Iowa is where this campaign started, and we need to make sure we finish it here.
Check out this quick video of Barack’s trip here last week and then MAKE CALLS RIGHT NOW.
If you haven’t voted yet, you have until 9 PM to cast your ballot. Click here to find your polling location. If you are in line by 9 PM, you have the right to vote.
There are still a few hours to make a big difference in this election. Before the polls close in Iowa -- a crucial battleground state -- here's what you can do:
1. If you haven't already -- VOTE RIGHT NOW—you have until 9:00 PM: Find out where to vote
2. Call or email everyone you know and make sure they've voted.
3. Help turn out voters at a volunteer event near you: Find the closest event
4. Go back to your polling location and encourage everyone to stay in line until they vote. Anyone who is in line before the polls close can cast their ballot, no matter how long the line.
5. If you can't leave your house, get out the vote by calling voters: Choose the state you'd like to call
The election in your state is going to be close -- and you can help bring the change we need. Make history right now by voting and helping others vote.
This is your last chance to take part in this historic election. Polls are open right now in Iowa until 9:00 p.m.
Find your polling place and vote now.
After you've voted, talk to your fellow Iowans.
Pick up the phone, go door-to-door, and help your neighbors get to the polls.
Find your nearest staging location and get involved.
One person can make the difference in this election and that person could be you.
Last night in Des Moines, Obama supporters held a Get Out the Vote Rally with special guests Governor Chet Culver, Senator Tom Harkin, Congressman Leonard Boswell, Lieutenant Governor Patty Judge and other elected officials.
Well over 100 people joined in the rally to get fired up before we start getting out the vote today and everyone was ready for the prospect of turning Iowa blue. If you’d like to join your local neighborhood team to help get Iowans to the polls, click here.
Here are a few details to help ensure that you have a smooth Election Day—and make sure to pass these on anyone you meet during your Get Out the Vote efforts .
Remember – if you have already voted early, we need your help Getting Out the Vote. Find your neighborhood get out the vote operation right now.
There is only one day left before we vote for a new President.
There is only one day left to make a difference in this election.
Today is the final day to vote early.
Today in Iowa, hundreds of volunteers will be knocking on doors, and making phone calls.
On November 5th, will you be wishing you had done more?
Find your neighborhood canvass, and help Get out the Vote.
Click here to find where to vote early today, and help get out the vote tomorrow!
Here in Iowa, hundreds of our supporters will be meeting at locations across the state to go out knocking on doors and talking with their neighbors about Barack and voting for the change we need.We need to reach out to tens of thousands of voters over the next two days to make sure they know their polling location, and we are going to need your help.
Click here to join your neighborhood team, and help us Get Out the Vote.
The Iowa state director, Jackie Norris, just sent out this email asking for your help to Get Out the Vote. Please consider getting involved in this final push in Iowa-- we won't be able to turn Iowa blue without your help.
Zach -- With only 3 days left until Election Day, we have a choice. We can get to work right now making sure that Iowa's pivotal electoral votes go to Barack Obama. Or we can sit back, relax, and risk facing four more years of the same failed Bush-McCain economic policies. I don't think it's a hard decision. Now is the time to help get out the vote in Iowa. The next 72 hours are our chance to make change a reality. Take a moment right now to sign up and help get out the vote. Iowa voters need to know where and when to vote. This campaign began 21 months ago here in Iowa, and if it wasn't for Iowa, the campaign wouldn't be here today. We'd like to extend our thanks for the effort supporters like you have devoted to Barack. We've asked a lot of you during this historic race, and your efforts have made success possible -- but we're not there yet. In these final, crucial days, letting up is simply not an option. This is our chance for a brighter future. Can you give a few hours or an afternoon to Barack to help get out the vote? http://iowa.barackobama.com/november Thanks for everything you're doing, Jackie Jackie Norris Iowa State Director Obama for America
One of our best and most inspirational supporters here in Iowa is Lavery. He’s 82 and comes in everyday to make phone calls for at least 3-4 hours. And the only reason he leaves the office is because his oxygen tank runs low. He’s signed up to volunteer for everyday of GOTV and well as all day on Election Day--- and he will bring extra oxygen tanks so he can stay all day.
How are you helping to get out the vote?
We asked him what was inspiring him to get involved in this election:
“Barack is young, intelligent, with new ideas. I saw him in Le Claire Park and something told me this is the man I should vote for.I cannot keep supporting him financially so I needed another way to do it. I am 82 and retired. I have done everything I have wanted to do in life. This campaign has given me new purpose in life. Also, I can tell people I worked for the President.”
“Barack is young, intelligent, with new ideas. I saw him in Le Claire Park and something told me this is the man I should vote for.
I cannot keep supporting him financially so I needed another way to do it. I am 82 and retired. I have done everything I have wanted to do in life. This campaign has given me new purpose in life. Also, I can tell people I worked for the President.”
There are hundreds of inspiring stories and leaders across the state working for the change we need. Over the next four days, we are going to be knocking on doors, making phone calls, and helping Iowans find out where they can vote on Tuesday. Sign up now to help Get Out the Vote.
Here are a few more pictures from the rally today in Des Moines.
We've got a big weekend ahead of us, and Barack made it clear that we all need to pitch in to help Get Out the Vote. Click here to find a location near you, and join us to work for change.
The event has started with a performance by the Lincoln High school Marching Band. People are still lined up down the streets trying to get in, and their music is helping to keep everyone in high spirits.
Throughout this election, we’ve seen something special from young people getting involved—even if they are too young to vote. Just a few minutes ago, Secretary of State Michael A. Mauro released the results of the 2008 Iowa Student Mock Election. This year was a record breaking turnout with a total of 56,000 students taking part—and Barack Obama won the Election with 58% of the vote!
Now these Mock Election results won’t directly translate into turning Iowa blue, but we’ve seen thousands of Iowa students, in High school and College, put in tens of thousands of volunteer hours. It’s these efforts that are going to ensure our success on Election Day, and we need everyone out there signing up to get involved. Click here to help these students bring the change we need.
The event is heating up… more pictures coming soon.
Hundreds of volunteers have already poured into the event and Get Out the Vote signup sheets are passing through the crowd. Music is being pumped in through several large sets of speaks placed strategically around the park and we’re hearing chants of Fired Up! Ready to Go!
There is a great atmosphere here, and some of the groups in these pictures are of Obama Organizing Teams. Here in Iowa, because of the intense organizing during the caucuses, tens of thousands of volunteers already knew each other, and these grassroots groups have formed as the foundation of our Get out the Vote efforts. If you’d like to join them, just sign up at your nearest “staging location” by clicking here.
Several weeks ago, we held the “Iowa Call Challenge” and hundreds of Iowans used our Neighbor to Neighbor online call tool to talk with Iowans about Barack and the change we need. We are happy to announce that the top five callers will be here at the rally today meeting Senator Obama. They are:
Gail Dietrich; Victor, Iowa Kevin Healy; Ames, Iowa Dennis Lee; Sergeant Bluff, Iowa Sheryl McNew; Indianola, Iowa Tim O'Neill; Hedrick, Iowa
There is still time to get down here to see Barack here in Des Moines. Click here for details.
A short line has already started to get into the Early Vote for Change Rally with Barack here in Des Moines! It’s a beautiful day, and if you don’t have plans yet, the doors open at 9:30 – so get on down here!
Here are the details:
Early Vote for Change Rally with Barack ObamaWestern Gateway Park Between 12th St. and 13th St., Grand Ave. and Locust St. Des Moines, IA 50309 Friday, October 31st Gates Open: 9:30 a.m. Program Begins: 11:30 a.m. The event is free and open to the public; tickets are not required, but an RSVP is encouraged. Public Entrance: Walnut St. and 12th St. Parking is limited; car pooling and public transportation are recommended. The free Downtown Shuttle will be available from any of the Des Moines parking facilities.For security reasons, do not bring bags or umbrellas. Please limit personal items. No signs or banners allowed.
Early Vote for Change Rally with Barack Obama
Western Gateway Park Between 12th St. and 13th St., Grand Ave. and Locust St. Des Moines, IA 50309
Friday, October 31st Gates Open: 9:30 a.m. Program Begins: 11:30 a.m.
The event is free and open to the public; tickets are not required, but an RSVP is encouraged.
Public Entrance: Walnut St. and 12th St.
Parking is limited; car pooling and public transportation are recommended. The free Downtown Shuttle will be available from any of the Des Moines parking facilities.
For security reasons, do not bring bags or umbrellas. Please limit personal items. No signs or banners allowed.
Remember.. if you haven’t voted early yet, time is running out and today is another perfect day to go by your local county auditor’s office to vote early for the change we need. Click here to visit voteforchange.com and find where to early vote today!
Zachary -- Barack is coming back to Iowa this week to rally on Friday, October 31st, because he knows how important this state is. What began in Iowa nearly two years ago has set off a chain reaction -- and now all across the country, something is stirring. You see it in the thousands of people who are casting early votes for change in Iowa and across the country. But time is running out for you to be part of it. The last day of Early Vote is coming up quickly, and this Saturday there are extended hours at your local county auditor's office. Find your early vote location now, make sure your friends and family know about voting early, and cast your ballot for change today. Iowa was there for Barack in the very beginning, and now the nation looks to us once again. You can send a message and make your voice heard by voting early today. A record number of people have already taken advantage of this opportunity. It's easy, convenient, and lets you avoid possible long lines on Election Day. Voting early will also clear your schedule on November 4th, so you know you'll be free to volunteer in our historic get out the vote effort if you are interested. All you need is a valid photo ID and proof of residency (like a water bill, electric bill, cable bill, or lease). Find your Early Vote location now, bring a friend, and go vote today: http://ia.voteforchange.com Thanks for all that you do, Tripp Tripp Wellde Field Director Iowa Campaign for Change P.S. -- The success of our GOTV effort hinges on volunteers, and that's why committing to volunteer is one of the best ways you can strengthen this campaign in the final days. Sign up to help us get out the vote here in Iowa: http://ia.barackobama.com/november
With Election Day around the corner, Senator Barack Obama will return to Iowa on Friday to hold a Change We Need rally in Des Moines. The rally will be open to the public.
CLICK HERE TO RSVP.
Senator Obama’s first trip to Iowa was February 10th – 11th, 2007 with a trip to Cedar Rapids, Waterloo and Ames. During the caucuses, Senator Obama held more than 100 town hall meetings with Iowans to answer questions and discuss his detailed plan to change Washington. The details of the event are:
CHANGE WE NEED RALLY WITH BARACK OBAMA
Western Gateway Park Between 12th St. and 13th St., Grand Ave. and Locust St. Des Moines, IA 50309 The event is free and open to the public. Tickets are NOT required, but an RSVP is strongly encouraged. CLICK HERE TO RSVP.
Obama for president OUR ENDORSEMENTThese are difficult times.The United States is facing an economic crisis unlike any we’ve seen since the Great Depression. Health care, food and fuel costs are skyrocketing and too many Americans are doing without. Some have to choose between eating, staying warm or taking their prescription medicine.After more than five years, the war in Iraq continues and there does not appear to be an “end game” in sight. The conflict in Afghanistan has intensified and terror concerns have not dissipated since 9/11.The next president has a daunting agenda and now more than ever, we need a leader who has vision, can inspire and will produce real solutions.Barack Obama is that man.Despite the critics who argue the junior senator from Illinois lacks experience, we believe Obama is exactly the kind of leader we need now.Former Secretary of State Colin Powell perhaps said it best:Obama has “displayed a steadiness, an intellectual curiosity, a depth of knowledge and an approach to looking at problems like [the economic crisis] and picking a vice president ...” he said, adding Obama “has given us a more inclusive, broader reach into the needs and aspirations of our people. He’s crossing lines — ethnic lines, racial lines, generational lines.”Obama’s opponent, Sen. John McCain is a war veteran, an American hero and has had a distinguished career in the Senate. For years, he was the moderate maverick who worked with both Republicans and Democrats. He was always taking an independent approach to issues impacting our country, including illegal immigration and social issues.We concede that the Courier editorial board was split over this endorsement. McCain, after all, is well versed in a number of areas, including foreign policy matters and how Washington works. But the majority of our board felt McCain’s campaign has trekked too far to the right.In the end, this debate is about making a choice between Obama and McCain. Who will do the best job in moving us away from the past eight years of economic instability, partisan bickering and “cowboy diplomacy?” We believe it is Obama who has shown he is prepared to take on the serious challenges we face as a nation.A week prior to the Iowa Caucuses, Obama told the editorial board that now is the time for something greater than ourselves.We believe it is Obama who has shown he is prepared to take on the serious challenges we face as a nation. A week prior to the Iowa Caucuses, Obama told the editorial board that now is the time for something greater than ourselves.
Obama for president OUR ENDORSEMENT
These are difficult times.
The United States is facing an economic crisis unlike any we’ve seen since the Great Depression.
Health care, food and fuel costs are skyrocketing and too many Americans are doing without. Some have to choose between eating, staying warm or taking their prescription medicine.
After more than five years, the war in Iraq continues and there does not appear to be an “end game” in sight. The conflict in Afghanistan has intensified and terror concerns have not dissipated since 9/11.
The next president has a daunting agenda and now more than ever, we need a leader who has vision, can inspire and will produce real solutions.
Barack Obama is that man.
Despite the critics who argue the junior senator from Illinois lacks experience, we believe Obama is exactly the kind of leader we need now.
Former Secretary of State Colin Powell perhaps said it best:
Obama has “displayed a steadiness, an intellectual curiosity, a depth of knowledge and an approach to looking at problems like [the economic crisis] and picking a vice president ...” he said, adding Obama “has given us a more inclusive, broader reach into the needs and aspirations of our people. He’s crossing lines — ethnic lines, racial lines, generational lines.”
Obama’s opponent, Sen. John McCain is a war veteran, an American hero and has had a distinguished career in the Senate.
For years, he was the moderate maverick who worked with both Republicans and Democrats. He was always taking an independent approach to issues impacting our country, including illegal immigration and social issues.
We concede that the Courier editorial board was split over this endorsement. McCain, after all, is well versed in a number of areas, including foreign policy matters and how Washington works. But the majority of our board felt McCain’s campaign has trekked too far to the right.
In the end, this debate is about making a choice between Obama and McCain. Who will do the best job in moving us away from the past eight years of economic instability, partisan bickering and “cowboy diplomacy?”
We believe it is Obama who has shown he is prepared to take on the serious challenges we face as a nation.
A week prior to the Iowa Caucuses, Obama told the editorial board that now is the time for something greater than ourselves.
Our campaign sent out this email last night encouraging everyone to sign up for a Get Out the Vote shift. We need everyone for this important final push-- so don't forget to sign up.
Dear Zachary, This race will be won or lost in a few crucial battleground states -- including Iowa. Our get out the vote operation in Iowa is ready to go, but now it's up to you to fill the volunteer shifts. You can pick the exact day and time you'd like to help out, and we'll tell you where. No experience is necessary. Campaign staff and volunteers will give you everything you need to be part of this historic effort. Sign up for a volunteer shift in Iowa right now. The last four days before Election Day will be the most important of this entire campaign. Everything we have worked for over the past 20 months will come down to what we do -- or don't do -- to get out the vote. Change never comes without a fight, and it won't come at all unless each of us does our part. It's in your hands. Will you help make history with us? Sign up for a volunteer shift right now. Decide what day and time you want to make a difference. Thanks for all you've done. Now let's make sure we don't wake up on November 5th wishing we had done more. Obama for America
Ready to leadBy the Times Editorial BoardExperience or change? If we had a nickel every time each word was uttered in this presidential campaign, we could bail out the reckless lenders, cover the war debt and provide another stimulus package. Yet those two words don’t begin to cover the skills and attributes necessary in our next president. What about temperament, judgment, decision-making and knowledge? How about stamina, education and ethics? These are among the considerations that support our enthusiastic endorsement of Barack Obama for president of the United States. Already, Obama’s appeal and campaign organization is leading the biggest voter turnout in history, bringing millions of new voters to the polls, thereby strengthening our democracy. Already, Obama is demonstrating presidential leadership and demeanor, displaying steely calm against an avalanche of unfair attacks, distortions and distractions. Already, Obama has erased any concerns we had during the caucus campaigns by earning the support of all of his primary opponents, and picking one of our favorites as his running mate. The biggest change we’ve experienced since the caucuses is in our assessment of John McCain. The straight talk that won our caucus endorsement has been consumed by campaign doublespeak and some fairly awful decisions for the guy wearing the experience mantle. John McCain approved the messages that made Paris Hilton and Joe the Plumber campaign issues. These sly distractions seemed beneath a true hero who earned his reputation by avoiding such nonsense. Most troubling is his vice presidential pick. Sarah Palin’s populist appeal holds promise. Her soaring political career track from hockey mom to Alaska governor simply isn’t enough to merit the giant step to the Oval Office. We don’t question her potential. But today, she clearly is not ready to assume the presidency. Barack Obama is. He’s experienced America at many levels: his Kansas roots; diverse Hawaii; elite Harvard; south side Chicago. He’s demonstrated civic responsibility at just as many levels: organizing in neighborhoods, politicking in Chicago, legislating in Springfield, debating in Congress and traveling internationally on diplomatic missions. Where his experience comes up short, he has sought out help, including Republicans like U.S. Sen. Richard Lugar and former Secretary of State Colin Powell. Obama picked a running mate who could assume the presidency tomorrow. All along, Obama has been unwavering in his assertion that Afghanistan, not Iraq, is the target in our war on terrorism. Helping the middle class, not betting on trickle-down tax breaks for the wealthiest Americans, has been the consistent focus of his economic plan. We support a presidential candidate predisposed toward reaching out to world leaders, not one entrenched in Cold War-style standoffs. The clincher for us came in our Quad-City meetings with Obama as state senator, U.S. Senator and presidential candidate. In each instance, we’ve experienced consistent character, superior intellect, engaging curiosity and specific knowledge of our Quad-Cities. We weren’t quite there last January when change began in Iowa. We are now. We support Barack Obama for president.
Ready to lead
By the Times Editorial Board
Experience or change? If we had a nickel every time each word was uttered in this presidential campaign, we could bail out the reckless lenders, cover the war debt and provide another stimulus package. Yet those two words don’t begin to cover the skills and attributes necessary in our next president. What about temperament, judgment, decision-making and knowledge? How about stamina, education and ethics? These are among the considerations that support our enthusiastic endorsement of Barack Obama for president of the United States. Already, Obama’s appeal and campaign organization is leading the biggest voter turnout in history, bringing millions of new voters to the polls, thereby strengthening our democracy. Already, Obama is demonstrating presidential leadership and demeanor, displaying steely calm against an avalanche of unfair attacks, distortions and distractions. Already, Obama has erased any concerns we had during the caucus campaigns by earning the support of all of his primary opponents, and picking one of our favorites as his running mate. The biggest change we’ve experienced since the caucuses is in our assessment of John McCain. The straight talk that won our caucus endorsement has been consumed by campaign doublespeak and some fairly awful decisions for the guy wearing the experience mantle. John McCain approved the messages that made Paris Hilton and Joe the Plumber campaign issues. These sly distractions seemed beneath a true hero who earned his reputation by avoiding such nonsense. Most troubling is his vice presidential pick. Sarah Palin’s populist appeal holds promise. Her soaring political career track from hockey mom to Alaska governor simply isn’t enough to merit the giant step to the Oval Office. We don’t question her potential. But today, she clearly is not ready to assume the presidency. Barack Obama is. He’s experienced America at many levels: his Kansas roots; diverse Hawaii; elite Harvard; south side Chicago. He’s demonstrated civic responsibility at just as many levels: organizing in neighborhoods, politicking in Chicago, legislating in Springfield, debating in Congress and traveling internationally on diplomatic missions. Where his experience comes up short, he has sought out help, including Republicans like U.S. Sen. Richard Lugar and former Secretary of State Colin Powell. Obama picked a running mate who could assume the presidency tomorrow. All along, Obama has been unwavering in his assertion that Afghanistan, not Iraq, is the target in our war on terrorism. Helping the middle class, not betting on trickle-down tax breaks for the wealthiest Americans, has been the consistent focus of his economic plan. We support a presidential candidate predisposed toward reaching out to world leaders, not one entrenched in Cold War-style standoffs. The clincher for us came in our Quad-City meetings with Obama as state senator, U.S. Senator and presidential candidate. In each instance, we’ve experienced consistent character, superior intellect, engaging curiosity and specific knowledge of our Quad-Cities. We weren’t quite there last January when change began in Iowa. We are now. We support Barack Obama for president.
Register editorial board endorses Obama for President THE REGISTER'S EDITORIAL BOARD • OCTOBER 25, 2008 Barely two years into Barack Obama's first term as a U.S. senator, he launched an unlikely presidential candidacy imbued, he acknowledged, with a "certain audacity." Casualties were mounting in Iraq, memories of the government's failed response to Hurricane Katrina still stung, and a majority of Americans told pollsters they believed the country was on the wrong track. Yet in announcing his presidential bid, Obama outlined a bold, hopeful vision for America: "Let us be the generation that reshapes our economy to compete in the digital age. ... Let's be the generation that ensures our nation's workers are sharing in our prosperity. ... Let's be the generation that ends poverty in America. ... Let's be the generation that finally tackles our health-care crisis. ... Let's be the generation that finally frees America from the tyranny of oil." Critics immediately cast his talk of hope and change as naive and his lack of history on the national and international stage as too risky for the presidency. First test: winning the Iowa caucuses, perceived by many as an improbable feat for a black candidate in an overwhelmingly white state. But Obama believed in the power of his ideas and ideals, and the capacity of Americans to unite around them. Eleven months later, after more than 80 days spent campaigning in the state, Iowans awarded him victory. They had heard his soaring oratory and sensed his uncommon intelligence, but they also witnessed much more: the consistency of his calls for unifying around common purpose, rather than pandering to age-old divisions, and the way he remained unflappable and his staff disciplined no matter what tumult the campaign trail delivered. Those qualities have become even more pronounced this fall, during an increasingly negative general-election campaign against Republican Sen. John McCain and descent of the nation's economy into the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression. It has been Obama, not the more experienced McCain, who kept his center as events tilted crazily. Obama has earned the Register's endorsement for the presidency because of his steadfastness in the face of uncertainty, his clear-eyed vision for a more just America and his potential for rallying the country to do great things. Would work to strengthen the struggling middle class Obama's life story embodies America's promise: that someone from modest means can study, work and get ahead. His parents - his mother from Kansas and his father from Kenya - divorced when he was a child. His grandparents helped raise him, and his mother made sure he studied hard. Eventually, he became the first black editor of the Harvard Law Review and graduated magna cum laude. Before law school, though, he worked as a community organizer in Chicago and saw that for too many families, the American promise of opportunity had faded: Schools were poor, wages had stagnated and jobs had shifted overseas in a globalizing economy. Since his first visits to Iowa, Obama has correctly emphasized improved public schools and greater access to college as the investment that will buoy the American economy long-term. He favors a progressive tax policy, taxing those at the very highest rungs of income a little more to provide a little more help to those on the bottom rungs. In a speech more than a year ago, long before this fall's financial crisis, he decried the nation's rising income inequality and the notion "that the market will correct all our misfortunes, and that there's no problem that can't be solved by another tax break that the wealthy didn't need." Neither Obama nor McCain is an expert on the economy. But Obama appropriately places emphasis on strengthening the middle class. And as a state senator in Illinois, in the U.S. Senate and through the rigors of the campaign, he has shown a willingness to seek others' advice, listen and strive for consensus - crucial characteristics in troubled times. Other key parts of Obama's agenda would help shore up the middle class and the U.S. economy for decades to come: Expanding health-insurance coverage to more Americans will lessen the threat that illness will bring financial ruin. Pumping research dollars into developing clean alternatives to fossil fuels and investing in energy efficiency will maintain America's technological edge and create good-paying green-collar jobs. McCain has run erratic, disappointing campaign Judging by their records and statements, both Obama and McCain promise to correct the worst abuses of the Bush administration: its arrogant, go-it-alone approach to foreign policy and its insidious insistence that maintaining national security requires embrace of torture and sacrifice of fundamental civil liberties. McCain, like Obama, brought an appealing personal history to the campaign. He's a genuine American hero, enduring 5 ½ years as a prisoner of war in Vietnam while refusing early release, serving more than 20 years in the Navy, and taking unconventional stands that often opposed his party and popular sentiment during a quarter century in Congress. The Register's editorial board endorsed McCain for the Republican nomination and looked forward to a serious-minded contest between competing ideologies and worthy foes. But it's as if McCain has lost his way, forfeiting principle for gain of a few points in the polls. He put on hold his long-sought quest for comprehensive immigration reform. Though widely regarded as a man of honor, he has overseen a campaign premised on purposeful distortions about Obama and his record. Worst of all, in grasping for political edge in his choice of a running mate, he burdened his ticket and potentially the country with an individual utterly unqualified to ascend to the presidency. Before choosing Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, McCain emphasized the importance of experience and sound judgment in fighting terrorism and confronting a restive Russia and a rising China. He has also questioned Obama's readiness to be commander in chief. Then he picked a running mate who clearly isn't ready. An appeal to bridge divisions, tackle problems There are other good arguments for Obama's election. The next president might make several Supreme Court nominations. Obama promises to appoint justices with an expansive view of constitutional rights and equal justice. McCain's appointments more likely would continue the court's conservative shift and threaten abortion rights, search-and-seizure protections and other individual liberties. Obama also is committed to withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq as quickly and as safely as possible. McCain talks about winning and success, but says little about when troops will come home. None of what Obama outlines will be easy, whether removing troops from Iraq without chaos or addressing climate change without stunting the economy. In recent years, America has shrunk from big challenges, stymied by "the smallness of our politics" and "our chronic avoidance of tough decisions," as Obama put it in his announcement speech. Tackling big problems will first require Americans to bridge divisions, he has said, and then roll up our sleeves. That message continues to resonate with Iowans. In a September Iowa Poll, 54 percent of respondents rated Obama as the candidate who would be most successful in unifying the country, an 18-point edge over McCain. When Obama first met with the Register's editorial board more than a year ago, he emphasized that when deciding to run, "I wasn't simply a young man in a hurry." "I think there's this particular window right now where the country is hungry for change, and is also hungry to be brought together, as opposed to being driven apart," he said. "And I thought that the particular skills that I have, of bringing people from diverse backgrounds across lines of race or party or region or faith to focus on solving problems, was a particularly useful and needed skill right now." Indeed, it is. An Obama presidency presents the best hope for a unified America that aspires to greatness again.
Women for Obama Tractor from the Madison County Covered Bridge Parade
Today in Iowa, Former U.S. Rep. Jim Leach continues his travels across the state talking with Iowans about Barack Obama and early voting here in Iowa. As one of the Iowa leaders of Republicans for Obama, Rep. Leach makes a clear argument for why we should be discussing the important issues that affect Iowa, and why Barack is the best candidate to represent the heartland economy. Check out some comments he made yesterday evening in the article below.
If you are ready to vote for the change we need, there are extended hours across the state today, and it’s the last day to vote early without an ID! Visit www.voteforchange.com to find where you can vote early TODAY!
Leach touts Obama to Republicans, independentsSaturday, October 25, 2008By Russ Mitchell Former U.S. Rep. Jim Leach wants his fellow republicans to do what he did earlier this summer. The eastern Iowan took a pass on his party's presidential nominee and went to Denver for a convention speech supporting Barack Obama. The tenor of the election has played a factor in the longtime congressman's decision. "To me, Senator Obama, is very much in the category of someone trying to bring the country together," Leach said. "And then, if you look at some of the words out there, my party's candidates have been using the 's' word, and by that I mean socialism. It's not socialist to offer a much bigger middle-class tax cut than Senator McCain. It's not socialist to support ethanol and wind energy, which are so critical to northwest Iowa." …I think for those who really think we need a new approach to world affairs, I think Senator Obama is really presenting an alternative approach that is very much rooted in American history and American values and will symbolize great change at a time when we need great change. We have never gone through a period in which the American brand has been more challenged than it is today." …Leach also said he is "exceptionally impressed" with the quality of the advisors Obama has assembled in the areas of economics and foreign policy. "If you look at the Iowa economy and if you look at the northwest Iowa economy in particular, Obama in his brief career has been a strong advocate of wind energy," he said. "Senator McCain has voted against it at every turn. Obama has been a strong advocate of ethanol. Senator McCain has maintained stark opposition to ethanol. That is a profound contrast for Iowa economics." The former congressman also has confidence in Obama's tax policy. "Obama has carved out a very unique position," Leach said. "It's the first time I've ever known this contrast. He has a far bigger middle-class tax cut than Senator McCain does. Now, he also has a higher income tax increase, so what he's trying to suggest is: We've got to create a new fairness back in the tax code so one can expect higher income tax brackets to go up to the range where they were in the Clinton years." Prior to his Spencer stop, Leach made an appearance in Sioux City. He has stops planned in Mason City and Waterloo on Saturday.
Leach touts Obama to Republicans, independents
Saturday, October 25, 2008
By Russ Mitchell
Former U.S. Rep. Jim Leach wants his fellow republicans to do what he did earlier this summer. The eastern Iowan took a pass on his party's presidential nominee and went to Denver for a convention speech supporting Barack Obama.
The tenor of the election has played a factor in the longtime congressman's decision.
"To me, Senator Obama, is very much in the category of someone trying to bring the country together," Leach said. "And then, if you look at some of the words out there, my party's candidates have been using the 's' word, and by that I mean socialism. It's not socialist to offer a much bigger middle-class tax cut than Senator McCain. It's not socialist to support ethanol and wind energy, which are so critical to northwest Iowa."
…
I think for those who really think we need a new approach to world affairs, I think Senator Obama is really presenting an alternative approach that is very much rooted in American history and American values and will symbolize great change at a time when we need great change. We have never gone through a period in which the American brand has been more challenged than it is today."
Leach also said he is "exceptionally impressed" with the quality of the advisors Obama has assembled in the areas of economics and foreign policy.
"If you look at the Iowa economy and if you look at the northwest Iowa economy in particular, Obama in his brief career has been a strong advocate of wind energy," he said. "Senator McCain has voted against it at every turn. Obama has been a strong advocate of ethanol. Senator McCain has maintained stark opposition to ethanol. That is a profound contrast for Iowa economics."
The former congressman also has confidence in Obama's tax policy.
"Obama has carved out a very unique position," Leach said. "It's the first time I've ever known this contrast. He has a far bigger middle-class tax cut than Senator McCain does. Now, he also has a higher income tax increase, so what he's trying to suggest is: We've got to create a new fairness back in the tax code so one can expect higher income tax brackets to go up to the range where they were in the Clinton years."
Prior to his Spencer stop, Leach made an appearance in Sioux City. He has stops planned in Mason City and Waterloo on Saturday.
Senator Tom Harkin just sent out this email to our supporters in Iowa. We need your help to get out the vote, but in order to be able to volunteer on Election Day-- you need to vote early. Visit ww.voteforchange.com to ensure you are available to help us turn Iowa blue.
Dear Zach, Right now in towns and cities across Iowa, folks are getting together and deciding whom they will support in this election. That's why we should be concerned with the amount of attention the Republican Party has suddenly given Iowa. This weekend, John McCain and Sarah Palin will be stopping in cities across the state, and their campaign has continued to spend money on advertising, new offices, and new staff members. It's quickly becoming clear that the Republicans' road to the White House goes straight through Iowa, and millions of Americans are counting on us to fight back.Will you help get out the vote to make sure Barack wins Iowa? With less than two weeks until Election Day, the Campaign for Change is launching the largest Iowa get out the vote operation in history -- but it can only succeed if supporters like you get involved. The McCain campaign and the RNC will do everything they can to win Iowa, and they are planning to launch their legendary 72-hour voter contact operation leading up to Election Day -- the same program that helped George Bush win Iowa in 2004. I know we can win Iowa for Barack. Step up now and help get out the vote during these final crucial weeks:http://iowa.barackobama.com/iowagotv What we do -- or don't do -- in the next two weeks could decide the outcome of this race. Let's finish this where it all began. Best, Tom Harkin United States Senator
