“Listening to America” > Platform for Change

Thanks to the commitment, passion, and energy of ordinary Americans like you, the Listening to America open platform was a resounding success.

Together, we are rewriting how priorities in Washington are set.

Check out some press coverage of the Listening to America Platform Meetings and let's keep the momentum going:

People power in platform

The Denver Post, 7/28/08
There is iced tea and wine on the table -- alongside a plate of brownies, each one bearing the distinctive O-shaped, sunrise logo of Barack Obama's campaign, stenciled in powdered sugar.

Most of the 10 people who have gathered in the living room of Stacey Crease's house near City Park don't know each other, but after two hours of discussion, they have agreed on an education plank for the Democratic Party's platform, the guiding document that stakes out the party's stance on issues.

Obama supporters gather to help draft a platform

New Jersey Star-Ledger, 7/28/08
"We need to get back to a balanced budget," Marty Stark of Bridgewater told two dozen others assembled in the community room of the Franklin Township library.

Mike Von Ohlen of Somerset passed out printed copies of Al Gore's challenge to generate all U.S. electricity from clean, renewable sources within a decade. And Judy George, also of Somerset, made an impassioned plea for enhanced unemployment benefits.

Obama supporters gather for poolside rally

San Bernardino Sun, 7/26/08
RIALTO -- A grass-roots group of Barack Obama supporters held a backyard barbecue Saturday to discuss ideas to be forwarded to the presumptive Democratic nominee's campaign.

About 30 people showed up for the poolside political discussion as part of Obama's nationwide "Listening to America" campaign, where thousands of supporters have opened their homes between July 19 and today to talk about the candidate's platform.

Ava Staples, who coordinated the event, started Inland Empire For Change just weeks ago. The 42-year-old Obama supporter will be voting for the first time in November.

Democrats in Tamarac may get moment of fame

South Florida Sun-Sentinel, 7/26/08
TAMARAC -- About 100 Democrats who participated in a talk show-type session Friday have some bragging rights.

Not only were they among the first Floridians that Sen. Barack Obama's presidential campaign asked to weigh in on key Democratic issues, but footage of the two-hour gathering at the Kings Point condominium community may be shown next month at the Democratic National Convention in Denver. The campaign has begun filming similar platform meetings in several states, including Colorado and Indiana.

Kitchen cabinet

The Riverdale Press, 7/24/08
Armed with a set of talking points and a guest list compiled through Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Barack Obama's Web site, a North Riverdale resident held a meeting Monday in the hopes of shaping the Democratic Party's national platform.

At the invitation of the DNC and Obama for America, Fanny Ennever hosted a small gathering of area Democrats to come up with a list of issues and policy positions they want to become the centerpiece of their party's presidential campaign. Using the same combination of grassroots politics and Internet social networking -- "netroots" -- Democrats across the country are hosting meetings like the one Ms. Ennever held.