barack Obama in the White House, our lives will be valued and our voices heard.

7 DAYS TO GO, 1 DEBATE, 100s OF SUPPORTERS READY TO TAKE ACTION!

Jennifer Randolph — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 23:23:21 EDT

NH and VT area supporters, Sept. 26 debate events are now listed! Join grassroots organization Upper Valley for Obama as we show the world that our candidate has the support of the people!

Our moment has arrived! We need EVERYONE to try and attend the following events next week. The eyes of NH and the eyes of the country will be on Hanover, NH one week from today as it hosts the DNC-sponsored Democratic Candidates’ Debate. This is our moment to make a big impact for the campaign, and show the press and public that the Obama candidacy is DIFFERENT! We will not have another opportunity like this before the primary—we need to rally all our troops and be seen and heard!

First, join other Upper Valley supporters at the newly opened Lebanon office (57 Mechanic St. in Lebanon, next to Steve’s Pet Shoppe in the Rivermill complex) on Tuesday, September 25th any time from 4 pm to 8 pm for Pre-rally prep. Pick up signs and t-shirts, make some homemade signs, call supporters, and plan for the big debate events. It will be a fun and energy-filled evening, and a great chance to put names to faces and get to know each other before our big public debut at the debate. RSVP your attendance here. Bring creative ideas, and supplies like poster boards, paints, markers, supplies to make sandwich signs- anything that can creatively and positively represent your support for Senator Obama while complying with the debate visibility rules (see below). There will be many supporters for all the candidates, but we will be THE grassroots group at his visibility.

Then, SIGN UP TO ATTEND THE DEBATE RALLY! Meet Wednesday, Sept. 26th at the campaign office in the Rivermill Commercial complex at 5:30 pm, and then we will carpool over to the debate visibility event, which will run until about 9 p.m.. Parking in Hanover will be hard to come by, so carpooling is very important! If needed, carpool cars can park at Upper Valley for Obama members’ homes near the event site, and be shuttled in. We will have our grassroots logo on t-shirts and signs, our banner if allowed, blue glowstick “O’s”, rally signs, chants and cheers- you name it! Please familiarize yourself with the Debate Visibility Rules here; there are very specific rules about signage, sound, and parking. If you are available to help prepare for this event earlier than 5:30 pm, please email Dave Oberembt at doberembt@barackobama.com ASAP. **WE NEED ALL OUR MEMBERS HERE- PLEASE MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO ATTEND!!**

Once the debate begins at 9 p.m., we head over to Everything But Anchovies (EBAs) for a debate watch and after party! WE MUST HAVE RSVPS FOR THIS EVENT TO COORDINATE WITH THE RESTAURANT- so if you want to attend- and it will be very exciting and likely attract press attention- SIGN UP HERE. Do not miss out on the opportunity to watch the debate with a large group of supporters- it promises to be great!

7 DAYS TO GO, 1 DEBATE, 100s OF SUPPORTERS READY TO TAKE ACTION!

SEE YOU THERE!

Jennifer

7 DAYS TO GO, 1 DEBATE, 100s OF SUPPORTERS READY TO TAKE ACTION!

Jennifer Randolph — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 23:21:11 EDT

NH and VT area supporters, Sept. 26 debate events are now listed! Join grassroots organization Upper Valley for Obama as we show the world that our candidate has the support of the people!

7 DAYS TO GO, 1 DEBATE, 100s OF SUPPORTERS READY TO TAKE ACTION!

SEE YOU THERE!

Jennifer

7 DAYS TO GO, 1 DEBATE, 100s OF SUPPORTERS READY TO TAKE ACTION! *

Jennifer Randolph — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 16:43:41 EDT

NH and VT area supporters, Sept. 26 debate events are now listed! Join grassroots organization Upper Valley for Obama as we show the world that our candidate has the support of the people!

First, join other Upper Valley supporters at the newly opened Lebanon office (57 Mechanic St. in Lebanon, next to Steve’s Pet Shoppe in the Rivermill complex) on Tuesday, September 25th any time from 4 pm to 8 pm for Pre-rally prep. Pick up signs and t-shirts, make some homemade signs, call supporters, and plan for the big debate events. It will be a fun and energy-filled evening, and a great chance to put names to faces and get to know each other before our big public debut at the debate. RSVP your attendance here. Bring creative ideas, and supplies like poster boards, paints, markers, supplies to make sandwich signs- anything that can creatively and positively represent your support for Senator Obama while complying with the debate visibility rules (see below). There will be many supporters for all the candidates, but we will be THE grassroots group at his visibility.

Then, SIGN UP TO ATTEND THE DEBATE RALLY! Meet Wednesday, Sept. 26th at the campaign office in the Rivermill Commercial complex at 5:30 pm, and then we will carpool over to the debate visibility event, which will run until about 9 p.m.. Parking in Hanover will be hard to come by, so carpooling is very important! If needed, carpool cars can park at Upper Valley for Obama members’ homes near the event site, and be shuttled in. We will have our grassroots logo on t-shirts and signs, our banner if allowed, blue glowstick “O’s”, rally signs, chants and cheers- you name it! Please familiarize yourself with the Debate Visibility Rules here; there are very specific rules about signage, sound, and parking. If you are available to help prepare for this event earlier than 5:30 pm, please email Dave Oberembt at doberembt@barackobama.com ASAP. **WE NEED ALL OUR MEMBERS HERE- PLEASE MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO ATTEND!!**

Once the debate begins at 9 p.m., we head over to Everything But Anchovies (EBAs) for a debate watch and after party! WE MUST HAVE RSVPS FOR THIS EVENT TO COORDINATE WITH THE RESTAURANT- so if you want to attend- and it will be very exciting and likely attract press attention- SIGN UP HERE. Do not miss out on the opportunity to watch the debate with a large group of supporters- it promises to be great!

7 DAYS TO GO, 1 DEBATE, 100s OF SUPPORTERS READY TO TAKE ACTION!

SEE YOU THERE!

Jennifer

Reflections of a frazzled mom

Jennifer Randolph — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 14:24:47 EDT

I am certainly not alone in feeling that my life has a certain out-of-control, chaotic, frenetic feel to it. After all, when was the last time you asked someone how they were and they replied that they were kind of bored and wished they had more to do?

But with four kids ranging in age from 4 to 20 in four different schools and involved in activities ranging from music lessons to Quiz Bowl, from the haunted house to soccer- not to mention the endless parade of visits to pediatricians, orthodontists, dentists, optometrists (you get the idea)- a day job, and a husband I want to have more than a passing conversation with, some days I just want to scream "uncle!" to no one in particular. I fantasize about curling up on the couch with a book and coffee, taking a walk to nowhere in particular, rescheduling that long ago cancelled dentist appointment now two years overdue, or being able to make it to the salon frequently enough to avoid Sharpie touch-ups.

Yet, here I am, in the trenches of grass roots activism in support of the candidacy of Barack Obama. I have spent way more time than I have on the campaign (with sleep being on the losing end of the equation), and pushed myself way outside of my comfort zone. I am shy to the point of almost phobic, with phone calls being particularly ulcer-inducing. Yet, I have organized and led meetings, made lots of calls, marched in parades, hosted house parties, painted faces- including the Obama girls'-, put myself in front of countless strangers in attention grabbing garb, and have even signed up for a canvass (no phone bank just yet).

Why? Because getting Barack Obama to the White House is that imporant to me. It is important to me, because I see in him a chance for the future I want my children to have- or at least an approximation of that given the aftemath of eight years of George Bush and partisan bickering.

Once, years ago, one of my children was diagnosed with a devastating condition, and at that time, too, I had to push meself beyond where I thought I could go to seek the care he needed- his future depended on it. Daunted by this, I cried to a friend, and she told me I had to let my inner Momma Bear out, and fight for his life, no matter how difficult that seemed. Well, my Momma Bear is back out, and that is why no matter how busy I am, and how uncomfortable I may feel, I will push to do all I can to send Obama to the White House. I am not just fighting for my children this time, though. I am fighting for your children, for the children of Iraq, for the children of the world. And the hope of victory far overshadows the sacrifices. Join me.

Summer is over- time to gear up

Jennifer Randolph — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 23:48:56 EDT

As hard as it is to see summer end and get back to the grind, it's also exciting to think about ramping up our efforts as primary campaigning goes into high gear. Several members of Upper Valley for Obama met at our house yesterday, and we had good discussion about our plans and goals for the days ahead. At this point we are focused on the DNC debate that will be right here in the Upper Valley on September 26th at Dartmouth College. We will be making a big statement about grassroots energy for Barack Obama in NH- so stay tuned for more information.

An Idiot's Guide to Public Opinion Polls and the Media in This Primary Season

Mark Wiznitzer — Mon, 20 Aug 2007 18:07:55 EDT

The author is a former diplomat whose duties included reporting and analysis of foreign political developments. He is an active Obama supporter, as evidenced by his previous post regarding the experience of attending Camp Obama. Like many other Obama backers, he is sometimes frustrated by the fact his candidate does not appear to be doing better in polls, particularly at the national level. It is still relatively early in the race, and Obama fares better in the early states of Iowa, NH and SC. So he decided to post here this layman's guide to polling to promote understanding among those who are relatively new to political activism, regardless of which candidate they support.

Originally posted on myDD on Thursday, August 16, 2007

"16 Votes For a Veto Override, a NO Vote to Bush, Now a National "Walk for Change"

Franklin Katunda — Fri, 08 Jun 2007 13:17:27 EDT

Dear Obama Supporters,

We are going forward to victory with the Obama movement, and I wanted every one to be certain about the fact, as we are running for "A year and half long campaign". This means enough time to really impact our country in a positive way and to bring about a change in politics, which is encompassing the economic development and improving the homeland security with border protection at home and new sound foreign policy. The last senator Obama's "NO" vote to funding Bush military action without any timetable just came in place to illustrate all we can hope from him before September 2008 coming up, when the general's Iraqi Progress will be evaluated, and eventually when the debates in Congress will resume on that matter. Senator showed a strong leadership, standing up Bush on a war campaign that he knows will not succeed. The now deal is to still gather those 16 votes in the Senate from Republicans to override an eventual Pres. Bush's veto. The New Hampshire's Republican senators' move and the last visit by Republican Lawmakers to the White House showed that change in the dynamics.

I have watched the presidential debates, got news feeds, i've chatted and blogged on many networks and have come to the conclusion that a few more Americans are still attached to the old way of doing politics, which in the opposite is not the "political line of conduct" of the Illinois Senator. It has sometimes hurt our campaign and our candidate to see the way the pundits, the News biases are being presented out to the American public, even it's sad to see some of our own fellow supporters giving up on their determination and choose sit back. All i know is that a year and half will be helpful to change the mentality of our politics. We will continue to see more and more media strategists talking on national TV networks, presenting very framed news stories in favor of Hillary or the next buzz, even though they know it's unethical to speak as a media news contributor to declare publicly your candidate's choice during a TV elections analysis.

With the Obama campaign, we have opted for grassroots organizing, this time, as the best way to go from the "Ground Up", while other candidates are going from "Officials Endorsements" to the bottom ??? Polls show Obama likely chosen over republicans and Independents, which to the opposite of the democrats is not real yet. Remember, democrats are behind in some critical judgements: Clinton is weak for the general elections, because if nominated she won't have any rep, independents and a lage democratic constituency. So, democrats, wake up !!! Guys, we have got to continue working on that momentum because it works and will help us gain both sides of voters, including the independents. All we need to focus on is to make sure that we keep this year 1/2 long grassroot's momentum going. It's the best way for us to get the most votes we can get from the Democrats, Republicans and Independents, and they all for the most OK with the Iraq troop's de-escalation.

The last grassroots action I use as a thermother is the "Manchester NH Canvass Kick-off" when we walked through the streets of MANCHESTER, knocking on doors, and that had payed us some TV unnoticed good results: " Senator Obama told NH voters on May 18th in Rye and later at the Kick-Off on the 19th that we need "16 votes to override the president's veto" and bring our troops home from Iraq". Canvassers and NH residents were told to call in and tell their senators; Judd Gregg and John Sununu to change their vote in favor of bringing the troops home.

Good results: Just last week, the two Republican Senators from NH made a promising move to tell the Administration (through their senate etiquette), to consider the bi-partican work-study group's report (Baker-Hamilton). Pressed by their constituents, they made a move to propose to Bush that plan he rejected, seeking an option for a troop withdrawal, presently in the harm's way.

Now i'm not sure every good political analyst can tell where that political pressure on NH senators' stance came from? The answer is clear I think: canvassers' efforts in the streets of NH and the long time "unexpressed" sentiment from NH residents played a big role to push lawmakers and other candidates to go along with a NO vote in order to TURN THE PAGE in favor of diplomacy and for a sustained Iraqi political consensus.

Sad thing, news networks NEVER made comments and missed to make a sound analysis about how the actions of the "Obama campaign" in NH and how we have inspired residents and even the state's only two Republican Senators to "timidly" step up on the issue. As always, media pundits and hyped TV political analysts spent more time, talking about candidates' hair cuts or about intimacy controversies. SAD to see this in America.

Neverthless, make no mistake, we are here to bring a change in politics and in the whole country, and we shall prevail !!! If you haven't signed up for an event "Walk for Change" in your town and vicinity, please go to events page on barackobama.com and put in you ZIP CODE in order to sign up today and attend an event, tommorow.

Remember May19th in NH was just a local state Kick Off... But I personnally anticipate that the June 9th's Event ( happening nationwide ) to be a NEVER SEEN-before in decades in the American polititics. Will you be part of it? If yes, you just have few more hours to do so online, and bring your friends and family to your local event.

Get any of these things with you: " OBAMA T-Shirts, OBAMA Buttons, OBAMA bumper stickers, OBAMA Signs anything that can show a great visibility, bring them with you at the event. Confortable shoes, water, snacks and drinks, etc. Also check the weather in your town to see if a raincoat or a jacket will be needed.

Fellow Americans, we are in the right path to victory in November 2008. Remember this friends, what ticked Hillary was that more than-150,000-Obama-Contributors were potentially ready to give more to campaign. She probably not know " ... these thousands of donators will become grassroots volunteers" What strikes the Republicans candidates right now more than just a " lightning sound" over a TV debate is the "frightening" thought that those same "150,000 Obama contributors" can still give the double of the money they pledged as of June 30th 2007. The truth is also known: these same numbers are increasing during Obama's meeting and fundraiser crowds, from the online donations and NOW the same people are involved in grassroots action.

Despite of some biased polls, fueling what is known to be a war <media/poll network reports vs. grassroots organizing effots > We are going to push an effective way to touch the hearts of the people during this campaign, will mobilize them for a change and earnestly win the White House in 2008. We better off having informed and engaged citizens in 2009 for a better change in the country.

Whatever we see around us right now, at the end of the day, I know that grassroots efforts always pay, because if you are a true community organizer, you know that the Obama momentum is the best organizing tool one can have for an effective canvass. The energizing message shared by Senator Obama alone speaks louder than any negative TV ads, and is better and effective than any biased-media analysis or framing comments journalists can articulate.

In Alexandria VA, I'm Franklin Katunda, and I a p p r o v e this message; because the concept of the "Grassroots Organizing and Media Used For Empowering the Communities..." is my expertise; my educational background, and I know it works.

[Blog written this Friday June 8th, 2007 in 9 Obama supporter groups ]

Live from Northern New Hampshire

Sam Graham-Felsen — Sun, 27 May 2007 15:28:07 EDT

Hey everyone -- we're up in northern New Hampshire today. Yesterday, we drove through the Kancamagus highway, snaking through the majestic White Mountains to join up with a two-day tour through New Hampshire with Barack. It's no exaggeration to say that this is one of the most beautiful places in the country, if not the planet.

Here are a couple of the public events where folks in New Hampshire can join the trip:

Ice Cream Social with the Obama Family in Berlin, NH
Sunday, May 27, 2007 @ 6:00pm
Berlin, NH

Town Hall Forum with Barack Obama in Littleton, NH
Monday, May 28, 2007 @ 08:15am
Littleton, NH

Kate and I just had breakfast at the Blueberry Muffin diner in Conway. We're going to follow Barack as he stops through several towns up here in the next couple days.

I'll be filming for most of the trip, but New Hampshire HQ blogger Mike Negron will be liveblogging throughout the day today and tomorrow. So make sure you check out the New Hampshire blog at NH.BarackObama.com.

Last Saturday's Canvassing in Manchester NH

Franklin Katunda — Mon, 21 May 2007 08:12:01 EDT

Manchester, NH. May 19th 2007.

Having flown from Washington DC to Boston in order to go carpooling to Manchester NH, I asked myself what I was doing? Later during the day, I realized I had just taken a path experience many other Obama's campaign workers have decided to follow; from all over the country: Illinois, New York, Virginia and far more North Carolina. Illinois Senator Barack Obama (Democrat) drew about 550 canvassers in NH, according to the Politico web-media. An army of canvassers who went knocking door-to-door for the New Hampshire’s kick-off.

During that all-day long drizzly and cold Saturday, high 50s and lower temperatures 40s, an army of Obama’s staff workers and supporters swelled out into the streets of Manchester, a city where campaign officials inaugurated a flat size-Headquarters for Obama, in a building at 60 Rogers Street.

Senator Barack Obama, dressed very casual (a black weatherproof jacket) joined those who paid of their time to express their hopes and dreams with an Action. The introductory speech was a short exhortation to the crowd, calling them to hit the road and rally New Hampshire residents to sign a petition that will bring the war in Iraq to an end. Friday, the front-leading and popular democratic candidate told residents at a town hall in Rye NH that “Sununu, Gregg and 14 other Republican senators are the main roadblocks to ending the unpopular war in Iraq.” Obama backs a plan that would give the Democratic-controlled Congress more control over the war's finances and begin troop redeployment before President Bush leaves office, the Associated Press reported.

New Hampshire -a strong conservative bastion and hard-wearing primary caucus state has two republican senators Judd Gregg and John Sununu in the US Congress who voted for the war in Iraq, and "…we are 16 votes short from bringing this war to a close… One of the things that everybody has to do is to help generate those 16 votes” said Obama.

The question was long time asked: Who will get out and engage in a direct talk with NH frustrated voters, (some independents or republicans), undecided, those who feel betrayed by the way the politics worked out since the last presidential elections? Who will take a stand and back it up with a "field action" to let these America’s fore-voters that for a son or a nephew killed in Iraq, there is a chance to sign a “symbolic” petition in order to call on these 16 Republican US Senators to help Congress change the course in Iraq and “turn the page”?

The answer is that it takes a diverse army of determined-Obama supportes, from all racial and state backgrounds: Irish-Americans, Jews-Americans, African-Americans and Asian-Americans, arboring their colors, to take a day off and pay an unsolicited visit to one of the New England’s high toll population of mostly French/Canadian descent in order to get their petition’s signatures. It was clear that Manchester, at this stage of the primaries, is just a sample of a population with a tough stance when it comes to voting. Meanwhile, the American people in its majority (all political sides) undeniably recognize one fact: this was a mismanaged war, wrongly commenced with no coherent and strategic defense plan, with a basis of a false intelligence, an ill-conceived foreign policy that created an absence of relevant and reliable diplomacy.

I recall a great first experience as a canvasser: We rode the “bus”… A school bus from Boston, via the McIntyre Ski Area where Obama gave a speech; we headed to a local outlet marketplace's parking area, where each bus squad had split its riders, two by two, to go into the neighborhood. The talk with residents was lovely, brief to the point. Some residents were not ready for a "talk" nor to comment, because frustrated with the politics, some others had an appreciative smile and signed up on our petition clipboards....Even more and more pledged to significantly join the Senator's efforts, by signing a supporter's card.

View pictures, when Sen. Obama briefed canvasssers before the door-to-door operation, on FLICKr.com: Link

Later, in the day, we met up at the NH Obama Headquarters for lunch where a tasty barbecue was served to canvassers, a time we socialized with other volunteers and the NH campaign staff (people we only interacted with either online or by phone). What a great and fruit-bearing campaign we are experiencing with the help of the internet!!! Half of the crowd was made of students and young voters in general, while amazingly, several other hundreds were from the NH and neighbor states' older generation (-some canvassed before, in the past 25 years), and they brought energy and experience to what should be by now a common business to all Americans for a change in 08.

No more business as usual in our politics, was the message one would catch from this event: The canvassing efforts were a success because it wasn't about Senator Obama or its own agenda; The action in the field meant to rally engaged citizens in one hand and NH residents to voice up their opinions in ending the Iraq War, looking at the price in lives and funds our country pays for every day. The Manhester NH cavass day (May 19th 2007) was definetely about spotting on the will of the American people to demand accounts from their leadership. Senator Barack Obama made himself available to engage the world of primary-voters in such path-way.

- I’m Franklin Katunda, an Obama'08 Canvasser, and reporting from Manchester NH

Debate on Thursday -- Attend a Party!

Ethan Fletcher — Tue, 24 Apr 2007 11:25:50 EDT

This Thursday, April 26, Barack and the other Democratic candidates for president will debate in South Carolina. That evening, Obama supporters and staff will host debate-watching parties around New Hampshire. The campaign is generating enthusiastic grassroots support and the parties will be a chance to deepen that engagement while relaxing, watching the debate, and talking politics with old friends and new.

Check out the list below to see if there is a party near you, or click here to search for one in your area.

If there's not a party in your area, create your own! Just click on "My Events" on the right, then "Create an Event." It's a fun way to support Barack's campaign.

If you live in another state, you can also search for debate parties here. When you get there, follow this procedure: click "Go to advanced search"; scroll to your state; choose "all types" of events; put "April 26, 2007" in both the Events From and Until lines; sort by Distance; and select 50 Max Results. It's pretty simple.

If there's not a debate party near you, you know what to do.

"Now it’s our moment to lead."

Ethan Fletcher — Mon, 23 Apr 2007 18:23:24 EDT

Yesterday in Chicago, Barack laid out his vision for restoring America's leadership in the global community. Here's some of what he said:

Now it’s our moment to lead – our generation’s time to tell another great American story. So someday we can tell our children that this was the time when we helped forge peace in the Middle East. That this was the time when we confronted climate change and secured the weapons that could destroy the human race. This was the time when we brought opportunity to those forgotten corners of the world. And this was the time when we renewed the America that has led generations of weary travelers from all over the world to find opportunity, and liberty, and hope on our doorstep.

(To read the full text of the speech, click here.)

Barack's campaign is about building a movement to change the nature of our politics so we can address the challenges we face, including restoring America’s moral leadership in the world. His vision can become a reality, but only with your help!

One great way to help is to come to Manchester on May 19th for a big canvass kick-off with Barack. We will fan out across the state to bring Barack’s message to New Hampshire voters. To sign up for the event, click here or on the “State Canvass” banner at the top of the page. See you there!

We Made it to Keene

Isaac — Wed, 04 Apr 2007 11:10:08 EDT

So Keene was a good time although it took a lot out of my wife and me. Our day started at five in the morning, doing our best to get clean, get dressed and get coffee before arriving at school for about an hour of prep time and relaxation. Students arrive, we teach the "teenager" as much as we all can handle, whizzing paper and concepts around till the final bell rings. It's now 2:15 P.M. Rachel meets me in the already empty hallway, locking up her room; we rush excitedly to the car and drive around the corner of the building to wait in line for 15 minutes. Students wave, we are stopped in a line of cars and we're sitting by the principle directing traffic; he wishes us luck and a safe drive.

We only have time to for some fast food, feeling guilty and gross we enjoy fries for what must be the first time in months, we try to steer clear unless necessary. The weather is rainy and it's a two hour drive, It's nice though because we get the chance to talk about our excitement and Barack policies and our personal hopes for the future.

We're supposed to be at the Spaulding gymnasium at 4:00 to volunteer and its 4:04 as we're pulling into the Keene high school. We rush in a little flustered, confused as to why there are no signs. The receptionist is packing up to leave and looks a little confused when we mention volunteering but directs us toward the gymnasium. As nice as it is to get a quick walking tour of another high school it becomes clear that something is amiss. We realize we're in the wrong place and franticly return to the car.

Phone calls to the Manchester campaign headquarters ... initially unanswered we assume they’re all in Keene. Rachel starts driving around the high school looking for clues and I call her mother who has computer access, no immediate luck. We talk, a little frantic, about what to do. Rachel’s mom calls back to let us know that we’re supposed to be at the college. At this point our Rachel is upset that it’s rapidly getting later, and we don’t know what to do. After a few more phone calls and eventually getting in contact with headquarters and then volunteer organizers we get cryptic directions and anxiously make our way to the college. Finally we’re here, it’s almost five, but we’re here.

We’re excited, confused and a little flustered; we’re not the only ones. As we look around we see that seems to be the theme. Organized chaos and “hurry up and wait” has us people watching, getting food from Panera, and finally directing the 2,000 plus spectators that arrive to their seats. Green tickets, general admission get the bleachers which overflow, and the blue tickets get the floor.

Over 13 hours have passed since Rachel and I got up that morning we’re physical tired, weighed down by burger grease but we’re excited. The seats are full and murmuring. The mixes of people, again, range greatly from veterans to those young and old; college students making up the majority.

Barack enters to funk, the energy is crackling, and everyone is smiling. Rachel and I drink in the words we finally get to hear from the horse’s mouth, in person. We hear the things we’ve been waiting to hear. Those words, the conversation he’s having with all of us is our reason for being active. It’s our responsibility to make a difference, to be a part of the change, the hope as it is Obama’s to lead us there. An hour passes and Barack wraps it up, taking a final question on healthcare, promising to have universal healthcare by the end of his first term in office. The crowd breaks and as an after thought, our Barack steps up to the microphone again and asks for our vote, but more importantly asks for our involvement. If not in his campaign, then in someone’s campaign. He reminds us that this is our country and our responsibility. He wishes us good night and the 2,000 plus pour out the doors and the press and fans swarm Obama. Rachel and I wait along for him to pass for a photo op, closer look and a handshake. As a prize or gift Obama has agreed to have his picture taken with groups of the volunteers. It’s exciting, and although it was awkward cramped in a stair well with 50 or so other volunteers, it was nice to get up close and have a, hopefully, historic memory made.

Our work almost done, Rachel and I help stack chairs and then bring a sign outside and wait for it to be picked up. It’s now 10:00 and we have two hour drive to get home, and another 5:00 morning, more papers, more concepts. We’re tired, but very happy, very excited to be doing our part by being a part.

NH Opens Obama Headquarters

Isaac — Wed, 21 Mar 2007 07:17:53 EDT

Rachel and I made it down to the opening of the NH headquarters. It's tucked in the back blocks of Manchester and can be a little confusing to get to if you're unfamiliar with the area. When we found the place we were surprised to find ourselves in a short line of traffic; greeted by two campaign volunteers we were told where to park. These directions brought us a block and a half past the jam packed parking lot. Rather than being frustrated with the walk, my wife and I found it a little exhilerating to find historically red NH garnering enough support to clog the streets.

We walked through the parking lot towards the small brick warehouse style building. The entrace door perched atop a short landing, reminiscent of a prohibition era speakeasy. A small crack between the door and the jam poured a strip of light into the early dusk. Rachel and I chatted about our nervousness, both of us suffering from a bit of social anxiety but determined and excited to be a part of something we both believe in. Excited to be around people who have similar feelings as us. Excited about change and opportunity.

Inside we were again greeted by volunteers who took our names and directed us to the pizza. I went for the food table located by the wall that divides the long rectangle room in two and lost my wife by the buttons and sticker table. I went back to collect her and encourage her to take all the campaign materials she could. That's the point I thought. All buttoned and stickered up, we grabbed a bite and made our way to the next room, wich had a "command central" feel to it. Maps with counties outlined in highlighter were located over desks with computers sporting pictures of Barack looking triumphant and confident in mid-speech. Others were opened to the My.Barack website and vistors were encouraged to sign in if they hadn't already.

Rachel and I looked around the room commenting quietly to oursleves about the mix in the room. There was a wide range of race and age, many college students, some young lawyer looking types decked out in their suits. Kind grandparents and parents were also in attendance.

We milled around a bit watching people mingle while we waited for Senator Daschle. After not too long the organizers got up to speak informing us of Daschle's delay. Sadly he was suffering airport problems and was stuck on a runway washingtont waiting for clearance. Lucky for us though we had a consolation in the form of a phone call from the man Barack himself. His short call and warnings not let the organizers get out of hand by dancing on the tables sent a ripple of excitment and anticipation through the gathered. After the call the organizers got up and introduced themselves. They thanked us for our patience and encouraged us to write our names in support on the walls before we made our way home.

After working up the courage, Rachel put her favorite quote on the wall and signed unerneath it, "be the change you want to see in the world". She makes me laugh getting so worked up about whether or not it's ok to put a quote up. I'm proud she worked through her fears and did though, the quote is representative of how we feel about life and this campaign.

Our work that evening done we walked back to the car, flirting and talking about our hopes and fears. Our fingers are crossed and we doing our part, living and practicing hope.

Too bad

Isaac — Fri, 16 Mar 2007 15:23:06 EDT

I've got to say my wife and I are very disapointed with the weather today. First off we were planning on attending the Keene event, we left work early, got caught in the traffic of highschool students rushing home for the weekend and first time drivers (we're teachers). We hurried home to change and pick up our camera, the snow hadn't started falling yet in our area so we were clueless. That is of course until we got the message ... the event was cancelled.

Not only did this untimely storm come after a refressing taste of spring, it dashed our desires of a short road trip and a little hope and inspiration, the storm also came too late for a snowday. This would have been a great three day weekend.

Oh well ... as a consolation I hope convince my wife that this is an omen. An omen, that we were meant to have delicious thai food this evening. Wish me luck, I'm hungry!

Obama Visits NH

Justin Saif — Wed, 14 Feb 2007 19:27:40 EST

Here are a couple of interesting items about Senator Obama's recent visit to NH on Monday, February 12, 2007:

Coverage of Obama's visit in the Boston Globe:
Link

and in the Manchester, NH Union-Leader:
Link
and:

Barack also met someone from the ONE Campaign while in NH:
Link

Posts with the tag NH

ALTERNATIVE ENERGY

How We Fight

Weekend Politicking

Bus for Change: Canvass Concord, NH

Obama in NH 10/16/08 (HD)

Kendal seniors working hard for Senator Obama

Our Upcoming Event!

Plymouth MA goes to NH

New Hampshire Veterans for Obama Steering Committee Roundtable in Manchester, NH

Adolfo Carrion talks Obama at the Latino Festival in Manchester

WMASS for Obama Canvassing Impact in NH as of August 2, 2008

Manchester Office Opening last night!

Why go to Keene, NH to canvass this Saturday? And what we did on the 19th!

Unity and Inspiration

Obama & Cliton Unity Tour

What local people should consider doing

An English teacher reflects on Dreams from My Father

New Hampshire Recount

European press: It wasn't a miracle - Hillary won via a rigged vote

NH Votes vs. Polls Controversy Continues

New Hampshire Recount?

Just Back from NH

NH, Fluke or Scam?

NH Needs Hand Count of Vote Count by Diebold

I'm Sold

post-primary thoughts

Why NH made me redouble my effort

Best Possible Outcome

EEEEEEwwwwwww!!!

New Hampshire Watch Party Tonight

Obama Draws Out-of-State Voters

Field Notes From Nashua, NH

Obama, McCain Get Early Votes

Obama leading in NH 10% ahead of Hillary

10 things we can do in New Hasmpshire

Barack Obama takes New Hampshire lead

New Hampshire Watch Party

Today, Saturday Jan 5th ABC Debate in NH

Will N.H. Be Obama Territory, Too?

How do I volunteer in NH this weekend?

Back in NH!!

One Week until NH!

Has Des Moines Register Wasted its 2008 Endorsement?

Last Week Canvassing in NH

Dead Heat in Iowa & N.H. - Help keep momentum going!

Obama Plan Realistic, says the NH's Union Leader.

NH Phone Banking

FROM THE BOSTON COUNTDOWN FOR CHANGE....

Two NH Polls Verify Obama is Rapidly Closing the Gap!

From Where Will Come the "Swift Boating" in 08' Elections?

NH Union Leader - Obama is more realistic on healthcare

Community Service / Visibility Opportunity!

Jamaica Plain Meeting This Monday!

Gov. Patrick Joined us in Nashua NH

Last Week in the Early States

NECN clip of Deval Patrick arriving in Nashua, NH to campaign for Obama

Sweating the Small Stuff

Obama Polling well at this point

Around the Table with Michelle Obama

**7 DAYS TO GO, 1 DEBATE, 100s OF SUPPORTERS READY TO TAKE ACTION!**

**7 DAYS TO GO, 1 DEBATE, 100s OF SUPPORTERS READY TO TAKE ACTION! **

**7 DAYS TO GO, 1 DEBATE, 100s OF SUPPORTERS READY TO TAKE ACTION! ***

Reflections of a frazzled mom

Summer is over- time to gear up

An Idiot's Guide to Public Opinion Polls and the Media in This Primary Season

"16 Votes For a Veto Override, a NO Vote to Bush, Now a National "Walk for Change"

Live from Northern New Hampshire

Last Saturday's Canvassing in Manchester NH

Debate on Thursday -- Attend a Party!

"Now it’s our moment to lead."

We Made it to Keene

NH Opens Obama Headquarters

Too bad

Obama Visits NH

7 DAYS TO GO, 1 DEBATE, 100s OF SUPPORTERS READY TO TAKE ACTION!

7 DAYS TO GO, 1 DEBATE, 100s OF SUPPORTERS READY TO TAKE ACTION!

7 DAYS TO GO, 1 DEBATE, 100s OF SUPPORTERS READY TO TAKE ACTION! *