http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DsieAmgCbUE&feature=player_embedded
Join Michelle Obama outside the Hippodrome Theater in downtown Gainesville on Wednesday, Oct. 22, at 2:30pm. People can start arriving as early as 1pm. Streets in the area will be closed to accomodate the expected crowd. The Hippodrome is located at the point where SE 1st Street dead-ends into 2nd Place.
Michelle's visit is part of a statewide effort to encourage Florida voters to voter early. Early voting in Florida starts Monday. Given the length of the ballot this year, and the surge in new registrations, election day (Tues. Nov. 4th) is expected to be crowded (which is great news!). By voting early, we can all help ease the crunch on election day, and perhaps volunteer an hour or two election with the Obama campaign--driving older voters to the polls, handing out literature, making sure friends or family members and especially new voters turn out to vote.
"This is a 51/49 country, not a 60/40 country... If you want to elect Barack Obama, go to Florida, go to Ohio. Go to the battleground states."
Obama supporters are more confident now than at any time this year. (Who even remembers the depressing days right after Sen. McCain chose Gov. Palin?) The media echo chamber is largely reinforcing this confidence, just as they have in months past. The powerful endorsement by Colin Powell today on Meet the Press will likely dominate press coverage for a day or two, with only two weeks and two days left to election day. That is huge.
But we should keep our eye on the ball! Lets focus our attention on the battleground states, because if Obama wins only one of these, we likely win the whole ballgame: Florida, Colorado, Ohio. And the single thing that will tip the balance is a significant move by older voters, particularly in places like Florida, Pennsylvania and Ohio.
The Great Schlep
Sarah Silverman gives a funny take on our mission: go to your grandparents, your parents, your friends and family in these toss-up states, and make sure they are on board. It would be great to win North Carolina or Virginia, but it is essential that we will our share of toss-ups.
Fair warning: this humorous video does contain expletives.
http://www.thegreatschlep.com/
Conservatives sing the praises of Barack Obama
"I sense in this guy a first-class mind who might just do smart things." --Christopher Buckley
"Barack Obama is the sharpest knife in the [Democratic] drawer." --Rush Limbaugh
Colin Powell is now endorsing Barack Obama on Meet the Press.
"I have gone back and forth between someone I have the highest regard for, John McCain, and someone I have been getting to know, Barack Obama." Both candidates would be good presidents.
However, Barack Obama displays "intellectual vigor, intellectual curiosity", and he is surrounding himself with people that will give him the advice that he needs. "I think he is a transformational figure... I will be voting for him."
While Powell continues to love and admire John McCain, who he has known for more than 20 years, he is very concerned about the rightward direction of the Republican Party. "We must stop polarizing our country. John McCain is an non-polarizing as anyone I know, but there is a polarizing element in the Republican Party."
The effort by the McCain campaign to tie Obama to terrorism (via his relationship to Bill Ayers) is a "terrible stretch, its demogogary" and its further evidence that the McCain campaign has been "narrow, ... too narrow for America." Powell tells a compelling story about a young man who was 14 at the time of 9-11. This young man was born in New Jersey, and waited until he was of age to join the military and serve his country. That young man was killed in combat, and is buried in Arlington Cemetary. His gravestone has the star and crecent of his Muslim faith, just as others there have a cross or a Star of David. The McCain campaign effort to tar Obama as Muslim (despite the fact that it is not true) insults the memory of this young man, and the millions of American Muslims who should be able to aspire to serve this country, and yes to become President of the United States.
Barack Obama will electrify this country, and the world. He has established himself as the right candidate. At this point in history, we need a president who will be transformational, a generational change. That is Barack Obama.
Dear Friends,
Please come over to our house (820 NE 5th Ave) this Thursday at 7pm for a presentation on the Wild Spaces/Public Places sales tax initiative. Wild Spaces/Public Places is a citizen-led effort to protect natural resources and improve public recreational facilities in Alachua County, and will also be on the ballot Nov. 4th. If approved, it would add a one-half cent to the sales tax for two years. Half the funds would pay for a specific list of park improvements in Gainesville, Alachua County and the county’s smaller cities. The other half would pay for Alachua County and City of Gainesville land conservation. (See http://WildSpacesPublicPlaces.org for more information.) This is an important opportunity to continue investing in our public parks and natural areas. The meeting gives you a chance to ask questions of primary sponsors of this initiative—and we hope to lend your support to the effort. Please RSVP to conexos@gmail.com or 335-8874. Your comments on this or any other matter are welcome. Thank you, Randy and Ondine Wells 820 NE 5th Ave tel: 352-335-8874 conexos@gmail.com PS—If you would like to receive future notices (like this) on the economic vitality, environmental health, and social wellbeing of our community, please e-mail conexos@gmail.com. Your e-mail will never be shared or spammed. Thank you.
Watching the recent McCain/Palin rallies reminds me of the Jodie Foster movie "The Accused" where the attorney charges a group of men for contributing to the commission of a crime (rape) by yelling, chanting, and creating an atmosphere of peer pressure and mob mentality… but in this case, McCain and Palin are the ones guilty of deliberately leading people to form false conclusions (implying Obama is a terrorist), creating a frenzy of hate, and when the words “terrorist” and “kill him” are yelled, they smile with great pride at their achievement and continue to work the crowd; however, this is not a movie, and the people screaming these comments are not actors.
I understand neither McCain nor Palin graduated at the top of their class, and while they might try to pass this off as "politics as usual," they can't be THAT stupid. I'm sure they both know exactly what this sort of thing can lead to. This is irresponsible, reckless, and dangerous behavior. Unfortunately, I don't expect either of them to stop. Like many in the Bush Administration, Palin behaves like she's above the law (refusing to testify in Trooper-Gate), but her recent campaign trail stunts are beginning to lead me to the conclusion that this "Good Christian Hockey Mom" has convinced herself she’s above God’s law as well: The 9th Commandment (Thou shalt not bear false witness). For everyone's sake, I hope these stunts just alert voters as to how low these two will sink to win an election, as the other outcome that I fear and dare not say is completely unacceptable in a civilized society, yet if it were to happen, I will always remember McCain and Palin's participation in that crime.
Why animal lovers should vote OBAMA/BIDEN '08:
There was a message circulating some of our groups in Florida yesterday that spread incorrect information conerning the the ID needed to vote. We're going to clarify below.
A message from the Florida Campaign for Change chief election lawyer:
I am the Obama-Biden campaign’s chief election lawyer in Florida, and I have received the 'no match no vote' message from several sources. This message is categorically false. Our reading of the clear statutory language does NOT require that the address on the driver’s license (or other ID) that the voter presents at the polls match the voter’s address in the precinct register. Furthermore, this press release from the Florida Secretary of State definitively ccnfirms:http://www.dos.state.fl.us/news/communications/pressRelease/pressRelease.cfm?id=330 See the last bullet:· I.D. required and checked at the polls is used solely to confirm the voter’s identity. Not to verify the voter’s ID number or address. The photograph on the ID is compared to the person standing before the poll worker and the signature on the ID is compared to the signature on record.
I am the Obama-Biden campaign’s chief election lawyer in Florida, and I have received the 'no match no vote' message from several sources. This message is categorically false.
Our reading of the clear statutory language does NOT require that the address on the driver’s license (or other ID) that the voter presents at the polls match the voter’s address in the precinct register. Furthermore, this press release from the Florida Secretary of State definitively ccnfirms:http://www.dos.state.fl.us/news/communications/pressRelease/pressRelease.cfm?id=330
See the last bullet:
· I.D. required and checked at the polls is used solely to confirm the voter’s identity. Not to verify the voter’s ID number or address. The photograph on the ID is compared to the person standing before the poll worker and the signature on the ID is compared to the signature on record.
Please feel free to email florida@barackobama.com with any questions or concerns.
THIS SUNDAY, September 21st, MoveOn is organizing Obama parties around the country. They are kicking off a huge effort to call swing-state MoveOn members and get them out volunteering for Obama!
There's a party in Gainesville. Can you make it? RSVP for your local party (see below):
Looking for a way to make sure the McCain-Palin sleaze-o-rama doesn't derail Barack Obama's historic candidacy? With a few hours of your time, you could produce a bunch of new Obama volunteers in Ohio, Michigan, or on one of the other key swing states. Here's how:This Sunday, we're throwing parties where we'll get together, hop on the phone and call 200,000 swing-state MoveOn member to get 'em out talking to voters.And since this week is MoveOn's 10th birthday, we'll celebrate with cake and ice cream after we hit the phones.There's a party in Gainesville—can you make it on Sunday?Here are the details:Host: Carol J— MoveOn memberWhere: Millhopper Road (in Gainesville)
When: Sunday, Sep. 21, 2008, at 5:00 PM
Here's the link to get the full address and RSVP:http://pol.moveon.org/event/events/event.html?event_id=72971&id=13889-6922908-x2jA2Yx&t=3
If you're looking to help Obama this weekend, here's a great chance to do it. These parties are the next step in our massive MoveOn for Obama project—our effort to mobilize huge numbers of MoveOn members to be a part of the Obama campaign. Plus, they'll be a great opportunity to have fun with other Obama supporters near you.So sign up to attend a party, bring your cell phone and charger, and drag a few friends along to the event!Hope you can join us, and thanks again for all you do.Adam, Lenore, Matt, Ray and the rest of the team
P.S. Can't make this event? Here are a few other events near you:MoveOn for Obama Party4410 NW 46th Terrace, Gainesville at 5:00 PM—RSVP
MoveOn for Obama PartyWest Lake Drive off Baden-Powell Rd., Hawthorne at 5:00 PM—RSVP
Want to support our work? We're entirely funded by our 3.5 million members—no corporate contributions, no big checks from CEOs. And our tiny staff ensures that small contributions go a long way.
PAID FOR BY MOVEON.ORG POLITICAL ACTION, http://pol.moveon.org/. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee.
There will be a meeting at the Bradford County Library every Thursday at 6 this month. Hope to see everyone there.
Please consider donating to the Hurricane Gustav relief effort. The links are on the barackobama.com home page. Even the minimum donation of $10 will be a big benefit to the Red Cross and a chance to show that Obama supporters care about more than just politics.
See you Thursday night! Kathleen
WHAT: "Obama-rama: A Kids' Convention that's Anything but Conventional" -- a fully kid-friendly political event!
FREE event that's a combination carnival and kids' political convention, featuring performance by Shana Banana (award-winning singer/songwriter), PLUS games, crafts, kid-focused political activities, door prizes, an update provided by the local Obama campaign office, and more.
In the words of Shana Banana, "We're going bananas for Obama!"
WHEN: Saturday, September 6, 10 a.m to 12 noon, rain or shine
WHERE: Lightin' Salvage Enterprises at Satchel's Pizza; 1800 NE 23rd Ave., Gainesville
RSVP at <A href="http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/44djk">Obama-rama Kids' Convention</A>
WHO: Organized by "Gainesville Mamas & Papas for Obama", a group of local moms including Eliana Bardi, Carol Church, Leah Cohen, Dahvi Fradkin, Shana Smith, and Marnie Wiss
CONTACT: Marnie Wiss, 352-275-6381; marniewiss@gmail.com.
This is an invitation to all of you in Western Duval, Clay, Bradford, Alachua, Gilchrist, Marion, Lake and Levy counties in the Florida 6'th Congressional District to come and visit the site, and see who is running here as your next Congressman, Tim Cunha. We are fighting a 20 year incumbent Republican, Cliff Stearns, and, this year, with all your help, we WILL succeed. Check here for local apperances by Tim, events, and his site is completely interactive with this group .
Please, sign in, be a member, and Tim would love to hear from you, what your concerns are, and how we can all work together finally taking back North Florida from yes men in Washington
Stay tuned, and thanks
Below is a link to a youtube.com music video/slide show supporting Obama.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-lyfap1gstM
Though no final decisions have been made, a second vote looks increasingly likely for Democrats in Florida and Michigan.
Sen. Obama continues to hold a 100+ delegate lead, despite a narrow primary loss in Texas and wider loss in Ohio. Few likely scenarios for Pennsylvania, North Carolina and the other states remaining to be contested would result in a closing of that gap, even with victories by Sen. Clinton with 60% of the vote. By comparison, Sen. Clinton has thus far failed to exceed 60% in any of her victories except Arkansas. Even New York, where she is the twice elected Senator, only delivered 57%; with no active campaign for the first go around in Florida, she just managed 50%; in Michigan, with no other name on the ballot, she polled 55%.
Short of a stampede by superdelegates, Sen. Clinton simply cannot lay claim to the nomination. And with the Democratic Party reluctant to allow non-elected superdelegates to decide the nomination, a re-vote in Florida and Michigan look almost inevitable.
The list of specific policy proposals were long, even as Sen. Obama delivered stirring oratory in his victory speech from Houston tonight. The win was in Wisconsin, but he spoke from the biggest city in Texas to set the stage what may be the last big battle for the Democratic nomination.
From education to health care, immigration to trade, environment to energy, and including foreign policy, Sen. Obama laid out specific if at times lofty policies. Largely liberal but in a language that was inspiring, and always with a call to bring the country together, Sen. Obama described the goals as only needing the political will and support of the American people, while cutting out the lobbyists and special interests.
A second message, though more subtle, perhaps awaits the general election. We must not only challenge the special interests, but also ourselves. A president who truly seeks to unite not divide (remember Pres. Bush's promise to be a "uniter not a divider"?) will also be willing to compromise on specifics to accomplish broad goals. But that is for another day...
