My Feeds

Obama HQ

Unite for Change: More of Your Stories 7:28pm

From Goldie in Oro Valley, Arizona:

Still excited and even a bit overwhelmed by the response at our house party this morning. A neighbor and I hosted an event, surprised that we had 25-28 people. We are in the heart of McCain Country (or at least it was). From the energy and heartfelt stories I heard this morning, there is a need and desire to take back our country. We have committed to be a group to work for Obama's election, will hold ongoing meetings and decide on further action. Wanted to share one thing we did...had a change jar for donations with a note: "Loose Change for Change, Unity and Hope" and we collected $165! People want the change jar at all future events and to tell others about it...great fundraising tool with surprising results.

From Roy in Savannah, Georgia:

My wife and I just got back from an Obama unity meeting! It was wonderful! We met a lot of good people who are looking forward to November! The meeting was filled with people that were young and old, black and white, Christian and Jew, all joining together for a better America!

We are hosting our own Obama unity meeting at our house tonight! I hear Obama talk about hope during his speeches, and I see that hope come alive at the Obama unity meetings! Obama and the hope he inspires is truly the essence of America.

From Gloria in Englewood, FL:

Over 40 local people at our Unite for Change meeting here in Englewood, Florida. How magnificent to hear everyone tell what brought them there -- Democrats, Independents, Republicans, unaffiliated. People who have lived overseas talked about how much the rest of the world is rooting for America's comeback. We laughed and cried together and the spirit was strong. Fired up and ready to go!

From CR:

My husband and I just came back from attending our first Obama event.

A couple in Gilroy, California held a "Unite For Change" event today. Eleven people were there: six Democrats, three Republicans and two Independents that were all voting and volunteering to get Senator Obama elected as our next President. We introduced ourselves and shared our stories of why we are voting for Senator Obama... We watched the "Unite For Change" video and discussed everything from the Obama Campaign and the opposition (Bush/McCain). We had a great time and all the people at the event were really nice. I learned that there will be a Obama campaign office opening up in the city next to us and am excited about volunteering and becoming much more involved closer to home.

If you attended or hosted a Unite For Change event today, let us know how it went in the comments below. If you have photos from the event that you'd like to share, you can email them to photos@barackobama.com.

Unite for Change: "It Starts With Us" 6:24pm

He spoke to things that affect the common man. He had ideas and solutions to bring change. I had never heard a politician speak like him. I thought to myself, ‘this guy really knows what’s going on, he knows what I’m going through.’

I was taking care of three teenage boys on a very small income. Life was busy, and it felt like once it starts, it never stops. Now I have a chance to retire, and I have time to reflect on things – what our country is doing and what we are going to leave for the next generations.

And for the first time in generations, we have excitement again. We have hope. We can get rid of corruption in politics, we can see relief and we can leave this place in a much better place. And I'm going to do everything I can to make sure we do.

It was the day of the unexpected Virginia Tech shooting, and Barack didn’t raise any campaign issues during the event. He just told us we needed to talk about how we got to this point. His words, and the discussion as a whole, really touched me.

Iowa State Convention Bringing Democrats Together 5:05pm

This morning in Des Moines, Democrats from across Iowa gathered at the State Convention to discuss the direction of our country, the issues that shape our party, and our work to help us move forward towards honest solutions with common sense leadership.

The convention is typically focused on electing state delegates and on party business, but one thing that was on everyone’s minds, and a common topic of discussion, was the floods and tornados that have affected nearly everyone across the state. Hundreds of the delegates were located in areas that are still under water, in the midst of re-building, or working to help their friends, family and neighbors.

Our campaign, as well as many local and state-wide organizations has also been working to help everyone who has been affected by these disasters. If you would like to help by making a donation, or if you would like to volunteer in one of the affected areas, visit our Flood Relief Homepage to find out how you can make a difference.

In the coming weeks and months we will be working with these communities that were devastated by these storms, but we will also be doing the hard work it will take to ensure that we are successful in November in changing the direction of the country and taking our government back from the special interests and lobbyists who have written our public policies for far too long. This change is not going to come easy, and it’s going to take everyone getting involved and finding a way that they can make a difference.

Let us know you are ready to get involved in our Iowa campaign for change, by clicking here, and join thousands of people all across the state that are ready to work right alongside you. This is our campaign and together we can make a huge difference in the election.

Today in Iowa, our voices coming together held a common theme:Yes We Can!

Unite for Change: Your Stories 4:03pm

Over 4,000 Unite for Change events are taking place throughout the day today, and we've already begun to hear from supporters who have had successful, productive events . . . 

From Christi in New Brunswick, New Jersey:

Just got back from a Unite for Change event in New Brunswick, NJ. I met a lot of people from very diverse backgrounds and heard some very inspirational stories... This event was a great chance to share with others and unite locally in our efforts to get Barack elected! I'm going to another event in a little while and will give an update on that one when I get back. If you haven't decided yet to go to an event, and you have some time this afternoon, please make every effort to get to one. It's a very worthwhile use of time.

From Colette in Knoxville, Tennessee:

Just finished cleaning up from our 10 AM EST house party. It was great. One woman didn't want to leave because she was so happy to finally find other Obama supporters in our area. Everyone had great stories to tell and several are excited to have parties of their own! Hope everyone else has as good a time as we did!

From Phil in Syracuse, New York:

We had our event here in Syracuse, NY today. Evelyn Kinsey hosted it - more than 30 people attended, many new faces and every single one of them enthused about Barack Obama!

One was a college student from Saudi Arabia who told us, in very moving terms, how much Barack will help restore our good name around the world. Another was a young man with his wife and one-year-old daughter, just out of the Army, who served in Iraq and talked about what he saw, and how many mistakes have been made in that war that never should have been fought. All that, plus food and wonderful fellowship, and we sold more than a dozen T-shirts and handed out lots of other stuff too. People in Syracuse are enthused.

From a supporter in Gardner, Kansas:

I just returned from a Unite for Change get together at a strangers house. The hostess had set up a very nice buffet of cheese/crackers and fruit, with bottled water and iced tea.

There were about 15 to 20 people there and it was a great event. We watched a short video, then everyone had a chance to talk about how/why they became Obama supporters, and what they'd like to do to help the campaign.

We live in a very red state that usually gets overlooked by the Democratic party, and we all agreed that it was time to change that.

I look forward to working with some of these people in upcoming GOTV events through out the summer and fall.

And from Judy in Lovettsville, Virginia:

My party is about to start ....with 25+ people coming to my little ole house in the countryside of VA. Have cleaned til my back is bent...and I'm excited to meet all these new people. I've been active since January with our Loudoun for Obama group (which is a great grassroots team)...AND most of the people coming today are not my Obama buddies but new people. That is great, great, great.

... So fun to be part of 4,000 parties happening now around the country!

Many events are scheduled for the early evening, and with house parties going on in all 50 states, there is still time to find an event near you.

Unite for Change: Hillsborough County, FL 2:33pm

Over 4,000 Unite for Change events are taking place today, in all 50 states. Kristen Psaki is on the ground in Florida, and reported back from an event in Hillsborough County earlier this morning...

Today is the day. From Pensacola to Key West, the Sunshine State is hosting over 300 Unite for Change events on this nationwide day of action.  At 10am this morning over 40 interested Hillsborough County residents packed into the DEC office on Himes Ave.

Adam is an Obama Fellow who kicked off the meeting with a screening of the Unite for Change video that looks at the value of house parties: 

The video captures house parties from around the country that have helped to get neighbors back into one living room again.

After Adam shared his personal story as to why he supports Senator Obama, he encouraged the room of new and old friends to share their own stories. Monique quickly stood up to express her passion for universal healthcare:

Clarissa soon followed:

I am the daughter of two Latin immigrants, I grew up in Miami. Listening to Obama and hearing the DNC speech I see him as offering opportunity to my generation. Sort of what some of our parents had in the 60s with JFK. He's willing to make a change and is brinigng people together. He inspires me.

Some raised their hands and others just jumped in to share their stories, but the conversation continued.  At the end of the meeting Clarissa and 15 other attendees decided to stick around the HCDEC to knock on doors around the neighborhood and to register new voters at a couple of local parks. They decided that today is the day.

There's plenty of today left.  Find the next Unite for Change event nearest you. 

Unite For Change: "This is a bottom up campaign" 12:45pm

Watch Barack Live at the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials 10:58am

UPDATED: Barack's appearance at the NALEO Conference has ended now, but you can let share your reactions to the issues and solutions he discussed in the comments below.

Barack will be speaking at the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO) Conference in Washington, D.C. today. You can watch a live stream of the event on the NALEO website.

Unite For Change Today: Over 4,000 Events Across the Country 10:42am

Today, Obama supporters will be opening their homes to people in their communities for Unite for Change meetings -- in over 4,000 homes, in all 50 states. The goal is to come together -- as Democrats who supported other candidates in the primary, as well as Independents and even Republicans -- to unite behind common values and build a volunteer organization in cities and towns across the country.

Events will be taking place throughout the day, all across the country. You can find a meeting near you now.

Over the last few weeks, we've heard from countless supporters about their plans for today and how this campaign has inspired them to get involved in politics -- many of them for the first time in their lives. We heard from Susan in Riverside, Connecticut:

We are so excited about what we have planned.... We are having the young generation spread the word through Facebook, while we spread the word through the Obama site, local newspapers, flyers, emails and good old word of mouth! This is so much fun and so exciting. Obama has really inspired my family and I to step up and take action with him to change this country.

From Matt in Arlington, Virginia:

I'm co-hosting the event with my friend Charlie. We met while running the phone bank operation at a field office in Falls Church, Virginia during the primary election.... Our goal is for our neighbors, of all ages, careers, political affiliations and political interests to meet each other and learn how they can get involved locally. This should be a fantastic opportunity for people to get to know others in the community and to help Obama win in November!

And from Sherry in Huntsville, Alabama:

This is giving us an opportunity for a real sense of community. When you work on this campaign, you experience that.... I love being around people who are working for the same goal. We all feel connected already - even people we don't know - we all feel connected in support of this man who is a true inspiration.

Change comes from the bottom up, when people come together for common goals and common dreams. It doesn't begin in Washington or in the halls of power; it begins in communities and homes, with shared experiences, shared stories, and a desire to see a better world. Today, thousands of people across the country are taking the next step, and you can join them. 

All you need to do is find an event and show up today.

If you're planning on hosting an event today, let us know in the comments below . . .

Obama Campaign Announces Trip to Europe and the Middle East 8:48am

CHICAGO, IL- The Obama campaign announced today that Senator Obama will be traveling overseas to assess the situation in countries that are critical to American national security, and to consult with close friends and allies.  Senator Obama will visit France, Germany, Israel, Jordan and the United Kingdom where he will consult with the leaders of those nations about common challenges like terrorism, nuclear proliferation and climate change.

This trip will be an important opportunity for me to assess the situation in countries that are critical to American national security, and to consult with some of our closest friends and allies about the common challenges we face.

Israel is a strong and close friend of the United States, and is confronting grave threats from Gaza to Tehran. Jordan has been a close partner in the peace process and a host of other issues of common concern.  France, Germany, and the United Kingdom are key anchors of the transatlantic alliance and have contributed to the mission in Afghanistan, and I look forward to discussing how we can strengthen our partnership in the years to come. This will be an important opportunity to have an exchange of views with leaders in these countries about these and other issues that are critical to American national security -- and global security -- in the 21st century.

Stay tuned for updates about Senator Obama's trip and click here to learn more about his plan to secure America and restore our standing in the world.

Morning News 8:33am

From the Reuters:

Democrats Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton joined forces at a carefully staged campaign rally on Friday, promising to bury the grudges from their bruising presidential nominating fight and work together to put Obama in the White House.

The former rivals embraced, lavished praise on each other and vowed to bring the Democratic Party together for the November election fight against Republican John McCain.

"Today we are coming together for the same goal -- to elect Barack Obama the next president of the United States," Clinton told the crowd of about 3,000.

"We have gone toe-to-toe in this hard-fought primary, but today and every day going forward we stand shoulder-to-shoulder for the ideals we share and the values we cherish," she said.

The joint appearance in a rural field outside an elementary school in the symbolically named New Hampshire town of Unity was the first time the two shared a stage in public since Obama clinched the Democratic nomination earlier this month.

"We've made history together," said Obama, who would be the first black U.S. president. Clinton was vying to be the first woman U.S. president. Obama said she had served as an inspiration to millions of women and his own two daughters.

"We shattered barriers that have stood firm since the founding of this nation," he said. He noted the town of Unity had split its votes evenly during the January 8 New Hampshire primary, with 107 votes for Obama and 107 for Clinton.

"Now we look at them as 214 votes for change in America," Obama said.

From the Union Leader:

...Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton, once old enemies, are now new friends with a shared vision of sinking Sen. John McCain’s bid for the White House.

“This is our time to march forward in Unity,” Obama, the presumptive Democratic nominee, told several thousand people gathered in a field yesterday. “We will not just change the country, we will change the world. Let’s get to work.”

...In their first joint campaign appearance, the two stood united, conscious that a divided Democratic Party could be their fall come Nov. 4. Clinton pledged her support.

“Now I don’t think it’s at all unknown in this audience that this was a hard-fought primary campaign,” the New York senator said before introducing Obama. “We have traversed America making our case to the American people. We have gone toe to toe in this hard-fought primary. But today and every day going forward, we stand shoulder to shoulder.”

...Clinton grinned as her name was chanted. “We may have started on separate paths but today our paths have merged,” she said. “I was honored to be in this race with Barack and I am proud that we had a spirited dialogue. That was the nicest way I could think of phrasing it. But it was spirited because we each care so much.”

Clinton called those who have voted for her and Obama “an unstoppable force for change we can all believe in,” a take on his slogan that she made fun of during their nomination battle. At this event, there was no mistaking that she is on Team Obama.

“We are one party,” she said. “We are one America. And we are not going to rest until we take back our country and put it once again on the path to peace, prosperity and progress.”

While saying she and Obama had great respect for McCain, the presumptive GOP nominee, she said a McCain presidency would amount to a third term for President Bush. "In the end, Senator McCain and President Bush are like two sides of the same coin -- and it doesn't amount to a whole lot of change."

...“It's fitting that we meet in a place called Unity,” Obama said, referring to the 107 votes he and Clinton each received in this small western New Hampshire town on Jan. 8, 2008.

He called for bringing troops home from Iraq, providing universal health care, a new energy policy that focused on conservation and alternatives, and pay equity for women.

“The choice in this election is not between left and right. It’s not between liberal and conservative. It’s been the past and the future,” Obama said.

Obama, speaking to a rapt crowd steaming in the sun, said Clinton has “an unyielding desire to improve the lives of ordinary Americans, no matter how difficult that fight may be.”

From Politico:

At a rally staged in a field of wildflowers, in a town so small that some residents of this state had never heard of it, Barack Obama and Hillary Rodham Clinton attempted to show Friday that if they could put months of divisive campaigning behind them, so too should their supporters.

The joint appearance under a strong summer sun capped a choreographed six-hour trip that started in Washington with a kiss between former rivals on an airport tarmac and ended in a rural New Hampshire outpost that attracted a crowd larger than the population of the town.

...From the name of the town to their complementary wardrobes...the day was a harmonious and near-flawless public reconciliation after the most hard-fought primary campaign in a generation.

“Unity is not only a beautiful place as we can see, it’s a wonderful feeling, isn’t it?” Clinton said as soon as she stepped to the microphone. “And I know when we start here in this field in Unity, we’ll end on the steps of the Capitol when Barack Obama takes the oath of office as our next president.”

...She encouraged her supporters to join Obama “to create an unstoppable force for change we can believe in.”

“I know that he’ll work for you,” Clinton said. “He’ll fight for you, and he’ll stand up for you every single day in the White House.”

...The reunion of two political titans could not have been staged in a more secluded spot — in a town with no stop lights, one general store and residents who prize the isolation. The biggest event of the year is a festival with a cast-iron skillet toss. The honorary mayor, Ken Hall, wore a pair of suspenders and new sneakers he bought for the occasion.

“I am a life-long Republican, and I voted for Sen. McCain,” Hall said. “But I may be part of this change.”

...The 4,000 people who showed up were bused from remote locations. They began arriving at dawn, and it took hours to transport everybody to Unity and hours more for them to make it back to their cars. The lines were long for the security searches, the food truck and the porta-potties.

They came and stood for hours under a scorching sun for different reasons.

Some wanted to witness history. Some wanted closure, and others wanted a glimpse of Obama, their choice from the start.

From the Saint Louis Post-Dispatch:

On Saturday, the campaign for presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama is launching its organizing efforts in Missouri “with 160 Unite for Change house parties across the state.

“The events will bring together voters who supported Democratic candidates in the primary, but also independents and Republicans who are ready to turn the page on the failed policies of the past and commit to taking action this year,” the campaign said in a release.

The Missouri parties are among more than 4,000 slated to held Saturday nationwide.

Said Obama in a statement:

“One of the benefits of the long primary season is that we had an opportunity to campaign in every part of the country. And in all 50 states, people helped build an unprecedented grassroots organization that continues to grow to this day.

“This enthusiasm is about something bigger than any one candidate. It’s about our shared desire to change the way Washington does business. We are ready to move beyond the failed policies of George W. Bush and come together around common values that will lead us to a better future for all Americans. Through Unite for Change house meetings, friends and neighbors of various backgrounds will come together to organize and grow our grassroots movement for change.”

From the Los Angeles Daily News:

With temperatures soaring over 100 degrees, dozens of San Fernando Valley children and their parents sold "Hope Cupcakes," "Barack-lava" brownies and other goodies in bake sales last weekend supporting Sen. Barack Obama's presidential campaign.

This weekend, at least five Valley families are opening their homes to a series of "Unite for Change" house parties on behalf of Obama.

And across the Valley, teens unable to even vote yet are volunteering their summer vacations to work on a campaign that is making this presidential election season among the most unique in modern American political history.

It is all part of the national Obama phenomenon of grass-roots activism that - in addition to attracting traditional volunteers - has recruited moms, many with toddlers in strollers, and their school-age children.

..."Since he was a Hillary supporter, I wanted to clear the party with him first," said Ana Dziengel, who is expecting at least two dozen people to attend her barbecue and pool party this weekend.

The intent of the house parties, says "Valley for Obama" organizer Peter Rothenberg of Northridge, is not the numbers - nor even any money that's raised - but to help further the grass roots and neighborhood structure for the campaign's fall drive and develop ties with Democrats who supported other primary candidates.

"It's about coming together to elect the next president," said Rothenberg.

Marcia Schneider, who will be hosting a house party with her husband, Howard, in Northridge, says that at 63 years of age this is the first time she has gotten involved in a presidential campaign.

"I am really gratified to see so many people here in the North Valley interested in getting involved in Obama's campaign - all walks of life, young and old," said Schneider, a school nurse.

Raphael Sonenshein, political science professor at the University of California, Fullerton, calls the latest Obama grass-roots efforts remarkable.

"This is something that has not been used since the old days when politics relied so heavily on grass roots and neighborhood organizing," said Sonenshein.

"It's the application of the community organizing model to a political campaign that has only been tried in bits and pieces in the past but never with this much money to do it."

According to Sonenshein, the re-election campaign of President George W. Bush did some similar grass-roots neighborhood organizing but in limited situations.

"It was probably what won Ohio for Bush in 2004," said Sonenshein. "Now the Democrats know how to do it, and they're doing it with extraordinary results in fundraising."

Retired psychologist Jean Ottina, who will host a party today at her Sherman Oaks home, said she received a packet from the Obama campaign with a recommended agenda for the parties - and fundraising was never mentioned.

"This isn't a donation thing - which is good," said Ottina. "I think they want you and your neighbors to get to know each other for grass-roots organizing in the future."

Ottina, 71, is typical of the grass-roots small donors who have come to play a role in the Obama campaign. Early in the Obama campaign, Ottina made a modest contribution - $25 - and was placed on the Obama e-mail list.

"I've been getting e-mails, and I've given what I could," she said. "That's only $75. But when I got an e-mail asking if I could host a party, I thought, `Well, I've contributed all the money I can, but I can do that."'

Sonenshein says this is what has distinguished the Obama campaign from others.

"Presidential campaigns have usually been about political consultants and large donations," she said. "Often when campaigns have had volunteers, they haven't had anything for them to do. The Obama campaign has changed that.

"Where the rubber will meet the road (in the Obama campaign) is whether they'll be able to turn this into a campaign where you do have people going door to door, talking to their neighbors about why they should vote for Obama. Historically, that has always been what has worked best in campaigns."

Ana Dziengel believes she has an answer.

"I had never canvassed for any political candidate, much less thrown a party," she said. "Then I read one of Obama's books and I was so inspired."

Carrying her baby son, Alonzo, she set out to walk her neighborhood.

"I started knocking on doors, talking about Barack and inviting people to my party."