Posts with the tag manchester

OBAMA FOR CALIFORNIA [ 2 ]

WEBMASTER — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 19:29:17 EST

Hacienda Heights * Half Moon Bay * Hamilton City * Hanford * Happy Camp * Harbor City * Harmony * Hat Creek * Hathaway Pines * Hawaiian Gardens * Hawthorne * Hayfork * Hayward * Healdsburg * Heber * Helendale * Helm * Hemet * Herald * Hercules * Herlong * Hermosa Beach * Hesperia * Hickman * Highland * Hilmar * Hinkley * Hollister * Holt * Holtville * Holy City * Homeland * Homewood * Honeydew * Hood * Hoopa * Hopland * Hornbrook * Hornitos * Hughson * Hume * Huntington Beach * Huntington Park * Huron * Hyampom * Hydesville * Idyllwild * Igo * Imperial * Imperial Beach * Independence * Indian Wells * Indio * Inglewood * Inverness * Inyokern * Ione * Irvine * Isleton * Ivanhoe * Jackson * Jacumba * Jamestown * Jamul * Janesville * Jenner * Johannesburg * Jolon * Joshua Tree * Julian * Junction City * June Lake * Kaweah * Keeler * Keene * Kelseyville * Kentfield * Kenwood * Kerman * Kernville * Kettleman City * Keyes * King City * Kings Beach * Kings Canyon National Park * Kingsburg * Kirkwood * Kit Carson * Klamath * Klamath River * Kneeland * Knights Landing * Knightsen * Korbel * Kyburz * La Canada Flintridge * La Crescenta * La Grange * La Habra * La Honda * La Jolla * La Mesa * La Mirada * La Palma * La Presa * La Puente * La Quinta * La Verne * Ladera Ranch * Lafayette * Laguna Beach * Laguna Hills * Laguna Niguel * Lagunitas * Lake Arrowhead * Lake City * Lake Elsinore * Lake Forest * Lake Hughes * Lake Isabella * Lake of the Woods * Lakehead * Lakeport * Lakeshore * Lakeside * Lakewood * Lamont * Lancaster * Landers * Larkspur * Lathrop * Laton * Lawndale * Laytonville * Le Grand * Lebec * Lee Vining * Leggett * Lemon Cove * Lemon Grove * Lemoore * Lewiston * Likely * Lincoln * Lincoln Acres * Linden * Lindsay * Litchfield * Little Lake

OBAMA FOR WASHINGTON

WEBMASTER — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 17:16:06 EST

Aberdeen * Alder * Allyn * Amanda Park * American River * Anacortes * Anatone * Arlington * Ashford * Auburn * Bangor * Baring * Battle Ground * Belfair * Bellevue * Bellingham * Benton City * Beverly * Bingen * Birch Bay * Blaine * Bonney Lake * Bothell * Bow * Bremerton * Bridgeport * Brinnon * Brownsville * Burley * Burlington * Camas * Carson * Cashmere * Castle Rock * Cathlamet * Central Park * Centralia * Chehalis * Chelan * Chewelah * Chico * Chinook * Clarkston * Cle Elum * Clinton * Coles Corner * Colfax * College Place * Colville * Concrete * Conconully * Cosmopolis * Cougar * Coulee City * Coulee Dam * Coupeville * Crystal Mountain * Darrington * Davenport * Dayton * Deer Park * Deming * Des Moines * Diablo * Discovery Bay * Dishman * Eatonville * Easton * Edmonds * Elbe * Eldon * Ellensburg * Elma * Enumclaw * Ephrata * Evans * Everett * Ferndale * Forks * Fortson * Fox Island * Freeland * Garfield * George * Gig Harbor * Glacier * Glenoma * Glenwood * Gold Bar * Goldendale * Gorst * Graham * Grand Coulee * Granger * Granite Falls * Grandview * Grapeview * Greenbank * Greenwater * Hansville * Hazel * Holly * Hoodsport * Hoquiam * Humptulips * Husum * Ilwaco * Index * Indianola * Ione * Issaquah * Kalaloch * Kalama * Kelso * Kennewick * Kent * Kettle Falls * Key Center * Keyport * Kingston * Kirkland * Kittitas * Klickitat * La Conner * La Push * Lake Stevens * Langley * Leavenworth * Liberty Lake * Lilliwaup * Little Boston * Long Beach * Longview * Lummi Island * Lynden * Lynnwood * Manchester * Manson * Marblemount * Marysville * Mattawa * McCleary * Mill Creek * Moxee City * Mazama * Metaline Falls * Methow * Mineral * Moclips * Monroe * Montesano * Morton * Moses Lake * Mossyrock * Mount Baker * Mount Vernon * Naches

OBAMA FOR KENTUCKY [ 1 ]

WEBMASTER — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 22:40:31 EST

Aberdeen * Adairville * Adolphus * Ages Brookside * Albany * Alexandria * Allegre * Allen * Allensville * Almo * Alpha * Alvaton * Anchorage * Annville * Argillite * Arjay * Arlington * Artemus * Ary * Ashcamp * Asher * Ashland * Athol * Auburn * Audobon Park * Augusta * Aurora * Austin * Auxier * Avawam * Bagdad * Bakerton * Bandana * Banner * Barbourville * Bardstown * Bardwell * Barlow * Baskett * Battletown * Baxter * Bays * Bear Branch * Beattyville * Beaumont * Beauty * Beaver * Beaver Dam * Bedford * Bee Spring * Beech Creek * Beech Grove * Beechmont * Belcher * Belfry * Bellefonte * Bellevue * Belton * Benham * Benton * Berea * Berry * Bethany * Bethelridge * Bethlehem * Betsy Layne * Beverly * Bevinsville * Big Clifty * Big Creek * Big Laurel * Big Sandy * Big Spring * Bighill * Bimble * Blackey * Blackford * Blaine * Bledsoe * Bloomfield * Blue River * Boaz * Bonnieville * Bonnyman * Booneville * Boons Camp * Boston * Bowen * Bowling Green * Bradfordsville * Brandenburg * Breeding * Bremen * Brodhead * Bromley * Bronston * Brooklyn * Brooks * Brooksville * Browder * Brownsville * Bruin * Bryants Store * Bryantsville * Buckhorn * Buckner * Buechel * Buffalo * Bulan * Burdine * Burgin * Burkesville * Burlington * Burna * Burnside * Bush * Busy * Butler * Bypro * Cadiz * Calhoun * California * Calvert City * Calvin * Camp Dix * Camp Springs * Campbellsburg * Campbellsville * Campton * Canada * Cane Valley * Caneyville * Canmer * Cannel City * Cannon * Carlisle * Carrie * Carrollton * Carter * Catlettsburg * Cave City * Cave Run Lake * Cawood * Cecilia * Center * Centertown * Central City * Cerulean * Chaplin * Chappell * Chavies * Cisco * Clarkson * Clay * Clay City * Clayhole * Clearfield * Cleaton * Clermont * Clifty * Clinton * Closplint * Cloverport

OBAMA FOR MAINE

WEBMASTER — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 20:37:52 EST

Abbot Village * Acton * Addison * Albion * Alfred * Alna * Andover * Anson * Appleton * Ashland * Athens * Atkinson * Auburn * Augusta * Aurora * Bailey Island * Bangor * Bar Harbor * Bar Mills * Bass Harbor * Bath * Bayville * Beals * Belfast * Belgrade * Belgrade Lakes * Benedicta * Benton * Bernard * Berwick * Bethel * Biddeford * Bingham * Birch Harbor * Birch Island * Blaine * Blue Hill * Blue Hill Falls * Boothbay * Boothbay Harbor * Bowdoinham * Bradford * Bradley * Bremen * Brewer * Bridgewater * Bridgton * Bristol * Brooklin * Brooks * Brooksville * Brookton * Brownfield * Brownville * Brunswick * Bryant Pond * Buckfield * Bucksport * Burlington * Burnham * Bustins Island * Buxton * Byron * Calais * Cambridge * Camden * Canaan * Canton * Cape Cottage * Cape Elizabeth * Cape Neddick * Cape Porpoise * Capitol Island * Caratunk * Cardville * Caribou * Carmel * Carrabassett Valley * Casco * Castine * Center Lovell * Chamberlain * Charleston * Charlotte * Chebeague Island * Chelsea * Cherryfield * China * Clayton Lake * Cliff Island * Clinton * Columbia Falls * Coopers Mills * Corea * Corinna * Cornish * Cornville * Costigan * Cranberry Isles * Crouseville * Cumberland * Cundys Harbor * Cushing * Cutler * Damariscotta * Danforth * Danville * Dayton * Deer Isle * Denmark * Dennysville * Detroit * Dexter * Dixfield * Dixmont * Dover Foxcroft * Dresden * Dryden * Durham * Eagle Lake * East Andover * East Baldwin * East Blue Hill * East Boothbay * East Corinth * East Dixfield * East Livermore * East Machias * East Millinocket * East Newport * East Orland * East Parsonfield * East Poland * East Sebago * East Stoneham * East Sullivan * East Vassalboro * East Waterboro * East Wilton * East Winthrop * Easton * Eastport * Eddington * Edgecomb * Eliot * Ellsworth * Embden * Estcourt * Station * Etna

OBAMA FOR TENNESSEE

WEBMASTER — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 19:11:53 EST

Adams * Adamsville * Alexandria * Algood * Arlington * Ashland * Athens * Baneberry * Bartlett * Baxter * Bean Station * Bell Buckle * Bolivar * Brentwood * Brighton * Bristol * Brownsville * Charlston * Chattanooga * City of Crossville * City of Parsons * Clarksville * Cleveland * Clifton * Clinton * Collegedale * Collierville * Collinwood * Columbia * Cookeville * Coopertown * Covington * Cowan * Crossville * Dayton * Decaturville * Decherd * Dickson * Dover * Dresden * Dunlap * Dyer * Dyersburg * Eagleville * East Ridge * Elizabethton * Erin * Etowah * Fairview * Farragut * Farragut City * Fayetteville * Flag Pond * Franklin * Gallatin * Gatlinburg * Germantown * Gleason * Goodlettsville * Grand Junction * Greeneville * Greenfield * Harriman * Harrogate * Hartsville * Henderson * Hendersonville * Humboldt * Huntingdon * Huntland * Jackson * Jamestown * Jasper * Jefferson City * Jellico * Johnson City * Kimball * Kingston * Kingston Springs * Knoxville * Lafayette * LaGrange * Lake City * Lakeland * Lavergne * Lawrenceburg * Lebanon * Lenoir City * Lewisburg * Lexington * Livingston * Lookout Mountain * Loretto * Lynchburg * Lynnville * Manchester * Martin * Maryville * McEwen * McKenzie * McMinnville * Medon * Memphis * Milan * Millersville * Millington * Monteagle * Monterey * Morristown * Mount Carmel * Mt Juliet * Mt Pleasant * Munford * Murfreesboro * Nashville * New Johnsonville * Newport * Nolensville * Oak Hill * Oak Ridge * Oakland * Old Hickory * Oliver Springs * Paris * Pegram * Pigeon Forge * Pleasant View * Portland * Pulaski * Red Bank * Red Boiling Springs * Roan Mountain * Rockwood * Savannah * Scotts Hill * Selmer * Sevierville * Seymour * Shelbyville * Signal Mountain * Smithville * Smyrna * Soddy Daisy * Somerville * South Fulton * South Pittsburg * Sparta * Spring Hill

OBAMA FOR GEORGIA

WEBMASTER — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 03:42:34 EST

Abba * Abbeville * Acworth * Adairsville * Adel * Adrian * Ailey * Alamo * Alapaha * Albany * Allenhurst * Alma * Alpharetta * Alston * Amboy * Ambrose * Americus * Appling * Arlington * Ashburn * Athens * Atkinson * Atlanta * Attapulgus * Auburn * Augusta * Austell * Avondale Estates * Axson * Baconton * Baden * Bainbridge * Baldwin * Bannockburn * Barnesville * Barney * Barretts * Barwick * Baxley * Bemiss * Berkeley Lake * Berlin * Blackshear * Blairsville * Blakely * Bloomingdale * Blue Ridge * Bogart * Boston * Bowdon * Bowens Mill * Bowman * Braselton * Bremen * Brinson * Bristol * Bronwood * Brookfield * Brooklet * Brooks * Broxton * Brunswick * Buchanan * Buena Vista * Buford * Bushnell * Byromville * Byron * Cairo * Camilla * Canton * Carnesville * Carrollton * Cartersville * Cave Spring * Cecil * Cedartown * Centerville * Chamblee * Chatsworth * Chauncey * Chester * Chickamauga * Chula * City of Calhoun * City of Summerville * Clarkesville * Clarkston * Claxton * Clayton * Cleveland * Clyatteville * Clyo * Cobbtown * Cochran * Cogdell * Cohutta * Colesburg * College Park * Collins * Colquitt * Columbus * Commerce * Conyers * Coolidge * Cordele * Cornelia * Council * Country Club Estate * Coverdale * Covington * Cox * Crawfordville * Crescent * Culloden * Cumming * Cusseta * Cuthbert * Dacula * Dahlonega * Daisy * Dakota * Dallas * Dalton * Damascus * Danielsville * Darien * Dasher * Dawson * Dawsonville * Decatur * Denmark * Dillard * Dixie * Dock Junction * Doerun * Donalsonville * Doraville * Douglas * Douglasville * Dover Bluff * DuPont * Dublin * Dudley * Duluth * East Dublin * East Point * Eastman * Eatonton * Ebenezer * Edison * Edith * Egypt * Elberton * Eldorado * Ellabelle * Ellaville * Ellenton * Ellijay * Enigma * Euharlee

GEORGIA SENATE RUNOFF

WEBMASTER — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 17:32:46 EST

Republican incumbent Saxby Chambliss is a few points from Democrat Jim Martin for U.S. Senate in current polling in the Georgia U.S. Senate runoff race. Senate Runoff in 35 Language Translations. Runoff election to be held Tuesday, 2 DEC 2008.

Any help you can give polling voters is greatly appreciated. Democrats want to win this race!

The more Democratic Senators in office the easier it will be for President Elect Obama's economic policies to be implemented without a chance of a partisan filibuster.

REGISTERED GEORGIA VOTERS ARE REQUESTED TO VOTE DEMOCRAT

To register, contact Geneve [ gbergeron@martinvictory.com ] or call 815.252.9684

Ted, Vote Builder Administrator [ techsupport@georgiademocrat.org ] or call 678.278.2103

Georgia Voting Locations [ PDF ]

Want to vote - call 404.748.2754. A Jim Martin for U.S. Senate volunteer will be happy to hand-deliver an absentee ballot application to you home or office.

Obamagelicals are requested to distribute this message to friends within the Obama groups and to other individuals you feel comfortable asking to help on your mailing list.

Thanks - David Apperson

GEORGIA SENATE RUNOFF SEARCH QUERIES
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Senator Clinton Returns to the Granite State!

Anne Marie @ NH HQ — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 00:25:04 EDT

This blog was written by Colin at NH HQ

Today, Hillary Clinton returned to New Hampshire for the first time since her rally in Unity with Senator Obama back in June. She was welcomed with open arms by raucous crowds which greeted her in Manchester and Pelham. With the election only a week away, Hillary Clinton came to the Granite State to let everyone know why she is working so hard to elect Senator Obama to the White House.

Her first event was at Southern New Hampshire University in Manchester. She was introduced by former Gov. Jeanne Shaheen who is running for Senate against incumbent John Sununu. To get our country moving on the right track, Senator Obama will need Jeanne Shaheen in the Senate, so help elect her and Barack Obama by working as hard as you can this last week.

Hillary spoke passionately about the issues affecting our country - lack of access to health care, high energy prices, failing schools, and the sense of malaise sweeping the country due to the financial crisis. Hillary told the Granite State that a vote for McCain is a vote for more of the same and four more years of George W. Bush. She closed by urging all of her supporters from the primary to go out and work and vote for the Democratic ticket up and down the ballot.

Actor Jeffrey Wright: We're all in this together

Anne Marie @ NH HQ — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 13:46:20 EDT

Over two hundred people registered this morning at the Manchester City Hall, as a diverse crowd of gathered to chat, dance, listen to music, and hear Actor Jeffrey Wright ("W", Syriana, Casino Royale) speak about coming together to create one nation seeking change.

I look around me, wherever I go at Obama events, and I see the complexity of America represented in the faces of the people around me at these events. You know, a lot of what's happened in the last few months has been to narrow the vision of America down to Hockey Moms and Joe Six Packs and Joe the Plumbers. But America's more complicated than that. There's Jose the Barber. There's basketball big brothers. We're all here together and its we who make this country great.

Wight recently played Colin Powell in the movie "W", and spoke about Powell's endorsement of Barack last Sunday.

[Powell] talked about how the strength of this country is in our diversity, the strength of this country is in its complexity. Colin Powell himself was born from immigrant parents from Jamaica. That's the story of our country. And when we start to exclude, at such critical times as these in terms of America's place on the global stage, when we seek to exclude whole sections of the population as we try to face these challenges we undermine our capacity to really overcome them.

Although today marks the last day to early register, if you live in New Hampshire you can still register and vote at the polls on Election Day.

"Getting people to register the day of is a great opportunity," Wright said. "You've got to find these pockets, these pools of people to register."

Can you join us to Get Out The Vote this week? We only have ten days to remind people they can register on the day of, and participate in this election. Let's go out and win New Hampshire and change this country.

Manchester Presidential Debate Watch Party

Colin@NH HQ — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 15:28:56 EDT

Last night, over a hundred New Hampshire residents gathered at our Manchester Campaign For Change office to watch the first of three presidential debates between Senator Obama and Senator McCain. The Manchester office debate watch party was one of 80 debate watch parties statewide. From Berlin down to Nashua and from the Upper Valley over to the Seacoast, Granite Staters gathered to watch the two candidates debate the economy and foreign policy.

We were lucky to have a special guest in our Manchester office - Former Republican John Hutson, a co-chair of Former McCain Supporters for Obama, a member of New Hampshire Veterans for Obama, and currently the Dean and President of the Franklin Pierce Law Center. Hutson, who also spoke at the Democrat National Convention in Denver said:

McCain lays claim to foreign policy expertise but he was wrong on Afghanistan, Iran and Iraq and Obama has been right on Afghanistan, Iran and Iraq. McCain can talk the talk but Obama has walked the walked.

Last night, Senator Obama demonstrated to the nation his readiness to be Commander in Chief and his ability to handle the current economic crisis. Now he needs your help to change Washington and bring a new hope to politics. He needs your help.

If you didn't make it to a debate watch party near you, stop by your Local Field Office sometime this week to help us contact undecided voters and convince them Senator Obama is the president we need for the change we need!

New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson in New Hampshire this week

Brian - NH HQ — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 18:26:32 EDT

Tuesday, Governor Bill Richardson was in New Hampshire for three Town Hall events. He started off his day in Manchester at Southern New Hampshire University where he fired up the crowd of students, faculty, and community members. He spoke about the Obama-Biden plan for foreign policy, the current economic crisis, and energy independence. Richardson told the crowd that Obama was against huge golden parachutes to corporate CEO’s, would make the concerns of Main Street a priority in his Administration, and that Obama believed the current financial crisis required bipartisan oversight.

Governor Richardson at SNHU.

Next, he spoke to a group of Latinos in Nashua on the importance of electing Barack Obama the next President. He stressed that Senator Obama understood the concerns of Latinos and would fight for health care for all, immigration reform, and economic development. Richardson told the crowd that Barack has a long history of standing up for Latino’s going all the way back to his community organizer days on Chicago’s South Side. Si se puede! To join Latino’s for Obama click here.

Governor Richardson speaking in Laconia.

On his last stop of the day, Governor Richardson spoke to a great crowd in Laconia. He encouraged the folks in Laconia to get involved and help Barack Obama win New Hampshire by canvassing, making phone calls, and writing letters to the editor. You can even write them online here. Find out how you can get involved in your area by calling or visiting your Local Field Office. All in all, Governor Richardson and those who came out to see him had a great day. Thank you for coming Governor, you really got us fired up!

YOU'RE INVITED! - Bill Richardson in Manchester tomorrow!

Brian - NH HQ — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 10:28:20 EDT

On Tuesday, September 23rd, please join the New Hampshire Campaign for Change at a Foreign Policy and Economy Town Hall with New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson.

Come hear Governor Richardson discuss foreign policy and economy, and why he thinks Barack is the one candidate who will bring the change this country needs.

Here are the details:
New Hampshire Campaign for Change
Foreign Policy and Economy Town Hall
with Bill Richardson

Southern New Hampshire University
Robert Frost Hall -- Walker Auditorium
2500 N. River Road
Manchester, NH

Tuesday, September 23rd
10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

http://nh.barackobama.com/BRManchRSVP
Please RSVP as space is limited and available on a first come, first served basis.

For security reasons, do not bring bags and please limit personal items. No signs or banners permitted.
If you cannot make it to this event but would still like to support Barack, you can make a donation here:

https://donate.barackobama.com/wecan

Women's Week Blog: Amy and Athena after the Rally with Barack on Saturday

Brian - NH HQ — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 21:38:55 EDT

Amy and her daughter Anthena are from Manchester. They went to the "CHANGE WE NEED" rally with Barack Obama at Veterans Memorial Park and were so excited afterward.

Athena has been excited about Barack Obama since the 2004 Convention speech. This was the first time she got a chance to see him. She said she was shaking and ready to cry. Mom rolled her eyes but Athena was quick to note she had signed up to volunteer to make phone calls. She can't vote yet, but she's ready to do whatever is needed to convince those that can vote, do vote for Barack Obama and Joe Biden on November 4th.

Amy switched her support to Barack Obama because he is sincere, honest, and she loves his heart. She doesn't want to wake up four years from now and see that nothing has changed and things are worse. She added:

The issues are way too important to ignore.

Join Amy and Athena here at the Manchester Office at 359 Elm Street or find a Local Field Office near you. This election in November is not going to be an easy win here in the Granite State. It's going to take you, like Amy and Athena, to make the change you need for yourselves by reaching out to friends, relatives and neighbors. It's not about Barack Obama and Joe Biden. This election is about us, the issues that matter to the people, that matter to New Hampshire. Get involved. There has been no more important time than NOW!

Our Day In New Hampshire

Scott A. Giordano — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 22:10:40 EDT

With Barack in Manchester, and then on to Nashua ...

SATURDAY: OBAMA AND BIDEN TO HOLD RALLY IN MANCHESTER

Brian - NH HQ — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 19:40:55 EDT

**UPDATED DETAILS**

Manchester, New Hampshire – The Obama Campaign today announced that Senator Joe Biden will join Senator Barack Obama for a rally in Manchester, NH on Saturday. Obama and Biden will discuss their plan to bring the change we need to Washington, D.C.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13
Manchester, NH

“Change We Need” Rally with Barack Obama and Joe Biden

Veterans Memorial Park

889 Elm Street

Manchester, NH

Doors open at 8:00 am

Program begins at 10:30 am

This event is free and open to the public.

RSVP is strongly encouraged, please visit: http://nh.barackobama.com/manchesterchange

***For security reasons, do not bring bags. Please limit personal items. No signs or banners allowed.***

UPDATE: Senator Obama's trip to New Hampshire Friday and Saturday

Brian - NH HQ — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 03:23:18 EDT

United States Senator Barack Obama will be coming to New Hampshire this Friday and Saturday to rally Granite State voters and discuss the Obama/Biden blueprint for change.

“We are excited to welcome back Senator Obama to discuss his commitment to helping working Granite Staters and bringing the change we need to Washington, D.C.,” said Sandra Abrevaya, New Hampshire Communications Director. “Senator Obama will deliver real change by ending the Bush policy of showering big corporations with tax giveaways and ending the politics that are rigged against working New Hampshire families.”

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12

Concord, NH

“Change We Need” Rally with Barack Obama

       New Hampshire Technical Institute
       Goldie Crocker Wellness Center
       31 College Drive
       Concord, NH 03301

Doors Open at 4:30pm
Program Begins at 6:00pm

This event is free and open to the public. Free tickets are available at the locations listed below. Tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Ticket Distribution Locations:
Distribution times: Thursday, September 11th 12pm-9pm

       Campaign for Change - Concord
       4a Eagle Square
       Concord, NH 03301
       (603) 223-0387

       Campaign for Change - Manchester
       359 Elm Street
       Manchester, NH 03101
       (603) 668-2008

***For security reasons, do not bring bags. Please limit personal items. No signs or banners allowed.***

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13

Manchester, NH

Details TBA - Visit http://NH.barackobama.com for updates.

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

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

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

Bill from the Manchester Sweeney Post started off:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Update from Region Team Conf. Call 18 August 08

ReachX — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 22:57:33 EDT

Trey (AKA Houston Edward Nelson III) as Region leader for our part of GA O-120 (120 teams in GA with actual "paid" team leaders) runs the agenda for the conf. call. I have trouble getting in (numerous busy signals (redial every 20 seconds).

Trey tells us that our region (Harris A&B, Marion, Meriwether A&B, and Talbot) should be averaging 10 new voter registrations per county per day (that's 40 for those not fortunate enough to be in 9th Grade Math 1). That's 5 for my team (Meriwether-A/South/Manchester) per day, 35 per week. I think that's within the realm of possibility. It will take some work though.

He then tells us that he wants the teams to meet on their own conf. call tomorrow or Thursday to create a solid strategy for reaching that number on a weekly basis. I am acting team leader while my wife is recovering from meeting a deer with the front of our Explorer last week. Trey promises updates to the team leaders on volunteers names, phone numbers and emails along with how to make conf. call info to be sent via email tonight or early tomorrow.

79 days until election, he says. Less than that until Oct. 6th which I think is the actual registration deadline (can't vote if you're not registered). I'm trying to install a countdown clock now to keep me on my toes.

Team Leader check in starts with Bob T. and moves on quickly. I make Manchester's pitch for help to get volunteers for the tables at the Greenville-Manchester game (Aug.29th, 7:30 @ MHS) which I got permission from my principal for just on Friday (Dennis Medders, thank you again). We're already thinking we may need as many as ten (10) tables (five for each side). ;-)

Trey thanks everyone, reminds us to give and sacrifice for the cause and checks out.

I'm still waiting admin approval for official entry into Team Meriwether the official MYBO group. Until then, I'll post where I'm supposed to and allowed.

KEEP HOPE ALIVE.

P.S. We JUST got our T-shirst for donating to Obama from back in like March or May. It's the thought that countsI guess. I'm sure I'll just frame one and hopefully get it autographed.

Adolfo Carrion talks Obama at the Latino Festival in Manchester

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Supporters Tout Obama Energy Plan in Manchester and Portsmouth, New Hampshire at the Pumps

New Hampshire HQ — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 16:12:46 EDT

Supporters of Barack Obama's Campaign for Change in New Hampshire gathered outside a gas station in Manchester and another in Portsmouth today to talk with motorists and tell them about Senator Obama's New Energy for America initiative.

While supporters passed out Senator Obama's New Energy for America Blueprint leaflet to customers and passers-by, several speakers spoke about why Senator Obama would be the best choice as President for the Granite State because of his Energy policy.

Jack, the first speaker, knows Barack Obama well:

I'm from Senator Obama's home state of Illinois, where I work as an environmental advocate working to bring clean energy and price relief on energy issues for Illinois consumers. I've worked closely with Senator Obama over the last twelve years to try to bring rate relief, electric and gas price relief to Illinois consumers. And I know, I've seen his dedication to environmental protection and acting in the public interest, and he has exactly the kind of leadership that America needs to get us out of our energy crisis...
Who needs help -- Exxon-Mobil, which just made $12 Billion in one quarter? Or those of us who are paying these prices at the pump? Barack Obama knows that New Hampshire drivers and drivers across America are the ones who need relief; not big oil.
I encourage you to go to the website and look up the details of Barack's Energy Plan. NewEnergyforAmerica.com has the solutions we need to solve this problem and Barack Obama is the right candidate at the right time to help America do it.

Sally spoke next. She is a life-long Independent from Exeter, NH:

I will tell you, in 2000, I was kind of hoping that John McCain was going to be the Republican candidate for President. I thought he was saying the right things and making the right choices for us. He didn't win, and we've had eight years of an administration that I really have come to believe has taken a lot away from us.
I'm wondering where I'm going to get my money to pay for my heat this winter. I know my gas prices are going up. I know my electric prices are going up. I've got friends and family who are real concerned right now how they're going to get through a New England winter.
This is a major impasse and we need somebody here to step up. We need to take ownership as voters in this country and do something for ourselves, and not rely on everyone else to do it for us. And I think that Obama has gotten that message through.

Finally, we heard from David, an engineer from Manchester:

This is a grassroots effort -- as much as we have to vote to elect a new President, that not alone is going to change anything if we don't get a leader. We need a leader who's going to stand up and use the power of the Oval Office to engage people again. To say, this is our country, we can do it, and we need to make these changes. And that's why I'm such a big Barack Obama supporter. Because it's not just solutions from up high, it's leadership which means getting people to actually follow something that's good. That's what leadership is; it's to get people to follow and do what's good for the country.

You can go to NewEnergyforAmerica.com to learn more about Barack Obama's plan or click HERE to view a speech the Senator recently made in Lansing, Michigan on the subject.

Manchester Office Opening last night!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Want to VOLUNTEER?

Stand for Change: 950 in Manchester

Michael Negron — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 15:01:16 EST

Another massive crowd turned out to see Barack speak in Manchester early this morning, and Barack continued to display the presidential demeanor that impressed so many at last night’s debate.

Watch this clip of his speech:

Fired up supporters and late-deciding voters alike filled the Palace Theater in Manchester to capacity.

Before the event, I spoke with Holly, a travel agent and Obama supporter from New London, who was holding a “Michelle Obama for First Lady” sign as she waited. She was able to get Barack to autograph her sign, and is hopeful that she’ll manage to get Michelle’s signature as well sometime before January 8th.

“I’ve been around the world through my job,” she said, “and it hurts me to see that our image has taken such a beating. Barack is our best hope for a return to respected leadership abroad.”

After Barack finished speaking, I caught up with Kate from Manchester. Kate had been wavering in her choice for president, but today she reports that Barack has left her “speechless.”

“His vision for hope and unity has completely won me over,” she said. “I see him and feel that he can lead the country to heal the wounds of the past few decades.”

Kate hastened to add, “A leader like this only comes around once in a generation, and I think we’ve found him.”

Stand for Change: Sunday Morning in Manchester

Michael Negron — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 09:59:33 EST

It’s a busy Sunday morning here in Manchester and throngs of Granite Staters line up outside of the Palace Theater to learn more about Barack’s vision for change. The line stretches around the block, onto Manchester’s Elm Street in the heart of downtown.

Check out these pics:

Inside, the Palace Theater is crowded as well:

Check back later for an update!

Congressman Patrick Murphy in Manchester, NH

Michael Negron — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 08:02:57 EST

Congressman Murphy addresses canvassers.

The Manchester office is bustling today with volunteers, fired up and ready to go with just days to go before January 8th. In these final days, our staff and Granite State supporters will be going door-to-door to spread Barack’s message of change we can believe in. Their efforts will be supplemented by volunteers from outside New Hampshire, many of whom will have traveled some distance to get here.

On Friday afternoon, one such out-of-state volunteer, Pennsylvania Congressman Patrick Murphy, shared his story before throwing on a heavy coat and leading dozens of volunteers out to knock on doors. Congressman Murphy is the only Iraq war veteran in the Congress and was motivated to enter politics because of the 19 members of his unit who were lost in the conflict.

“I became a witness to our foreign policy,” he told the spellbound volunteers, “and when I came back, I resolved to do something to help make sure we didn’t make the same kind of mistake again.”

Congressman Murphy won a grassroots-driven victory powered by his message of change. Now he’s knocking on doors for Barack, looking to do his part to bring this change to the White House.

Congressman Murphy reviews his clipboard during a canvass training.

While Congressman Murphy’s story is powerful, he wasn’t the only impressive Barack supporter I met that afternoon.

Charlotte is a Manchester ward captain who is working on a campaign for the first time in her life. Born in Congo, Charlotte moved to the United States in 1987. She had heard from relatives that, in this country, anyone could make a future for themselves through hard work. As a pharmacist, Charlotte now works with seniors who are struggling to pay for life-saving medications. Health care is her top issue at the ballot box, but she has never before been involved in politics.

“Congolese politics are corrupt,” she said, “so while I was eager to vote when I got to this country, I couldn’t help but feel skeptical about what I could do beyond vote. Obama has changed that.”

Charlotte is also driven by concern for her kid’s future. With both of her children just entering college, Charlotte is determined to protect their future.

“I don’t want them to lose faith in this country,” she said, “so I am doing everything I can to make sure they grow up believing in the American Dream.”

Granite State Office Tour: Manchester

Michael Negron — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 19:18:03 EST

I returned to my final destination of Manchester last night just in time for yet another snow storm. Digging out my car this morning, I arrived at the Manchester headquarters as a sign making party with volunteers from across the state began.

Our state headquarters is typically filled with dozens of staff and volunteers at any given moment. This morning, most of this grassroots energy was devoted to preparing the banners and signs that will line the walls at Barack’s final events in the Granite State before the primary.

Nearly two-dozen volunteers filled the office, painting away under the supervision of Emerald, a full-time volunteer and recent St. Anselm’s graduate.

Emerald is working on a campaign for the first time, inspired by Barack’s vision for a politics that transcends red states and blue states.

“I’ve been living here in New Hampshire for the past 5 years and never got involved,” Emerald said, “but the stakes are too high right now to just sit and watch.”

Dotty, who flew in from Texas to volunteer, was one of our sign-painters. The birth of Dotty’s grandson in July turned a lifelong interest in politics into the desire to work now for change.

“I feel like we’re at a critical point in our history… We’re at war overseas and divided at home,” Dotty said. “Status quo politicians are not going to solve the problems we face. We need some serious change.”

Though the winter cold is at full force here in the Granite State, you can warm up by working for change at the Manchester office on the 2nd floor of 60 Rogers Street or give us a call at 603-668-2008.

Next stop: Victory on January 8th.

Fired Up in a New Hampshire Snow Storm

Michael Negron — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 23:14:12 EST

As they braced for yet another snow storm, Granite Staters filed into venues in Manchester and Nashua to hear more about Barack’s vision for positive change. At both events, Barack demonstrated his commitment to telling voters not just what they want to hear, but what they need to know.

Being straightforward about the challenges we face as a nation even when it’s not politically convenient is important, Barack said, because it will lead to better results:

"Part of what we need in the next president is somebody who can be straightforward and honest and clear about how we’re going to meet our challenges. Because one thing we have to do is enlist the American people to help solve the problems that we face."

By enlisting the American people to break through politics-as-usual and stand up against the special interests, Barack vowed that his administration would be able to make government work for everyday Americans in the fast-paced, global economy of the 21st century. Barack stressed that putting the American Dream within reach for everyone and ensuring that our children and grandchildren are prepared to compete in the global economy will require hard work and sacrifice, but that the sacrifice would be worth it because those values are essential to who we are as a nation.

Two members of these future generations, Ashley and her son Nate, took center stage as Barack told the story of Edith Childs and the origins of the “Fired Up, Ready to Go” chant. Nate, who canvasses with his mother in Nashua, couldn’t contain himself, shouting out “Fired Up!” and “Ready to Go!” every time Barack uttered the phrase.

Ashley and Nate

Ashley is a frequent presence at our Nashua office, inspired by Barack’s vision for change. She said, “He’s genuine and sincere, and always impresses me with his willingness to answer questions so honestly.”

It’s that sincere approach that’s driving Barack’s momentum here in New Hampshire and led one questioner at Barack’s Meet the Candidate event in Manchester to commend him for running the most positive campaign in the race.

Barack will continue to meet with New Hampshire voters and answer questions about his vision for America tomorrow.

Barack and Oprah in Manchester: The Highlights

Eddie Lee, Obama Staff — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 23:48:28 EST

More than 8,500 Granite Staters from across New Hampshire descended on the Verizon Wireless Arena in Manchester Sunday night for a rally with Barack, Michelle and special guest Oprah Winfrey.

The event added a boost of momentum and organizational strength to a campaign that is quickly gaining ground in New Hampshire. In the week preceding the event:

More than 650 new volunteers signed up to help the campaign
More than 500 supporters volunteered in the lead-up to the rally
More than 250 volunteers worked on-site at the event
More than 2,300 new New Hampshire supporters joined the campaign

Reclaiming the American Dream: Working Women Roundtables

Michael Negron — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 20:00:38 EST

Today, we hosted seven roundtables for working women across the state to discuss Barack’s plan for reclaiming the American Dream for middle class families.

The participants of our roundtable discussion in Manchester

After a lifetime in public service, Barack knows that working families are getting increasingly squeezed by the rising housing, health care, education, and transportation costs. The stories shared by the women attending our roundtables today confirmed that heightened anxiety felt by parents working to stay ahead of the financial curve while spending less time with their kids.

In Rochester, Manchester, Londonderry, Concord, Jackson, Keene and Hanover, participants shared their worries about being able to save money for retirement given the rising cost of living.

Across the state, our participants agreed it’s time to do something about the fact that 75 million Americans don’t have retirement plans at work.

Barack’s plan will strengthen retirement security by automatically enrolling workers in portable retirement accounts and providing additional incentives for Americans to save. Employees will be able to opt-out by signing a waiver. This plan will better prepare families for retirement in New Hampshire, where only 42 percent of workers participate in employer-sponsored pension plans.

Read more about Barack’s plan to help working families.

Cheering for Change at the Jefferson-Jackson Day Dinner

Michael Negron — Sun, 21 Oct 2007 14:08:21 EDT

When the skies opened up and poured rain on our hundred-plus crowd of supporters who had been cheering throughout the day in front of the Radisson Hotel before the annual Jefferson-Jackson day dinner, it didn’t dampen our spirits. In fact, it inspired a new chant: “Nothing can stop us, not even the rain… Hope, Action, Change!”

Our campaign not only outnumbered the supporters of all the other candidates combined, the noise from our chants easily drowned them out as well.

“This is fun!” exclaimed Abbi, a Manchester resident. She pushed her daughter Arial in a stroller behind the Barack supporters lining the driveway, danced and joined in the chants.

“He’s a real change, and with the enthusiasm I see out here right now, I think we’re going to surprise a few people when the votes are counted,” she said.

Our hope mongers continued to chant long after supporters from other campaigns packed up and left.

After a long day of shouting and sign-waving, we gathered at Millie’s Tavern to relax and celebrate. Michelle Obama dropped by with Sasha and Malia, thanking the cheering crowd. She told us that Barack draws energy and encouragement every time he sees groups like ours gathered outside of a big event, showing our support.

This support, she said, keeps him going on the long march to the White House.

Senator Daschle Talks Judgment with New Hampshire Voters

Michael Negron — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 10:25:09 EDT

Yesterday, former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle told voters at house parties across the state that Barack’s early opposition to the war is proof that he has the judgment to be president.

Speaking to undecided voters in Manchester, Hollis, Peterborough and Keene, Senator Daschle told crowds that he is looking for judgment, integrity and decency in the next president. Since the words and deeds of John and Robert Kennedy, and Martin Luther King, Jr. inspired him to enter public service, Senator Daschle said he’s been waiting 40 years for a leader capable of the same inspiration. Senator Daschle believes that Barack is that leader.

“He’s the only candidate that I’ve seen in decades that can inspire the next generation to enter public service and lead the country after my generation has left service,” Senator Daschle said.

At the Manchester house party, after Senator Daschle brought his opening remarks to a close, local resident David exclaimed, “I don’t think any candidate for president has received a more inspirational endorsement.”

“A politics we can be proud of”

Michael Negron — Sat, 06 Oct 2007 16:56:42 EDT

Dozens of New Hampshire supporters, many of them moms juggling their own work-life balance, made time in their busy schedules for the chance to chat with Michelle Obama about her life with Barack and the qualities he’d bring as our 44th president. Michelle’s visits to Manchester and Nashua concluded our week-long launch of the New Hampshire Women for Obama leadership committee. Michelle can relate to the hard-working women of New Hampshire and took the time to listen to their stories and to share her own experience juggling family duties while advancing in her career.

In the midst of a grueling presidential campaign, Michelle stays focused on her family. “Even though we're running for president,” she said, “I'm thinking about, 'What are we doing for Halloween costumes?'"

Michelle pointed out that she is lucky to have received help from her mother and other family members in maintaining a work-family balance, but said that there are millions of single-mothers and two-income families stretched thin.

She maintains that helping these families will require a fundamental change in our politics. Barack is the candidate who can make this change a reality because he has the ability to inspire people to look past the world as it is and work for the world as it should be.

Michelle’s visit began in the early afternoon with a roundtable discussion with a dozen working women at a café in Manchester. As a visual reminder of how hard it was to achieve balance, one guest’s baby giggled in the background while she chatted with the group.

Michelle led the women in a discussion of the sacrifices they’ve made in raising children while maintaining their careers.

Michelle said Barack has a unique understanding of this struggle because of his upbringing by a single-mother and their subsequent family life together. Tracy, a Bow resident, felt inspired by Michelle’s “charming and strong” presence.

At a house party in Nashua later in the day, Michelle passionately told a spell-bound crowd of the experience and talents Barack brings to the race. She reminded them that Barack is the only candidate with experience as a community organizer, civil rights attorney, state legislator, and constitutional law scholar. Barack knows how to bring people together, she said, “The only thing Barack doesn't have is years of experience in Washington."

Terry, a Nashua resident, came away feeling “moved” and “extremely impressed.” The undecided voter is excited to see Barack in person as well in the coming weeks.

Anne from Nashua said that Michelle’s visit reminded her that, as a supporter, she’s “sitting in the right pew.”

Before leaving the house party to catch a return flight to Chicago in time to put Sasha and Malia to bed, Michelle left the women in the audience with some parting words: “Be strong! Get some sleep!”

Granite Staters Take Manhattan by Storm

Tim Foley — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 20:40:20 EDT

Last Thursday, 24,000 gathered in Washington Park in New York City. It was an unprecedented show of grassroots support in the Big Apple and a demonstration of how much Barack’s message of judgment and change has taken root throughout the country.

We sent Katy Gehling and Keith McCrea down to New York to be recognized for all of their hard work for our campaign in New Hampshire.

This is their story.

Students for Barack Obama High School Leaders Meeting

Eric Gallager — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 15:14:42 EDT

Yesterday in the Manchester office I went to a meeting with other Students for Barack Obama High School Leaders. A lot of people recognized me from the John McCain event when I asked McCain about his age. I haven't actually managed to get a group set up at my school for Obama because we haven't been able to get a faculty adviser, but some of the materials we got at the training might help. At the training we talked about community organizing and campaining with Kristina Althoff. Jim Demers also told us about his campaigning experience and his thoughts on the race. I mentioned again that Obama should come to my school regardless of how poorly the McCain event might have gone.

Wrapping Up Barack’s Morning in Manchester

Michael Negron — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 18:51:33 EDT

After firing up crowds yesterday with his vision for restoring trust in our government, Barack’s words in Manchester this morning resonated in a quieter, more personal key.

Barack met with a small group of voters for a roundtable conversation about the broken system in Washington. Sitting around a table at T.R. Brennan’s, the group of 8 spoke passionately about how government just isn’t working for them anymore.

Suzanne from Manchester shared her story about falling into Medicare Part D’s “doughnut hole” – the gulf between the low cap of prescription medication costs covered by Medicare and the high threshold for coverage for catastrophic insurance. She said

I was paying maybe $6 to $28 for my prescriptions and I thought, ‘well great, what is everybody complaining about?’ And one day my husband came home from the pharmacy with two of my prescriptions, and he said, ‘you know this cost over $200.’ I had fallen into the doughnut hole.

Although covered by Medicare Part D from January to August, Suzanne has to pay the full costs for her prescribed medicine from September to December. Ballooning costs have forced Suzanne to make a last resort decision. She takes her most expensive drugs, prescribed for her coronary disease condition, every other day.

Barack described Suzanne’s story as “an example of how Washington fundamentally failed the American people.” As Barack noted, some of the Medicare Part D bill’s key proponents in Congress and the Executive Branch took high-paying lobbyist jobs in the insurance and pharmaceutical industries after leaving government service.

Brookline resident Phil told a similar tale. He must now tap into his retirement savings to pay for his prescription drugs and the numerous back surgeries he’s received due to a degenerative disc disease.

He said, “We’re pretty much getting to the end of the rope in that where we may have to sell our house, our dream house…We didn’t think we were struggling or whatever, we both had really nice jobs.”

After the discussion ended, Phil told me that Barack had inspired him to get involved in politics by volunteering in this election. “I grew up in Washington, DC and have never believed in the system,” he said, “but he’s honest, smart and wants to empower people to change things. I want to be a part of that.”

Next, Barack lit up a packed living room at a house party in Manchester. Worried that regular people are getting squeezed by the vise grip of special interests on our politics, the crowd asked Barack about affordable housing, cuts in education funding and curricula, and federal disaster relief preparedness.

In answering them, Barack displayed his detailed understanding of government. Barack said progress on the issues that matter to working families must start with fixing the system in Washington. Moreover, it would require inspiring a new generation to lend their talents, to see politics as a mission, not a game, and to make “government service cool again.”

Keith, an activist fighting homelessness here in Manchester, said, “Too many two-income families are struggling just to pay the bills, and no one seems to be able to get anything done on their behalf in the current climate in Washington.”

Keith asked Barack about the growing problem of homelessness and said that Barack “is on the right track because he gets in his gut how the broken system hurts average working Americans.”

Barack autographs a supporter's shirt in Manchester.

Senator Durbin Visits Manchester and Nashua

Michael Negron — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 10:17:53 EDT

Last weekend, the Obama campaign welcomed Senator Dick Durbin of Illinois to New Hampshire. Senator Durbin is himself a powerful national voice for change, and his relationship with Barack Obama pre-dates Barack’s first run for public office. Nearly 100 Granite Staters met with Senator Durbin at house parties in Nashua and Manchester on Saturday.

As Senate Assistant Majority Leader, Senator Durbin is extremely well-versed in the issues of the day, from farm subsidies to foreign policy to the effect of baseball rivalries on local politics. The crowd came not just to hear him speak, but to learn why he believes so passionately in Barack's call for real change.

Senator Durbin said:

When I came to Congress in ’82, I’d ask other Democratic members of Congress, 'How did you get here? What brought you here?' And almost without fail, that generation would say 'John Kennedy. When John Kennedy ran, I was in high school' or 'I was in college.' 'I did a little volunteer work then I worked for the organization then I ran for office.” It turned out that John Kennedy was like a permission slip, a generational change: now it’s our turn, now we’re gonna step up and we’re gonna help lead this country forward. And I see in Barack’s crowd the same faces and the same voices that John Kennedy saw in ‘60 and Robert Kennedy saw in ’68. It’s a feeling that this really is different, this really is change and we don’t want to miss this opportunity.

An Obama White House will restore America's image in the world, said Senator Durbin, because a President Obama would never hesitate to meet with our enemies to advance the national interest and work for peace. Barack showed real courage, Senator Durbin argued, in putting his political career on the line and opposing the Iraq war at a time when the majority of the country supported it.

At both stops, Senator Durbin took questions from audiences comprised of both supporters and undecided voters.

One undecided voter in the crowd, David M. from Amherst, viewed Barack's support from Congressman Hodes and Senator Durbin as a good indication of his values. The former Marine Colonel likes Barack's work on behalf of veterans and looked forward to hearing more about his views in the months to come.

Debbie R. from Manchester spoke with Senator Durbin about education and came away convinced that Obama and Durbin both share her emphasis on a rounded approach to teaching that goes beyond test scores.

Bob from Manchester, a former leading organizer for Illinois Senator Paul Simon's 1988 presidential campaign, felt inspired to see another inspirational Illinoisian on the campaign trail in New Hampshire.

After wrapping up his visits to Nashua and Manchester, Senator Durbin returned to our Manchester office to fire up the staff and sign one of the posts of support in the office.

Senator Durbin is a strong advocate for Barack's vision for change. He will return to the First in the Nation Primary State to continue making this case for Barack and for the future of our country.

Sharing French Fries with Barack

Tim Foley — Mon, 23 Jul 2007 12:43:10 EDT

On Friday, Barack made an unanticipated stop at Caesario's Pizza on Elm Street in Manchester. On a gorgeous summer day, he joked with the lunchtime crowd and made the kind of personal connection for which New Hampshire "retail politics" is famous.

Kicking the Tires

Michael Negron — Sat, 21 Jul 2007 16:10:04 EDT

Barack's two-day sweep through New Hampshire came to a close yesterday with a surprise visit to Caesario's for a slice of pizza and some old-fashioned retail politics. At every stop, he received warm welcomes and detailed questions from large crowds accustomed to, as Barack says, "kicking the tires" on presidential candidates. Judging from the energized crowds and numerous standing ovations during his visits to Sunapee, Hampton and Manchester, Barack passed these first inspections with flying colors.

Check out this video from Hampton:

The slideshow below has pics from each of Barack's stops:

Created with Paul's flickrSLiDR

A Next Generation Leader: Barack Hits Southern New Hampshire

Michael Negron — Fri, 20 Jul 2007 23:22:58 EDT

From his early days of opposition to the Iraq war to his place at the forefront of congressional efforts to bring our troops home, Barack has demonstrated consistent leadership on the defining issue of our day. After two weeks of continued debate in Washington ending in stalemate, Iraq remained on everyone’s mind as Barack visited the Granite State on Thursday and Friday

Sunapee

Barack’s visit began in Sunapee, for a lakefront ice cream social. As more than 500 people waited for Barack’s arrival, I spoke with Michael R., a former U.S. Marine and Iraq war veteran who had spent the 2004 election in Fallujah.

Michael brought his Purple Heart medal with him, hoping to catch Barack’s eye after the event for a one-on-one conversation. Having challenged visiting presidential candidates that supported the war in question-and-answer settings since the campaign season began, Michael felt encouraged by Barack’s early opposition and came to hear the Senator's plan to end the war.

Carrying his medal in a red leather folder, Michael handed it to Barack and shared his thoughts about his combat experience.

Hampton

The next morning, the gymnasium of the Marston Elementary School in Hampton filled to capacity with over 600 attendees. The morning rain left the gymnasium hot and muggy, but the crowd welcomed Barack with energy.

Barack received enthusiastic applause for urging the crowd to pressure their Republicans senators to vote to end the war in Iraq.

Manchester

The sun came out from under the clouds for Barack’s last stop in Manchester, where he spoke before nearly 700 in the Queen City’s historic millyard.

Anne from Concord, after thanking Barack for “decoupling the war in Iraq from the war on terror,” asked him about his plans to defuse violent extremism. With clarity and force, Barack promised to double American foreign aid and devote attention to providing the millions of children exposed to radicalism in madrasas throughout the Islamic world due to lack of better educational options.

Barack closed the trip with a promise to keep faith with America’s veterans, taking the Bush Administration to task its failure to honor service members.

Another successful sweep through New Hampshire completed, Barack lingered to shake a more hands on his way out. As the crowd converged on Barack to catch a glimpse and say a few words, I caught up with Francis Warman, who had used the time for his question to treat Barack and the crowd to a musical interlude.

“I’m a product of the 60s and he is just such a break from the fights my generation seems to keep reliving,” he said, “this generational schism, I believe, helped us repeat the mistakes of Vietnam by going into Iraq… It’ll take someone like Barack, who transcends those generational fights, to heal these old wounds.”

Barack's 15th visit to Iowa

Nick Kimball — Sun, 15 Jul 2007 02:25:34 EDT

Barack ended today with a stop at the 1st Congressional District Democrats workshop at Northeast Community College in Peosta.

He spoke to a couple hundred of the most active activists in the 1st. It was the “rabble rousers, the organizers,” he said. And Barack was on his game, which shouldn’t be too surprising because his roots are in grassroots organizing.

Having passed up more lucrative gigs on Wall St. after college and law school, Barack moved to Chicago to work on the front lines, helping communities organize in the wake of devastating plant closings.

As Barack got to Northeast Community College today, there was a crowd waiting to greet him. And who was among the crowd? None other than the Obama Llama!

All four of today’s events were excellent. The crowds were fired up. The weather was beautiful. And Barack seemed to feed off the energy.

Be sure to check out our blog coverage from each of today’s events:

And be sure to take a look at all the pictures from today on our Flickr account. You can also see pictures there from previous events from all over the state. The account is updated frequently, so bookmark it and check back!

Thanks to everyone who commented throughout the day. It’s great to get feedback. Please feel free to leave your thoughts any time.

We’re going to try to keep doing this live-blogging thing as often as possible when Barack is in Iowa. Hopefully, it helps you get a feel for Barack even when you’re not at our events in person. If you have ideas on how to improve our coverage of these events, leave your advice in the comments!

Barack at West Delware Middle School in Manchester

Nick Kimball — Sat, 14 Jul 2007 15:50:06 EDT

After a few wrong turns on my way out of Elkader, and a pretty big detour on Hwy 13, I made it to West Delaware Middle School in Manchester. We’re right across the street from the Delaware County Fairgrounds, where they’ve got some festivities going on right now.

The lighting in the gym isn’t quite as good as it was outside so my pictures aren’t turning out as well.

Barack is tackling a question on the separation of church and state right now. His faith is deeply important to him. He’s saying faith can help shape our values but it shouldn’t be the sole basis for public policy. And, he says, we shouldn’t ignore science because of faith.

I just heard that the final count for attendance in Elkader was about 350 people. I’d say it’s a fairly similar number of folks here in Manchester.

Like I said earlier, this is Barack’s 15th stop in Iowa and he’s made it to 34 of Iowa’s 99 counties. That’s pretty impressive just five months in to the campaign!

The AP has posted a write up from today's Oelwein event already, check it out here:

Obama: Shift troops to fight al-Qaida
By MIKE GLOVER, Associated Press Writer
OELWEIN, Iowa - The U.S. should shift troops from Iraq to pursue al-Qaida along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama said Saturday.
He said President Bush's war-fighting policies have left the United States at greater risk from terrorists. The first-term Illinois senator said decisions by the Republican president had allowed Osama bin Laden and his deputies to elude capture.
"We cannot win a war against the terrorists if we're on the wrong battlefield," Obama said. "America must urgently begin deploying from Iraq and take the fight more effectively to the enemy's home by destroying al-Qaida's leadership along the Afghan-Pakistan border, eliminating their command and control networks and disrupting their funding."

Check back later today for more pictures from today’s events!

Hunger for Real Change is Growing

Michael Negron — Sun, 24 Jun 2007 11:11:11 EDT

Rave reviews of Friday's speech keeping coming in as Barack's call for reform continues to strike a nerve. Watch CNN's coverage of the speech and check out the reactions below.

Vermonter at MyDD wrote:

Obama's pledge to enact bold ethics reforms on his first day as President solidifies his standing as the candidate most committed to bringing increased transparency to the business of government.

Greg Sargent at TPM Cafe reported:

A top official at [Ralph Nader's Public Citizen] just told me that he sees Barack Obama -- who, last time we checked, was a Democrat -- as a very reliable ally in trying to accomplish the group's goals.

Chuck Hotchkiss from Durham watched the speech from the audience and exclaimed: “I’m thrilled that he so clearly recognizes the threat posed by the increasing inequality of wealth and influence to the very foundation of our democracy.”

Watch footage of BuckeyeState Blog's interview with MyBO members Erin Thesing and Robert Friedlander:

Watch the speech in its entirety on our website.

Our Government is Not for Sale

Michael Negron — Fri, 22 Jun 2007 12:59:03 EDT

In Manchester today, Barack pledged to take his lifelong commitment to a more open and accountable government to the White House. Read the full speech and get the specifics of his plan.

He pledged to take action on his first day in office, enacting a specific set of initiatives that will fundamentally change the way Washington works.

Barack’s speech fired up the New Hampshire audience and really opened some eyes.

Manchester native and My.BarackObama.com (MyBO) member Kevin Gray loved Barack’s plan to place legislation on the White House website for review and comment by the public for five days before signing. “That’ll really demystify the lawmaking process and help people like me see through the press release, news media-filtered version of these laws,” he said.

Erin Thesing, another MyBO member in the audience, left feeling excited about the prospect of an Obama Administration. The Hopkinton resident gushed, “This will really open up government and help push aside the lobbyist roadblocks preventing us from getting stuff done.”

Judy Erickson, a retired social worker from Concord, added that Barack, “continues to inspire hope for me that the hours I spend volunteering at the Concord office each week will make a small difference in helping this leader bring government within the reach of people like me.”

Check back tomorrow for additional reaction to Barack’s speech from here in New Hampshire and around the Internet.

Last Saturday's Canvassing in Manchester NH

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

Manchester, NH. May 19th 2007.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

NH Opens Obama Headquarters

Isaac — Wed, 21 Mar 2007 07:17:53 EDT

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

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

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

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

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

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

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