A Call to action

Jason --

This morning, Michelle and I awoke to some surprising and humbling news. At 6 a.m., we received word that I'd been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for 2009.

To be honest, I do not feel that I deserve to be in the company of so many of the transformative figures who've been honored by this prize -- men and women who've inspired me and inspired the entire world through their courageous pursuit of peace.

But I also know that throughout history the Nobel Peace Prize has not just been used to honor specific achievement; it's also been used as a means to give momentum to a set of causes.

That is why I've said that I will accept this award as a call to action, a call for all nations and all peoples to confront the common challenges of the 21st century. These challenges won't all be met during my presidency, or even my lifetime. But I know these challenges can be met so long as it's recognized that they will not be met by one person or one nation alone.

This award -- and the call to action that comes with it -- does not belong simply to me or my administration; it belongs to all people around the world who have fought for justice and for peace. And most of all, it belongs to you, the men and women of America, who have dared to hope and have worked so hard to make our world a little better.

So today we humbly recommit to the important work that we've begun together. I'm grateful that you've stood with me thus far, and I'm honored to continue our vital work in the years to come.

Thank you,

President Barack Obama

Your video for reform

Jason --

Last month, we launched Organizing for America's Health Reform Video Challenge -- a contest to make the best 30-second ad showing why the President's plan for reform is so critical.

Today, I'm excited to announce a great panel of OFA volunteers, campaign veterans and well-known artists who will join me to help select the winning ad. The panel will include will.i.am, whose viral "Yes We Can" video fired up our movement last year, as well as Virginia Governor and Democratic National Committee Chairman Tim Kaine, actress Kate Walsh, and animator Seth MacFarlane (check out the full panel below).

There are less than two weeks left to submit a video before the October 18th deadline. The top submissions will be seen by millions online, and we'll run the winning ad on national television. With Congress moving into the final phase of this health reform debate, we need your creativity and voice out there more than ever.

Click here for all the info, rules, and everything else you need to get started.

You don't need special experience to record a powerful message. But if you know someone who makes great videos and wants to make a huge difference on the national stage, please pass on this note right away.

Your video can be serious or funny, simple or sophisticated. Just make sure to focus on why we need to fix today's broken system, or how President Obama's plan will help make sure all Americans have the care they need.

So get started today:

http://my.barackobama.com/VideoChallenge

Thanks, as always, for lending your voice.

David Plouffe

P.S. -- Here's the full list of judges: will.i.am, front man and producer of the multi-platinum Black Eyed Peas; actress and Voto Latino founder Rosario Dawson; Kate Walsh from "Private Practice" and "Grey's Anatomy;" Olivia Wilde from "House;" Dulé Hill from "The West Wing" and "Psych;" "Family Guy" creator Seth MacFarlane; John Cho from "Harold and Kumar" and "American Pie;" and Brandon Routh from "Superman Returns."

We'll also have Virginia Governor and DNC Chairman Tim Kaine; DNC Executive Director Jen O'Malley Dillon; Pennsylvania Congressman Patrick Murphy; myself; and some of Organizing for America's most active grassroots volunteers: Courtney S. from Georgia, Michelle M. from Arizona, and Erin T., a student organizer in New Hampshire.

NO PURCHASE OR PAYMENT OF ANY KIND IS NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. MAKING A CONTRIBUTION WILL NOT INCREASE ODDS OF WINNING. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED. Contest open only to U.S. citizens who are legal residents of the 50 United States and District of Columbia and 18 or older (or of majority in entrant's state). Contest starts 12:01 AM ET on 9/26/09 and ends 11:59 PM ET on 10/18/09. Winners will be selected by 11/7/09 and notified by phone and/or e-mail by 11/9/09. One winner will receive the following prize: all or part of the winner's video may be used in a TV ad associated with DNC's health reform campaign (approximate retail value: $0). Twenty finalists will be selected by a panel of judges comprised of DNC employees; the winner will be selected by public voters and a panel of experts. Entries will be judged on the following criteria: the most apt, creative, original and interesting video; demonstrated impact concerning supporting health insurance reform; and clarity of message concerning supporting health insurance reform. Odds of winning depend on the number and quality of eligible entries received. Contest subject to Official Rules. To enter, create an original 30-second video supporting health insurance reform, upload the video to http://www.youtube.com, and complete the entry form at http://www.barackobama.com/videochallenge. For full details, restrictions and Official Rules, visit http://www.barackobama.com/videochallenge. Sponsor: Democratic National Committee, Inc., 430 South Capitol Street SE, Washington, D.C. 20003.