Posts with the tag moveon

The Whole Truth: Obama's Tax Rate Much Lower than Reagan's

N. Julio Barthson - E-Campaign Leader — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 21:47:16 EDT

DISCLAIMER: Organizing for America does not work with, nor has endorsed the political activities of, MoveOn.org. The following post is an individual initiative to share with my readers a message from MoveOn that I personally believe is very much in line with the efforts by Organizing for America and the original memebers of Obama for America to help President Obama solve our nation's economic problems and set us back on the path to prosperity.

Stephen Views the News March 5, 2009

Stephen from Elkins Park, PA — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 21:31:54 EST

Stephen Views the News March 5, 2009

http://stephenviewsthenews.blogspot.com/

* Sitting Shiva – This is not a reference to one of the supreme Hindu gods, often depicted meditating in the lotus position. The term is used in the context of Jewish tradition. It denotes a one week period of grief and mourning following the burial of a deceased, when family members gather in one place and receive visitors. I thought of this tradition as the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) held its annual coven in Washington D.C. last week. What is now the heart, core and soul of the Republican Party gathered to… well, I am not sure. Some of the leading speakers included Ann Coulter, Joe the Plumber and the whining star of the gathering, Rush Limbaugh, spokes model for the Republican/Conservative movement in America. The CPAC attendees desperately cling to an ideology launched in the Ronald Regan years that ultimately imploded during the George W. Bush years. The most recent incarnation of conservatism has been abandoned by the vast majority of the American people. The abandonment was not capricious. It earned its demise by yielding utter and complete failure. Let me count the ways:

Anti-unionism, unregulated free markets, deficit spending stapled to tax cuts for the wealthy, denial of science, ignorance of the needs of a deteriorating infrastructure, unconstitutional merging of church and state, abandonment of the needy and less fortunate in our society, policies that encourage greed and corruption, encouragement of a neocon philosophy that preaches preemptive war and imperialism and the promulgation that health care is a privilege, not a right. This is by far a complete list. I am confident that history will write a more comprehensive account of this movement that we now mourn and which has left us with considerable grief and bereavement.

How wide is the disconnect between CPAC ideologues and Main Street America? The Republican response to President Obama’s address to congress is telling. The person chosen to present the “other side” was Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal. Frank Rich, writing for the NY Times, made the following observation: “But like all zealots, Jindal is oblivious to how non-zealots see him. Pleading “principle,” he has actually turned down some $100 million in stimulus money for Louisiana. And, as he proudly explained on “Meet the Press”, he can’t wait to be judged on “the results” of his heroic frugality. The state of Louisiana ranks fourth in children living below the poverty line and 46th in high school graduation rates. The well-being of the majority of Americans was never a consideration of Reagan or Bush or Bush. The well-being of the “royalty” of society was the premise and the policy. The ultimate widespread failure of the policies is apparent to almost anyone not part of the CPAC clique. Governor Jindal, you are far from being a hero AND you do not walk among heroes.

* The Guiding Light of hypocrisy ~ I was against it before I did it even though I am against it – Few can forget the homophobic Colorado mega-church pastor Ted Haggart resigning in disgrace when it was revealed that he was having a homosexual affair. It is even easier to remember vocally anti-gay Idaho Senator Larry Craig attempting to drop his Fruit of the Looms in a public restroom. It should come as no surprise that a recent study found that conservative states in the union, the Red states that want to ban the sale of vibrators, dildos and sexually explicit material, have a higher incidence of visiting pornography sites on the internet than the citizens of the heathen Blue states. “Those states that do consume the most porn tend to be more conservative and religious than states with lower levels of consumption, the study finds… Eight of the top 10 pornography consuming states gave their electoral votes to John McCain in last year's presidential election.” I have often wondered how the holy rollers know what I should not be doing in the privacy of my own home. They certainly cannot be accused of not doing their homework. Now, just shut up and take a cold shower!

* Cynics of Green Energy ~ naysayers say no more – If anyone still believes that green energy solutions are impractical, unaffordable or unrealistic the prophets of profitability, also known as the Mafia, have spoken. “Italian police… arrested mobsters, businessmen and local politicians who allegedly used corrupt practices and bribes to gain control of a project to build wind farms in Sicily… Police in Trapani said the local Mafia bribed city officials in nearby Mazara del Vallo so the town would invest in wind farms to produce energy.” When the Mafia assumes the roll of lobbyist it is pretty certain that the business venture makes cents (sic). We are not talking about pie-in-the-sky idealists. Where is America’s own Al Capone when we need him?

* Drug efficacy ~ serious side effects – Last week, and on many previous occasions, I have noted evidence of congressman selling their vote to special interests. This week we learn about another hooker in pinstripes and silk cravat posing as a U.S. Senator. “The pharmaceutical industry that long has benefited from Sen. Orrin G. Hatch´s (R-UT) legislative efforts has directed large sums of money to a charity he helped found - and still raises money for - while also hiring the Republican lawmaker's son as a lobbyist.” This week our government begins exploring ways to reduce the outrageous cost of health care in America. Unless the decision makers such as Hatch are publicly and broadly exposed for their financially symbiotic relationship with the special interests that play a significant role in the high cost of health care, the American healthcare system and the economy will remain on life support. Ostensibly, Hatch represents the citizens of Utah. Among his extra-state constituents are pharmaceutical companies Pfizer, GlaxoSmithKline, Schering-Plough Corp., Eli Lilly and Co., Barr Pharmaceuticals, AstraZeneca Pharm LP, and Sepracor. Other Hatch “constituents” include medical equipment suppliers and health care providers. I suggest that the next time you want to write a letter to your congressman, drop it off at your pharmacy. It will get there faster.

* Taxpayers ambushed ~ the cavalry is coming – It was announced this week that the Obama administration will overhaul how government contracts are awarded that would save about $40 billion dollars a year. The new rules “would make it more difficult for contractors to bilk taxpayers and make some half-trillion dollars in federal contracts each year more accessible to independent contractors.” This would be a refreshing change to no bid, no oversight contracts. Such policy reached its nadir in Iraq where billions of U.S. dollars were funneled through insider private no-bid contractors – much of it unaccounted for, much of it wasted on projects never completed or completed projects that are unsafe and in disrepair. To complete the picture, many of these same private contractors are U.S. companies that set up off-shore corporations to avoid paying U.S. taxes. If Obama can have an impact on what we now know has been a pervasive breakdown in our federal government, my November vote will have been well cast.

* We can have a lead role in oversight ~ the audition is now – “For every foreclosure in a neighborhood, home values drop by an estimated 1%. Credit Suisse says that if judges have the ability to write down mortgages, it will stem the tide of foreclosures by 20% and it won't cost the taxpayers a single dime… President Obama says that allowing bankruptcy judges to write down mortgages is an important part of his plan to arrest the downward spiral of the foreclosure crisis.” HOWEVER, corporation-favoring Republican and Democratic members of Congress and bank lobbyists are trying to stop that. The banks want to unload their bad loans on taxpayers. We should not let this happen. The website Firedoglake.com is providing a petition to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi demanding that bankruptcy judges be allowed to write down mortgages. Pelosi and congress gave in to the banks and their lobbyists in 2007 when this idea was first proposed. If more and more citizens voice their opposition to “Congress for Sale” there is some chance that our democratic process will avoid total bankruptcy. If we do nothing, then nothing is what will be accomplished. Below is the comment I made on the petition that I signed:

It is beyond time that citizens take back our government - a government that our elected representatives sold to the highest bidders. If you refuse to represent the interests of the American people then we will work to ensure that you experience the unemployment line. Yes - that long line that your sellout to special interests helped create. Congress is draped in disgrace and the American people are suffering the consequences. Perhaps it is poetic justice since we elected you. Shame on all of us!

* Being our own lobbyists - President Barack Obama said: "the special interests and lobbyists ... I know they're gearing up for a fight as we speak. My message to them is this: So am I." One of the tasks and great challenges that Obama is taking on is health care reform. The special interests and lobbyists present major opposition and will attempt to influence the Obama administration and congress. One of the ways that the American people’s interests and voices can be heard on health care reform is through petition. Congress must know that we are paying attention and have expectations. MoveOn.org is providing a petition that will be sent to your representative and senators. Over 200,000 concerned citizens have already signed the petition. If you are concerned about the state of your own health care, the future health care of your children as well as the tremendous drain that the current system has on our economy, you may want to add your name. Consumers Union provides a similar petition.

* It is said that power corrupts, but actually it's more true that power attracts the corruptible. The sane are usually attracted by other things than power.” David Brin

“Corruption and hypocrisy ought not to be inevitable products of democracy, as they undoubtedly are today” Mahatma Gandhi

Miami Beach MoveOn "Fired Up and Ready to Go" gathering

Dave Patlak — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 13:34:45 EST

Miami Beach MoveOn "Fired Up and Ready to Go" gathering (Meeting)Miami Beach MoveOn "Fired Up and Ready to Go" gathering
at Tap Tap Hatian Restaurant, 819 5th Street, Miami Beach
20 Nov , 06:30 PM
It's clear that MoveOn members are fired up and ready to go! So we've decided to hold "Fired up and ready to go" gatherings in every community next Thursday, November 20th. We'll get together to celebrate our big win, brainstorm next steps for our organizing, and kick off our efforts to help Obama make bold, progressive changes.

RSVP: http://pol.moveon.org/event/firedup/85365Time:Thursday, November 20 from 6:30 PM - 7:30 PMHost:David PatlakLocation:Tap Tap Hatian Restaurant (Miami Beach, FL)819 5th Street
1st floor meeting room
Miami Beach, FL 33139Directions:Take I-395 EAST from I-95/SR-836 toward Miami Beach. MacArthur Causeway becomes 5th Street in Miami Beach. Make a U-TURN at Meridian Avenue. 819 5th Street is on the RIGHT. Park on 4th or 6th Streets or Meridian or Jefferson Avenues.

Free Obama button, free shipping! Over 2 million ordered.

Captain in Chicago — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 18:48:28 EDT

Free Obama button, free shipping: https://pol.moveon.org/obamabuttons/?rc=homepage

Free Obama/Biden oval sticker, free shipping: https://pol.moveon.org/barackstickers/

Get yours today and show where you stand.

Today: Emailed and called a new contact about finding housing for MoveOn trainees coming to Chicago later this month. Invited three people to join mybarackobama.com. Edited and uploaded photos from Tuesday's calling party event for attendees to see.

Free Obama T-shirt from American Apparel and MoveOn.org!

Captain in Chicago — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 01:20:43 EDT

500,000 Young Voters for Obama (click me, I'm a link) »

We're spinning up a massive program to register half a million young voters in swing states. If you donate $12 or more to help get this program going, we'll send you a hip Obama T-shirt for free, with free shipping, too.

Donate & get your T-shirt (click me, I'm a link) »

-- from MoveOn.org

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

See another shot of the T-shirt on someone's Flickr »

Democracy is not a spectator sport. Volunteer today to help put Senator Obama in the White House. There is too much at stake to sit on the sidelines!

Today: Attended three-hour MoveOn.org calling party for Obama -- called Democrats in Midwestern swing states and asked them to step up and volunteer at their local campaign office. Took photos at party. Emailed two people and asked them to donate a small amount through my fundraising page. Invited several people to join mybarackobama.com.

Don't just complain, join the campaign!

Captain in Chicago — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 00:33:07 EDT

According to the A.C. Nielsen Co., the average American watches more than 28 hours of TV each week. If you haven't yet volunteered to help the campaign, can you find one hour a week to help Obama win this election? C'mon, just one hour a week?

You can use this web site to locate volunteer opportunities and activities.

How about writing a short letter to the editor of your newspaper? Reference one of their recent articles on the campaign or a candidate, and tell the editor what you think of it. You can do this from home in 20 minutes.

You could take a friend or family member and spend a couple hours on a Saturday afternoon helping register voters. It's fun and rewarding.

Not working? Sign up to be a Nov. 4 election judge in a local precinct.

Two evenings a week, spend 30 minutes making phone calls for the campaign.

Get involved through MoveOn.org. I've volunteered with them on two previous elections. They are very well organized.

Attend a rally or potluck for Obama with other people in your area.

Think of what is at stake here. There are tons of different ways you can help. So come on, pick one and just do it. Every single volunteer makes a difference, and together we can change this country for the better by putting Barack Obama in the White House.

Democracy is not a spectator sport. With your help, Yes We Can win this election!

MoveOn at Ten

Chinni — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 16:18:12 EDT

MoveOn at Ten
By Christopher Hayes - July 16, 2008

..Perhaps the most damning criticism leveled at MoveOn is that by creating a clear and easy outlet for people's frustration and angst, the organization delivers people a false sense of accomplishment. In other words, MoveOn can be tremendously successful without being effective. Consider the vaunted petition, MoveOn's bread and butter. In 1998 a petition with 100,000 signatures would make any politician sit up and take notice, but over time the value has been degraded as more organizations have learned how to leverage the Internet..
..But the episode highlighted the difficulty of the situation MoveOn increasingly finds itself in. Over ten years the organization has developed a reliably confrontational posture toward the Republicans in power. It's a necessary feature of an organization that needs to raise money constantly, a rational reaction to the GOP's debased leadership and the expression of a deep and genuine sentiment among its silent majority members, who have simply had enough. But the frustrations of the past two years with a Democratic Congress struggling to deliver any of the things MoveOn members want have served as a teachable moment. In interviews with nearly two dozen of MoveOn's regional coordinators, when I asked what they saw as MoveOn's role in a future Democrat-dominated Washington, they gave without exception the same answer: hold the politicians accountable. "One of their mottoes that really resonates with me is that democracy is not a spectator sport," says Sandy Tracy, the retired schoolteacher. "Average people have elected their officials and sent them off and let them be. We're now paying the price for that."..

McCain's Economic Solution

Elizabeth — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 19:18:21 EDT

Breaking News! McCain has solved America's economic crisis. This 'interesting' video shows how McCain plans to attack our problems "psychologically." Does he want to be a president or psychologist? Is he qualified to be either one? Enjoy, we all need a laugh now and then.

Iraq: The beginning of the End? - Post from MoveOn & Obama Speech Cite

RhOrdway — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 18:27:17 EDT

Friends, the following was received today from MoveOn.org and I am posting it to share the information. At the bottom you will find a link to access Barack Obama's speech earlier today. All my best, Rhonda

Dear MoveOn member,

Three big things happened on Iraq this week. They could mean the beginning of the end of the war.

But since the media have mostly ignored them, I wanted to make sure you saw what's going on.

Here's the scoop:

Iraqis want U.S. Troops out. No one was expecting Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki to speak up in favor of withdrawal—after all, he's close with the Bush administration. But with elections in Iraq coming up, and a great majority of Iraqis opposed to a prolonged U.S. occupation, Maliki can't afford to toe the Bush line. So he's surprised everyone by standing up this week for a timetable for troop withdrawals and a date certain to end the war. The LA Times headline reads, "Iraqi prime minister advocates withdrawal timeline."1

As a result, the "endless war agreement" Bush has been pushing fell through. Since January, hundreds of thousands of us pushed Congress to stand up to President Bush's proposed treaty with Iraq, which would have tied the next President's hands and made it much harder to get out. This week, the Washington Post reported that that agreement has fallen through—Iraqi leaders are putting their feet down and demanding a much shorter agreement.2

And now even the Pentagon is considering faster timelines. According to reporter Michael Hirsh at Newsweek, "a forthcoming Pentagon-sponsored report" will recommend a big drawdown of troops—suggesting "that U.S. forces be reduced to as few as 50,000 by the spring of 2009, down from about 150,000 now."3

In other words, it's now clear: Most Americans are for a timeline, and so are most Iraqis. And even experts in the Pentagon agree.

For his part, Barack Obama is using these developments to hammer home the point that John McCain and President Bush are now isolated in their resistance to any kind of timeline for withdrawal. He wrote an Op-Ed in the New York Times yesterday that reaffirmed his commitment to a timeline that would have all combat troops out of Iraq in 16 months.

It concludes, "Unlike Senator McCain, I would make it absolutely clear that we seek no presence in Iraq similar to our permanent bases in South Korea. . . [F]or far too long, those responsible for the greatest strategic blunder in the recent history of American foreign policy have ignored useful debate in favor of making false charges about flip-flops and surrender. It's not going to work this time. It's time to end this war."4

It's important that we all work to get the word out about these developments. You can even start by just forwarding this email. Most Americans still don't know that the Iraqis want us out. And that may be the single most important fact to share at this point in time.

I'm always shocked when someone points out that it's been six years since we first started working together to prevent an Iraq war. This week, we're turning a corner in that fight. Bush's permanent war agreement has fallen through. The Iraqi politicians are speaking up. And if we keep working together, we just might see the remaining holdouts in Washington coming around as well.

Thanks for all you do,

–Eli Pariser

PS. Minutes ago, Barack Obama finished making a major speech on Iraq and foreign policy. Here's how he described the Bush-McCain approach:

George Bush and John McCain don't have a strategy for success in Iraq—they have a strategy for staying in Iraq. They said we couldn't leave when violence was up, they say we can't leave when violence is down. They refuse to press the Iraqis to make tough choices, and they label any timetable to redeploy our troops "surrender," even though we would be turning Iraq over to a sovereign Iraqi government—not to a terrorist enemy. Theirs is an endless focus on tactics inside Iraq, with no consideration of our strategy to face threats beyond Iraq's borders.

You can read the speech here:

http://www.moveon.org/r?r=3939&id=13247-9214852-zR1aCex&t=1

Sources:

1. "Iraqi prime minister advocates withdrawal timetable," Los Angeles Times, July 8, 2008.
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=3940&id=13247-9214852-zR1aCex&t=2

2. "U.S., Iraq Scale Down Negotiations Over Forces," Washington Post, July 13, 2008.
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=3941&id=13247-9214852-zR1aCex&t=3

3. "Who Says Less Troops?," Newsweek, July 21, 2008.
http://www.newsweek.com/id/145848

4. "My Plan for Iraq," Barack Obama, New York Times, July 14, 2008.

http://www.moveon.org/r?r=3942&id=13247-9214852-zR1aCex&t=4

FISA, Dissing Moveon, Throwing Clark Under the Bus... It's a Bad Scene.

valkyrie607 — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 01:18:22 EDT

This is exactly the kind of behavior that Hillary displayed that made me want to vote for Obama.

I used to have good reasons for voting for Obama. I would tell people, "Here's a guy who actually has the skills and political acumen to challenge the fairy tale the mainstream media spins about Democrats and national security."

What, you don't know the fairy tale? It goes like this:

"Once upon a time, a Very Bad Thing called 9/11 happened. Fortunately, the manly, strong leader named Bush was in charge (never mind what he was doing right before) and so he started not one, but TWO wars to get revenge on the dirty, freedom-hating (and oh-so-incidentally, Muslim) terrorists who did this Very Bad Thing. Not only that, but he started spying on people--all kinds of people! even Americans!--to find out what those nasty terrorists were doing. The fact that starting those wars and spying on people were illegal under international and domestic law only shows how tough and manly President Bush really is. If there were another terrorist attack, it would only go to show that we didn't start enough wars, torture enough foreigners, and spy on enough Americans to really get the job done. Anyone (cough! Democrats! cough!) who DOESN'T want to start wars illegally and spy on law-abiding Americans is a pussy-whipped pinko pansy. The end."

Anyway, I had seen Obama challenging this ridiculous narrative, and pointing out, as I believe is right to do, that declaring preemptive wars, violating civil rights, and torturing POWs (whatever you call them) makes us less safe. Indeed, not only is this the morally superior position, it is also, in my humble opinion, a winning strategy. I base that opinion on the fact that most Americans don't want their government spying on them, don't want their government torturing people, and don't want their troops bogged down in a civil war in a country that never attacked America.

Then again, this election isn't about what most Americans want, is it? My cynicism took a brief hiatus for Obama's rise to the nomination, but with his rightward shift, now it's back again. Once again, we are seeing that the Democratic party is controlled by people whose interests are completely alien to the interests of the people who give them their votes. The trick is to market the party to us, the people, then, once it's in the bag, get back to the business of America, which is business, i.e., protecting the ruinous profits of corporations which exploit people here and abroad, and trash the environment, all for a quick buck. In order to do this, it's necessary to do exactly what Obama's been doing: distance yourself from the Democratic base that got you into power, and define their interests as the interests of crazy, kooky, far-left radicals.

So now Obama is aiding and abetting that process, whereby people who care about the rule of law and protecting the constitution are characterized as crazy lefty radicals. Just great.

There's a lot at stake in this election. This may be our last chance to lower CO2 levels before something drastic and irreversible happens to the global climate. The wars in Iraq, in Afghanistan, and pray it doesn't happen, in Iran. Need I mention the Supreme Court?

Vote for Obama, folks! Be disappointed, be angry, hold your nose, and vote for him! At the very least, we will have a politician in charge who is ever so slightly beholden to us progressives and our interests. Do not give up fighting! But don't stay home in November!

Obama criticizes MoveOn.org in patriotism speech

Paul B — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 15:29:38 EDT

By Klaus Marre Posted: 06/30/08 12:43 PM [ET] Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama on Monday, in a major speech on patriotism, criticized MoveOn.org for referring to Gen. David Petraeus as General Betray Us last year.

The Illinois senator said politics too often seems “trapped in old, threadbare arguments” that he called “caricatures of left and right.”

Fox News Media Bias

Charlie — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 12:20:23 EDT

MoveOn.org's latest post about the anti-Obama biasof Fox News, including references to his race and his 'moslem' name, are an outrage. (See below if you missed it)

I don't watch Fox News, but it would be really useful if we could compile a list of advertisers who support this outrage. They should be 'swarmed' with negative emails, until they threaten to pull their ads.

Money is the language that Fox must understand. We can send petitions to Fox until the cows come hme, but to get action we have to hit them in the Wallet!

QUOTE
FOX has really gone over the line this past month--using racism, prejudice, and fear to smear Barack Obama. Each time they apologize--then they do it again.

First, a paid FOX commentator accidentally confused "Obama" with "Osama" and then joked on the air about killing Obama. Next, a FOX anchor said a playful fist pound by Barack and Michelle Obama could be a "terrorist fist jab." And then, FOX called Michelle Obama "Obama's baby mama"--slang used to describe the unmarried mother of a man's child.

FOX won't stop until it becomes too painful to continue--until the public calls them out and advertisers start getting worried. Nearly 100,000 Americans have already expressed their outrage. Can you express yours by adding your name to his message?
UNQUOTE

With friends like these...

Larry — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 01:17:32 EDT

I think we can all agree that immunizing the telecommunication companies for any past or future crimes is reprehensible. It is also likely that the reason for Democratic support of this bill on the hill is that many Senators and Congressmen knowingly allowed the lawbreaking to occur. Passage is a Cover Your Ass measure not just for the Telco's and The White House but also for members of Congress.

Today MoveOn.org distributed a mailing to it's supporters (of which I can be counted) demanding that Sen. Obama filibuster the FISA bill that is now in the Senate if the telecom immunity provisions are not removed.

The problem here is that we all live in the real world - a world where if Sen. Obama is seen to be taking orders from MoveOn.org or DailyKos then he looses credibility. It doesn't really matter what the right thing to do is at that point. The republicans, assisted by the main stream media, will start their engines and proclaim from now until election day how Sen. Obama is not a leader. They will say - what happens if America gets attacked and MoveOn demands that President Obama negotiate with the attacker as cities burn. Tell me it won't get that ridiculous.

But more importantly than that - if the message of the campaign is that it cannot be owned by the special interests, the reason why public financing was bypassed, then MoveOn must be looked at as a special interest as well. It does not matter that they are on our side.

MoveOn.org should know better. In this election climate, when everything a candidate does, when everyone a candidate associates with is judged by thoses voters who are not definiately in your column - This was a blunder. They have forgotten that MoveOn is not exactly the white knight of the undecided voter. They should be working the Senate, working the campaign behind the scenes, educating the public!

They are forgetting that in order for Sen. Obama to show his leadership - he has to be elected!

With friends like these...who needs enemies.

Fun at Sunday's MoveOn.org Bakesale

Robert — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 00:39:22 EDT

This past Sunday at 11:30a I met up with a group, most of whom had never met before, for a bakesale in support of MoveOn.org's efforts to get Barack elected. The organizer, Ilona, had already set up a table and by the time we were all done, it was brimming with ginger cookies, many kinds of chocolate-chip cookies, a plum crisp, brownies, and much more.

Lots of people stuck around after everything was set up, most chatting about how they had put off baking until late the night before, in order to avoid the heat. Many took a turn working behind the table, which was mobbed at times by people coming back from the Temescal Farmer's Market and the Pool. Business was brisk, especially after two girls showed up with fresh lemonade! They clearly had lots of experience, as part of their set-up involved putting colorful chalk signs on the sidewalks leading to the bake- and drink-sale.

I hope we get to do this again. It was both fun, and successful. We raised $530 within a couple hours!

MoveOn Closes 527 In Response to Obama

Jason — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 13:05:27 EDT

This from talkingpointsmemo.com

MoveOn, the advocacy group supporting Barack Obama, has decided to permanently shutter its 527 operation, partly in response to the Illinois Senator's insistence that such groups should not spend on his behalf during the general election, I've learned from the group's spokesperson.
MoveOn's decision, which will dramatically impact the way it raises money on Obama's behalf, is yet another sign of how rapidly Obama is taking control of the apparatus that's gearing up on his behalf.
By shuttering its 527, MoveOn is effectively killing its ability to raise money in huge chunks from labor unions, foundations, and big donors who would give over $5,000. The decision doesn't mean MoveOn will stop spending on Obama's behalf. Instead it will raise money exclusively with its political action committee, whose average donation is below $50 and will even be raising money with things like bake sales starting this weekend.
The move could also make it tougher politically for John McCain and the GOP to benefit from 527s, which can raise money in unlimited sums, on his side. While he has generally disapproved of such activity, he recently said that he couldn't control negative ads by such groups.

"The hope is that Republicans will match this, so that the voices of ordinary Americans can drive this election," Hogue said.

MoveOn's "Not Alex" Ad

Fred - Team Liaison - Smyrna-Vinings — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 15:24:05 EDT

MoveOn's latest ad, titled "Not Alex" is another take on McCain's "stay in Iraq 100+ years" comments. While I think some versions of criticism of McCain for these comments miss the mark and overplay the hand, I think this latest ad is an interesting angle to take -- though it may not be direct enough. It's a heart-string-puller, to be sure, but the core of it is the real problem with McCain's stance, which is "With what military?!"

McCain is trying to squirrel out of his "100+ years" comments by drawing comparisons (variously) to post-war Germany, Japan, South Korea, Kuwait, etc. But, what that "answer" misses out on is that our military is at its lowest enlistment and morale levels in modern history -- and maybe of all time -- and is already spread too thin by things like worldwide presence in the very places McCain is trying to say, "Hey, we did it there, so why not one more place?" What MoveOn is responding with is a nuanced answer to that: you'd have to be counting on "Alex" and others for generations to come, and at this point you cannot count on families to support yet another long-term foreign presence on top of all the other ones we've already got, and especially for a purpose in which we do not collectively believe.

So, I'd say it's a pretty good ad, but I do wish it could be a little more direct. I know the confines of a 30-second clip restrict the amount of details you can give, but I think a nice change would be some direct response. Just come out and say it: "McCain's belief that our military can support yet another long-term foreign presence is based on old-school thinking, is out of touch with the majority of Americans, and assumes that generations of Americans are going to volunteer for military service at levels they simply may not be willing to do -- in large part because of the mistaken policies that McCain wants to prolong." I'm pretty sure you can say that in under 30 seconds.

Ladies and Gentlemen, start your ovens!

Shawn — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 13:47:01 EDT

I got an email from MoveOn that there will be a bake sale this Saturday 6/21 at the Plaza in Socorro. I plan to bake up some goodies and be there for it. I hope you can help out by baking, helping, or just stopping by. Hope to see you there!

Dear MoveOn Member,

This weekend, we're kicking off a history-making general election season with an event for the ages: nationwide "Hungry for Change" bake sales to raise money for MoveOn's innovative (and massive!) campaign to help elect Barack Obama and other progressives this fall.

And everybody's chipping in to make this the biggest bake sale in history. There are grandparents making pecan pies and young kids selling sweets and lemonade. Heck, my mom's even whipping up her famous oatmeal tea cookies!

These bake sales are one of the easiest and most fun ways to set progressives up for victory this fall. Can you help out by bringing something yummy to sell at the bake sale in Socorro?
Here are the details:

Host: Francie D—fellow MoveOn member
Where: On the Plaza in Socorro (in Socorro)
When: Saturday, Jun. 21, 2008, at 7:00 AM

And here's the link to RSVP and tell the host what you're bringing:
http://pol.moveon.org/event/events/event.html?event_id=47854&id=12888-5266779-tLHMFzx&t=5
The money we raise will go to our cutting-edge campaign to elect Obama—and win enough seats in the House and Senate to give him the votes he needs to end the war, pass universal health care, and make real progress on the issues we fight so hard for.

Even if you can't bake something, please sign up today to help staff the table, print out signs, or just come by to get dessert and meet some fellow MoveOn members. This event should be a blast—folks are still raving about how much fun the bake sales were in '04—so you definitely don't want to miss it.

Hope to see you this weekend, and thank for all that you do.

Hungry for Change - Bake Sale

RhOrdway — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 17:20:55 EDT

Hi all! Through MoveOn.org I have signed up to help bring goodies to a bake sale in my area.
Pipers Run Apartments Lake oswego
Saturday, 21 Jun 2008, 1:00 PM

Looking forward to helping out and meeting people to talk about electing Barack Obama president! If you are local to the Portland, Oregon area, come by and bring some cookies or stop by to buy something. Send me a message if you want more info on how to contact the host.

Obama "Brand" Too Strong?

Fred - Team Liaison - Smyrna-Vinings — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 10:46:46 EDT

I was just listening to POTUS '08 on XM, and heard an analyst posing the question of whether or not Obama's "brand" might be too strong. His theory was that since Barack has been doing such a great job of raising money and tapping into everyone's excitement, that the other places for them to focus their money and energy might be suffering. The specific example he used was MoveOn, saying that perhaps Obama was siphoning off excitement and funds.

I have to say, my first reaction to this is, "Fine with me." While I think MoveOn and other progressive-minded organizations can do some good in the general election, I much prefer the idea of Barack and his campaign directing money and activity more than any other organization. In fact, I think this actually better fits with Barack's overall approach to campaigning, candidate responsibility for messaging, etc. If he and his trusted advisors/associates are in direct control of what's being said and done, so much the better.

I do think that as individuals max out their contributions to the general election fund that MoveOn and groups like them will be the beneficiaries of whatever is left. And, that might be great, too, because of the official Obama campaign can get in front of the 527s who want to support it, then Barack can set the tone, define himself, and define McCain in the ways HE prefers and then the 527s can follow his lead instead of blazing their own trails -- ones with which Barack might not personally agree nor think are optimal.

Lying isn't Perjury

Citizen — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 03:35:34 EDT

I'm not sure where this myth came from that criminals cannot profit from their criminal activity.

First, there are are the speculative profitting by criminals. The two most prominent examples are Bush the Lesser and his VP. If Bush the Lesser has even the pre-Oz brains of the Scarecrow, two days before his term is up, he will grant Cheney a full pardon for all crimes. Then he will resign and let Cheney take office as President for one day and grant Bush a full pardon for all crimes. It still won't stop them from being prosecuted for international war crimes. As long as they don't kill anyone while quail hunting, golfing, or fishing, they should be safe from prosecution.

As to McClellan, he wasn't under oath when standing in the White House Press Room. Lying isn't perjury. As pointed out by a recent President, it's okay to lie if Hillary asks him if her pantsuit makes her hips look too big.

Even if his activity was criminal and the statute of limitations has run, can he profit from his book? Sure. Kurt Blome was one of more than a thousand Nazi war criminals secretly granted immunity and brought to the United States to be hired in biological and chemical warfare programs by private firms. What was the compelling reason for granting this war criminal lucrative contracts as part of Project Paperclip? He had developed and tested German nerve gases on men, women, and children at Auschwitz. Japanese war criminal General Shiro Ishii killed tens of thousands in biological and chemical experiments. He was particularly noted for freezing prisoners and then dissecting them while they were still alive. Why did the United States grant him immunity and allow him to be hired to work in Maryland? The government had plans for Antarctica and wanted his "expertise" from the freezing experiments. He also profited by working on biological weapons systems. This was a villan who is rotting in Hell along side Mengele, yet our government rewarded him and he profited. Let's not forget all those German rocket scientists hired by NASA. These were the same weapons designers that were sending rockets to kill innocents in England and would have expanded to the United States if they hadn't lost the war. They were paid very handsomely and granted US citizenship. Even lesser criminals of the garden variety felons can profit from their criminal activity. Many burglars have been hired by security firms. Computer hackers have been hired by computer security firms. Counterfeiters have been hired by manufacturers of bank paper. The prohibition against profit from a book or movie, depends on the jurisdiction and the crime.

we're through, bill ... or how heroes fall hard

Pennsylvania Pam — Sat, 31 May 2008 23:12:53 EDT

The last time I felt so excited and passionate about a candidate running for *any* office was a long time ago ... 1992. That was the magical year that Bill Clinton and Al Gore ran for the White House for the first time.

Response to Comments Re: MoveOn.org

Citizen — Sat, 31 May 2008 17:41:40 EDT

I have received numerous emails today and a comment to my blog about MoveOn.org and their effort to pressure Scott McClellan to give away his earnings. Four writers have indicated that they are removing their names from the rolls of MoveOn.org. I'm not sure I concur with their actions. My membership in a church or organization has always been a matter of balancing the positives and the negatives. I haven't agreed 100% with all the actions or goals of any church or organization to which I have been a member. Numerous times, I have supported change from within. On one occasion. I did resigned an office and disassociated myself from membership. Hopefully, MoveOn.org will re-evaluate their position on Mr. McClellan. I hate saying wordls like "ought" and "should". However, MoveOn.org should and ought to be encouraging more people to shine the light of revealation into the dark recesses of Cheney's and Bush the Lesser's minds and machinations.

One of the responses added points that I had not mentioned that are worthy of my passing on to others. The reply stated that the Bible says a workman is worthy of his wages. "I would not presume to be qualified to tell him to give away his earnings for three years of writing the lengthy expose on the Bush administration. ... I think a whistleblower needs money to live on, as he probably has blown all future employment in his field, whether an engineer from NASA, or press secretary to the "men who rule the world",Bush&Cheney. Remember, some whistleblowers have literally lost everything for revealing the Truth,i.e., their job, savings, family, and even health. Intimidation from MOVEON to give away his book earnings "for penance" could discourage future whistle blowers faced with no prospect of career."

MoveOn.org's Brain Aneurysm!

Citizen — Sat, 31 May 2008 14:03:22 EDT

For months I have emailed and blogged about inane and stupid positions espoused by Hellery and her minion Terry McAullife. Thanks to the latest blunder by MoveOn.org, the feeble-minded idiocy of Hellery and her camp has been surpassed.

MoveOn.org wants Scott McClellan to donate his total proceeds from his whistleblowing book to vets. Here is a man who, because of his moral principles, has alienated himself from all his life long friends. Scott McClellan, prior to his book and appearance on Keith Olbermann, was NOT on my list people to applaud. That has changed. He isn't in the class as our heros in uniform, but he deserves to be applauded for coming forward. I know there has been criticism for his not publishing earlier, however, I accept his statement on television that the past two years have been spent refining and re-drafting the book. My most recent book is in my nineteenth re-write, so I sympathize with Mr. McClellan. A book from conception to actual publication can easily consume several years.

MoveOn.org's position is penal. If they prevail, it will discourage present and former members of "Bush the Lesser's" administration from coming forward.

Shame on you MoveOn.org. Kudos to Scott McClellan.

A call to action. $100M Drive

IthacaForObama — Fri, 23 May 2008 09:09:14 EDT

Hi family,

Thank you all for tremendous work. I was talking to my wife last night, brainstorming on what we can do to send a clear message to the SDs that this is the time to move to face JMcSame. Now my wife is not particularly interested in politics (she was raises JW). But since I nag her everyday, she coming around. She even wants to register to vote!

But anyway, she said something that was striking to me. She suggested that if everyone of us (1.5M of us), contributed $100.00 all at once, we generate $150M in one month, and that will all but create a wave of SD to support Barack. As soon as she said that, I was like, yes. So I want to ask all of us to give it a thought, and if we agree, we can all give before the end of this month. Any takers?

MoveOn Contest Has A Winner

Carole@www.Americans-Away-From-Home.com — Mon, 12 May 2008 21:47:03 EDT

MoveOn.org had a contest to make a 30-second video for Obama. 5.5 million votes were cast for the top ten entries, from over 1,000 videos submitted. Celebrity judges, including Oliver Stone, Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, John Legend, the Rev. Jesse Jackson, and Robert F. Kennedy's daughter, Rory Kennedy, chose winners from over 1,000 videos sent in.

Today MoveOn announced the winner: "Obamacan." In the ad, a former Air Force Staff Sergeant talks about Obama's talent for reaching out to Republicans as well as Democrats, saying, "I’ve been a Republican since before I could actually vote–and I’m voting for Barack Obama."

Members of the UK Obama Meetup star in their own contest entry. See the winning video and Read more here.

Carole

Re:the Moveon Ad Contest

Carolyn Jackson — Sun, 11 May 2008 20:00:53 EDT

Invite you to read my blog about the recent Obama ad contest at

http://www.progwoman.com

Clinton Slams Democratic Activists At Private Fundraiser - Huffpo

Mary from Vermont — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 15:03:46 EDT

You can listen to audio of her remarks....

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/celeste-fremon/clinton-slams-democratic_b_97484.html

Anyone angry about Wednesday's debate?

Beth — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 14:40:12 EDT

I have never seen a more inane waste of two hours of television time. All of us who participate in this toxic media environment should be ashamed....

and that's not even touching on the apparent conflict of interest of having Stephanopolous host the damn thing, regardless of whether the Clintons like him anymore.

go here:

http://pol.moveon.org/enoughdistractions/?id=12458-2247306-rKQWEW&t=4

let'em know you're mad.

then do anything else with your time other than watch the news.

Really. I gave it up a few weeks ago and now wish I hadn't waded in again. The media's treatment of this campaign has become a joke.

I think Obama's best point of the evening was his insistance that his campaign was built on betting that the American people are tired of this climate and the petty nature of media reports in his closing comments.

Are we really tired enough to give it up?

John McCain is not what the media portrays him to be

Soldierette!! (CENSORED) — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 15:19:40 EDT

For all the coverage this week of Senator John McCain's background, there are some important things you won't learn about him from the TV networks. His carefully crafted positive image relies on people not knowing this stuff-and you might be surprised by some of it.

Please check out the list below, and then forward it to your friends, family, and coworkers. We can't rely on the media to tell folks about the real John McCain-but if we all pass this along, we can reach as many people as CNN Headline News does on a good night.

Click here to tell us how many people you can pass it on to-and to see our progress nationally:

http://pol.moveon.org/mccain10/?id=12407-8878407-BIp_iQ&t=231

10 things you should know about John McCain (but probably don't):

1. John McCain voted against establishing a national holiday in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Now he says his position has "evolved," yet he's continued to oppose key civil rights laws.1

2. According to Bloomberg News, McCain is more hawkish than Bush on Iraq, Russia and China. Conservative columnist Pat Buchanan says McCain "will make Cheney look like Gandhi."2

3. His reputation is built on his opposition to torture, but McCain voted against a bill to ban waterboarding, and then applauded President Bush for vetoing that ban.3

4. McCain opposes a woman's right to choose. He said, "I do not support Roe versus Wade. It should be overturned."4

5. The Children's Defense Fund rated McCain as the worst senator in Congress for children. He voted against the children's health care bill last year, then defended Bush's veto of the bill.5

6. He's one of the richest people in a Senate filled with millionaires. The Associated Press reports he and his wife own at least eight homes! Yet McCain says the solution to the housing crisis is for people facing foreclosure to get a "second job" and skip their vacations.6

7. Many of McCain's fellow Republican senators say he's too reckless to be commander in chief. One Republican senator said: "The thought of his being president sends a cold chill down my spine. He's erratic. He's hotheaded. He loses his temper and he worries me."7

8. McCain talks a lot about taking on special interests, but his campaign manager and top advisers are actually lobbyists. The government watchdog group Public Citizen says McCain has 59 lobbyists raising money for his campaign, more than any of the other presidential candidates.8

9. McCain has sought closer ties to the extreme religious right in recent years. The pastor McCain calls his "spiritual guide," Rod Parsley, believes America's founding mission is to destroy Islam, which he calls a "false religion." McCain sought the political support of right-wing preacher John Hagee, who believes Hurricane Katrina was God's punishment for gay rights and called the Catholic Church "the Antichrist" and a "false cult."9

10. He positions himself as pro-environment, but he scored a 0-yes, zero-from the League of Conservation Voters last year.10

John McCain is not who the Washington press corps make him out to be. Please help get the word out-forward this email to your personal network. And if you want us to keep you posted on MoveOn's work to get the truth out about John McCain, sign up here:

http://pol.moveon.org/mccaintruth/?id=12407-8878407-BIp_iQ&t=232

Thank you for all you do.

-Eli, Justin, Noah, Laura, and the MoveOn.org Political Action Team
Saturday, April 5th, 2008

Sources:
1. "The Complicated History of John McCain and MLK Day," ABC News, April 3, 2008
http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/2008/04/the-complicated.html

"McCain Facts," ColorOfChange.org, April 4, 2008
http://colorofchange.org/mccain_facts/

2. "McCain More Hawkish Than Bush on Russia, China, Iraq," Bloomberg News, March 12, 2008
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601103&sid=aF28rSCtk0ZM&refer=us

"Buchanan: John McCain 'Will Make Cheney Look Like Gandhi,'" ThinkProgress, February 6, 2008
http://thinkprogress.org/2008/02/06/buchanan-gandhi-mccain/

3. "McCain Sides With Bush On Torture Again, Supports Veto Of Anti-Waterboarding Bill," ThinkProgress, February 20, 2008
http://thinkprogress.org/2008/02/20/mccain-torture-veto/

4. "McCain says Roe v. Wade should be overturned," MSNBC, February 18, 2007
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17222147/

Nonpartisan Congressional Scorecard," February 2008
http://www.childrensdefense.org/site/PageServer?pagename=act_learn_scorecard2007

"McCain: Bush right to veto kids health insurance expansion," CNN, October 3, 2007
http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/10/03/mccain.interview/

6. "Beer Executive Could Be Next First Lady," Associated Press, April 3, 2008
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5h-S1sWHm0tchtdMP5LcLywg5ZtMgD8VQ86M80

"McCain Says Bank Bailout Should End `Systemic Risk,'" Bloomberg News, March 25, 2008
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=aHMiDVYaXZFM&refer=home

7. "Will McCain's Temper Be a Liability?," Associated Press, February 16, 2008
http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/wireStory?id=4301022

"Famed McCain temper is tamed," Boston Globe, January 27, 2008
http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2008/01/27/famed_mccain_temper_is_tamed/

8. "Black Claims McCain's Campaign Is Above Lobbyist Influence: 'I Don't Know What The Criticism Is,'" ThinkProgress, April 2, 2008
http://thinkprogress.org/2008/04/02/mccain-black-lobbyist/

"McCain's Lobbyist Friends Rally 'Round Their Man," ABC News, January 29, 2008
http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/story?id=4210251

9. "McCain's Spiritual Guide: Destroy Islam," Mother Jones Magazine, March 12, 2008
http://www.motherjones.com/washington_dispatch/2008/03/john-mccain-rod-parsley-spiritual-guide.html

"Will McCain Specifically 'Repudiate' Hagee's Anti-Gay Comments?," ThinkProgress, March 12, 2008
http://thinkprogress.org/2008/03/12/mccain-hagee-anti-gay/

"McCain 'Very Honored' By Support Of Pastor Preaching 'End-Time Confrontation With Iran,'" ThinkProgress, February 28, 2008
http://thinkprogress.org/2008/02/28/hagee-mccain-endorsement/

10. "John McCain Gets a Zero Rating for His Environmental Record," Sierra Club, February 28, 2008
http://www.alternet.org/blogs/environment/77913/

Support our member-driven organization: MoveOn.org Political Action is entirely funded by our 3.2 million members. We have no corporate contributors, no foundation grants, no money from unions. Our tiny staff ensures that small contributions go a long way. If you'd like to support our work, you can give now at:

http://political.moveon.org/donate/email.html?id=12407-8878407-BIp_iQ&t=241

PAID FOR BY MOVEON.ORG POLITICAL ACTION, http://pol.moveon.org/
Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee.

My Submission for the MoveOn.org Obama Ad Contest

Kenny from Delaware, OH — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 12:40:07 EDT

Here is my submission for the Obama in 30 Seconds ad competition sponsored by MoveOn.org. Tell me what you think.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EFPi1Fpm9aM

Thought I would share! Thanks all!

Kenny

Spread The Word, Join The Petition...

Jeanette Jackson — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 19:33:18 EDT

MoveOn.org, in conjunction with film director Robert Greenwald, are petitioning all the major media outlets for thier parroting of FOX News in its attempt to smear Sen. Barack Obama (and his, and his pastor's reputation).

Here's more on the petition:

We are launching a petition demanding the big networks stop parroting FOX and distracting Americans from real issues. We'll hand-deliver your signatures to major media outlets next week. Watch the video, and sign the petition, here:

http://www.moveon.org/r?r=3495&id=12363-9001149-t4moDQ&t=454

The petition, which we're launching with Greenwald's Brave New Films, says: "FOX is a Republican mouthpiece, not a legitimate news organization. Real news organizations must reject FOX's smears of Barack Obama, not parrot them and distract Americans from the pressing issues of the day." The more signatures we deliver, the bigger the impact—so please tell your friends.

Sources:

1. "Hannity selectively excerpted interview with Obama's pastor in order to paint him as 'separatist,'" Media Matters, March 22, 2007
http://mediamatters.org/items/200703220005

"Hannity again selectively excerpted interview with Obama's pastor to claim church has 'black-separatist agenda,'" Media Matters, June 26, 2007
http://mediamatters.org/items/200706260011

"Fox's Hannity again smeared pastor of Barack Obama's church as 'black separatist,'" Media Matters, June 28, 2007
http://mediamatters.org/items/200706280002

"Hannity on Obama's pastor: 'It seems like he's supporting a segregated church,'" Media Matters, December 20, 2007
http://mediamatters.org/items/200712200007

2. "Will MSNBC devote as much coverage to McCain's embrace of Hagee's support as it did to Obama's rejection of Farrakhan?" Media Matters, February 28, 2008
http://mediamatters.org/items/200802280018

"'Repulsive, insulting, and heartbreaking'" Jews have brought on their own anti-Semitism, says McCain supporter Pastor John Hagee," John Aravosis at AmericaBlog, March 2, 2008
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=3524&id=12363-9001149-t4moDQ&t=457

"McCain 'Proud' of Endorsement From John Hagee Who Calls Catholics 'The Great Whore.' Where's Tim Russert Now?" Jane Hamsher at HuffingtonPost, February 29, 2008
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=3525&id=12363-9001149-t4moDQ&t=458

3."McCain's Spiritual Guide: Destroy Islam," Mother Jones, March 12, 2008
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=3519&id=12363-9001149-t4moDQ&t=459

http://political.moveon.org/donate/email.html?id=12363-9001149-t4moDQ&t=460

PAID FOR BY MOVEON.ORG POLITICAL ACTION, http://pol.moveon.org/
Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee.

MoveOn Launches Obama Ad Contest

Cora — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 06:32:24 EDT

MoveOn launches Obama ad contest
By Jim Kuhnhenn
The Associated Press
Article Last Updated: 03/14/2008 08:28:22 PM MDT

Academy Award winners Ben Affleck and Matt Damon will be among a team of judges who will select an ad supporting Barack Obama. ( Associated Press file photo )WASHINGTON — Sen. Barack Obama's advertising team is getting some friendly competition from film pros with some Oscar clout like Ben Affleck and Matt Damon.

The liberal group MoveOn.org, reprising a 2004 ad contest against President Bush, has enlisted the actors to help select an ad supporting Obama's campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination. MoveOn plans to air the winning commercial on national television, but organizers hope the real benefit could come simply from media attention, Internet buzz and the star power behind it.

"The spirit of the contest is to put into video form what it is that you think will help push Obama over the top," said Iliyse Hogue, the campaign director for MoveOn.org Political Action. "It's a great thing for aspiring ad makers and filmmakers who want to participate in a meaningful way."

Calling all aspiring film makers

Rebekah — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 00:16:35 EDT

How would you like to make a 30-second spot that showcases Barak Obama? It's called "Obama in 30 Seconds" and it's the latest contest sponsored by MoveOn.Org.

If you have any writing, filming, editing, animation, or technical skills, now's your chance to have some fun. The winner gets national exposure, a cook $20,000 prize and the satisfaction of showcasing the next president of the United States! Check out this link: http://www.obamain30seconds.org/?t=3&id=12305-9060216-wB4xOV to see the contest homepage. There's even forums to help people with different skills hookup.

CA Superdems to be Persuaded

AmyMcCabe — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 22:36:22 EST

The sting of Tuesday wore off and I realized two things:

First, Obama supporters rocked the caucus vote and we're going to get out of Texas with, at worst, a delegate tie. And that's in a state where Clinton started out with a huge advantage - she even had Bill out explaining the Texas caucus system to voters on her behalf in the final days. So I'm not going to feel bad about Texas. I consider it a come-from-behind tie.

Second, if I learned anything by volunteering in Texas, it's that what you hear from pundits bears very little relation to what's going on with voters on the ground. It was surreal to hear from Texas voters all day long that they think Obama is a Muslim radical, then return to my computer at night to read a post from a journalist attributing Clinton's gains to complex rational calculations on the part of voters. And not one single Obama supporter I reached in Texas understood the caucus system or knew where to show up, much as they wanted to.

So I hereby resolve to spend less time on the news blogs and more time calling voters, spreading accurate information about Obama and helping supporters figure out where and how to vote/caucus.

Here's a little something we can do today:

California superdelegate Carole Migden is soliciting input from voters about how she should make her call come convention time. Help encourage her to support the candidate who has won the most pledged delegates through caucuses and primaries - one more delegate in the Obama column.

MoveOn is circulating a petition asking Democratic superdelegates to follow the lead of voters rather than cave to political favor-trading. Worth signing. Have I mentioned that California superdelegates who've gone public are breaking for Clinton 29 to 12 right now?

Okay, so both of those leads resulted from too much time on the internet - at least it led to some action!

The Endorsements Just Keep Coming…

C Dornfeld — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 13:58:23 EST

On the heels of last nights debate between Obama and Clinton, Edwards leaving the race and an endorsement from Sen. Ted Kennedy and according to Gallup, Obama has reduced Clinton's lead nationally to just 4%, several organizations and unions endorsements Obama today.

This morning MoveOn.org endorsed Senator Barack Obama. The grass roots political action committee has 3.2 million members (including 1.7 million members who live in Super Tuesday primary states. MoveOn conducted a survey of its members after Edwards dropped out of the race – of those who responded 70% voted for Obama.

The Transportation Workers Union today also endorsed Obama. The union which endorsed Edwards last September, represents about 140,000 active members of transit workers in NYC, flight attendants for Southwest Airlines, ground crews for American Airlines and other transportation workers around the US.

The Service Employees International Union this morning endorsed Barack Obama . The SEIU includes city, county and state workers, as well as in-home support and health care workers and represents around 650,000 members.

Urgent: MoveOn members, vote today for Obama endorsement

Jonathan from Acton, MA — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 12:26:47 EST

If you are a MoveOn.org supporter, please check your email inbox for an urgent message from MoveOn.org re your opportunity to vote on a possible candidate endorsement before Super Tuesday. Contact all your friends!

If you were not already registered as a MoveOn.org member as of noon yesterday, it's too late - but make sure to get the word out to your friends, family, and fellow Obama supporters who may be MoveOn members.

Here's how MoveOn's endorsement process works:

Get MoveOn to Endorse Obama

Lucia - Team Coordinator for OBAMAWOOD — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 22:12:39 EST

Hey Everybody, Please take a moment to vote for Obama on Moveon.org. They will endorse the candidate with the majority vote! Here's the link: http://pol.moveon.org/2008/tempsurvey/?id=11969-8566049-ALB1Kg&t=29 YES WE CAN!!! Heathyr

MoveOn's Petition to Stop Endless War in Iraq

Yvonne - They Thought, But Then God... — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 21:24:17 EST

Hi, Have you seen the news? President Bush is negotiating a deal with Iraq to keep our troops there indefinitely--it could include permanent bases and a massive military presence for years! Bush is trying to tie the hands of the next president.

Congress can stop him from setting up permanent bases in Iraq and block an indefinite occupation--but they need to hear a groundswell of pressure from us immediately and loudly so they act on this quickly.

I just signed a petition demanding that Congress stop the president from committing to a massive military presence in Iraq for decades. Can you join me?

http://pol.moveon.org/endless/?r_by=-8022078-rEj9UO&rc=paste

Thanks!

"MoveOn.org" announces Barack Obama wins the poll re: Who Best To Lead U.S. out of Iraq.

lionanimal — Thu, 12 Apr 2007 15:24:39 EDT

Following is text from an "MoveOn.org" e-mail discussing the results of an informal poll about who can best lead U.S. out of Iraq -- Senator Barack Obama.

MoveOn Townhall Debate Tomorrow at 7pm EST

wheelbarrow — Mon, 09 Apr 2007 15:42:36 EDT

Don't forget to vote in the post debate poll. Register at MoveOn. Link http://www.moveon.org Tell your friends. Press release: Link