Posts from — June 2008

Remember, the deadline for June fundraising is midnight local time. Help the campaign build our 50 State strategy and bring change to Washington. Every donation counts!

On Friday, campaign manager David Plouffe took time out of his hectic schedule to record a short video on a laptop in his office, outlining the basics of our general election strategy and the challenges that lie ahead. From the beginning, this has been your campaign as much as ours, and we wanted to make sure that all of you had a chance to see it:

It’s been less than four weeks since Barack became the presumptive Democratic nominee, and we’ve already made huge strides towards the general election: staff and offices in 21 states, 134 campaign offices open across the country and nearly 1,000 field staff on the ground, supported by more than 3,500 Organizing Fellows.

And we’re growing every day.

But as Plouffe explained, "We start with unprecedented grassroots support . . . but we can’t rest on our laurels."

Right around the corner, we’re going to see millions of dollars attacking Barack, attacking Michelle Obama, and we have to have the ability to fight back.

… You’ve done so much already, but we’re going to ask you to do even more in the coming weeks so that we can get Barack Obama’s positive message out there, build the kind of campaign that we need to nationally, but also respond to these Republican attacks.

The June fundraising deadline is tonight at midnight. By making a contribution before the tonight’s deadline, you’ll be investing in the growth of this unprecedented movement at a time when the resources are needed the most.

We know the road ahead will not be easy, but we also know that we won’t be traveling it alone.

The deadline for donating to the campaign during this crucial June financial reporting period is today! (Don’t forget to give before midnight!) Individuals from every state are sharing their hard-earned money to fuel this movement for change. Check out some of their reasons for supporting Barack and contributing to his campaign:

Jack from Orlando, FL spends his days working to ensure that parking lots, buildings, and other facilities are accessible to individuals with disabilities. Jack contributed $25 to the campaign today.

Everyone knows that we need change, but someone’s finally accepting responsibility for that change in a way that we haven’t seen in a long time. I appreciate Obama’s fresh tone and his hard stance on the war, which he took at a time when it wasn’t the popular thing to do. He’s smart, he’s got an awesome family, and he’s got a great wife!

Valeria from Morrow, GA is a hair care specialist. She contributed $25 today.

I have the most hope in what he will do more than any other candidates. I think he is a part of doing something different in the United States. He inspires me.

Brian from Flagstaff, AZ is a teacher’s aide during the day and a part-time musician and songwriter. He gave $25 today.

I’m from Arizona and I’ve heard McCain’s name for years. But he’s part of the same old political machine, everything Barack’s talking about changing. I think Barack is absolutely the best thing that’s come in decades.

A stay-at-home mom from Evergreen, CO, Marcia was moved to donate to Barack’s movement even though she has never given money to a political campaign before. Having two young sons, Marcia says the ongoing war is the issue that concerns her the most. Barack’s strong opposition to the war was key to Marcia’s decision to contribute to the campaign. She also believes Barack is best suited to bring about solutions to the struggling economy and rising gas prices.

I have 11 and 13 year old boys and live in a rural community where I have to drive them wherever they need to go. Luckily I’m in a situation where I can stay home, but with the economy and gas prices where they are right now, it’s difficult.

Click here to donate for the June financial reporting period and share your reasons for supporting Barack in the comments section below.

Our supporters are not stopping until November. And they’re encouraging everyone else to not stop either…

Victoria in Pennsylvania:

I donated today. I never thought that I would donate to a political campaign - until now. I will do everything I can to help Senator Obama. I am so excited about him being our next POTUS. This is a wonderful time in our country. I’m very excited.

Jayne in Florida:

I just got my credit card bill and I was shocked at the number of times I donated to the campaign last month! I just am so invested in making sure Obama has the resources we know he’ll need to fight the smears they will put on the airwaves and through the emails. We have seen some of it already.

So, they do "get" me every few days - out comes the credit card - I just can’t help it…. It makes me feel so good to know that I am contributing to this movement which means so much to me.

Cindy in Texas:

…I think we are all there with you, but you know it’s worth it and I’m not slowing down now. My husband calls to check our account balance everyday. He comes in everyday and asks "how much money did WE give Barack today"?

I’m having a blast!

Ty in Germany:

I donated on about 29 different occasions in the month of April and I have donated at least 10 times this month of June so I know what you mean. But I feel like it is all a worthy investment for my children’s future.

I’m gonna keep giving to this campaign until Barack wins the GE. This is too important. Definitely too important for me to just sit back and do nothing.

Kim in California:

Thank you to every American who has donated to this campaign. Thank you to every American who has worked on this campaign.

Let us not become complacent — if you can, please give! Today is a fund-raising deadline and Senator Obama’s decision and leadership to get the Democratic Party to forego PAC and lobbyist money is under scrutiny. Thanks again!

Diane in North Carolina:

In order to fight the GOP smear machine we are gonna need all of us nickle and dimers to get the ole purse out and give till it hurts. I know I have. …You can do it and you should!

Tracy in Connecticut:

I was shocked to see that I hit the primary max the other day so I am on to general election contributions. The reason I was shocked is because most of my contributions have been $10 & $25 contributions (a few $100 ones but not many)over the course of the last several months.

So I guess what I am trying to say is that all of those small donations REALLY do add up!!!!!!!!!!!

Suzanne in Oregon:

I am out of work at the moment but just sent some more money to the campaign. I know they need it. …Oregon can NOT be complacent. Republicans think they can win this state, and indeed, maverick state that we are, that could happen if we are not vigilant and [don’t] work hard.

There are large pockets of Republicans in our rural areas and McCain got a good reception from leaders when he came to Portland recently. Even our Democratic gov. hung out with him and made a big deal about his visit. SO …WE NEED CASH..and WE NEED TO WORK HARD IN OREGON, also.

…DONATE..even if it is $2…we are behind McCain and we need to help Sen. Obama win the cash battle for June.

David in Ohio:

Just gave $30, my first General Election Donation, and there will be many more as we go along this journey!

Obama 08

There’s still time to donate and make an impact in June. Help the campaign to fight against John McCain in all 50 states. Every donation counts.

Here is the video of Barack’s full speech from Independence, Missouri earlier this morning:

In his speech, Barack spoke about what patriotism means to him, both throughout his life and at this moment, as we begin the general election:

At the beginning of a week when we celebrate the birth of our nation, I think it is fitting to pause for a moment and reflect on the meaning of patriotism… We do so in part because we are in the midst of war – more than one and a half million of our finest young men and women have now fought in Iraq and Afghanistan; over 60,000 have been wounded, and over 4,600 have been laid to rest. The costs of war have been great, and the debate surrounding our mission in Iraq has been fierce. It is natural, in light of such sacrifice by so many, to think more deeply about the commitments that bind us to our nation, and to each other.

We reflect on these questions as well because we are in the midst of a presidential election, perhaps the most consequential in generations; a contest that will determine the course of this nation for years, perhaps decades, to come.

You can watch more videos and highlights at YouTube.com/barackobama.

The National Rifle Association plans to spend $15 million to portray Obama as a threat to Second Amendment rights.

Saturday was a fantastic day in New Hampshire to Unite for Change. All across the Granite State, friends, family, and neighbors gathered together to learn how to get involved in Barack’s campaign. Portsmouth’s Unite For Change meeting, held at the Portsmouth Democratic Party headquarters, was one of the state’s largest. Over 90 people showed up.

Standing room only in Portsmouth

Recognizing that their candidates had far more in common with Barack Obama than with John McCain, people across the state who had supported opposing Presidential candidates during the Primary committed to working together to take back the White House this fall.

Volunteers gather in Stratham

At these events, attendees signed up to get involved in the campaign in the months to come by knocking on doors, making phone calls, and by talking to friends and neighbors to encourage them to support Barack.  Throughout the state, there was a high level of excitement about getting involved.

Attendees at a Springfield Unite for Change House Meeting pose for a photo

Thanks to everyone who helped make these events possible. If you did not have a chance to attend a house meeting but would like to get involved in the campaign, make sure to sign-up today!

Throughout the day, supporters have been sharing their stories on why they support Barack and why they are declaring their independence from a broken system. Almost 142,000 have pledged their support, helping the campaign to reach the goal of 150,000 supporters by July 4th.

Here are a few of the supporters who are declaring independence…

Lindsey in Illinois:

My husband and I are 26, and for the first time, we have voted, donated money, and used (and are using) our voices to support a presidential nominee. This particular donation was the most difficult financially, with our looming student loan debt, and living on one salary for 2 of us, and the rising gas and grocery prices, but we wanted to give what we could…

As we celebrate the nation’s Independence Day we wanted to make sure the campaign had a little extra money, even if it is really little.

This is the first time we have felt this electrified about politics, and we thank you Barack Obama. For the first time, we feel by donating and supporting, we are making a difference and making changes to our country.

Russ in Texas:

We need someone who inspires - who compels greater numbers of people to be more than who they are.  Barack largely had me hooked early on with his simple phrase, "It’s time to turn the page."  Seriously, it is and has been. 

We need more people to feel - and generate - the energy that a functional democracy requires.  A too-passive electorate deserves the government it gets.  And while, as Obama says, change comes from the bottom up, there needs to be a compelling force near the top to motivate people to engage differently.  Obama provides that more than any candidate I’ve seen before in my lifetime.

Jed in Connecticut:

Obama simply strikes me as genuine, authentic, and real.  He’s not “pretending” as so many politicians do.

So many hopes are on Obama to take on our entrenched system and fix it.  Much of one’s success is being open to dissenting opinions, and surrounding oneself with capable advisors.  With Obama’s background in law, community organizing, and education, this approach comes naturally to him – so I think many new and positive changes will be possible under his leadership and administration.

Obama’s mechanism of fundraising fits with my hectic life – it’s web-based with feedback and connection through email, the web, and texting.  Being a part of a movement with hundreds of thousands of people giving in relatively small amounts (~$50) seemed the essence of a more democratic fundraising system.

After joining these thousands of supporters, tell us why you’re declaring your independence in the comment section below.

After concluding his speech this morning, Barack took a short walk through Independence, Missouri to visit the Truman House. Walking down Truman Road, he shook hands with supporters and well-wishers, before touring President Harry Truman’s turn-of-the-century white Victorian home, once known as the "Summer White House."

Campaign spokesman says Obama looks forward to "receiving his counsel in the months to come."

ARLINGTON, VA — U.S. Senator John McCain’s presidential campaign today launched the McCain Truth Squad to counter recent attacks on John McCain’s military service and credentials in national security affairs. The campaign also unveiled a new web site, www.johnmccaintruthsquad.com, to set the record straight against Internet smears of John McCain’s service.