Posts with the tag New Jersey

My 2009 Political experiences

Ayaz from Edison, NJ — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 20:03:01 EST

I need to make more of a habit of posting here whenever I update my own personal blog but for now real quickly I wanted to fill you guys in on my perssonal political experiences so far in 2009.

7/16/09 - PNC Arts Center with Barack Obama/Jon Corzine

10/19/09 - Middlesex County College with Joe Biden/Jon Corzine

10/20/09 - Rutgers University with Bill Clinton/Jon Corzine

10/21/09 - Fairleigh Dickenson Univerity with Barack Obama/Caroline Kennedy/Jon Corzine

11/1/09 - Prudential Center with Barack Obama/Jon Corzine

As always you can leave a comment here, reach me by e-mail or contact me via Twitter.

Vote in NJ, Why?

cwr65 — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 10:31:26 EST

As posted to http://opinion.cwr65.com

Vote in New Jersey, why? Tuesday, November 3, 2009, 08:20 - PoliticsPolitics in New Jersey. Who's?

My response to the message below was a sarcastic inward smile. I voted for Mr. Obama, (First vote in 65 years) I DO NOT Vote in local elections. So far they haven't put Micky Mouse or Gooofy up for election. But then that's what we get anyway.

Mr. Obama has never lived in New Jersey or he would run for the nearest exit when it comes to supporting any party Candidate for office in this state. The highest taxes in the US, High unemployment, every township and county able to worm their way into the state coughers and make any decision they like. New Jersey politics is a real role model for the rest of the US. How NOT to run a state, look at NJ.

My 1 cent, the state takes the other penny.

Joe Robinson
Deptford NJ.

The Original Message from the campain.
"Joe --

This is it -- it's Election Day, and President Obama is counting on you to give him a strong partner in Trenton. Don't forget to go vote!

If Governor Corzine wins today, he will fight alongside the President for the next four years. If Chris Christie wins, he'll spend the next four years fighting against the President and taking New Jersey back to Bush-era policies.

This election will be decided by just a few votes -- so before you go to the polls, call five fellow Corzine supporters right near you and let them know when and where to vote. It will make a big difference, and they'll appreciate the reminder.

Look up your polling location and share it with five voters in your precinct.

Thanks for all your work,

New Generation of Student is: The Next Generation of Leaders Program.

Omar Dyer — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 17:13:59 EDT

Today, Barack Obama is telling college students that their loans from banks will be honored, and that they are removing the banks from the student loan business. Then he released his program of New Generation of Students, and challenged them to be more productive in making a dent in future achievements. This program will pay students: $2500 for on the job training and other liabilities. The same bill in New Jersey, and the same proposal Omar Dyer's throwing out there with: The Next Generation of Leader's Program.

Now is that time where I think you shouldn't be afraid to Join Omar Dyer, and get with his program. The Next generation of Leaders program has been taken by the state of New Jersey, Leaders in America, and now the President of the United States.

http://money.cnn.com/2009/09/21/news/economy/obama/index.htm

To those that are spreading rumors, of Omar Dyer selling dreams, and not acting: Now is that time to WAKE UP from that Dream and Make it a reality. To those that feel Omar Dyer is lose and out of control, now is that time to stand with him and fight for him. Omar Dyer can do some amazing things if we put him in office. People have been asking: where and when is that change Barack Obama talked about. Ladies and Gentleman that Change is Omar Dyer. Let's get him elected in New Jersey!

UNITED AGAINST RACISM

WEBMASTER — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 12:46:34 EDT

Hi Friend

There is a new group that just started on Facebook that I thought Organizing for America members may be interested in joining. Please see United Against Racism -

http://apps.facebook.com/causes/354956/80588439?m=9dc74a6e

United Against Racism

posted by David Apperson

Next generation of Leaders: Summit with Omar Dyer (Job Creation)

Omar Dyer — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 15:18:17 EDT

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Ui8PkQR9os

Click on that and learn about the Next Generation of Leaders Barack Obama talked about.

Omar Dyer was recently on a radio station promoting a job fair for NP and SBA in New Jersey.

http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/1357295

Omar Dyer is the onlu candidate that has a real chance for an independant to win. The media is not talking about him and will not give this young kid a chance to change politics for the better.

Omar Dyer for Governor: His plans on for New Jersey.

Omar Dyer — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 15:15:25 EST

Building a Foundation!

As this nation strives for new leadership, we have to be patient on the direction we are going. We have been in a 10 year -- uncontested balance of wasteless government. We just knocked down the building of greed. We are know working on digging up that bad under-rooted foundation. We are now laying the brick works of a new foundation. A stable ground where, Government Intervention was need to stop the ways of greed.

People are asking for help, and they want it right now. I say: let's stop looking at the figures on numbers in the budget. When you tear down a bad building to build a new one it's going to cost you plenty. When you have everyone with their hands out, you need to make them wait. No more blank checks, and worry later on projects. We need people that's going to give you an itemized plan on everything the money will be spent on. Page by Page, Price by Price, company investment with company confirmation (Meaning a letter head on expenses): That's how you lay out the foundation of a business. A Business needs to grow on ideas, and not money to create ideas. Yes, there's loopholes in business opportunities. Yet, we can't create martial law on the next administration. We are throwing money around like it grows on trees.

I'm running for public office because the problems we face are too great. Everyone I have talked to claims that my skills in leadership, and my skills in knowledge on Government can lead this state back to the glory days. They said I need to wait 4 years, and get experience. We can't wait 4 more years of do nothing, everything thrown at the wall on election day. Or 4 year proposal that just happens to come about on election week. The hidden scandals with political pundits getting back for losing. We need an economic Governor: where cutting spending in Education won't Be the only source to save money. Where raising property taxes won't be the only out source to stimulate an economy. Or giving small rebates, while inflation rise, can't be the only tax supplement to give an economic boom in down spots.

I plan to give you 21 century governing for 21 century problems. I plan to make all cities, and county records on bills exposed on the internet. Our problems are not tide to the melt down on Wall Street. Our problems came about because of the non-over sight to the inflation happening on Main Street, or People's Street. While you get sweetened deals, the price of living is on the rise. Wages are on the verge of collapsing. I'm tired of these collectors using greed to profit deals. I'm tired of politicians nickname becoming Scandals. I'm tired of dirty attack ad, or out of character name calling, stealing votes -- and lack of dive to turn out the vote. I'm tired of if you're with this party you can't side with the ideas of the other. I'm tired of the all or nothing approach, or what have you done for me lately. The, you need experience to lead! You need to be in the system to lead.

The problems we face today and the direction our leaders are looking into is not the vision of Barack Obama. We can bring real change into New Jersey, and here's how. With the T.A.R.P. Program from the 700 billion dollar bailout: Obama created a EDA board in New Jersey. Well, we Need a leader from Obama's camp that understands how to fill in the systems need. Economic Development Authority will be in charge of bonds. The same type of bond plan that I proposed -- which will work with Omar Dyer, which is me at the controls. You need too know when to spur a down turn in the state economy. The bonds will give a small relief. We need people to man power these jobs. This will allow small business to get the information need to man power their business. That's how an economy grows. What my opponents propose are cuts to education, and raising taxes. My opponents are looking at figures and running around with their heads cut of. We need a leader that will solve problems on a month to month basis, year to year -- with a day by day approach. Like solving Health Care, I believe the more people you have working the less health care will cost. That's why it's important to get people back to work. Then there's rent and mortgage problems: I plan to eliminate property tax, and implant a no increase flat rent -- eminent domain free law for seniors over 60. This is the best way to recycle the Medicad System, by allowing our seniors to have more cash in their hands. They can't balance rent / mortgages, and have food / energy, health care cost rise on a limited budget. With the way we have inflated the economy a pension can't retire you, and Social Security will only tease you. We need to make sure that when you retire / you retire. That don't mean you retire from a middle class job, to join the kids at the retail store. That's what I'm going to bring to Trenton.

My Job creation plan will cost more at the start to create the foundation, but as the years go through and you allow the system to grow. We can save more money than any competitive state. This is why I'm running for Governor. So I sask you: Do age give you front running rights to lead. Look at the other plans, then look at mine. If you want to get out of the ditch my age shouldn't hold back a leader your tax dollars created.

(Join the Omar Dyer for New Jersey campaign, and don't wait until the end, be the first to talk about Omar Dyer. This is the type of leadership we need.

www. coaches101. org

Toward a More Sustainable New Jersey

Jonathan from Basking Ridge, NJ — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 08:07:43 EST

Weaving together the state’s policies on energy, the environment, land use, and the economy, especially in the context of the state’s ongoing budget problems, is no easy task.

Over the past several weeks I have attended a half-dozen conferences on these topics, including sessions on the Energy Master Plan, the New Jersey Utilities Association Conference (where I moderated a panel), and PlanSmart NJ’s spring conference, as well as hosting my own event at Fairleigh Dickinson University on “growing the next generation of green ventures.” I’m left with the sense that we need a new dialogue, that connects the dots and provides an effective pathway to sustainability.

It’s my view that we need to get the big picture right, before we get to the details. But we must also then get to the details, because the policies can be good ones but they will mean nothing if they’re not implemented successfully.

Right now New Jersey is in trouble. We are not alone in this; but the impact of climate change, of rising food and energy prices, of economic turmoil - of job losses and foreclosures and Wall Street meltdowns - are increasingly felt right here at home. And at a time when we need to be investing much more heavily in cleaning up the past and building a more sustainable future, the state government is essentially under water, under a sea of debt. There’s $32 billion that the state has borrowed over the last two decades to fund operating costs; there’s $15 billion in health benefit liabilities, and $38 billion in retirement benefit liabilities to state employees - in short, close to $100 billion in “unfunded liabilities,” and this is essentially three times the size of the state’s annual budget.

This is what conservatives like Grover Norquist have always dreamed of - starving the government so much that it drowns in its own bathwater, to mix their favorite metaphors - though I don’t think they imagined it this way. But it was Christie Whitman who massively increased the state’s operating deficit and cut the state’s income taxes by 30%; and the McGreevy administration was too weak and too distracted to do anything to rectify it.

If you take that $100 billion and divide it amongst the roughly 8 million of us, that’s $12,500 per man, woman, and child - which is another way of saying that we’re that far behind the 8-ball before we can think about spending new money.

But if we’re going to get out of this hole, we’re going to have to invest in new technology, energy production, workforce education, and new initiatives to combat poverty and regional disparities.

The reality is that our present condition in New Jersey is simply not sustainable. We must cut our carbon emissions by 80% by 2050, and to do this we must convert most of our transportation (including cars, trucks, and buses) to run on green, renewable electricity. And we must set an example for the rest of the world to do the same. And since we’re already on this runaway train called global warming, we’re going to need to adjust to the realities of sea level rise, species migration, and a significantly higher cost of living.

The only way out of this is to grow an entirely new kind of economy, a green and sustainable economy. This means changing the way we do just about everything, from manufacturing, to shipping, to how we move ourselves from place to place, and to the kinds of homes, towns, and cities we live in.

But why do we also need to fix regional income disparities, concentrated poverty and persistent blight in cities like Camden and Trenton, and environmental and economic injustice? The answer is that we ought to fix it because it’s immoral and unworthy of American society to tolerate such inequities and waste of human potential; and we must fix it because it is a serious drag on our economy and is just as ultimately unsustainable as $6 a gallon gasoline (which is bound to happen anyway; what’s really unsustainable is maintaining $2 a gallon attitudes and thinking it’s really going to come back down again), four-foot sea level rise, and rising asthma and autism rates. If we need “all hands on deck” this means the poor, the rich, and the middle class - and a significant amount of immigration to support our aging population, which demographers are now calling “a silver tsunami.”

Consider just the matter of housing. Not only is our housing poorly designed from an energy and carbon footprint viewpoint, but we also have too much of the wrong kinds of housing, located in the wrong places, and costing more than we can afford to maintain. We need to put people to work to fix all this - to make our homes, our communities, and our businesses all truly sustainable, that is, putting as much energy back into the grid as we’re taking out of it (each home must indeed aim do this), becoming carbon neutral, and supporting us as much as we’re supporting them.

There’s every indication that all this can be done, but there’s not much evidence that we have the will, or the wits, to do it. Consider, for example, that we need to change our entire building code, zoning laws, energy production and distribution system, the buildings we live and work in, the cars we drive, the food we eat and where we get it from.

Some people believe the problem is our 566 municipalities, our mostly powerless 21 county governments, and our almost entirely dysfunctional state government that are to blame. But the reality is both simpler and more complicated than how our decision-making is structured. The fact is, we can make this system work; we’re just not doing so. Reorganizing it - unless we change some other things - just isn’t going to make enough of a difference. We’re not going to find $100 billion by consolidating a few municipalities or fire departments.

In the next section, I suggest some things that can be done.
II

Like the rest of the world, New Jersey faces a bleak future if we don’t address multiple challenges – climate change, rising costs for food and energy, a slowdown in new job creation and wealth generation, ever-widening economic disparities, and concentrated poverty. What can we do about this converging set of crises?

The real problem is that we don’t have the right incentives, the incentives we need for people to do the right things. On the contrary, we mostly have incentives for them to do the wrong things. We have incentives for people to send jobs overseas; buy cheap energy from coal-fired plants in Pennsylvania and Ohio, while producing and selling our power to New York State (where they’re paying even more for it than we are); drive to Wal-Mart to get stuff so cheap that it makes up for the cost of getting there; and pay to have people pour chemical fertilizers and pesticides on our lawns and then drive around in lawn tractors that emit as much carbon dioxide as an SUV.

As long as it’s cheaper or more profitable to do that than it is to build energy-efficient homes, put in sustainable landscaping, buy clean energy, get our fruits and vegetables from local farmers’ markets, and so on, guess what? Most of us are going to keep doing it, and chilling out in front of our big-screen TVs or videogame consoles. As long as it’s easier for public officials to say no to new ideas and proposals than to live up to their ideals of public service, or more accepted for workers to do what they’re told rather than what they know is better for the company and for the customer, or cheaper to buy goods from China rather than from around the corner, or more convenient to throw stuff out than to reuse or recycle it - we’ll keep doing it. The problem is certainly a scarcity of vision, creativity, and courage; but it’s compounded by the fact that in most of our institutions these are not qualities that are always rewarded.

At the same time, things are changing, and in some cases changing a lot more rapidly than most of us realize. Given that $4 a gallon gasoline is not going away any time soon, people are buying a lot fewer SUVs these days. A recent survey of 20 dealers revealed that they were all sitting on inventory that simply wasn’t moving. Virtually every town is now considering or holding a green fair, promoting those squiggly light-bulbs, and buying hybrids, ATVs, or even bicycles for their local police.

The head of PSE&G, Ralph Izzo, said recently that our starting point for addressing global warming has to be the complete electrification of our transportation system. Fairleigh Dickinson University is working on a plan to convert many of its existing vehicles to plug-in hybrids, a step towards full electrification; and we should seriously consider giving people incentives to do this.

But this is only going to increase the demand for electricity, so we really need to find ways to cut waste and increase output from clean, renewable sources. Much to the dismay of the suddenly hopeful nuclear industry, this probably does not include nuclear - because we can’t build it fast enough, cheaply enough, or safely enough to allay everyone’s concerns. Building offshore windmills may still be environmentally controversial, but at least no one’s worried about fallout. Besides, uranium is not a renewable resource, and some studies suggest it may be running out sooner rather than later. There’s no silver bullet, and no free lunch. We have to invest in the right technologies, the ones that are going to see us into the next century.

Right now there’s a lot of discussion around NJ’s draft Energy Master Plan. It’s good as far as it goes, but in the end it’s still both insufficiently bold and insufficiently realistic. The challenges are greater, and the steps that need to be taken are more far-reaching. And the design of the programs that are supposed to get us there has not yet shown itself to be successful.

Let’s take one example. New Jersey has adopted a Renewable Portfolio Standard that requires 22.5% by 2020, with at least 2.12% of that from solar. Sounds aggressive, right? But that translates into only about 3600 MW of renewable capacity by 2020, generating 16,000 GWh of electricity - out of an estimated 80,000 GWh needed even if we can cut consumption by 20%. (Just to be clear about the renewable energy and energy efficiency goals: in the first draft of the new Energy Master Plan the NJ Board of Public Utilities used 2 different bases for their calculations. Our renewable energy production is 20% of the total projected production; it’s this production which is supposed to be 20% below what it otherwise would have been.) Meanwhile, Maine set an RPS of 30% by 2000, and has increased that to 40% by 2017. Texas is aiming for 5000 MW of wind alone by 2015. And using the system of issuing Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) that can be traded on an artificial market is also leading to some anomalies. When it was recently determined that there was more than 2200 MW of unused, environmentally benign small hydro capacity in the Northeast, which could generate nearly 20,000 GWh (the equivalent of three or four new nuclear reactors, and a whole lot cheaper), there was a concern that this would “swamp” the market for RECs for wind and solar. But the answer is not to hold back the development of small hydro, it’s to increase the RPS to 44% by 2020.

In fact, it’s really not a stretch to think about moving a majority of our businesses, our homes, and our communities over to renewable energy over a ten-year period. If you think about it, you can probably imagine your household doing this (after all, wouldn’t everyone prefer to get their electricity from solar, hydro, or wind than from coal, oil, or nuclear?); and if you can do it, so can everyone else.

And this is just one of a number of examples. What’s needed is a system that responds quickly to the opportunities - for New Jersey’s economy, its energy needs, its transportation, and its persistent inequities. Instead, we have BPU Commissioners acknowledging that “we’ve lost two years in the solar industry market transition,” and the DEP acknowledging that the RGGI auction (originally scheduled to raise $70 M this fall for renewables and conservation) has now been pushed off to the first quarter of 2008.

Of course, this requires boldness - not just bold talk but bold action. The Corzine administration seems to know what it needs to do; the challenge is implementing it. If New Jersey had its act together, its citizens would be communicating about this on an entirely different level.
Instead, judging by the results, we have a well-meaning but ultimately timid administration in Trenton; a relatively weak legislature; a divided industry and business community, that is beginning to wake up to the need for true sustainability, but is not yet willing to devote adequate resources to it; and a largely uninformed electorate that - though perhaps for the wrong reasons - does not trust any of them. (Most of our environmental groups are also struggling to catch up to the new threats and new challenges, while municipalities, and other major institutions such as hospitals and universities, are just starting to look at appropriate actions.) Somehow we need to move - partly back and partly forward - onto the track of sustainable economic development. We must face reality squarely: we must increase our energy production from clean and renewable resources, we must put our population back to work in the right sorts of “green collar” jobs, and we must restore a sense of purpose to the affairs of our state. And unless we rethink our relationship with nature and with each other, we’re not likely to come up with the right answer.

At a couple of these conferences I listened to the Governor, and I wondered how he felt about his campaign promises to root out corruption, stimulate the economy, and deal with NJ’s structural issues. My guess is that Corzine would be the first to admit he’s not made much headway. At the PlanSmart NJ conference, the Reverend Buster Soaries, once Christie Whitman’s Secretary of State (and like Whitman one of the casualties of the Bush Administration), said that NJ’s problems could only be solved if we had either a charismatic leader or a devastating natural disaster. I don’t think we can afford to wait for either.

I think what we need is a new conversation; a conversation built around the idea of a truly sustainable state - one that leads the way toward a more just and prosperous economy, and a healthier ecosystem for ourselves and for the rest of the planet.

— Jonathan Cloud (Director, Community Green)

Jonathan Cloud is Entrepreneur in Residence at the Institute for Sustainable Enterprise at Fairleigh Dickinson University, and responsible for the Sustainable Business Incubator. Recipient of a UN Environment Award in 1985 for his work in renewable energy, conservation, and appropriate technologies, he has been an entrepreneur, community organizer, and research manager in both the U.S. and Canada. He currently lives in Basking Ridge, NJ with his wife and daughter.

Originally posted at Communitygreen.org/GreenNJ, August 13, 2008.

We Have a Lot of Work to Do

Janice NJ HQ — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 11:46:41 EST

This election is coming down to the wire and we need to make sure everyone is doing all they can to elect Barack Obama as our next President.

Please help us call voters. You can phonebank from home and help get out the vote in key states.

To join Mobile Obama, text NJ to 62262 (OBAMA) on your mobile phone to receive important updates and opportunities.

New Jersey Gets out the Vote for Barack Obama

Janice NJ HQ — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 21:02:13 EST

Throughout the Garden State, the movement of change has inspired millions. This is a defining moment in our history. We have a chance to bring the country together in a new majority — to finally tackle problems that Washington has ignored for too long. And that is why New Jerseyans are answering the call of the Obama campaign to become involved and volunteer during the final days of the campaign.

This weekend, volunteers contacted nearly half a million voters in New Jersey and battleground states across the country to personally deliver Obama’s message of Hope and Change. With over 2,000 volunteers signed up, New Jerseyans heard and answered the call to travel to Pennsylvania, a key battleground state in this election.

Volunteers have shown dedication, crowding NJ Campaign for Change offices sharing stories of why they believe in Barack Obama and the historic importance of this election. They also talked about how this campaign is bringing people together.

Arthur Thomas from Princeton explained, “I was calling a woman named Stephanie Watkins in North Carolina and a man answered. I identified myself as Arthur Thomas a volunteer for the Obama campaign and the response I received was completely unexpected: ‘Uncle Arthur is that you? This is your nephew Derek. Stephanie Watkins is my wife.’ I had called my nephew who I hadn’t seen in twelve years due to distance. We had a conversation about the election and the need for Obama to be our next president. I told him to pass the word on to his friends and coworkers. If they needed anymore information about Obama then he should feel free to give them my home phone number and I will talk to them personally.”

Volunteering with Arthur was his wife Linda. She shared her thoughts about the election: “As a baby boomer I think about the progress in our lifetime and what an honor it is to work on this campaign. This is the culmination of things we’ve worked for since our college days of demonstrating and fighting for civil rights."

“This is the first time that the world gets a chance to see America actualize its ability to be nonbiased by electing Obama to the presidency of the United States.”

Linda and Arthur Thomas urge you to make history and vote.

With one day left before the election, there’s still time for you to become a member of the team and be part of history. Volunteer today by visiting your local NJ Campaign for Change Office or signing up here. If you aren’t able to go in person, set up your own phonebank and make calls from home or with a group of your friends.

"Change We Need Rally" with President Clinton in Cranford

Janice NJ HQ — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 15:01:47 EST

On a beautiful fall day in Union County College, President Bill Clinton headlined a rally for change with Assemblywoman Linda Stender, and other members of the Democratic team.

The long lines began to form at 10 a.m. and by the time the event started at 1p.m. nearly 2,000 Democratic supporters were fired up and ready to go.

“Presidential elections I can tell you having been there, should be decided by philosophy, positions on the issues, the decision making capacity of the candidates, and what we feel about their ability to turn a decision into real change in our lives,” said President Clinton. “Barack Obama clearly has the right philosophy. The economy grows from the ground up not from the top down. Senator Obama’s positions on the economy, on energy independence, with a clean efficient energy future, the key to creating more jobs and higher incomes.”

“Bill Clinton is a phenomenal force. Ten words from Clinton are a thousand words for McCain. He knows how to electrify an audience. His job today is to electrify the crowd and get them ready to knock on doors, make phone calls and get out the vote for the NJ democratic ticket,” said Diane Edkins from Westfield.

When asked how she felt about the upcoming election, Diane Edkins from Westfiled responded, “I feel nervous. We have to keep the pressure on and the push going especially in battleground states. We need to remember Pennsylvania. It’s very important for people to travel to Pennsylvania and do whatever they can. I have many friends who are traveling to New Hope, Pa. and Ohio to volunteer their time and help the Obama campaign.”

“I’ll be canvassing in Summit this weekend,” Clemens Gunther from Mountainside added. “I was undecided until this week, but now I know. I will definitely be voting for Barack Obama. There’s too much at stake not to.”

NJ elected officials joining President Clinton included Governor Jon Corzine, Congressman Rush Holt, Congressman Frank Pallone, Congressman Donald Payne, Congressman Steve Rothman, Democratic Party Chairman Joe Cryan, Senator Raymond Lesniak, Senator Teresa Ruiz, and Assembly Majority Leader Bonnie Watson Coleman.

Please spend a few hours, a day, or even the next two days fighting for change in our neighbor state Pennsylvania. The people you talk to could be the ones that make the difference. Find a free ride to Pa. now at http://nj.barackobama.com/PArides.

Obama Endorsements Keep Adding Up

Janice NJ HQ — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 20:46:09 EDT

Major NJ newspapers endorsed Barack Obama for president today, adding to the overwhelming consensus that Barack Obama is the best candidate to bring about real change in Washington.

Obama for president
Sunday, October 26, 2008

WHATEVER HISTORY makes of the Bush presidency, its immediate legacy is an administration that turned budget surpluses into deficits, launched a pre-emptive war in Iraq and left us divided by politics, ideology and economics.

We cannot stay this course. We need a leader: Barack Obama....

The Record endorses Barack Obama.

To read the full article, click here.

Barack Obama for president
October 25, 2008

When voters went to the polls in 1932, Herbert Hoover's Republican Party had been in power for 14 years. The GOP's policies hadn't prevented the crash of 1929, and life for most Americans was still grim by the time the president sought reelection. Voters that year opted for change, trusting that a confident Franklin Delano Roosevelt would deliver on his promised New Deal.

The parallels today are inescapable.

Making the right choice for president is just as vital to the nation's future today as it was in the midst of the Great Depression.

Barack Obama offers America an opportunity to get back on track. His uniquely American story can inspire people from all walks of life to once again believe in what their country can accomplish.

John McCain came into the campaign with a well-deserved reputation for fighting for what he thought was best, even if it meant taking on his own party. Yes, he was a maverick. The tag has become a cliche, but at one time it was spot on. Now, however, he has reversed himself on many of the positions he fought for, jettisoning long-held principles, in a seemingly impulsive manner.

Obama, on the other hand, has demonstrated an ability to stay cool and level-headed amid a grueling election campaign, a quality that should well serve his presidency.

On each of the crises confronting the nation -- two wars, chaos in the financial and housing markets, the need to reform health care, energy consumption, an increasingly inadequate education system -- Obama has more to offer….

We believe Barack Obama offers the best hope for what he has called the promise of our ideals at a time when we most need to reaffirm what it means to be Americans.

To read the full article, click here.

For the change we need, elect Obama

The Democratic presidential nominee has the ideas, vision and temperament to get this nation back on track.

In this presidential election, the important question each American voter needs to ask is this: Is she or he better off now than four years ago?

Some Americans have been able to weather the financial storm better than others, but few have been untouched by the nation's roiling economy. If voters are dissatisfied with where they are now, with where the country stands today, this is an election in which they can do something about it. They can vote for change.

We believe Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama is the candidate who can bring about the change that Americans want and need. We endorse his candidacy to be the next president of the United States.

To read the full article, click here.

Obama can bring change America sorely needs
October 26, 2008

By now, American voters are probably tired of hearing candidates promise to change the federal government.

But change in government is what the country needs — a change in the overall culture of special interests and irresponsible spending and a change from the specific public and foreign policies of the past eight years.

Cultural change may be too much to hope for, but a change from the direction of the past eight years is within reach and can be grasped with the election of Barack Obama as president of the United States.

Obama, the Democrat, would bring to the presidency an intellectual grounding, a thoughtfulness, a sense of balance that has been lacking for too long; he would not bring self-righteousness, bravado, disregard for human and civil rights, or a foreign policy based on saber rattling and name calling….

It's time for a change. It's time for Barack Obama.

To read the full article, click here.

For president:
Sunday, October 26, 2008

In the last few weeks, the economic foundation of the United States has been ebbing like sand sucked up by the sea. Despite the erosion of confidence and commerce, one man has stood firm among those shifting sands. Sen. Barack Obama's leadership and calm command have distinguished him, as they have time and time again throughout his campaign for the presidency.

We're proud to lend our voice to the many others endorsing the Democratic candidate and his bid to be the 44th president of the United States….

Republican contender Sen. John McCain has served his country well and honorably for many years as a serviceman and a senator. Sen. McCain has been a good captain, but Sen. Obama is clearly the commander we need.

To read the full article, click here.

Obama best-suited to lead America
October 19, 2008

Our nation is facing its gravest economic crisis since the Depression. It is bogged down in conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. The standard of living for most Americans, which had been largely flat during the 1980s and 1990s, has fallen during the past decade despite an economic expansion.
The meltdown on Wall Street has eroded the life savings of many Americans by a third. The fallout from the real estate bust could result in a loss of home equity of a third or more. We are far more dependent on foreign oil today than we were 35 years ago, when the oil embargo failed to awaken us from our slumber.

And thanks to a Bush administration that arrogantly chose to go its own way in Iraq and employed bullying tactics rather than reason and diplomacy to achieve its ends, we have alienated many of our longstanding allies around the world.

Change is needed — badly. Since World War II, there has never been a greater need for leadership, for a president who can pull a deeply divided nation together, someone who can help restore our self-esteem at home and help repair our tattered reputation abroad. Democratic Sen. Barack Obama is better equipped than Republican Sen. John McCain to meet that challenge….

Obama is keenly aware of how badly this nation needs to chart a new course — one that is respectful of other nations. He is committed to rebuilding the middle class, working to align America's policies with its long-cherished ideals and making the country the beacon for prosperity and justice once again.

To read the full article, click here.

eNews - Volume 6 - October 24, 2008

Rick in Maryland — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 09:05:50 EDT

B E R G E N   C O U N T Y   F O R   B A R A C K   O B A M A

"Powered by hope, seeking the change we need."         Volume 6 - October 24, 2008

TONIGHT - FRIDAY 10/24
5:00pm Phone banking at 50 Main Street, Hackensack (BCDO)
6:00pm Phone banking Ramsey    http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/gprdp8

SATURDAY 10/25
12:00pm Canvassing              http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/officialevent/gprbbl
12:00pm Phone banking Ramsey    http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/gpry72

SUNDAY 10/26
12:00pm Canvassing              http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/officialevent/gprbqx
3:00pm Phone banking Ramsey    http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/gprdrf

MONDAY 10/27
5:00pm Phone banking at 50 Main Street, Hackensack (BCDO)
6:00pm Phone banking Ramsey    http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/gpr4qr

TUESDAY 10/28
5:00pm Phone banking at 50 Main Street, Hackensack (BCDO)
6:00pm Phone banking Ramsey    http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/gpr4l5

WEDNESDAY 10/29
5:00pm Phone banking at 50 Main Street, Hackensack (BCDO)
6:00pm Pizza/Calling Ramsey    http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/gpr4l7

THURSDAY 10/30
12:00pm Ramapo College Rally    http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/communityservice/gprlbj
5:00pm Phone banking at 50 Main Street, Hackensack (BCDO)
6:00pm Phone banking Ramsey    http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/gpr4qt

NOTES: BCDO phonebanking runs 5-9pm, arrive whenever you can, Ramsey Grassroots Office
phonebanking runs 5:30-8pm please try to arrive no later than 6:30 and bring your laptop,
laptop charger, cell phone and phone charger. We have wireless and wired Internet.

Rally for Change in Edison this Saturday at 10 a.m.

Janice NJ HQ — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 17:21:41 EDT

On Saturday, October 25 at 10 a.m., Edison Mayor Jun Choi, one of the first elected officials in N.J. to endorse Barack Obama, will host a Rally for Change in Edison. Joining Mayor Choi at the rally will be Governor Jon S. Corzine, Congressman Frank Pallone and Assemblywoman Linda Stender who is running for the U.S. Congress in the 7th district.

With Election Day quickly approaching, Obama supporters are encouraged to attend the event. After the rally, there will be phonebanks and canvasses taking place. Remember, it is our job to translate the vigor for Obama into votes on Election Day. Let’s get fired up and ready to go!

WHAT:    Rally for Change hosted by Edison Mayor Jun Choie featuring Governor Jon S. Corzine, Congressman Frank Pallone and Assemblywoman and congressional candidate Linda Stender

WHEN:    Saturday, October 25 at 10 a.m.

WHERE:    1907 Oak Tree Road, Edison, NJ 08820. Click here for directions.

RSVP:   http://my.barackobama.com/edisonrally

At the rally, the first 50 people to sign up to volunteer November 1 – 4 will receive a free Obama lawn sign. Invite an undecided friend. RSVP today by clicking HERE.

Moms for Obama Phonebank in Princeton

Janice NJ HQ — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 13:03:52 EDT

Last night members of Moms for Obama, an online grassroots constituency group created through MyBO, gathered at the Obama Campaign New Jersey headquarters to make phone calls and speak with voters about Barack Obama and Joe Biden’s campaign for change.

“The mothers in our organization are supporting Senator Obama because he has spoken to our concerns about the economy, healthcare and family leave,” said Michelle Schultz, a New Jersey member of Moms for Obama. “We are committed to doing everything we can over the next two weeks to elect Senator Obama, because he’s the only candidate committed to changing Washington in the ways that are important to us.”

Cara Laitusis and Dana Kooistre call voters for Obama.

"In March 2002, I watched the U.S. march into a war in Iraq. My husband and I were astonished that we heard a call for war over and over again from President Bush without any sound explanation,” said Dana Kooistre, a mom from Lawrenceville. “I’m very excited to vote for Barack Obama who has the judgment and temperament to be able to know when to use military force. I have two sons. I don’t want a president who would commit American troops to war unless all other options were exercised.”

Read Barack Obama’s plan to end the war in Iraq.

Featured Super Volunteer: Angie Stith

Janice NJ HQ — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 15:40:10 EDT

During the past 20 months millions have been inspired by Barack Obama’s message of change and have demonstrated their commitment to the campaign by volunteering. NJ Campaign for Change has been fortunate enough to have a number of extra special people who we call “Super Volunteers.” These individuals are powered by Barack Obama’s vision, probably lots of coffee, and desire to bring about real change in Washington. They are pushing themselves to do everything they can to help elect Obama as our next president.

One of these Super Volunteers is Angie Stith from Willingboro. “Angie is the heart and soul of the office. Volunteers come for Obama and return repeatedly because Angie makes everyone feel valued and at home,” said Adam Goldfarb, regional field organizer for NJ Campaign for Change. “She always has a smile on her face and it’s contagious.”

Angie has volunteered everyday since February. She serves as the volunteer coordinator, and local grassroots captain, and has organized a number of successful campaign events. For Angie’s first Obama meetup event this summer, she drew over 80 people to her cookout in Mill Creek Park. She also helped to lead her team’s successful voter registration drives. Since July 4th, her team has registered thousands of new voters in Willingboro.

When asked why she is so devoted to the campaign, Angie responds: “I have been waiting all my life to witness what is happening in this great country now. Obama represents what has been needed for so long. Obama is all-inclusive and he wants to bring everyone to the table. As a child, I was very much aware of the plight of poor people, especially people of color. Maybe now, for once and for all, we can live as one people coming together for a just and fair society. If there were eight days in a week, I probably would volunteer my time just as much. So, I pray my God continues to give me strength and guidance to push on until Obama becomes our next President of the United States.”

Angie was first drawn to the political process earlier this year by Obama but since then has become completely immersed and will now be engaged in the long term. In June, Angie’s name was written in for the office of Democratic Committee Vice Chair, a non-paid elected position, and she won.

“She’s the perfect mix of professionalism and enthusiasm,” explained Democratic Chairwoman Lavonne Bebler Johnson. “She’s a chairwoman’s dream.”

If you are interested in matching Angie’s enthusiasm to elect Obama, visit your local NJ Campaign for Change office and volunteer today.

Rally for Change at Rider University with Special Guest Valerie Biden Owens

Janice NJ HQ — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 18:41:52 EDT

Today, Joe Biden’s sister Valerie Biden Owens and her daughter Missy Owens hosted a rally for Change at Rider University to energize volunteers for the campaign’s final push.

Valerie shared stories about how she, Joe and their three other siblings were raised in Scranton, Pennsylvanian in a middle-class, Irish Catholic family. Their mom Jean stayed at home to raise them while their dad Joseph Sr. worked at a car dealership.

“Joe and I are people who know in our bones what the struggles of the middle-class feel like,” Valerie Biden Owens explained. “We define middle class as: If you miss more than two paychecks in a row, you’re in trouble. We’ve been there.”

Valerie further explained how Joe understood the need for the government to support average American families in light of the rising costs of health care and education. Joe is a champion on the issue of making college more affordable by using the tax code to reduce costs.

“What Valerie Biden Owens said at today’s rally really resonated with me, especially when she talked about bolstering our education system. I’m a freshman at Rider University but after I graduate, I want to be a teacher,” said Pam Rotter from Newtown, Pennsylvania. “As a student and a future teacher, I know how a good education can shape a person’s life.”

Joe has a proven record of bringing people together to get things done. From global warming to combating violence against women to confronting the challenges of the dangerous world in which we live, Joe Biden has fought every day over the course of his life in public service to improve the lives of middle class families.

If you are a student and would like to help elect Barack Obama and Joe Biden, join Generation Obama. It's a locally-based but nationally coordinated grassroots movement led by young activists. As a member of your local Generation Obama chapter, you and other members can utilize the many talents of our country’s next great generation in support of the campaign in a variety of meaningful ways.

Countdown to Change: Day Two

Janice NJ HQ — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 16:39:31 EDT

Day two of Countdown to Change started off with donuts and coffee and a lot of enthusiasm. The Carpenters Hall in Hackensack was filled with about 50 volunteers ready to walk the streets of Bergen County.

Volunteers line up to receive their walk packets.

“I volunteered today because of my sense of responsibility and obligation. I’ve never been moved enough to get involved in a presidential campaign other than vote. This election is different. Obama and what he stands for moves me,” said Phyllis Sneyers from Waldwick. “I owe it to my children and grandchildren to play a part in this election. The decision we make this November will directly impact their quality of life.”

Mother daughter team Phyllis Sneyers and Dana Lustig return to the Hackensack campaign office after their canvass and pose for a photo with their Obama sign.

"I’ve never followed an election as mush as I do now. I believe in Obama’s potential and commitment and what he can do for us,” said Dana Lustig from Oakland. “I’m a six year breast cancer survivor. I have a lot at stake. I need a healthcare system that works for me and is secure. I reach out to women all the time who are diagnosed and they find out that they don’t have the right kind of coverage or coverage at all. I have faith in Obama’s plan to provide quality health care for Americans.”

Read about Obama’s plan on how to make health insurance work for people and businesses – not just insurance and drug companies.

Tomorrow marks the last day of Countdown to Change so you still have one more day to be featured on our NJ blog! Sign up now to participate in tomorrow’s activities.

Countdown to Change: Day One

Janice NJ HQ — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 17:50:53 EDT

This morning marked the start of Countdown to Change, a three-day statewide effort to help get out the vote for Barack in New Jersey and our sister state Pennsylvania, a crucial battleground state in this election.

The operation unleashed two separate teams of New Jersey volunteers: Team Fired Up and Team Ready to Go. The "Fired Up" volunteers called and go door-to-door in New Jersey to reach voters while the "Ready to Go" volunteers drove to Pennsylvania to canvass.

At a campaign office in Hamilton, volunteers arrived in the morning fired up to knock on doors and phone bank for Barack. “I really do believe in Obama and what he has to offer so I decided to volunteer to help elect him and other democratic candidates in New Jersey,” said Sonii Kollie of Hightstown. “When I speak to voters I see both sides of the spectrum. Some are very excited to talk to me about the campaign while others are more private and reserved. Despite the reaction, I feel that it’s my job to pull them in. I feel that voter contact is important because it’s a way for people to get to know the candidate on a personal level.”

Sonii Kollie phonebanks in Hamilton.

Further north in the state, eager volunteers filled the Jersey City campaign office. They came as a family or with friends and were greeted by Ward Leaders Jack Carly and Joe Conte.

The Bryant family spend Saturday afternoon together by canvassing for Barack.

Decked out in Obama buttons and Lautenberg T-shirts, volunteers hit the streets to make a difference, one neighborhood at a time.

Blog coverage of Countdown to Change will continue tomorrow and Monday. Sign up today to be part of this massive grassroots effort and you may find yourself featured on this blog.

eNews - Volume 4 - October 10, 2008

Rick in Maryland — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 10:06:27 EDT

B E R G E N   C O U N T Y   F O R   B A R A C K   O B A M A

"Powered by hope, seeking the change we need."

Volume 4 - October 10, 2008

1. Even the rope were hanging ourselves with is made in China
2. WE NEED VOLUNTEERS & THE PLAN, MAN
3. This Week in the Campaign - The Push is On, So Please Sign UP
4. Gear Up! Obama Store Open Now
5. Editorial - Lee Atwater is Back
6. Sign Painting Party Pictures
7. Grassroots Orientation
8. The New Organizers
9. See Barack Obama in person in Philadelphia **** NEWS FLASH ****
10. Anatomy of a Mass Rally, Some History, and A Dedication

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1. Even the rope we're hanging ourselves with is made in China!

Today, and tomorrow, and each day thereafter this nation must raise $2 billion from
foreign creditors. $700 billion a year - just to cover our annual trade deficit. From
somebody somewhere we must borrow or sell off assets totally $700 billion a year. Who do
we turn to? Primarily the central bankers of China or Japan, or oil-rich autocrats. We
are dependent on the kindness of strangers.

Other countries export goods; we export debt and jobs. Since 2000 we've lost one of
five manufacturing jobs. Fully twenty million jobs are at risk. For those that remain,
wages and benefits actually declined over the last eight years-a record in futility. We
are now running a deficit with China in high technology goods. Mexico now exports 50%
more cars to the US than we export to the entire world. The noose is tightening.

For three decades-whether the federal budget was in deficit or in surplus, whether the
dollar was strong or weak-these deficits keep rising. They can no longer be sustained.
Foreign central banks, gorging on US dollars, have set up sovereign investment funds to
buy into strategic US companies. We are in danger of becoming, as Warren Buffet warns,
"a nation of sharecroppers."

Global economic integration is a fact of life. Let's shut down the fraudulent argument
between "free trade" and "protectionism" and forget a global strategy that works for
working people, not just for the multinationals.

Start by slashing our trade deficit (nearly half of it's from oil) with a concerted
drive for energy independence, investing in renewable energy technologies and making
the US a leader in innovative manufacturing once again.

Second: Invest in life-long education and training and build the most modern and efficient
infrastructure to increase our competitiveness.

Third: Regulate our commerce with mercantilist nations like China, while pushing for
global rules on labor rights and environmental protection that will lift standards up
around the world instead of driving them down here.

#4 in a series > a debate worth of a great nation in trouble.

For more information, including the full text of this article, go to:

   http://ourfuture.org

This newsletter is simulaneously blogged at this archive on Fridays at 10am.

Protecting American Voting Rights!

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

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

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

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

1: To be registered by 10/4

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

3: 18 years of age before Election Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Canvass In PA

Richie Chevat — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 09:25:46 EDT

Our first bus trip to PA last Saturday was a huge success. We sent 62 volunteers to Philadelphia where we knocked on 1200 doors, spoke with about 400 voters and registered 40 new voters. Not bad for an afternoon's work. We are going back this coming Saturday, October 4. To reserve your seat, contact caryc@bluewavenj.org

Bluewave is also holding phone banking every night and organizing volunteers for Dennis Shulman and Linda Stender, two important Democratic congressional candidates. Find out more at bluewavenj.org.

Or you can drop in at our new action office at 347 Bloomfield Ave. Montclair, open from 10 AM to 2 PM.

Pitch in and help us take back America.

Northern New Jersey Volunteers Needed

Richie Chevat — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 12:32:44 EDT

BluewaveNJ, a grassroots organization is launching several projects to help elect Obama and progressive candidates in New Jersey. You can find the complete list of activities at bluewavenj.org.

We are sending buses to canvass in Pennsylvania every Saturday, beginning Sat. Sept 27. The buses leave at 7:30 AM from Montclair, NJ and will return by 6 PM.For more info, contactcaryc@bluewavenj.org

Beginning Tuesday, October 1, we will have phone banjking every evening from 7 to 9 PM. For more information, contact marciam@bluewavenj.org

We are also organizing volunteers for two important Gongressional races in New Jersey, supporting Dennis Shulman and Linda Stender. For info on how to help, contact marciam@bluewavenj.org

The First

Nancy — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 15:45:31 EDT

As I move around my daily tasks, I find myself increasingly unable to perform the most mundane of them because I can't stop thinking about what's going on on the election front. Although I've voted in every presidential election since I've been 18 (and I'm almost 50), and in almost every state and local election (I'd be lying if I said ALL), this is the one election that has me so torn up inside.

My children are all adults - one is a teacher, as I am, here in New Jersey, where it's difficult to survive on a teacher's pay - but at least she has health insurance. One is an "assistant manager" of a fast food restaurant and is working to put himself through college. And one is employed by an electronics company who won't give him more than 32 hours a week so they don't have to give him benefits - in particular, health benefits. As their mother, I worry more about them now than I did when they were growing up.

I don't understand why the polls are so close between Obama and McCain. Everyone has called for change and yet not everyone is looking for that change. I'm starting to believe the research that says the human may be unable to filter effectively through the massive amounts of information available in order to make a decent decision. Instead, they rely on five factors - the "Party", ideologies, the polls, the endorsements and candidate appearance (Lau & Redlawsk, 2001). That is a very scary thought - I wonder how we can combat that?

Lau, R., & Redlawsk, D. (2001, October). Advantages and Disadvantages of Cognitive Heuristics in Political Decision Making. American Journal of Political Science, 45(4), 951.

G.F.C. Grassroots Finance Committe: Your Moment

Omar Dyer — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 08:34:13 EDT

Your Moment!
When the times are too great, and the paradox are set for equality, this moment is that time.
When the world is at its lift and the constellation meets the mitts; this moment is that time.
When those that mock, and mark the leadership qualities in a candidate that has been opposed, this moment is that time.
When the opposing incumbent party is cynical of the ideas that the opposition presides, and says that's not leadership and then rephrases those ideas, to make a claim on them; is a true lack of leadership. That's when you know this is the time.
This time the political gamesmanship on pandering politics -- where the bureaucrats only seek gaming the political system, to have power and control; where they spend hours looking at their profits and not the harm to the economy -- this is the moment in time that change has come. That's when you know this is the time.
Change is not about: A Man with pigment in his skin, change is not about a women on a ticket; Change is not about an elder being begged to change their stubborn ways. Have you ever tried to get an elder to change their old habits -- It's hard work but it takes a spirited leader: Like Barack Obama and a nobody like Omar Dyer: two community Organizers to organize change.
Change is not about; saying this person is a better American, and the other is fraud.
Change is when noticeable theories are not correct and a new course is needed; a true leader will say, "I made this move because that's the change we need."
Change is when a person makes the ultimate sacrifice in good of the people they represent. If you follow your candidate: Follow, if you believe your candidate: Believe. You don't need to be little others because they don't have the same views as you. That's when you know it's time to change. That's the type of politics we need to change!
We are in a moment where the bitterness of someone's' pigment in their skin has no barring on the character on the content of their minds -- in a new direction to lead.
We can't afford to demonize an American child because they don't come from my hood.
We can't afford to demonize an American child because they don't have the same ideological thinking as you do!
This campaign is not about being a celebrity in politics, making one before the other: this campaign is about all Americans, coming together and forming: One Nation. One America, a speech John Edwards wrote; a vision Abraham Lincoln saw, a dream Martin Luther King Jr. spoke -- a Hope, Barack Obama preached, and a grassroots campaign achievement by a local community organizer; in which help bring in more community organizers to unite this country from the bottom up. As one of the leaders in Barack Obama's New Jersey's Grassroots Finance Committee in campaigning and organizing; a local community organizer, and other locals like: "Omar Dyer: TheFanNJ," has helped transformed the internet as a reliable source of organizing marching and bringing people to Barack Obama's campaign. TheFanNJ has been strictly better than Karl Rove; and it was done on clean politics.

Ahead of Gustav, Obama/Biden/Democrats listen up. . .

Timothy from Riverside, NJ — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 21:54:46 EDT

Dear Barack, Joe and Democratic Supporters,

After hearing both of your rousing speaches, I hope you and my fellow supporters will consider how we might use this terrible impending storm of doom to transform your inspiring words into action. Use this unique opportunity to send a message to anyone who doubts you and the Democrats' commitment to the working families of the United States (don't worry, even if you don't take my advice I'll still vote for you).

My plan is simple:

1. As the storm hits, call a news conference that will be broadcasted on every major network at 6:00pm in each time zone. Tell your supporters to meet you in New Orleans in the days after the storm to work with you to assist those effected. Roll up your sleeves and help. I can hear you now: "Our time for action is now!"

Your time in New Orleans (or wherever this storm hits) keeps us in the national spotlight during the RNC and thwarts any Republican attempt to say--"We put our party on hold to supervise efforts to help residents while they were busy campaigning."--You know it would come to that. Your words will become even more if they turn into real action.

You will kill two birds with one stone--you will be helping fellow Americans in need (who coincidently live in and around key battleground southern states), as well as doing something real that helps show the sincerity of your message. Remember--ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS!

2. Provide a special link on your website so your supporters can donate to a storm relief fund from the Salvation Army or the Red Cross in lieu of a contribution to your campaign and offer a Obama-Biden magnet for their effort or a matching contribution. You may want to make a television commercial that asks Americans to help out their brothers and sisters in the Gulf States. Tell them what you are doing and what they can do to help. Air these commercials in lieu of the traditional attack ads during the RNC. This profoundly different approach to campaigning will serve us all well and show that we Democrats really do care about our fellow Americans especailly in the darkest of days.

Your campaign is about a movement of people and purpose. The next few days offer you a great opportunity to fuse your message with action.

Have a great Labor Day and please consider my plan.

Sincerely,

Timothy M. Samoni

Riverside, NJ

NO Corzine NO More!!

Rpaulino — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 12:18:28 EDT

I'm scared! While composing my opening thoughts, I was floored by a report across a local news station. They reported that Corzine could be one of the Veep candidates or cabinet positions. For the love of GOD and the reprisal of New jersey tax payers! Please tell me this isn't true. I don't fault him for all the bad in New Jersey's government. I do fault him for not doing anything about the it despite his platform coming to the seat. He has turned a blind eye to some and have aided others (cough cough, local unions,cough cough). He doesn't care about the people on a small scale (state), so there's no way he's going to do anything different on a larger scale (federal). Stop the madness. Get him out of your mind, Knock the dust of your sandals as you leave him behind. Obama, (or camp).. NO! BAD!

John McCain is taking money form Georgia!

Omar Dyer — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 13:54:41 EDT

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080813/ap_on_el_pr/mccain_lobbyist_1;_ylt=AnFVdL.dztWfDEYDmPlDfEhh24cA

McCain is using Georgia and Money from Political Pundits to increase his National Security status. He also had some in Israel to snatch up information for his campaign to use against Barack Obama.

$10 billion a month?

tony a — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 10:22:36 EDT

If the war costs about $10 billion a month, how much of that could have been used to rebuild our own infrastructure? We talk about the price of gas, what about the price to maintain our vehicles due to the hundreds of potholes we encounter on the way to work? Our roads are starting to look like dirt roads in a third world country!

Today, more than ever, negotiation and diplomacy is the only way to go. Every place on Earth has to win. Infinite communication is not only the cheapest way to come to terms with our opposition, it is the most efficient and the only one bearing lasting results.

Barack Obama shows leadership in this type of negotiation skills. He is so much aware of what needs to be done that will surround himself with the most efficient team to make it happen. I don't want a leader that has lots of time in and knows how to do business as usual. I want a leader able to perceive new pathways and surround himself with the best help in the world.

For me, Barack Obama is such person, probably the best qualified candidate that I've seen in our Country.

Have a great Sunday!

Tony A

Camden's Uniting for Change

Prof Keesha — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 08:28:51 EDT

Camden, NJ - On July 4th, this city across the river from Philadelphia known to some as the poster child for urban blight and as a perennial contender for murder capital of the United States to others -- showed its true patriotic colors. This city was everything but those unflattering characterizations in organizing to elect Barack Obama as the 44th president of this great nation.

The 500 block of Randolph Street was filled with home owners of every ethnic hue, a feast for the eye only to have the smells of food compete as feast for the hungry. Nearly every home had barbeque grills ablaze in their front yards willing to share a rib, the best potato salad, or the sweetest water melon to any who passed by. As an Obama volunteer, I milled through these celebrations urging those who haven't voted to register and to discuss media coverage and policy positions to a very astute, but heretofore silent citizenry.

Radio Broadcast

Pat Glover — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 00:11:26 EDT

A new day in the American frontier, and our radio personalities continue to pick apart at what is said by both candidates running for the highest office in the land. Now I have listen to both Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity for many years as I also listen to other affiliates, But it has become evident that they have become exactly what they complain about the media of being ,Slanted . Now there are many different debates I can have on many different topics of the day but this one sticks out at me. Both Rush and Hannity bashed Mr. Obamas’s opinion of a 27 cent savings on gas as not the answer to our problems and if that’s all we will save than drilling is not the way. Now of course the proposed idea for drilling came from Mr. McCain’s plan to help drive down the cost of oil, But I have one major problem with the plan. WHY NOW IS THIS THE ANSWER??? I do believe there is a man in the White House for the last 8 years who belongs to the same party as Mr. McCain? Oh and our vice President is very experienced in the oil biz, so why has this plan not already been put into effect. Why wait till after Novembers election, DO IT NOW, SO MIDDLE CLASS AMERICANS CAN SAVE MONEY AT THE PUMP! Then again like most of the bills that go through congress and the senate, it’s full of Pork!!!! No one has the fix as long as we have to barging with the Middle East. WHY DO YOU THINK MR BUSH IS TRAVELING AROUND THE WORLD ASKING FOR SUPPORT! So when Mr. Obama says this is not a plan, His answer is not becoming of his position in Washington in plan english he is not full of S%@$. That’s because his answer is that of a working class American who has to pay this price of gas while his pay check is no where near a Washington type salaries. What makes this post sound strange is because it’s both parties fault we are in this debacle. One curses, the other swears, Can we just look at the facts and drive down the cost ASAP. I AGREE WITH MR OBAMAS STATEMENT 27 CENT X 16 GALLONS on an avg car = $4:32 savings COME ON!!! We need to find a true, fast way to bring this cost and get it back under control. Maybe we are too abusive with our usage. Than again we are one of the few countries if not the only country that can say “No thank you I do not want any seconds I am saving room for dessert... We have to stop wasting and go back to appreciating what we have. Rush says Mr. Obama wants you to give up your right to advance your technology, I think we need to just control it a little better. Hey soon what we can save on a gallon of gas under Mr. McCain’s plan we be what we are paying at the pump. I always here about these gas strikes and how it will drive the cost down, supply and demand, no demand and supply becomes surplus. Price drive up to over 6 dollars a gallon its time to start finding other ways around town, does the word Vespa sound familiar. Ask some one in Europe, They are everywhere. Mr. Obama wants the car makers to develop an automobile that get 50 gallons to the Mile. Fact or fiction, we will never now unless we try, I am middle class America, and I am tired of the same story, HEY RUSH AND SEAN AND THE REST OF MAIN STREAM MEDIA, I need a break and so does the rest of the hard working Americans, Start taking a deep look into the pork and start going after both sides, not just one man's Ideas. And maybe we can find a common ground to stand on. WAKE UP AMERICA Cause so far all I hear from Mr. Obama is the same thing I hear every day from regular hard working Americans. We are tired of all the bull that comes out of these elected officials mouths. Change, I say Change is all that I will have in my pocket if we follow another 4 years of the path we are on…. Taxes, Clintons and Bush’s make 20 years of our history and I have seen no change in the way taxes rape families. The more you make the more they take for there Pork bill funding. Immigration it’s been here before me and it will be here way after me, after all are we not the melting pot of the world? Health care, well that has a brother and its call Litigation and in till will control our justice systems and the way courts hand out awards Health care will forever rise. And the over all cost of living, try price gouging. We need to stop the constant abuse of marked up prices on every thing, to make money is fine but to rape the consumer should be illegal. A pizza pie cost 10 dollars, 400% profit is UN American and should not be tolerated.

Obama and the America in Bruce Springsteen's Lyrics

Jason from Montclair — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 11:10:04 EDT

As a fellow Jerseyan, fellow musician and Bruce fan, I was thrilled with The Boss' endorsement of Barack Obama. As great as his words in that article were, I think his lyrics over the years speak best for why we need Obama's brand of political change.

I've got a wide open country in my eyes and these romantic dreams in my head
- No Surrender

United in the Obama for America campaign, we see a country of hope and promise, not of fear. "Yes we can" is our call to action. We are dreamers at night, but we are do-ers when we wake up in the morning. We can and will nurse our ailing environment back to health (and create good jobs doing it), provide healthcare to our people and regain our standing in the world.

The flag flying over the courthouse means somethings were set in stone
Who we are, what we'll do and what we won't
- Long Walk Home

Obama wisely agrees with the Supreme Court's recent decision that America cannot indefinitely hold prisoners without trial. Under our new President, we'll know that we're no longer torturing people from other lands, and will better guarantee the safe treatment of our people in foreign installations. Our Constitution defines and reflects our American values, and Obama would return us to keeping faith with our vision of a more perfect union. It will be a long walk home, but that's no reason not to take the first step.

CHANGE from the bottom up. Get to know your local candidates!

Travis J. Todd, Founder, GrowVotes.org — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 14:37:53 EDT

We've just launched a new social network that revolves around local elections called GrowVotes.org. We're trying to get people as passionate about their local representatives as their presidential candidates.

We could use your help in getting our community growing, signing up local candidates and generally working out the bugs in our site. So, if you know anyone running in a local election, point them our way and of course sign up yourself to be notified of candidates in your local area.

We're a non-partisan company and trying to create an open platform for discussions leading up to elections. Thanks!

Travis Todd

Founder

GrowVotes.org

Salem County for Obama (April 2008)

Hopeful in NJ — Thu, 01 May 2008 20:14:53 EDT

It's a little bit late, but this is a picture of a small meeting we held in Woodstown Diner, New Jersey. Dr. Hurley and her band of volunteers did a lot of work in Pennsylvania leading up to the primary.

Convince New Jersey SuperDelegate to pick Barack!

Jennifer Riggins — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 09:05:42 EDT

“The challenges we face are bigger than the smallness of our politics.”
– Barack Obama, April 22, 2008.

Each of you has encouraged a friend or relative (or twenty) to support Barack. You didn’t begin this by saying “Just go to BarackObama.com” or by telling them to watch a debate. You did this by sharing your passion, your personal reasons and stories for giving your time and your vote to him. One of this campaign’s strengths is its respect for the individual, each person’s story and background that led each of us to support such a progressive change agent like Barack.

Now, it looks like this campaign may come down to more than the voice of the people – it may come down to the voice of a few Super Delegates. Much of New Jersey's political power has leaned away from Barack, with only one Congressman, Steve Rothman, endorsing Barack.

And we’re lucky because we have the opportunity to affect another Super Delegate’s choice. Senator Frank R. Lautenberg still hasn’t decided who he’s supporting. And he happens to be running for re-election against a certain Congressman who ardently endorsed the “other” candidate.

So, we’re encouraging you to take five minutes of your time to write Senator Lautenberg about your story and why you’re supporting Barack and think he should too. Be respectful. Be personal. Be Fired Up!

Newark Office
One Gateway Center
Twenty-Third Floor
Newark, NJ 07102
Fax: (973) 639-8723

Camden Office
One Port Center
Suite 505, Fifth Floor
2 Riverside Drive
Camden, NJ 08101
Fax: (856) 338-8936

Washington, DC
Hart Senate Office Building
Suite 324
Washington, DC 20510
Fax: (202) 228-4054

We like the idea of the physical presence of stacks of letters piling up at his office, representing each of his constituents (maybe one to each of his three offices!), but we encourage you to write e-mails as well at:
http://lautenberg.senate.gov/contact/

Want to make it even more personal, comparing Obama & Lautenberg’s beliefs? This is Lautenberg’s Web site: www.lautenbergfornj.com

Please forward this e-mail to every Jersey Hopemonger you know.

We can make a difference. In this election. And in the country. We can change the future of the world.
Yes WE Can!
Thank you!

ADD-ONS for Obama

Oliver from Jamaica Plain, MA — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 02:30:01 EDT

[cross-posted at dailykos]

When it comes to super-delegates, we have all heard the names of the 'known unknowns'. The most understated advantage Obama has going forward is that 76 unpledged delegates are chosen by their constituents after the primary or caucus is over. Twelve of them have already been named and another two will be named on Thursday for New Jersey. So far, Obama has picked up six add-ons, Clinton one and the other five, including three from Tennessee and Oklahoma, remain uncommitted.

There isn't much more to say or do about the votes that have already taken place, but it is not too late to influence the choice of add-ons in New Jersey and 39 other constituencies.

So far the news has been good for Obama. The only add-on to endorse Clinton, Mark Wilcox of Arkansas, is leaving the option to switch wide open.

“I voted for her in the (primary) election and support her and that’s how at this time I feel I’m going to vote. ... At this time, I’m supporting her,” Wilcox told The Associated Press.
“Who knows what the convention is going to be? We all could support somebody else if it changes, like if she pulls out, we’ll have to support somebody else,” Wilcox said, who added that he could not think of a scenario where he’d change his mind short of Clinton exiting the race.
---Arkansas Democrat Gazette

Oklahoma and Tennessee voted heavily in favor of Clinton, yet their add-on delegates are on the fence. Oklahoma Democratic Chairman Ivan Holmes was an Edwards supporter. He chose the state party's chief fundraiser, Reggie Whitten, who publicly refused to voice his preference, as his state's add-on delegate. His decision suggests that Oklahoma is not as solidly in Clinton's camp as the primary suggested.

"I had all kinds of people wanting to do this, and Reggie never asked me," Holmes said.
Holmes said he originally backed former Sen. John Edwards, believing he would do well in Oklahoma, perhaps providing coattails for local candidates. He said he has yet to see that trait in Obama or Clinton.
"Obama brings young people into the party that we haven't had before, and Hillary brings in a lot of independent women," Holmes said. "Unfortunately, the polls show that neither of them are going to win Oklahoma."
---AP

Perhaps the situation in Tennessee is similar. The State Executive Committee selected Jerry Lee and Vicki Harwell. Neither has made clear their intentions, though Harwell did present Obama an opportunity to pull her back from leaning to Clinton:

Harwell said after being elected that "at this point, I'm leaning toward Sen. Clinton." Harwell said she had met Clinton personally and found her to be a "dynamic, dedicated Democratic woman."
"I certainly think she has earned to right to run and certainly to be our nominee," she said, adding that she had not met Obama.
Harwell said she was unhappy with both candidates in one respect. Both have been invited to Knoxville on April 18-19 for a celebration of the 50th anniversary of the 3,000-member Tennessee Federation of Democratic Women and "much to my dismay, I have not even had the courtesy of a reply from either one."
---Knoxville News-Sentinel

The other two uncommited delegates are interesting cases.

Missouri's DSC chose a long-time Obama supporter, Susan Montee, and Attorney General Jay Nixon, whose neutrality probably stems from his campaign for Governor. I wouldn't expect a public endorsement from Nixon, but it goes without saying, Nixon is going to be instrumental in bringing the tribes back together before November.

The District of Columbia was so heavily in favor of Obama, it seems the campaign took it's eye off the ball. Rumors about him switching his support to Obama and a speech about poverty and change (and likely his own credentials), helped Ward 5 Councilmember Harry Thomas jr win a trip to Denver. Apparently, Yvette Alexander was one of seven candidates committed to Obama, while only one candidate was vocal about her support for Clinton. After the story broke, Thomas prudently left open the possibility that he will support Obama. He clearly is not what Mark Penn might call an "automatic delegate".

To take hold of the nomination, Obama and his supporters will need to be careful not to take anything for granted. The number of states he's won and the likelihood that larger states will split their add-on votes indicates he will continue to dominate the add-on selection process. To that end, I will track this finicky detail, lest it get overlooked because somewhere in Pennsylvania, a latte-sipping Prius-driver feels threatened by increasing demands for orange juice.

Thanks to the folks who've been tracking this at DCW. I'm using their information to track down news and links about the add-ons ahead and creating a spreadsheet that I hope will be ready by the time I return from Pennsylvania.

Some quick observations about the calendar:
In the next five weeks, there are a number of larger states choosing add-ons. There may be enough support for Clinton in those states to keep pace with Obama. A lot depends on how those who have a say choose to divide their delegation. Art Torres, chairman of the California Democratic Party, decided that the state's 5 add-ons should be split 3-2 in Clinton's favor. That means that California will be balanced out by Obama's add-on from Wyoming. My best guess is that in that time span, Obama will pick up between 14 and 17 delegates, while Clinton gains between 12 and 15. Since this chunk of states will be the subject of my next diary, let me be tease you with some reason for optimism about the add-ons beyond May 23rd.

After California, the calendar swings heavily in Obama's favor. Among the states that have already voted and have multiple add-ons, none were won outright by Clinton. She split in Texas and may win in Pennsylvania, and both of those states have three add-ons. That could mean a net gain of just two delegates. Georgia, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Virginia, Washington and North Carolina all have two add-ons. Should they decide to reflect their state's preference, those add-ons may split 2-0 for Obama. Even if they don't, Obama has a huge edge among states that only send one add-on to the convention. Hillary won Rhode Island and is optimistic about West Virginia, Kentucky and Puerto Rico; Obama has already won Wyoming, Hawaii, Maine, Mississippi, Vermont, Idaho, Iowa and Nebraska, and he should prevail in Montana, Oregon and South Dakota. My best guess for this group is that Obama comes out between 11 and 19 super-delegates ahead of Clinton.

Thursday is just around the bend so let's not neglect New Jersey. Here's a little something to consider in light of the confusion that helped Thomas win the election in DC. DCW posted a poorly sourced announcement about the likely add-ons in the Garden State, claiming that both would swing to Clinton despite the narrow margin of victory. I was surprised to discover that one of the add-ons, former Governor Brendan Burke, is listed as a member of 'Obama for America'. One way or the other, Obama supporters that show up to vote at the NJ democratic State Committee, should research their choices and not be misled by mixed signals.

I'll do my best to keep this diary updated, but I'm packing for Dubois, PA. Forgive me if I leave it up to you all to make sure this gets on the rec list.

Clinton Strategy Playing The Race Card!

Mark Ungemach (Democratic Committee Person, Franklin Township, Landenberg, PA) — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 11:17:22 EDT

I don't think that we can comment on this. In fact, I think if we speak out about it, we will only help the Clinton effort. I do think, however, that we can share this article with our progressive friends who are pro-Hillary, or who are on the fence.

From: http://www.inthesetimes.com/article/3597/the_clinton_firewall/

The Clinton Firewall

The New York Senator’s last-ditch efforts to win the Democratic

nomination could rely on the “Race Chasm” and the trampling of

democracy.

By David Sirota

Google the phrase “Clinton firewall” and you will come up with an ever-lengthening list of scenarios that Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign has said will stop Barack Obama’s candidacy. The New Hampshire primary, said her campaign, would be the firewall to end Obamamania. Then Super Tuesday was supposed to be the firewall. Then Texas. Now Pennsylvania and Indiana.

Calling for Change

Sarah Ramey — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 13:25:23 EST

Dear Barack Obama blog community:

It's time to pick up the phone!

We only have a few more days until the critical March 4th elections.

Before each election so far we have made hundreds of thousands of calls, bringing new people into the movement one phone call at a time. These calls have made a huge impact on voter turnout for Obama, and right now, we have the chance to phonebank our way to history.

Remember, anyone can phonebank -- and in fact, everyone should! Our goal is one million calls by March 4th -- and we've already made over 700,000. This is incredible. Let's keep up the pace.

Here are a few of our very dedicated callers to get you inspired...

Meet Tara, from New Jersey, who is attending a phonebank party at Rutgers University on Sunday to reach out to voters in Texas and Ohio for March 4th:

My name is Tara, I live in New Jersey and I have been a registered Democrat since I turned 18. I am now 27.

I cannot say, however, that I have ever donated money to a particular campaign or dedicated my time the way I have to Barack Obama's campaign. That is because, although I have supported my democratic party, I have always felt there was something lacking in each presidential candidate. I can say honestly that I wholeheartedly believe in Senator Obama's message of hope, and that I agree it is not just blind optimism.

...I believe that faith needs to be restored to the American people, where it belongs, and Barack Obama and his supporters are clearly marching forward, doing exactly that. I have never found myself so energized; making phone calls to register voters and to encourage independents to vote, campaigning with my best friend in our spare time to inform our close friends and strangers alike about Barack Obama's visions for our future and also the voting process...

I find myself hopeful for the first time in a very long time. I believe Senator Obama is a unifying figure- he has proven himself by reaching out not only to Democrats but also to Republicans and Independents; he has broken racial and ethnic barriers; and long after his speeches are complete, his words resonate within the American people like no other political figure I can think of in recent history. I have asked many people to come along with us on this beautiful journey and make history, so that we can take back our country and make it a country we can all be proud of once again.

Yes, we can.

And here are John and Tracy in California, who in the last few months have called a staggering 7,000 voters:

My husband John and I have always had an interest in the political process but never really believed that there was a place for someone like us since we do not have the connections or the money. This was true until Senator Obama came along.
He inspired us to volunteer, to organize, and to encourage others to do the same. Within the last 3 months, we have called at least 7000 strangers, knocked on hundreds of doors in our own precinct as precinct captains, served as volunteer leader and coordinator for our neighborhood, and our neighboring state when we traveled to Nevada.
We have never volunteered -- or donated a cent or a minute of our time in the past for any candidate. Senator Obama changed that because we know we are not doing it for him, we are doing it for ourselves, and our country.

We have gone from political neophytes to community organizers -- recruiting people, organizing events, making calls, coaching volunteers, and building databases. We have spent more hours than I ever knew I had, doing things I never thought I would do. Barack Obama is living the American Dream, and he is inviting all of us to challenge our own self doubts, and stand up and take control of our destiny as Americans.

My husband is Caucasian, and I am Asian. He grew up in the conservative South; and I am a true blue Bay Area woman according to him. There is something different this time, something neither of us sought out, or could have predicted. We have both found a candidate of such credibility and authenticity, that we were drawn, without persuasion (and without threats of divorce!), to the same conclusion: we need a leader – and his name is Barack Obama.

Please join Tara, Tracy and John by picking up the phone to help us reach our goal of 1,000,000 calls by March 4th!

And if you have been phonebanking, please send us your story and a digital photo to Blog@BarackObama.com and we'll share it with the community.

Let's get calling!

Voting for Barack

Phillip from Summit — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 11:35:33 EST

This week I voted in New Jersey for the first time. I moved up here in 2006 from North Carolina, and I looked forward to my vote actually counting for something. (In North Carolina, I consistently voted for losers: Al Gore, John Kerry, Erskine Bowles (TWICE!), etc.) So it was with a hopeful mind that I touched the unfamilar screen to vote for Barack Obama in the Democratic Primary. Unfortunately, I once again I came out on the side of the loser.

But maybe not. While Barack lost New Jersey (and New York and probably California), he remains in the lead nationwide. And maybe I'll have another chance to vote for him. If that does happen, I'm sure I will for once be backing the victor. And that's good news no matter where you live.

Super Tuesday push in New Jersey: If We Can Win Here We Can Win Anywhere!

Kevin Rogers — Sun, 03 Feb 2008 19:55:45 EST

Two months ago, Sen. Clinton had a 30 point lead in New Jersey. What else would you expect -- it's practically her front porch, right? Guess what?

A POLL OUT TODAY SHOWS IT'S NOW A DEAD HEAT IN NEW JERSEY Ohio, we have it within our power to help drive up the turnout inNew Jersey. If on Tuesday this tsunami hits the Clintons' front porch, imagine what it would do to this race. I'm reprinting below a note explaining how we can help by making phone calls to New Jersey on Tuesday. It comes from one of our own,Maureen Tracey-Mooney, Barack's New Jersey field director, as well as the poll I mentioned. I'm committed to making calls on Tuesday. Can you help too?

NOTE FROM MAUREEN TRACEY-MOONEY: We need people to organize, staff, and carry out the phone bank on February 5th. You can log in to our on-line phone bank system at www.votebuilder.com on Election Day to make calls. The great thing about our technology is that you donÂ't have to be in New Jersey to have a real impact on the ground. Commit now to taking the day or just afternoon off of work on the 5th and you can play a huge role in our Get Out the Vote effort by making calls to targeted voters and reminding them to vote. If you are a woman and want to participate in our Women to Women calling program you can start making calls now to New Jersey: http://my.barackobama.com/page/contact/splash/njwomen If you can help, please send an email to newjersey@barackobama.com Make sure you put "Ohio Callers" in the subject line. Thank you, Ohio! Mo Tracey-Mooney New Jersey Field Director Obama for America FEB. 3

ZOGBY POLL FOR NEW JERSEY Released: February 03, 2008 Reuters/C-SPAN/Zogby Poll:

McCain on a Roll; Clinton, Obama Neck-and-Neck in Key Super Tuesday States "Obama leads in both Northern and Southern New Jersey, among men, and among African Americans (74%16%), while Clinton again holds Hispanics (19 points), whites (10 points), moderates (8 points), liberals (8 points), Jews (22 points), women (9 points), and voters over 65.

New Jersey Democrats Democrats 1-31/2-2 Clinton 43% Obama 42% Gravel 1% Undecided 14% Sample: 868 likely voters Margin of error: +/- 3.4 percentage points http://zogby.com/news/ReadNews.dbm?ID=1444

Pollster John Zogby: "On the Democratic side, California, Missouri and New Jersey are so close. Obama's lead in California is by virtue of solid support in the Bay Area and among Independents (by 20 points), men (20 points), 18-29 year olds (31 points), very liberal voters (22 points), and African Americans (75%-14%). Clinton does well among women (11 points) and among Hispanics (64%-29%). In Missouri, Obama has solid leads in the St. Louis region (16 points), with Independents (7 points), young voters (16 points), and African Americans (62%-26%). He also leads among moderates and men. Clinton leads in Kansas City (7 points), in the Southwest (16 points), and among liberals (8 points), women (5 points), and among voters over 65 (25 points)."Obama leads in both Northern and Southern New Jersey, among men, and among African Americans (74%16%), while Clinton again holds Hispanics (19 points), whites (10 points), moderates (8 points), liberals (8 points), Jews (22 points), women (9 points), and voters over 65. "It is all about delegates and these numbers suggest that both candidates get respectable votes and a lot of delegates."

New Jersey Star-Ledger Endorses Barack Obama

Sarah Ramey — Sun, 03 Feb 2008 12:06:55 EST

The New Jersey Star-Ledger today endorsed Barack Obama as, "the inspired choice." Check it out here:

New Jersey Star-Ledger

"The inspired choice"
Sunday, February 03, 2008
After eight years of a flat-footed administration that booted just about every foreign and domestic issue, the nation needs a sure-footed president who can repair the considerable damage wreaked at home and abroad. America -- and the world -- are thirsting for someone who can be a true leader.
We firmly believe this is a moment in the nation's history unlike any other, one that re quires a president who is not just competent but who can in spire. That is why we endorse Barack Obama for the Democratic nomination for president.
We say that while acknowledging the exemplary qualities of Hillary Clinton, who has clearly demonstrated her mas tery of policy details during her seven years in the U.S. Senate. Nor do we quibble with her stands on the issues, which to a great extent mirror Obama's.
Both favor a withdrawal of American forces from Iraq. Clinton, who has had a tough time explaining her initial vote in favor of the war, promises to begin bringing troops home within 60 days and hopes to have all troops out within a year.
Obama, who opposed the war from the beginning, says he wants just about all American servicemen and women out of Iraq within 16 months. Both say they'd make sure such a withdrawal did not endanger our embassy people or the thousands of Iraqis who have helped us during the war.
Both talk tough about Iran, not ruling out military action but allowing for direct diplomacy. On the economy, both would repeal the Bush tax cuts and both would extend help to those caught in the mortgage crisis. Clinton leans toward more government meddling with financial markets, while Obama favors a lighter government touch on the markets.
On health care, their differences are more pronounced. Clinton would require coverage, while Obama would do so for children but concentrate more on attacking what's wrong with the health care delivery system so coverage becomes more affordable.
To parse their policy differences is to smack into the mountain while stumbling over molehills. Democratic voters face a decision between a more known commodity, a careful pragmatist, and a less seasoned politician who has sounded a call to change unlike any heard in decades, one that has the ability to echo among young and old, black and white.
A Clinton presidency would not be a disaster. Far from it. But it would be a lot more of what we've had in the past.
An Obama presidency has the potential of restoring the world's faith in America. Some say faith is the problem, that voting for Obama requires a leap of faith that he indeed can deliver. We believe a vote for Obama is an affirmation of one's faith in an America that brings out the best in all of its people.

Big Day

Khaile13 — Sat, 02 Feb 2008 19:54:19 EST

Today on Ferbuary 2nd, some members of the Essex County Kids for Obama group had our own little rally in South Orange, New Jersey. We held up signs and recieved alot of thumbs up from pedestrians and car honks from drivers. This was really, really fun. Then we went to South Orange, New Jersey Headquarters to make phone calls for about half an hour. After that my peers and I went door to door telling people about the best candidate and giving out flyers. We all had alot of fun and we will be sure to do it next Saturday also.

The day before I had recieved a call in the afternoon from a worker of a famous Belgian tv station. They are making a news story about kids involved in Barack Obama's campaign. He had seen the event we had today posted online on Barack Obama.com, and he was interested to cover us. His crew came today and interviewed us and also took some scenes from the big rally. I felt happy that people were learning about what kids were doing to help their favorite candidate, and I am sure that my peers at the rally with me felt the same. So kids out there, don't be afraid to help Obama become elected!

Regardless of what happens Ferbuary 5th, we will have another rally next week on Saturday. And hopefully, not just kids from South Orange, but kids from around NJ and America.

We must tend to our Garden State

Fri, 01 Feb 2008 23:26:35 EST

Headed to New Jersey tomorrow morning for my first canvassing ever -- and I have to say that I'm proud that it's for Barack.

RU-Newark needs to come alive!

stephan — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 00:59:53 EST

It's time for Rutgers-Newark students to get involved in the campaign!

Who can help this week to recruit volunteers for this weekend's Get Out The Vote push?

We'll try to staff a table in Robeson Center during the day, but maybe we can do more...

Write to me (marguet @ rutgers) or the group lists with your ideas and how you can help!

MEETING OUTSIDE ROBESON STARBUCKS AT 4PM on TUESDAY THE 29th! SEE YOU THERE!

Student Rewind: Moving Forward

Marc R. Peters — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 21:34:05 EST

South Carolina Victory

Senator Obama won the South Carolina primary by an impressive margin, but equally impressive was Obama's ability to attract young voters. He carried 65% of the 18 to 24-year-old vote compared to 25% for Clinton and 10% for Edwards.

Looking Past February 5th: Wisconsin

The University of Wisconsin - Madison SFBO chapter held it's second semester kick-off this past Thursday. The event included a whole host of speakers, headlined by Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle. 260 students fought for the 200 seats available. Governor Doyle shared his thoughts on Obama with the over-capacity crowd:

Barack Obama has done more for this country than anybody has in a long time. His election to the presidency will be the most transforming event in history...in the United States. So, no pressure, you guys. Change the world.

In other news

Columbia University students film documentary about Obama supporters.

International coverage of the youth that drive this movement.

Student groups rally around Obama.

Sen. Claire McCaskill fires up college students in Missouri.

Student Profile: Naomi Michaelis, New Jersey

A profile on PolickerNJ.com reports that Naomi Michaelis, a sophomore political science and history major at Rutgers and the New Jersey field coordinator for SFBO, did not have to wait long to begin celebrating Barack Obama's South Carolina primary victory last night. Having just completed a long afternoon of canvassing dorm rooms, she settled down in the student lounge shortly before 7 PM to wait for the returns to start coming in. But only a few minutes after the polls closed, the networks confidently projected a big win for Senator Obama.

Naomi was elated because she knows the importance of this election. Though she first got into politics after getting hooked on The West Wing TV show in 8th grade, she has since felt first-hand the consequences of our broken political system. Michaelis is among of the millions of students whose choices for college are constrained by their inability to afford ever-rising tuition costs. She believes strongly that Obama can address this growing problem while inspiring young people to serve others:

Senator Obama wants to make college more affordable for me and my parents—and my brother. Two kids in college isn't easy. That specific issue is important. And also his emphasis on volunterism, bringing that back again in politics—that sense of giving back to the community was vital to me.

Michaelis says that Obama's appeal to youth is well-earned by his unique attentiveness to their voices:

I loved that Senator Obama has taken the time to speak to people, and particularly young people, college-aged people. You want to know the people you elect are going to listen to you, and from the time I started about a year ago, he was actually taking the time to let people know what was going on and getting feedback and that was important to me.

Newly energized by Obama's rousing victory speech in South Carolina, Michaelis is back to work. In the wake of Saturday's primary, the national spotlight shifts to the many states—including New Jersey—that will vote on February 5th. Michaelis and other New Jersey SFBO members will continue phone-banking and canvassing on campus and in their communities. Organizers for the Obama campaign say they plan on knocking on 100,000 doors throughout New Jersey in the days leading up to the primary.

For more on Students for Barack Obama in action visit our website.

Obama Wins Willingboro Straw Poll!

Brian Andrews, Ohio Staff — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 14:10:41 EST

Barack Obama won an informal straw poll in Willingboro, Burlington County, Thursday night by over a two-to-one margin! The poll was among members of the Willingboro Township's Democratic Committee and Democratic Club members. The win continues the trend of Obama poll victories across the state, including most recently BlueWave's Statewide Forum in Monclair and the Princeton Community Democratic Organization endorsement meeting, and shows the broad grassroots support Obama has throughout New Jersey.

(more below)

First group event

Khaile13 — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 10:09:36 EST

Hello!

For the first time last night on January 25th 2008, I had my Essex County Kids For Obama group meeting. I had a really good time, and so did the attendees. I am glad to have met them, and we had alot of fun. Trivia, prizes, what we like about Obama, refreshments. Every week we will have this meeting on Friday at 7:00. I am hoping that all people who are reading this will become interested and get their kids or friend's kids to join this group. It is really fun, and I can't wait till next week!! Bye!

Rick in New Jersey: "We can do this, one person at a time"

Sarah Ramey — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 18:58:15 EST

This weekend, Garden State supporters came together to canvass for Barack Obama in Teaneck, New Jersey. Since Senator Obama's victory in Iowa, a lot of new people have joined the movement, wanting to help make a positive change in this country -- volunteers like Rick (below, right back corner, red jacket).

Rick joined the team that canvassed in New Jersey on Saturday and was so energized by the experience, he decided to write an open letter of encouragement to any supporter out there who might be sitting on the sidelines, waiting for the right time to join in. Here are some excerpts from Rick's inspired letter to the campaign, which we wanted to share with the whole community:

Last Saturday was my first time ever to volunteer for a political campaign. I am 51 years old.   I have 4 teenage children, 2 in college.   I've been in the computer industry for 30 years.
For the second time in my life...I actually have some hope that the political landscape in America can be changed for the better. That's why I am here trying to help this campaign. I felt so strongly about this that I thought I'd post this email that I wrote after the event, in the hopes someone else is "lurking" out there in cyberspace, waiting for something to happen, might be inspired to help out.
Lurking is exactly the situation I found myself in during previous elections, so this time, I decided I wanted to do more than send in a few dollars when they ask. At the end of this, at the end of the day so to speak, I want to look myself in the mirror and be able to truthfully say "you did something."   And I want my kids to be able to say that about their Dad.
...The time to do something is right now, because Obama needs our support on the ground all the time. We can't wait to see who wins this primary or that primary, we have to believe and act. This is a grassroots movement that depends on people, not money from PACs or wealthy individuals or corporations, as its engine.
...About 30 people showed up and we heard some inspiring words from Mark Alexander and Mike Epstein and Talia Young. The most important thing I heard was that when we spoke with voters, to tell our story, why we believed in Barack Obama. That addressed my concern that I might get the message wrong. Then we got our walk sheets and instructions. Remember, I've never done this before!
...We knocked on the first door, and it was a supporter!
...One of the best parts was that we were required to ask and record on the sheet what the voter's issues were, what they were most interested in or concerned with. That really sparked a lot of conversation, and it was fun to have this discussion with them, and learn their needs...
...What made this time special for me? Without a doubt, it was the opportunity to look into a strangers' eyes and see a common thread, something we share, like a longing for a better country, for better opportunity for our children, for health care that takes care of us when we are sick, for a withdrawal from war, for bringing America back to the pillar of respect worldwide that it was when I was a child.
...After all, isn't that the message that Obama is spreading?   We, we can do this. Us, you and me, no division, no polarizing into the camps of "us vs. them."
...Do something. Volunteer to make a few phone calls after work by using the campaign's web site tools. Show up to canvass and have an experience like I am describing.   Call or email your local HQ (Go to www.barackobama.com then click States and select yours) and they'll hook you up with some event where you can participate. I dare promise that if you show up, and participate, you'll be convinced as I was today.
We can do this, one person at a time, one $20 donation that we'd have spent on something we don't really need...
You will be both surprised and thrilled to learn how you can make a difference!

Check out Rick's blog to be in touch with him, and for those readers who have been lurking: your moment is now. Get involved today!

Find your state page.

Start your own blog.

Make a donation.

Contribute to the comments below...

Welcome to the movement!

Student Rewind: Looking Forward

Marc R. Peters — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 10:44:46 EST

February 5th Focus: New Jersey

By Naomi Michaelis

Having driven all morning from New Hampshire, I arrived at the rally site in Jersey City over an hour and a half before the doors opened to volunteer. I was stunned to see that the line to get in was already wrapped around the corner. The line continued to grow. It was obvious that the event was drawing in people all ages and from all over the state and across the river. It became so long that a large number of people were unable to enter the building. It was inspiring to see the number of high school and college students that showed up not only to attend the rally but to volunteer as well. Many of them were working up until the minute Senator Obama showed up.

When Senator Obama arrived the crowd went crazy. People kept chanting “Yes We Can” as he approached the podium. It took awhile for everyone to calm down enough for him to be heard. He talked about the problems we are facing as a nation but he also talked about the problems that the youth are facing with rising costs of college tuition and the lack of jobs available. The energy that he generated was amazing. The speech ended and he stayed to shake hands and take pictures even though he was running late for a big fundraiser in New York City.

Students, with school starting back up again, it is our job to keep the energy Senator Obama generates going on our campuses and to turn out the vote.

SFBO Leadership Highlighted by Washington Post

By Justin Charity
Jose Antonio Vargas of the Washington Post recently profiled George Washington University student and SFBO’s own Tobin Van Ostern in the run-up to the New Hampshire Democratic primary. Tobin, currently the deputy director of Students for Barack Obama, took to the streets of both Iowa and New Hampshire over the course of his winter vacation, carrying Senator Obama’s message of hope to the doorsteps and into the homes of anyone willing to listen. Tobin remarked of his own experiences over these past few weeks,
"I know it might seem a little weird for some people, spending all this time, even my whole winter break, working for a candidate," Van Ostern said. "But this is a movement, and it feels incredible."

He laughed, shook his head, then continued: "It's like watching history happen before your eyes."

Like many young volunteers throughout the state – and across this country – Tobin has dedicated his time, his energy, and forfeited more than a few hours of sleep throughout the course of this campaign to help turn the pages of history toward a brighter, more hopeful tomorrow. Where many once doubted our commitment to such historical political change, the media and the American public have now begun to take notice that America’s youth are prepared to seize the day.

In Other News...

High school students hit New Hampshire for Obama...

Down south, students raise money and get pledges...

SFBO stands at 648 chapters strong. Check out Students.BarackObama.com throughout the week for more on what we are doing to get Senator Obama elected. And if you haven't already seen it, check out this short documentary about Students for Barack Obama:

NJ Rally: Yes We Can

Sarah Ramey — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 14:05:50 EST

Directly after firing up crowd after crowd in New Hampshire, Barack Obama traveled yesterday to Jersey City, New Jersey (a critical Feb. 5th voting state) and was met by the new majority in American politics:

It was buoyant, diverse crowd -- a crowd who had heard what the cynics have to say -- and had a response. Like so many generations of Americans before them, when this crowd heard that maybe they weren't supposed to have hope and that in reality they couldn't come together as a unified front to heal American politics, this crowd responded: yes we can.

Barack Obama moved the entire room to cheers and a standing ovation by articulating what so many Americans believe: the time has come to unify America, and to those who say we can't get it done, the answer is simple. Yes we can.

Thank you to Akin, a volunteer in New Jersey who has been taking tons of great pictures and making wonderful videos to send in to the campaign on a regular basis.

Every day, the volunteers of this movement are making an incredible contribution (to history!) in documenting the enthusiasm on the ground for Barack Obama -- and we want to hear from you! To be seen and heard on the blog, please feel free to contact us at blog@barackobama.com.

And be sure to check out NewJersey.BarackObama.com, who have a great blog of their own up and running, for more on the NJ rally and much more.

Live Web Cast - New Jersey Rally - NOW

CarolJ — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 16:46:40 EST

WCBSTV.com is carrying a live webcast of the Obama New Jersey Rally now.

Click here, and look for the link to the live webcast.

Jersey is fired up for change

Sam Graham-Felsen — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 14:34:21 EST

Just got these photos from New Jersey... Looks like the lines to see Obama continue to grow all over the country. People are fired up in the Garden State waiting to see Obama speak today.

Thanks to Juan Cardenas for the great shots.

UPDATE: Juan Melli of Blue Jersey has video of the line stretching around three sides of the block.

UPDATE II: You can watch the rally live here.

Get it started

Amirah Naim — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 12:24:12 EST

Hi Guys!

I am inviting you to my blog. Yes, I am on the bandwagon. The purpose of this blog is to have some impact on the primaries in our respective areas. It is a good place to meet to discuss upcoming events, rallies and voter registration.

It goes without saying that I hope you all are registered to vote and eligible to participate in the upcoming caucauses, primaries and conventions. If you are not, we need you. If you don't know how, let me know and I can help.

Get involved or do.not.complain.

January 3rd Iowa Caucus Watching Parties in NJ - Full Listing

Brian Andrews, Ohio Staff — Sat, 29 Dec 2007 10:37:51 EST

Find the city or town nearest you and sign on up! January 3rd promises to be an exciting night in NJ and across the nation - come out and join us as the first contest in the 2008 Presidential Election is decided.

Be with us as the results come in and be the first to know where our Campaign is headed next.

New Jersey Caucus Parties:

Salem County (NJ) and Barack Obama: Fired Up! Ready to Go!

Hopeful in NJ — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 23:50:03 EST

Cross-posted at Blue Jersey and One Million Strong

Tonight, I joined other Barack Obama supporters in Woodstown, New Jersey to hand out campaign literature, advertise Monday's house party, and generally "show the flag." The "Woodstown by Candlelight" event attracted hundreds of people, and we got very good response from all ages, from teenagers who will cast their first vote in 2008 to retirees. (Thanks to Beans Coffee Shop for letting us set up outside.) New Jerseyans are not used to being involved in primaries (we used to be last in the nation), and it seemed to me that many were surprised to see a campaign's supporters out. My favorite new friend was the lady with white hair who wanted to sign up for any bus to South Carolina or New Hampshire, and said it would "like the good old Deaniac days." The high school band seniors were divided between Barack Obama and Ron Paul. A Republican told us that when most politicians open their mouth, he likes them less, but when Obama speaks, he likes him more. We had a number of Republicans take literature and express interest, though obviously they're no help in the primary. I was also disappointed that there were quite a few enthusiastic kids who will be 18 by November, but not by February 5. Still, it was a huge success, and the main message was that Barack Obama can win in New Jersey. I'd like to thank Brian from the state campaign, who came down and joined us.

Welcome from Mark Alexander, NJ State Director

Brian Andrews, Ohio Staff — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 22:45:00 EST

Greetings and welcome to the Obama campaign’s New Jersey blog. We are all excited about the enthusiasm and support Barack Obama has in NJ, and we already have plans to channel his broad support into success in New Jersey on February 5th. Building on the great success of our grassroots organization, we are going to spread the message of why Barack will be the best president, enlist more supporters, and ultimately get out the vote for New Jersey’s primary!

This blog will provide a great view into the work of the campaign and all of our volunteers. Please check back here often for updates on Obama events, campaign news, and information about what Obama supporters are doing around the state. We’ve got a great team of volunteers already here in New Jersey and we look forward to both introducing them to you and to getting to know you better!

Barack knows New Jersey is going to be a tough fight. But Barack has never ducked a tough fight in his life – and he knows the fight for NJ is one worth having and essential for winning the nomination. He also knows he can rely on all of us to spread his message of change in New Jersey. The more people know about Barack, the more they will agree with us that he should be our next president.

I am excited about this opportunity to support the Obama campaign in my home state and look forward to working with you in the months ahead. Again, please check back often for updates on how you can get involved, and thank you for all your support.

Fired UP!

Ready to GO!

Let’s go change the world!

-Mark Alexander, New Jersey State Director

Barack in Newark NJ !!! SPREAD THE WORD

Danielle Clarke USA Vietnam Vet — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 20:24:07 EDT

Barack in Newark NJ !!! SPREAD THE WORD

Just in case you haven’t heard yet, Senator Obama’s going to be in Newark on Monday, the 22nd!!

Here’s the link to get your ticket:

https://donate.barackobama.com/page/contribute/c2cnj

Also, an invitation is attached for you to print out and give to friends or hang up around the neighborhood. Let’s show the world that Newark is for Obama!!!!!

Contact Vinson Cunningham at (212) 763-4850 or vcunningham@barackobama.com for more information.

Thanks for the outstanding support,

Vinson Cunningham

New York Finance Assistant

Obama for America

(212) 763-4850

Barack in Newark NJ!!! SPREAD THE WORD

Danielle Clarke USA Vietnam Vet — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 20:20:58 EDT

Barack in Newark NJ!!! SPREAD THE WORD

Just in case you haven't heard yet, Senator Obama's going to be in Newark on Monday, the 22nd!!

Here's the link to get your ticket:

https://donate.barackobama.com/page/contribute/c2cnj

Also, an invitation is attached for you to print out and give to friends or hang up around the neighborhood. Let's show the world that Newark is for Obama!!!!!

Contact Vinson Cunningham at (212) 763-4850 or vcunningham@barackobama.com for more information.

Thanks for the outstanding support,

Vinson Cunningham

New York Finance Assistant

Obama for America

(212) 763-4850

Barack in Newark NJ!!! SPREAD THE WORD

Danielle Clarke USA Vietnam Vet — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 20:17:13 EDT

Barack in Newark NJ!!! SPREAD THE WORD

Just in case you haven’t heard yet, Senator Obama’s going to be in Newark on Monday, the 22nd!!

Here’s the link to get your ticket:

https://donate.barackobama.com/page/contribute/c2cnj

Also, an invitation is attached for you to print out and give to friends or hang up around the neighborhood. Let’s show the world that Newark is for Obama!!!!!

Contact Vinson Cunningham at (212) 763-4850 or vcunningham@barackobama.com for more information.

Thanks for the outstanding support,

Vinson Cunningham

New York Finance Assistant

Obama for America

(212) 763-4850

Middlesex Co. Organizational Meet-up

Dave Cole — Thu, 04 Oct 2007 14:58:11 EDT

Hey Obama Supporters from Middlesex County:

We're having our Organizational Meet-Up this Sunday, at 3pm. Join us at the Edison Diner to learn more about Barack Obama's campaign and how you can volunteer to make sure he wins our county in the NJ primary on Feb 5--just a few months away!

More info and RSVP here: http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/4v25m

For more info about the grassroots campaign, NJ for Obama, check out: http://www.njforobama.com

Dave Cole
Middlesex County Chair
NJ for Obama

dave@njforobama.com

On A Weekend In NH

Rob — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 09:32:09 EDT

I spent the weekend traveling around New Hampshire with a group of Obama For America volunteers from New York and New Jersey. We knocked on doors in Merrimack and Milford, visited the campaign headquarters in Manchester, and talked to strangers in restaurants and gas stations who spotted the many Obama hats, t-shirts, and buttons in our group.

I'm writing this diary today because I want to share why I now feel confident that the assumption New Hampshire is a lock-up for Clinton is absolutely, positively, 100% dead wrong.

Campaign Strategy: More than the First Four states

V, aka VCubed/Virginia V — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 06:18:32 EDT

This is why your help calling New Yorkers to get them to the rally Sept. 27th is absolutely critical. This is why you can double your donation if you donate now, when there are matching donors to meet your donation. This is why you would make a difference just making Obama support more visible, with window signs, buttons and bumper stickers ready to share with friends, neighbors, and neighborhood businesses. Fired Up! Ready to go!

Dan Balz's Take

Democrats Gearing Up For Delegate Fight

Obama working the crowd in New Hampshire on Labor Day. (Getty).

Barack Obama sent out an e-mail to supporters on Tuesday announcing plans for a big rally in New York's Washington Square Park on Sept. 27. The invitation was evidence of a campaign planning for a potentially extended battle against Hillary Clinton.

The idea of a protracted contest runs contrary to widespread assumptions about how the 2008 Democratic race may play out. But some analysts, who have studied the new calendar, the rules for allocating convention delegates and the financial resources of the leading candidates, believe that a lengthy contest extending into the megaprimary day of Feb. 5 and beyond may be just as likely.

Are You in Favor of a Public Dress Code?

Lisa Beyer — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 17:25:18 EDT

Would I walk around in public letting my underwear be exposed from the tops of my pants? No, not I. Just because I wouldn't choose to dress this way, do I think it should be illegal - heck no! What if someone splits his or her pants at work and the underwear are exposed due to a lack of a change of clothes, should he or she be fined for the clothing splitting because the underwear are showing?

Would I go jogging in public or go to the gym for a workout in a sports bra - most definitely, especially in the Las Vegas heat. Considering my sports bras are 4 times larger than most bikini bathing suit tops, where is the harm in that? Following the logic that sports bras should be illegal in public, it appears the government will move next to ban all bikini swimsuits at public pools and public beaches.

What are your thoughts? Imagine what our government could accomplish if time weren't spent on this type of proposed legislation.

Atlanta Considers Banning Baggy Pants, August 23, 2007

Baggy pants that show boxer shorts or thongs would be illegal under a proposed amendment to Atlanta's indecency laws. The proposed ordinance would also bar women from showing the strap of a thong beneath their pants. They would also be prohibited from wearing jogging bras in public or showing a bra strap.

Cities Cracking Down on Saggy Pants, September 16, 2007

_________________________________________________________________________

Thank you,

Lisa Beyer

Precinct Deputy Captain in Las Vegas Precinct 6475

Why I Support Barack Obama for President
MYBO Profile
MYBO Blog

MySpace
MySpace Blog
Facebook
LinkedIn Profile

Southern Nevada for Obama Testimonial
Southern Nevada for Obama - A Grassroots Campaign Effort

Did you know...

On January 19, 2008, Nevada will be the 2nd state in the nation to caucus for a presidential nominee!

Democrats will meet at their designated sites at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 19, 2008
NV Democratic Caucus FAQs
Clark County, NV Residents: Find Your Precinct Here

Are You in Favor of a Public Dress Code?

Lisa Beyer — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 17:22:34 EDT

Cities Cracking Down on Saggy Pants, September 16, 2007

_________________________________________________________________________

Thank you,

Lisa Beyer

Precinct Deputy Captain in Las Vegas Precinct 6475

Did you know...

On January 19, 2008, Nevada will be the 2nd state in the nation to caucus for a presidential nominee!

Democrats will meet at their designated sites at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 19, 2008
NV Democratic Caucus FAQs
Clark County, NV Residents: Find Your Precinct Here

Are You in Favor of a Public Dress Code?

Lisa Beyer — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 17:19:37 EDT

Cities Cracking Down on Saggy Pants, September 16, 2007

_________________________________________________________________________

Thank you,

Lisa Beyer

Precinct Deputy Captain in Las Vegas Precinct 6475

Did you know...

On January 19, 2008, Nevada will be the 2nd state in the nation to caucus for a presidential nominee!

Democrats will meet at their designated sites at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 19, 2008
NV Democratic Caucus FAQs
Clark County, NV Residents: Find Your Precinct Here

Are You in Favor of a Public Dress Code?

Lisa Beyer — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 17:10:27 EDT

Cities Cracking Down on Saggy Pants, September 16, 2007

_________________________________________________________________________

Thank you,

Lisa Beyer

Precinct Deputy Captain in Las Vegas Precinct 6475

Did you know...

On January 19, 2008, Nevada will be the 2nd state in the nation to caucus for a presidential nominee!

Democrats will meet at their designated sites at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 19, 2008
NV Democratic Caucus FAQs
Clark County, NV Residents: Find Your Precinct Here

EVERY City and State for Barack Obama!!

Homeboy — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 18:12:13 EDT

It's been a crazy month for me. I've spent countless all nighters trying to improve my grassroots Barack Obama website that I hope will make a difference in the younger voters out there. There are still a few glitches to fix, but for the most part, the new site is online and ready to help promote Obama as best as it can.

Probably the biggest difference is that there is now a page for every US city and state where people can leave comments and quickly interact. I chose the simple comment system because I know that many younger voters won't take the time to sign up for Barackobama.com but still want their voices to be heard, so this is their chance to be heard.

The most time consuming part of the whole website redesign was the creation and upload of over 30,000 images people can get on t-shirts. Like I mentioned earlier, there are a few problems with a few cities and states, but basically, EVERY CITY has its own Barack Obama t-shirt.

Let me say that again... EVERY US CITY has it's own t-shirt design!

I'm an artist and web designer, and this is how I'm supporting Obama. It doesn't matter what you're good at.. there's definitely something you can do to help him get noticed.

Goodluck!

-Homeboy

PS... here's links to the state pages...

Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming

New Jersey initiatives target nation's highest autism rate

Jeff Sell — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 09:56:33 EDT

New Jersey initiatives target nation's highest autism rateTOM HESTER Jr. The Associated Press

TRENTON, N.J. - Madeleine Goldfarb thinks about her 13-year-old autistic son and how quickly time flies.

"I can only be reminded of how quickly the past 10 years has gone by, and in eight years he will be considered an adult," Goldfarb said, counting the years since her son was diagnosed with what she described as "high-functioning autism."

The Livingston mother recently told state lawmakers she worries as her son approaches adulthood, knowing those with autism often find themselves lacking help once they turn 21.

"Many of our families are left on waiting lists," Goldfarb said. "Our kids go home and they watch videos day after day after day."

But she's hopeful of seeing progress now that an expert panel will soon begin to study the needs of autistic adults in a state battling America's highest autism rate.

That panel, which is expected to study job training and placement, housing and long-term care, is among the initiatives in a package of bills scheduled to be signed into law Wednesday by Gov. Jon S. Corzine. The bills are designed to improve detection, treatment and awareness.

They will establish a statewide autism registry, train of teachers in autism awareness, require pediatricians to screen for autism symptoms, creating the panel to study the needs of autistic adults, expand funding for autism research and treatment and restructure a state council for autism medical research and treatment.

The Legislature approved the bills earlier this year after the largest U.S. study of childhood autism determined 1 in 152 children have the disorder, including 1 in 94 children in New Jersey.

Autism is a complex disorder usually not diagnosed in children until after age 3. It's characterized by a range of behaviors, including difficulty in expressing needs and an inability to socialize. Its cause is unknown.

"New Jersey has taken a significant step forward in its efforts to solve the puzzle of autism," said Assembly Speaker Joseph Roberts Jr., D-Camden, who sponsored the bills.

Congressman Rothman (D-NJ) Endorses Obama

Brian Andrews, Ohio Staff — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 12:39:18 EDT

Congressman Steve Rothman (D-NJ) endorsed Barack Obama for President yesterday. This great endorsement shows that Hillary's winning the Democratic nomination is no longer viewed as "inevitable" -- even in her neighbor state, NJ. Rothman is a good congressman -- smart, progressive, and strong on foreign policy, homeland security, and the environment. He also has ambitions to move beyond the House. Rothman would only endorse Obama if he felt Obama would be the best President and that he can win.

Rothman will be serving as the Northeast regional co-chair for the campaign -- congrats to Rothman and Obama!

Full statement under the fold:

Obama Meets with AFL-CIO Members in Trenton

Sam Graham-Felsen — Mon, 14 May 2007 20:19:39 EDT

This afternoon, Barack met with 600 members of the New Jersey State AFL-CIO in Trenton. "As long as the AFL-CIO is ready to walk with me, I'm ready to walk right beside it," Barack told the crowd. Barack spoke about the challenges that our globalized economy have brought upon workers across this country and vowed to fight for the security of working families. "What we have to make real today is the idea that in this country, we value the labor of every single American worker," he went on to say.

More details from the Newark Star-Ledger:

He received one of two standing ovations when he touted his plan to provide universal health insurance coverage. "This is an idea whose time has come. It actually came a long time ago but Washington didn't seem to know," he said.
The other ovation came when he urged that American troops return from Iraq by next March.
Obama went on to pledge that he will defend the right of workers to organize and will seek trade and immigration policies that are fairer to American workers, particularly union members. "It's been a long time since we had a president that said unions are a good thing," he said.

NJ Mayors Booker and Healy Endorse Barack

Sam Graham-Felsen — Mon, 14 May 2007 16:04:51 EDT

The mayors of New Jersey's two biggest cities, Cory Booker of Newark and Jerramiah Healy of Jersey City, have endorsed Barack Obama.

Booker yesterday stated:

I really believe Obama has a rare opportunity in our history to be a prophetic voice for change in America. I think after years of America being divided, he has the ability to bring us together around our common ideals and our greatest aspirations.”
He added, “I’m tired of the politics of the lowest common denominator.”

The mayors joined Barack this morning in calling for the creation of an Affordable Housing Trust Fund that would build up to 14,000 new affordable units each year in mixed income neighborhoods and provide a needed economic stimulus to our communities across the country.

Barack:

In Newark, Jersey City, and across the country, too many low-income families are getting priced out of the housing market. That means too little left over for other essentials, like health care and child care. In fact, there is not a single metropolitan area in the country where a family earning minimum wage can afford decent housing.
I am standing here today with two men with whom I share a record of putting the people first who need a helping hand most and I can assure you that with Mayors like these two men leading our cities and new leadership in the White House, the revitalization of our cities will again be a priority in this country.

The Affordable Housing Trust Fund would use a small percentage of the profits of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to create up to 14,000 new units of affordable housing every year in mixed-income neighborhoods. Approximately 75% of the funds would support households below 30% of the median income and the additional 25% of the fund would be used to assist low-income families in homeownership activities.

For more on Barack's plans to help low-income families and strengthen communities, click here.

Newark NJ Mayor Endorses Barack

V, aka VCubed/Virginia V — Mon, 14 May 2007 07:49:37 EDT

Newark NJ Mayor Cory Booker is a friend of the Clintons as well as of Barack, but he will be giving a ringing endorsement of Obama on Monday and it's getting lots of media attention. Write/call your mayor and ask him/her to endorse Obama too!
Newark's mayor plans to endorse Obama's run By Daniela FloresAssociated PressMIKE DERER / Associated PressCory Booker, mayor of New Jersey's largest city, is to announce his endorsement today. "It's been a long time since I've been so excited about a candidate as I am with Barack Obama," he said.
TRENTON - The high-profile mayor of New Jersey's largest city says he endorses Sen. Barack Obama for president.

Newark Mayor Cory A. Booker said he would officially announce his endorsement at a news conference with Obama today, when the senator arrives in New Jersey to attend a number of events, including a town-hall meeting with union members in Trenton.

"It's time that we have a national leader that's going to raise us around our highest common ideals and remind us that we have more in common as a people than we do that divides us," Booker told the Associated Press.

Letter from Jersey

Sam Graham-Felsen — Thu, 03 May 2007 16:06:01 EDT

This just came in from Akin S., a volunteer in New Jersey:

So this will sound a bit crazy but I was just at my local Stop & Shop wearing my Barack shirt & this older black guy who I've known since I was a kid creeps up to me with the shroud of shame he's carried since the bank took his house from him and he goes, "Will ya'all except 89 cents for Barack?" I gave him a shirt, but I think there is something to telling people who have financial woes that even 89 cents is helpful.

PHILADELPHIA + THE TRISTATE REGION LETS START PLANNING ON THE EVENTUAL VISIT OF BARACK OBAMA COMING TO PHILA. PA. THE CAMPAIGN OFFICE WANTS YOU TOO START PLANNING BECAUSE AN OFFICE WILL OPEN BY JUNE.

Danielle Clarke USA Vietnam Vet — Wed, 11 Apr 2007 08:48:15 EDT

WE HAVE BEEN SEEING BARACK EXPAND HIS TRAVELING THE USA. I FORSEE HIS COMING TO PHILADELPHIA VERY SOON. YES HE WILL SURELY NEED TO ADVERTISE AT A MINIMUM OF ONE MONTH AHEAD. REMEMBER HIS CMAPAIGN OFFICE WILL BE OPENING BY JUNE. THEY WILL SURELY NEED US TO BE READY.

SO HERE IS A PLAN. EVERYONE WILL TRY TO GET 20 PEOPLE TO SIGN UP TO MEET BARACK.

EVEYONE WHO DOES WILL GET A REDUCED ENTRANCE DONATION OR BETTER ACCESS TO THE CANIDATE AND THE EVENTUAL CAMPAIGN OFFICE AND ITS FUNCTIONING.

DONATIONS WILL SURELY RANGE FROM $25.00 AND UP.

WHERE DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN HE AND THE OFFICE GETS HERE?

DO YOU WANT TO BE ONE OF THE SUPPORTERS, WHO CAN SAY, THEY GATHERED 20 PEOPLE OR MORE?

OR WOULD YOU RATHER GET YOUR NAME ON A LIST OF SUPPORTERS WILLING TO MAKE A DONATION FOR HIS VISIT?

IF YOU WANT TO GET INVOLVED IN AN ACTIVE WAY

OR

JUST AS A SUPPORTER

THEN NOW IS THE TIME TO GET ON BOARD.

PLEASE RESPOND HERE AND ALSO EMAIL ME AT VOTE4BARACKOBAMA@AOL.COM

I WILL START BUILDING A LIST OF THOSE OF YOU WHO WANT TO SEE BARACK AT A FUNDRAISER HERE IN PHILADELPHIA PA. AND BE A PART IN DETERMINING HOW A CAMPAIGN OFFICE WILL FUNCTION IN OUR AREA. REMEMBER ITS OUR CAMPAIGN !

IN THE SUBJECT LINE PUT IN EITHER SUPPORTER FOR THOSE WHO JUST WANT TO ATTEND OR ACTIVIST FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO DO MORE. IN THE EMAIL LET ME KNOW WHAT RANGE OF DONATIONS YOU CAN AFFORD AND WHAT AMOUNT OF TIME YOU HAVE TO OFFER. THAT WAY WE CAN START PLANNING ON THE TYPE OF EVENT AND EVENT WE WILL EVENTUALLY HAVE HERE IN PHILA.

ITS IMPORTANT, THAT WE AS A GRASSROOTS PEOPLE, HAVE OUR DUCKS IN A ROW. THEN WE CAN ALERT THE CAMPAIGN OFFICE, AS TO WHAT WE THE PEOPLE OF THE PHILADELPHIA / TRISTATE REGION HAVE TO HELP IN REGARDS TO FACILITATING THE CAMPAIGN WITH THIS EVENTUAL VISIT OF BARACK OBAMA AND THE NEW CAMPAIGN OFFICE OR OFFICES.

REMEMBER THE CAMPAIGN HAS ALREADY SAID THEY WILL BE SETTING UP AN OFFICE HERE BY JUNE. WHERE DO YOU WANT TO BE IS THE QUESTION? THERE WILL SURELY BE JOBS AND LOTS OF WORK TO DO. MYSELF I AM NOT SEEKING A PAID POSITION. I AM ALSO NOT A GREAT SPEAKER BUT I AM A BEHIND THE SCENES CO-ORDINATOR.

I AM ANTICIPATING A PRE-JUNE VISIT. THIS WILL SURELY BE A PHILADELPHIA FUNDRAISER AND I KNOW YOU WANT TO GET INVOLVED WITH MANY OF US WHO HAVE ALREADY HOSTED EVENTS.

NOTE: BY HOSTING EVENTS YOU ARE SHOWING YOUR ABILITY TO CO-ORDINATE MANY PEOPLE WHO SUPPORT OBAMA FOR PRESIDENT 08.

SO NOW, THE BALL IS IN OUR COURT. START AN EVENT IF YOU HAVE ALREADY BEEN TO ONE. GO TO AN EVENT IF YOU NEVER HAVE YET. JOIN YOUR EVENT IN THE SAME LOCATION AND TIME FRAME IF YOU CAN, SO AS TO GET OVERLAP. START SHOWING YOU WANT TO BE ONE OF THE FACILITATORS OF BARACKS VISIT BY GETTING INVOLVED.

REMEMBER, FOR THOSE OF YOU, WHO HAVE BEEN AROUND A WHILE, I KNEW BY SIMPLE LOGIC, THAT THE CAMPAIGN OFFICE WAS GOING TO HAVE HOUSEPARTYS, BEFORE THEY EVER ANNOUNCED IT. THAT IS WHY I HAD CREATED THE OBAMAHOUSEPARTYS@AOL.COM EMAIL ADDY BACK IN FEBUARY.

WELL PHILADELPHIA, LEHIGH VALLEY, MONTGOMERY COUNTY, DELAWARE COUNTY, CHESTER CITY, CHESTER COUNTY, MONTOGOMERY COUNTY, BUCKS COUNTY, LANCASTER COUNTY AND OUR FREINDS ACROSS THE RIVER IN DELAWARE AND NEW JERSEY, ITS OUR CHANCE TO GET IN ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF THIS CAMPAIGN.

RESPECTIVELY YOURS

DANIELLE CLARKE

PS: PLEASE FORGIVE MY CAP LOCKS AS I HAVE POOR EYESIGHT WHEN PROOF READING

First entry.

Matt — Mon, 09 Apr 2007 17:23:36 EDT

This is my first entry in my political blog. I hope these writings will be very lucrative in creating a conversation about this pivital election.
Let me first tell you about myself. My name is Matt and I am a high school sophmore from New Jersy. it has always been my dream to become engaged in politics and have a future in law. I hope that I will be able to be active in Obama's 08 campain. Than you.

NJ Poll Numbers

Nick Sheehan — Thu, 15 Mar 2007 14:36:47 EDT

This news is dated, but still something folks in New Jersey should be aware of. The Quinnipiac Poll of New jersey residents released on March 1st contained some interesting numbers. Click <a href ="Link to read the full release.

Important numbers:

Favorable - Unfavorable (Don't know enough about candidate)

Obama: 42% - 11% (45%!!!)

Clinton: 47% - 43% (8%)

Exceeding Expectations, Senator Obama Proves His Grassroots Experience is Relevant

Kris Schultz — Tue, 06 Mar 2007 16:48:11 EST

Today Nicholas Kristof, NY Times Op-Ed Columnist, gave the right assessment of Senator Barack Obama’s worthwhile and relevant experience:

What sets Mr. Obama apart is the way his training has been at the grass-roots rather than in the treetops. And that may be the richest kind of background of all, yielding not just experience, but also wisdom.

I got that same sense this past Thursday, when Senator Obama gathered a group of 10 national Draft movement volunteers to thank us for our efforts in person. He said that our Draft movement efforts directly contributed to his decision to run for President. Obama even said his wife Michelle asked him if he’d purchased TV time upon viewing our Ad in Hawaii on Christmas Morning. I was wowed by that revelation – that after all our months of hard work made a difference to him. (Another great account of this meeting at runobama.com)

My only regret is that the many folks I’ve been working with over these four months of the Draft movement weren’t all able to be there to hear his kind words of gratitude in person as well. We presented an almost 80 page report to him touting their successes, and I’ve included an excerpt of this report below so you too can thank them, too.

NJ state-wide fundraiser, anyone like idea? ....

Deana — Sat, 17 Feb 2007 16:41:41 EST

Hello everyone!

I am a fellow New Jersey resident, and as a means of attempting to reach all other NJ Barack Obama supporters -- I've tried to identify/capture all NJ-based blogs established on this site, and am posted to all. I apologize in advance if this is a redundant posting for anyone who participants in more than one of these NJ-based blogs -- but I thought it’d be better to risk the chance of duplication, rather than inadvertently overlook someone.

I’d like to connect up with as many people in the state as possible for thoughts and feedback on the concept of a state-wide Obama fundraiser; all proceeds from the event(s) going directly to his campaign – as a combined contribution from NJ residents (all the various supporters/groups listed here)

I’ve already made a personal contribution to his campaign, as I’m sure many of you already have. But as we’re likely all very aware – there is extremely tight competition from the very large-source financial contributing sources between Obama, Hillary, and all of the Democratic primary candidates. His campaign organizers are asking all his supporters/blog participants to take up fundraising initiatives for him: my thought on this has been what if we all combined efforts, and combining our individual creative talents and professional expertise, not to mention this will give us the ability collectively exchange ideas, resources, time, and energy.

It seemed to me this might help us to not only get to know each from all throughout the state – and the many college campuses within the state – but it would also allow us to together achieve an absolutely remarkable fundraiser(s) success’ for Senator Obama’s campaign!

Here’s an event some being thrown NYC this weekend:

Event:PARTY LIKE A BARACK STAR!
When:Feb 17, 2007
Where:THE GRAND, a night club. 11pm on
41 E. 58th St. @ Madison Ave.
New York, 10022
Type:Fundraising

The person facilitating this event is planning to have many more similar fundraising initiatives in the future. He will be using a similar concept to the one (above). I’ve been in communication with him, and will be assisting with the promotion and publicity around these future events. I work in PR; and will be working (volunteering my time) to get some advance press promo and media at the events. It’s got a great hook: Obama supporters on Hillary’s turf! (Although I’m not helping with any other part: he is personal friends with Obama (attended Harvard Law together), and don’t think needs more manpower with other details -- and regardless I wouldn’t personally have any more time to take on other details/planning.)

However, in saying this -- it also occurred to me that this might be a good fundraising model for us on our ‘side of the bridge and tunnel’ J In Hoboken? I wondered if there are others our there in NJ who like this concept. And if so – are there people who would consider volunteering to help plan, coordinate, and execute club/bar fundraising initiative(s). I also thought this location might provide an ideal location to bring a wide range of age groups (college age – 40’s, or so). And overall, I think it would be just FUN night out, together shared with others who all want to see Senator Obama as our next president!

Thoughts anyone to any of this: good idea, bad idea? If there are people out there who have direct experience with event planning or fundraising: negotiating fees/$ with merchants and facility/bar/restaurant owners (albeit through school – fraternity/sorority, or professionally, or otherwise) that would be fantastic! I can get the media’s interest. Are there people with experience such as bar bouncing/door -- or have something particular they feel they can contribute to the success of this concept?

If others like this idea: I think the most important aspects would be enough volunteers and allowing enough time in advance to ensure it is a huge hit, not a flop!

I think if we all contributed with not only some time and creative energy, but were able to make contributions with specific manpower skills you can offer: then we’d work efficiently, with little stress –and pull off one hell of a SUCCESFUL ‘BARACK and ROLL’ !!!

I’m looking forward to feedback and ideas from others. Thoughts … Anyone?

Best Wishes All, Deana

PS: By the way -- I saw this story in USA Today -- and noticed a Sparta, NJ resident is listed as being in the photo. Just curious if this person also happens to be on one of these blogs here? Story here: Link

Attn: Morristown NJ Area Obama Supporters - Organizing

Kim from Morristown, NJ — Tue, 13 Feb 2007 23:31:18 EST

I believe Obama does indeed have the potential to be a once-in-a-lifetime leader, but it is up to each of us who wants to see him suceed to make this a once-in-a-lifetime political moment.

Thanks to Paul Miller for starting a Morris County group! When I logged on Saturday after the
announcement, eager to get involved locally, there was nothing yet, but by Sunday there was a group and by this week there are 15 members, so at this rate, it sounds like we have the beginnings of a powerful movement right here. It just might give one the Audacity to Hope!