The Obama Email Project

45 years ago

2010-08-06T11:52:00.001-07:00

Jason --

On March 7th, 1965, 600 of us lined up to walk from Selma to Montgomery, to march for voting rights.

When we tried to cross the Edmund Pettus Bridge over the Alabama River, we were met by state troopers. They attacked us with tear gas, bullwhips, and nightsticks.

It became known as Bloody Sunday, and the national outcry over the brutality that day led to the enactment, exactly 45 years ago today, of the Voting Rights Act.

The progress we've made since then is remarkable.

But the expansion of voting rights for millions did not happen overnight. It was the product of a continued struggle, by many people, over many years.

And just as change did not come easily then, it does not come easily now.

Discrimination still exists in America -- its effects can be as harmful as they were decades ago. And we can always become a better, more just society.

Two years ago, this movement -- led by Barack Obama -- brought millions of people into the political process for the first time.

I'm told that many of you are working hard now to get as many as possible of those folks -- and others from across the country who are with us in these fights -- to the polls this year.

It's an important effort, and the legacy of the fight for the Voting Rights Act is that it is not only our right to vote, and to help others do so -- it is our duty.

Can I count on you to help out between now and the elections in November?

When I was a child, I tasted the bitter fruits of racial discrimination -- and I did not like it.

That was what spurred me to act. In those early days, we sacrificed our very selves for our rights as Americans. But we never gave up.

And now barriers that kept an entire people from full participation in this country have been removed.

No longer are people who look like me met with violence when we register to vote.

No longer is the idea that an African American could become president just a dream.

We live in a better world, a better country.

But our work is not complete. We cannot wait for someone else to make change.

We must all do it. You must do it. I must do it.

Please sign up to help millions more vote:

http://my.barackobama.com/VolunteerVRA

Thank you,

Representative John Lewis

Before it's delivered

2010-08-04T11:08:00.000-07:00

Jason --

Today's the President's 49th birthday, and I just heard how many of you have signed his birthday card so far: 1,266,611 as of this morning.

It's already an amazing show of support. But before the card is delivered with all of your signatures, I want to make sure you have one more chance to add your name -- I just added mine.

Will you sign it with me, if you haven't already?

Thanks,

David Plouffe

-----------------Original Message-----------------
From: Michelle Obama
Subject: Will you sign Barack's birthday card with me?

Friend --

Every year, our family tries to come up with a fun way to wish Barack a happy birthday.

And this August 4th, when he turns 49, I have something new in mind.

This has been a big -- and hectic -- year for him. After signing the Affordable Care Act and Wall Street reform into law -- and completing his first year as president -- I think it's safe to say we will remember it for a long time.

And I know full well how much he credits this movement, and the work of supporters like you, for the change that we've accomplished.

So I'm putting together a birthday card that I would like you to sign. Together with other Organizing for America supporters -- and me, Malia, Sasha, and Bo -- we'll wish him a happy birthday and let him know that we're ready to take on the year ahead alongside him.

Will you wish Barack a happy birthday with me?

This year also brought a lot of surprises -- some good and some bad.

Supporters like you have helped him make the best of it -- by contacting Congress to help push stalled legislation forward, by re-engaging supporters in the political process, by giving back with service projects across the country, and so much more.

And while we can't know what the coming year will bring, all of us, working together, will continue pushing forward for change.

Will you help make this a memorable birthday for Barack and wish him a happy 49th?

http://my.barackobama.com/birthday

Thanks so much,

Michelle Obama

Birthday parties for President Obama

2010-07-31T11:09:00.000-07:00

Jason --

President Obama turns 49 next week, and OFA supporters across the country are sharing in the fun.

Volunteers on the ground are holding birthday parties -- and we'll use the occasion to recruit new folks to join this grassroots movement that has helped President Obama so much throughout his first year and a half in office.

Want to come?

Here's what we're doing in Asheville:

What: President's birthday event

Where: 951 Old Fairview Rd
Asheville, NC 28803

When: Wednesday, August 4th
5:30 pm

Can you make it?

Yes, count me in.

No, but I'd like to sign a birthday card for the President.

No, but I want to see if there are other events near me.

No experience is necessary, and talking to potential volunteers is a fun way to spend some time.

Each volunteer we recruit will help get more first-time 2008 voters back to the polls in November -- the centerpiece of our Vote 2010 plan. And with so much more on our agenda, and tight races from Florida to Alaska, we don't have a moment to lose.

RSVP for the President's birthday event in Asheville:

http://my.barackobama.com/BirthdayEvents

Thanks,

Jeremy

Jeremy Bird
Deputy Director
Organizing for America

Prevention

2010-07-18T11:11:00.000-07:00

Jason --

When you hear about the new health reform law these days, too much talk is focused on the political.

What I've found is that most Americans just want to know how this new law helps their families stay healthy -- and how it reduces their costs.

The first thing I tell people who ask about the Affordable Care Act is that, for moms like me, it makes our lives easier. It gives families control over their own care. And it gives us the comfort of knowing that our insurance will be there when we need it most -- especially if we get sick. Then I tell them that it gets better, but there's a lot to know. To help, this administration has set up HealthCare.gov, where folks can see customized information about how care will improve for their families.

So much of what makes this law great is its emphasis on preventive care -- right now, too many people aren't getting the check-ups or the screenings they need to stay healthy. Twelve percent of kids haven't seen a doctor in the past year. And 59 million adults -- and 11 million children -- depend on an insurance plan that does not cover basic immunizations.

Health reform is changing that. Under this new law, all new private plans will provide basic preventive services -- things like childhood immunizations and checkups, mammograms, colonoscopies, cervical screenings, and treatment for high blood pressure -- absolutely free of charge. No copay. No deductible. No co-insurance needed.

And, on HealthCare.gov, you can not only learn what preventive steps will help keep your family healthy, but also what insurance coverage options are available based on your needs.

A focus on prevention will help us to combat diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure -- chronic illnesses that right now lead to seven of ten deaths in the United States and 75 percent of our national health care costs.

And it will help us tackle an issue that is dear to my heart -- childhood obesity. As some of you know one of my top priorities as First Lady is the Let's Move! campaign, where we have made it our goal to put a stop to the challenge of childhood obesity within a generation, so children who are born today grow up at a healthy weight.

Each of us needs to take responsibility for our own health and the health of our families, and the new health reform law can help. That's why I'm writing today -- to make sure you and Americans across the country know how their health plans are getting better day by day under reform.

Please visit HealthCare.gov and find out more about your care:

www.healthcare.gov

Thank you,

Michelle Obama

Apologize to BP?

2010-07-17T11:13:00.000-07:00

Jason --

When BP CEO Tony Hayward testified before Congress this morning, many expected to hear him apologize for the disaster his company has caused. Instead, GOP Congressman Joe Barton was the one saying he was sorry -- to BP.

In his opening statement, Barton, the top Republican on the committee overseeing the oil spill and its aftermath, delivered a personal apology to the oil giant. He said the $20 billion fund that President Obama directed BP to establish to provide relief to the victims of the oil disaster was a "tragedy in the first proportion."

Other Republicans are echoing his call. Sen. John Cornyn said he "shares" Barton's concern. Rep. Michele Bachmann said that BP shouldn't agree to be "fleeced." Rush Limbaugh called it a "bailout." The Republican Study Committee, with its 114 members in the House, called it a "shakedown."

Let's be clear. This fund is a major victory for the people of the Gulf. It's a key step toward making them whole again. BP has a responsibility to those whose lives and livelihoods have been devastated by the disaster. And BP oil executives don't deserve an apology -- the people of the Gulf do.

Stand with us to show that the American people support holding BP accountable -- and we won't apologize for doing so.

Rep. Barton and Republicans like him don't understand that the real tragedy is what's happening to the people in the Gulf Coast. They're the ones who deserve his apology -- not BP.

But big oil knows exactly who its allies are. And if Republicans win control of the House, Rep. Barton could be chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee -- overseeing regulation of the oil and gas industry.

Notably, companies like Halliburton -- the folks responsible for cementing the Deepwater Horizon rig -- are directing their political committees to deliver thousands of dollars to GOP candidates this cycle. Barton himself has received more than $100,000 from the oil and gas industry this election cycle.

Barton should apologize to the people of the Gulf and he should step down as the highest-ranking Republican on the House Energy and Commerce Committee.

Adding your name to our open letter is one of the best ways you can show him and other Republicans that they weren't elected to defend big oil.

Sign the open letter today:

http://my.barackobama.com/NoApologies

Thanks,

David Plouffe

Jason, will you stand with me?

2010-07-14T11:14:00.000-07:00

Jason --

The BP oil spill in the Gulf Coast is the worst environmental disaster of its kind in our nation's history. I am returning to the region today to review our efforts and meet with families and business owners affected by the catastrophe.

We are working to hold BP accountable for the damage to the lands and the livelihoods of the Gulf Coast, and we are taking strong precautions to make certain a spill like this never happens again.

But our work will not end with this crisis. That's one of the reasons why last week I invited lawmakers from both parties to join me at the White House to discuss what it will take to move forward on legislation to promote a new economy powered by green jobs, combat climate change, and end our dependence on foreign oil.

Today, we consume more than 20 percent of the world's oil, but have less than two percent of the world's oil reserves. Beyond the risks inherent in drilling four miles beneath the surface of the Earth, our dependence on oil means that we will continue to send billions of dollars of our hard-earned wealth to other countries every month -- including many in dangerous and unstable regions.

In other words, our continued dependence on fossil fuels will jeopardize our national security. It will smother our planet. And it will continue to put our economy and our environment at risk. We cannot delay any longer, and that is why I am asking for your help.

Please stand with me today in backing clean energy. Adding your name will help Organizing for America create a powerful, public display of support for making this change happen.

The time has come, once and for all, for this nation to fully embrace a new future. That means continuing our unprecedented effort to make everything -- from our homes and businesses to our cars and trucks -- more energy-efficient. It means rolling back billions of dollars of tax breaks to oil companies so we can prioritize investments in clean energy research and development.

Many businesses support this agenda because shifting to clean energy creates opportunities for entrepreneurship. This is how we will reinvent our economy -- and create new companies and new jobs all across the country.

There will be transition costs and a time of adjustment. But if we refuse to heed the warnings from the disaster in the Gulf -- we will have missed our best chance to seize the clean-energy future we know America needs to thrive in the years and decades to come.

The House of Representatives has already passed a comprehensive energy and climate bill, and there is currently a plan in the Senate -- a plan that was developed with ideas from Democrats and Republicans -- that would achieve the same goal. But this is an issue that Washington has long ignored in favor of protecting the status quo.

So I'm asking for your help today to show that the American people are ready for a clean-energy future.

Please add your name to mine:

http://my.barackobama.com/CleanEnergy

Thank you,

President Barack Obama

This Fourth of July

2010-07-04T11:12:00.000-07:00

Jason --

The Fourth of July is especially dear to my family. For us, it is not just our nation's birthday. It is the day Michelle and I became parents 12 years ago. And every year we enjoy watching the fireworks with Malia on her birthday.

As we celebrate the profound pride of being American, today is a time to honor the women and men in our armed forces, whose immeasurable bravery and sacrifice have made our country what it is today.

That sacrifice is shared with husbands and wives, with sons and daughters, with fathers and mothers, who are asked to wait at home as their loved ones protect our nation. Their heroism, too, has helped pave the path of our freedom.

Even before we moved into the White House, Michelle was a champion for those military families. She has witnessed their struggles, and she has made it her personal mission to fight for them. On this Fourth of July, she recorded a personal message, commemorating our nation's birthday and paying tribute to these families.

Please take a minute to watch Michelle's video -- and join us as we honor our military families here and abroad:

http://my.barackobama.com/July4th

From all of us, happy Independence Day.

Thank you, and may God bless America.

President Barack Obama

July 4th, 2010

This weekend in North Carolina: Vote 2010 Kick-Off

2010-06-04T11:15:00.000-07:00

Jason --

It all starts this weekend. Volunteers in Asheville, throughout North Carolina, and across the country are joining together to launch our Vote 2010 campaign. OFA volunteers and staff are making the final preparations right now -- creating maps and lists of voters to talk to -- and they need to know how many supporters are coming. Can you make it?

Here are the details:

What: Vote 2010 Kick-Off event

Where: Nancy Burns' home, Asheville
11 Pine Meadow Drive
Asheville, NC 28804

When: Saturday, June 5th
12:00 PM

Can you make it?

Yes, I'll be there.

No, but I want to see other events in my area.

Sorry, I can't make it this weekend, but I still want to help.

In 2008, there were 15 million voters who cast their ballots for the first time -- roughly 842,780 in North Carolina alone -- many of whom supported Barack Obama. And you know how that election turned out.

We can make history again, but we need your help to get as many of those supporters as possible back to the polls in November.

This weekend, we're getting together to phone bank and knock on the doors of first-time voters in Asheville, asking them to commit to voting again this fall. We know that our best chances of winning are to re-engage those 842,780 voters across the state -- but we'll have to start early.

Click here to RSVP:

http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/vote2010kickoff/gp8j4l

See you out there,

Mitch

Mitch Stewart
Director
Organizing for America

What are you doing this weekend?

2010-06-01T11:15:00.000-07:00

Jason --

Hi, my name is Sarah, and I'm a volunteer with Organizing for America. In less than a week, I'll be hosting a Vote 2010 Kick-Off event, and I'd like to tell you why.

In 2007 and 2008, my husband and I, along with our son, traveled from our home in Missouri to four other states to knock on doors for Barack Obama. Through my career as a social worker and my husband's as a physician, we've seen first-hand how desperately change is needed in America.

Our work didn't stop after Election Day -- we were two of the millions of OFA supporters who fought for the historic health insurance reform that President Obama signed into law.

And now, it's time to get voters energized again. We're hosting our canvass this weekend in our hometown because this is the most effective way to reach voters who understand, from their daily experiences, the need for change.

And that's where you come in: There are events like ours all around the country -- including one in Asheville starting at 12:00 PM on Saturday -- Will you come? Here are the details:

What: Asheville Vote 2010 Kick-Off event

Where: Nancy Burns' home, Asheville
11 Pine Meadow Drive
Asheville, NC, 28804

When: Saturday, June 5th
12:00 PM

Can't make it to that event? Find others near you here.

As a long-time volunteer, I know that going door to door and calling voters are the most effective ways to turn out voters, especially those who cast ballots for the first time in 2008.

These voters turned out for the first time to support Barack Obama. Now we need to make the case that their votes in 2010 are essential for continuing the historic change that has been accomplished over the last year and a half.

Mobilizing these voters will make the difference. Will you join us in Asheville on Saturday, June 5th at 12:00 PM?

http://my.barackobama.com/KickOffEvents

Thanks again,

Sarah

Sarah Starnes
Volunteer
Organizing for America

The backed down

2010-05-22T11:17:00.000-07:00

Jason --

On Thursday, the Senate passed historic Wall Street reform. This movement proved again that the strongest special interests, who for so long have called the shots in Washington, can be beat.

When opponents in Congress tried to block the legislation altogether, you stood up -- and they backed down. When the lobbyists pushed for loopholes and exemptions just before a final vote, you did not relent -- and we fought them off.

Your support brought us to this day -- and, because of that, we're poised to implement sensible reforms that will provide a stronger foundation for economic growth.

Now, the House and Senate must iron out their differences before I can sign it into law. But the financial industry will not give up. They have already spent more than $1 million per member of Congress, lobbying on this issue. And in the coming days, they will go all in. This is their last shot to stall, weaken, or kill reform, and they are not accustomed to losing.

But this movement has you -- and together, we have beaten the special interests before.

Please donate $5 or more today to help Organizing for America continue to mobilize thousands -- to counter the special interests' attacks and get strong Wall Street reform to my desk.

Every American has a stake in this bill.

If you have ever been treated unfairly by a credit card company, this reform works for you -- never again will Americans be duped by fine print or hidden fees.

If you ever try to take out a home loan or student loan, this reform works for you -- putting an end to predatory and deceptive lending practices.

And, if you or your small business relies on credit from community banks that are being punished for playing by the rules while their competitors do not, this reform works for you -- reining in the big banks and making sure all our lenders are subject to tough oversight.

These reforms would put in place the strongest consumer financial protections in history. And, by helping safeguard our economy from recklessness on Wall Street, it would ensure that a crisis like the one that caused this recession never happens again.

This is not a zero-sum game where Wall Street loses and Main Street wins. As we have learned, in today's economy, we are all connected. When the economy prospers, we all win. Senators of both parties recognize that fact, and that is why lawmakers stood up to the lobbyists and worked across the aisle to ensure that Wall Street reform passed.

But this fight is not yet over. And it is up to us to overcome this final test and pass reform into law. When we do, the power of this movement to make change in Washington -- despite the best efforts of the special interests -- will no longer be up for debate.

Please donate $5 or more today:

https://donate.barackobama.com/WSRSenateVictory

Thank you,

President Barack Obama

Call the Senate

2010-05-19T11:17:00.000-07:00

Jason --

The Senate is ready to cast a critical vote on Wall Street reform today. And reports from Capitol Hill indicate that things could go either way.

Earlier this month, your senator -- Richard Burr -- voted repeatedly with each and every other Republican to block Wall Street reform from even coming to debate.

But our grassroots pressure paid off -- and the Republicans caved. If there's a lesson to learn from that, it's that we simply can't let up now -- not until the bill is passed.

Let's make sure Sen. Burr hears the message loud and clear: Rein in Wall Street.

Take two minutes to make a call -- and then don't forget to let us know how it went. Please call Sen. Burr at (202) 224-3154.

The House has already passed reform. And today's Senate vote is one of the last hurdles to landing a bill on President Obama's desk.

But over the last two weeks we've seen the big banks' lobbyists aren't ready to give in yet. They've been working hard to slip loopholes and exemptions into the final bill.

So far, with your help, we've been able to keep Wall Street reform strong -- with powerful protections for consumers and tough provisions that would rein in the big banks.

But, with the vote today, the lobbyists are going into overdrive. They know if we can get senators like Richard Burr to vote for strong reform, they have no chance of stopping this legislation from becoming law.

Help us put the pressure on Sen. Burr today by calling in your support for the bill at (202) 224-3154.

Then make sure you let us know how it went:

http://my.barackobama.com/WallStreetSenateCalls

Thanks,

Mitch

Mitch Stewart
Director
Organizing for America

Elena Kagan

2010-05-10T11:19:00.000-07:00

Jason --

Today, it is my great honor to nominate our Solicitor General, and my friend, Elena Kagan, to be the next justice of the United States Supreme Court.

As I send my nomination to the Senate, I wanted to record a special message for you that I hope will help us launch a national discussion.

Take a minute to watch this video, and then help me to introduce Elena to your friends and family by passing it on.

Elena is widely regarded as one of the best legal minds of her generation -- earning praise from across the ideological spectrum throughout her career. Above all, she is a trailblazer. She wasn't just the first woman to serve as dean of Harvard Law School -- she was one of its most beloved and successful leaders, building a reputation for openness to other viewpoints and skill in working with others to build consensus. These were some of the many reasons why I selected her to be my Solicitor General, the nation's chief advocate -- the first woman to hold that post as well.

Her work as Solicitor General has allowed me to see firsthand just why Elena is particularly well-suited to the Court: She has not only a keen understanding of the law, but also one that is rooted in a deep awareness of its impact on people's lives. Last year, she made that clear -- choosing the Citizens United case as her first to argue before the Supreme Court, defending bipartisan campaign finance reform against special interests seeking to spend unlimited money to influence our elections.

Now, I look forward to the prospect of Elena taking her seat alongside Justice Ginsberg and Justice Sotomayor. For the first time, our nation's highest court would include three women, ensuring a Court that would be more inclusive, more representative, more reflective of us as a people than ever before.

When Justice Stevens wrote me to announce his retirement, I knew that the Court would be losing a standard bearer. And I felt a responsibility to nominate an individual capable of being that same guiding force, a consistent voice of reason on the Court.

I am certain I have made the right choice. As you learn more about Elena, I am confident you'll see what I do -- that she is a voice we need on the Supreme Court.

Please watch the message -- and share it with others:

http://my.barackobama.com/ElenaKagan

Thank you,

In case you missed it: Here's the plan

2010-05-06T11:18:00.000-07:00

Jason --

If you didn't catch Monday's strategy session, here are the video highlights and an in-depth look at what you missed:

http://my.barackobama.com/2010StrategyHighlights

First, we're going to continue to support the President on critical issues. Success in the 2010 election depends upon highlighting the choice voters have in front of them, so we'll be working hard to build support for Wall Street reform, a clean-energy economy, immigration reform, the confirmation of a new Supreme Court justice, and other key priorities.

A key piece of this is to continue to tell the story of President Obama's leadership and what we've already accomplished together. On health insurance reform, 3 million of you took action to voice your support for a law that reduces costs, increases access, and puts an end to some of the worst insurance company abuses. While there's still a long way to go on the economy, we're on the path to recovery. With your support, we passed the Recovery Act, which has created or saved more than 2 million jobs, and the President continues to fight to create jobs, protect consumers, and hold Wall Street accountable.

Second, we're going to work to elect candidates who support the President's agenda -- and we've got a plan to do it. After months of feedback from volunteers on the ground and nearly 1,000 local strategy sessions held across the country, your top priority for 2010 was crystal clear: getting out the 15 million voters who cast a ballot for the first time in 2008. These voters put President Obama over the top then, and they're going to make the difference again in close races across the country in November.

The best way to get a 2008 first-time voter to vote in 2010? Have a person like you reach out to them and share why you support the President and your local and statewide candidates who support his agenda. Just like we did in 2008, we're going to put a premium on people talking to people -- in their communities, at their doors, on the phones, and online.

As the President noted when he announced our 2010 electoral strategy last week, this year the stakes are even higher. Since he was inaugurated, President Obama has put us on the right path on many critical issues. But we need to help elect candidates who will stand up to the lobbyists and the special interests who are fighting to block and reverse the President's agenda. By turning out 2008 first-time voters, together we can keep our nation moving forward, keep working to fix Washington, keep growing our economy, and keep building a fairer, stronger, and more just America.

Third, we're going to continue to build organizationally. In 2008 we had one of the strongest organizations in the history of American politics. Remarkably, in many ways, our organization is even stronger now -- as volunteers have stepped up to take on even more responsibility with the support of our experienced, nationwide staff. And we're poised to grow: Organizing for America supporters have pledged more than 10 million volunteer hours to candidates who fought for health reform. We're going to hold you to that.

Our 2010 organization-building starts with house meetings in neighborhoods across the country in May, where you and other volunteers will devise a customized program that focuses on turning out 2008 first-time voters in your community. Then, on the weekend of June 5th, we'll be canvassing door-to-door and kicking off our 2010 grassroots campaign.

Watch the highlights -- then help us spread the word about the plan for 2010.

For our opponents, the path to victory relies on historical patterns that show the President's party will have trouble turning out supporters in midterm elections. But, with your help, we can once again defy the cynics and the pundits, turn out 2008 first-time voters, and keep our country on the right path.

Thanks,

Mitch

Mitch Stewart
Director
Organizing for America

Strategy Session today at 4:30 Eastern Time

2010-05-03T11:07:00.000-07:00

Jason --

Don't forget: David Plouffe and I are holding a live, Vote 2010 Strategy Session online today at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time to outline OFA's plan to win in 2010.

One of the people in the room for the Strategy Session will be Aswani, a student at the University of Maryland and a first-time voter in 2008. Early in 2007, he was inspired and driven to volunteer by then-Senator Obama's vision. Aswani has already committed to vote again in 2010. But there are millions of voters just like him -- and we need to make sure they're just as motivated.

Today's session will be a special insider briefing you won't want to miss -- you'll get details on what OFA's planning for the midterm elections and how you can help candidates fighting for change.

RSVP now -- or tune in here today at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time:

http://my.barackobama.com/2010StrategySession

Talk to you soon,

Mitch

Mitch Stewart
Director
Organizing for America

37 supporters in Asheville

2010-04-28T11:06:00.000-07:00

Jason --

"Republicans win back House, Senate." "Voters reject Obama's agenda."

If you listen to the talking heads on TV, it's like November 3rd's headlines are already written.

But here's what they don't know -- and it's why they're dead wrong: The same grassroots movement that knocked on the most doors, made the most calls, and inspired the most first-time voters in history in 2008 hasn't gone anywhere. In fact, we're gearing up to do it all again.

You heard it from the President on Monday. We've been planning for the fall campaign all year. And we know full well that winning nationally means organizing locally. Every House district holds an election this year, and all but five states will vote statewide for a governor or senator.

We need to get moving in NC -- and all over the country -- earlier than ever before. David Plouffe and I have taken a hard look at the numbers, and we need 37 donations from Asheville by May 1st to kick off our efforts.

Please donate $5 or more to help us get more boots on the ground and start implementing our 2010 grassroots strategy now.

Republicans are already calling 2010 a "referendum" on the President's agenda. They're campaigning to win majorities in Congress, so they can roll back the progress we've worked so hard to make. In fact, hundreds of candidates have signed a pledge, circulated by the conservative Club for Growth, to repeal health insurance reform.

If history is any guide, this is nothing to scoff at. In midterm elections, the president's party regularly loses seats. And an economy that's still recovering only makes our job harder.

But history has never seen anything like us.

While Sarah Palin gives big speeches mocking "community organizers," we're investing in them. Our field operation is far and away the largest of its kind in history. OFA staff and volunteers are pounding the pavement across the country.

From the earliest primaries in 2008 to the fight for Wall Street reform, while the attacks ads were flying and the cynics were talking down our chances, we've done what we know best -- keep on organizing. Investing in these resources is what will make it possible for us to set records again in 2010.

The headlines we wake up to on November 3rd are in our hands. But we can't succeed without a strong start -- and we can't do it without you.

Will you be one of the first in Asheville to chip in $5 to get our grassroots off the ground? Donate now:

https://donate.barackobama.com/2010kickoff

The fight ahead is going to be tough. With your help, Election Night doesn't have to be.

Thanks,

Mitch

Mitch Stewart
Director
Organizing for America

Not even willing to debate

2010-04-27T11:06:00.000-07:00

Jason --

Both parties have worked for months crafting a bipartisan Wall Street reform bill. But, just hours ago, Senate Republicans -- including Senator Richard Burr -- voted for a second time to protect their allies on Wall Street and block reform.

Maybe they think obstruction is a good political strategy in an election year. Maybe they're hoping the delay will give bank lobbyists time to water down reform with loopholes and exemptions.

But here's what we know for sure: These Republicans have a lot to explain to the American people. A recent ABC News poll showed that 65 percent support the reforms they just opposed.

Sen. Burr still has time to cross the aisle and stand with Main Street -- but to make it happen, North Carolina's voters need to speak out now.

If you haven't already, tell Sen. Burr to end the delay -- stop protecting the big banks and start protecting American consumers.

With American families struggling in the wake of a crippling financial crisis, they want to know that Washington is doing something to protect consumers from exploitation at the hands of the big banks that got us into this mess.

The Senate bill that Republicans are blocking will provide the strongest consumer financial protections in history, while ensuring that American taxpayers are never again forced to bail out a Wall Street firm "too big to fail."

Sadly, instead of working to debate and revise the bill, Republicans in the Senate are teaming up with the big banks. In fact, press reports confirm that Republican leaders have been meeting privately all month with Wall Street executives, plotting to weaken the bill. With their votes, it appears they're intent on carrying out that plan.

But President Obama has made it clear that any reform bill that doesn't go far enough to rein in the big banks is not acceptable. He's counting on us to speak up.

If we turn up the public pressure, we can stop the delay and help President Obama get both sides of the aisle working together again to pass a strong final bill. Write a letter to Sen. Burr now:

http://my.barackobama.com/WallStreetReformLetters

Thanks,

Mitch

Mitch Stewart
Director
Organizing for America

2010

2010-04-26T11:05:00.000-07:00

Jason --

There are only 190 days until the 2010 election.

Many of you have been at work long before now. You've held strategy sessions all across the country to discuss how to most effectively help candidates in your community who are fighting to bring about change.

At OFA headquarters, we've been poring over your ideas, your input, and the best data we can get our hands on to determine the most helpful role we can play.

Together, based on that feedback, we've crafted a comprehensive electoral plan that can make a big difference in the upcoming elections.

President Obama recorded a video message to share our goals for 2010 with you -- and to remind us what's at stake. Watch it now.

We've accomplished a lot together. But we're in for a tough fight this fall.

Historical trends aren't in our favor -- the president's party generally loses seats in the first midterm election. And even though President Obama has taken bold steps like the Recovery Act to put us back on the path to prosperity, escaping from a financial crisis like this one takes time.

The prognosticators and pundits are predicting steep losses for the Democrats. The Republicans are already measuring the drapes for their new offices, saying that anything short of an electoral landslide that gives them back control of Congress won't be a victory.

But these are the same folks who said Barack Obama could never become president, the same ones who said we were trying to do too much, too fast -- and that we'd never pass historic health reform. They were wrong then, and they're wrong now.

I believe we can avoid the nightmare electoral scenario that Republicans in Washington have already convinced themselves will happen. But only if we work together.

Two years ago, we challenged a group of young and disaffected voters to participate in the 2008 election. They cast votes for the very first time and helped us elect a new president. You told us that your top priority for 2010 was to help these people head back to the polls -- and we built our plan around that goal.

President Obama has America heading in the right direction. But our opponents want to repeal health reform. They're standing with Wall Street banks to block any efforts to rein in reckless behavior and protect consumers. And they're attacking a foreign policy that has renewed America's standing in the world. They are eager to undo all we've done.

The stakes are high. And that's the level of commitment we need from you. So watch the President introduce our 2010 plan -- and find out how you can get involved in the fight:

http://2010.barackobama.com

It's a pleasure to continue our work together,

David Plouffe

Not backing down

2010-04-24T11:04:00.000-07:00

Jason --

Last week, Republican Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell got all 41 GOP senators to promise to oppose Wall Street reform. He thought President Obama would back down in the face of a unified show of force.

He was wrong.

Instead, the President stood in front of Wall Street bankers Thursday, going to bat for consumers and confronting the toughest of crowds with a strong message: Reform is good for Americans, good for the market, and it's time to get on board.

Bipartisan discussions have begun again -- but Wall Street lobbyists are still swarming Capitol Hill, trying to trip up negotiations and maintain the gridlock that has defined Washington for far too long.

So now, it's up to us. We need to show Republican senators that the American people are watching closely to see whose side they end up on.

Tell Republicans in the Senate to stand up to the special interests and work with the President to pass Wall Street reform.

The President laid out a bold plan to hold Wall Street accountable, to protect American taxpayers by ensuring they'll never again be asked to bail out a big firm "too big to fail," and to put in place the strongest consumer financial protections ever proposed.

But this fight isn't just about fixing Wall Street. It's also about fixing Washington.

For too long, it's been a place where special interests have set the rules and petty partisanship has stood in the way of progress. As the President said Thursday, "We can and must put this kind of cynical politics aside."

Thanks to strong leadership from the President and Democrats in Congress, the gridlock is starting to crack, and Republicans are slowly giving signs that they'll come on board. The Senate has even scheduled a preliminary vote for Monday at 5:15 p.m.

But Wall Street lobbyists are flooding in to firm up opposition -- trying to carve out loopholes and exemptions for big banks and lenders who have long exploited consumers.

The only sure-fire way to make sure that the special interests don't get their way is to show Senate Republicans that Americans are standing firmly with the President. Tell them to join us to fight for American families who are counting on reform, not the big Wall Street banks. Send a letter today:

http://my.barackobama.com/WallStreetReformLetters

Thanks,

Mitch

Mitch Stewart
Director
Organizing for America

P.S. -- Want to learn more about what reform means for you? Check out our online Wall Street reform resource center.

A presidential veto

2010-04-18T11:03:00.000-07:00

Jason --

President Obama means business.

He's committed his administration to reining in Wall Street and creating the strongest consumer protections in history. And on Friday he made it clear that we can't allow another devastating financial crisis -- so he'll veto any reform bill that doesn't bring the derivatives market under control.

But the Senate could begin debate as soon as this week, and Republican leaders are teaming up with Wall Street lobbyists to defeat the bill -- so the President needs your help to show that the American people stand with him on Wall Street reform:

http://my.barackobama.com/StandForWallStreetReform

Thanks,

Mitch

P.S. -- Don't miss the President's message from Friday below.

-------------Original Message-------------
From: Barack Obama
Subject: Wall Street reform

Friend --

It has now been well over a year since the near collapse of our entire financial system that cost the nation more than 8 million jobs. To this day, hard-working families struggle to make ends meet.

We've made strides -- businesses are starting to hire, Americans are finding jobs, and neighbors who had given up looking are returning to the job market with new hope. But the flaws in our financial system that led to this crisis remain unresolved.

Wall Street titans still recklessly speculate with borrowed money. Big banks and credit card companies stack the deck to earn millions while far too many middle-class families, who have done everything right, can barely pay their bills or save for a better future.

We cannot delay action any longer. It is time to hold the big banks accountable to the people they serve, establish the strongest consumer protections in our nation's history -- and ensure that taxpayers will never again be forced to bail out big banks because they are "too big to fail."

That is what Wall Street reform will achieve, why I am so committed to making it happen, and why I'm asking for your help today.

Please stand with me to show your support for Wall Street reform.

We know that without enforceable, commonsense rules to check abuse and protect families, markets are not truly free. Wall Street reform will foster a strong and vibrant financial sector so that businesses can get loans; families can afford mortgages; entrepreneurs can find the capital to start a new company, sell a new product, or offer a new service.

Consumer financial protections are currently spread across seven different government agencies. Wall Street reform will create one single Consumer Financial Protection Agency -- tasked with preventing predatory practices and making sure you get the clear information, not fine print, needed to avoid ballooning mortgage payments or credit card rate hikes.

Reform will provide crucial new oversight, give shareholders a say on salaries and bonuses, and create new tools to break up failing financial firms so that taxpayers aren't forced into another unfair bailout. And reform will keep our economy secure by ensuring that no single firm can bring down the whole financial system.

With so much at stake, it is not surprising that allies of the big banks and Wall Street lenders have already launched a multi-million-dollar ad campaign to fight these changes. Arm-twisting lobbyists are already storming Capitol Hill, seeking to undermine the strong bipartisan foundation of reform with loopholes and exemptions for the most egregious abusers of consumers.

I won't accept anything short of the full protection that our citizens deserve and our economy needs. It's a fight worth having, and it is a fight we can win -- if we stand up and speak out together.

So I'm asking you to join me, starting today, by adding your name as a strong supporter of Wall Street reform:

http://my.barackobama.com/StandForWallStreetReform

Thank you,

President Barack Obama

Wall Street reform

2010-04-16T11:03:00.000-07:00

Jason --

It has now been well over a year since the near collapse of our entire financial system that cost the nation more than 8 million jobs. To this day, hard-working families struggle to make ends meet.

We've made strides -- businesses are starting to hire, Americans are finding jobs, and neighbors who had given up looking are returning to the job market with new hope. But the flaws in our financial system that led to this crisis remain unresolved.

Wall Street titans still recklessly speculate with borrowed money. Big banks and credit card companies stack the deck to earn millions while far too many middle-class families, who have done everything right, can barely pay their bills or save for a better future.

We cannot delay action any longer. It is time to hold the big banks accountable to the people they serve, establish the strongest consumer protections in our nation's history -- and ensure that taxpayers will never again be forced to bail out big banks because they are "too big to fail."

That is what Wall Street reform will achieve, why I am so committed to making it happen, and why I'm asking for your help today.

Please stand with me to show your support for Wall Street reform.

We know that without enforceable, commonsense rules to check abuse and protect families, markets are not truly free. Wall Street reform will foster a strong and vibrant financial sector so that businesses can get loans; families can afford mortgages; entrepreneurs can find the capital to start a new company, sell a new product, or offer a new service.

Consumer financial protections are currently spread across seven different government agencies. Wall Street reform will create one single Consumer Financial Protection Agency -- tasked with preventing predatory practices and making sure you get the clear information, not fine print, needed to avoid ballooning mortgage payments or credit card rate hikes.

Reform will provide crucial new oversight, give shareholders a say on salaries and bonuses, and create new tools to break up failing financial firms so that taxpayers aren't forced into another unfair bailout. And reform will keep our economy secure by ensuring that no single firm can bring down the whole financial system.

With so much at stake, it is not surprising that allies of the big banks and Wall Street lenders have already launched a multi-million-dollar ad campaign to fight these changes. Arm-twisting lobbyists are already storming Capitol Hill, seeking to undermine the strong bipartisan foundation of reform with loopholes and exemptions for the most egregious abusers of consumers.

I won't accept anything short of the full protection that our citizens deserve and our economy needs. It's a fight worth having, and it is a fight we can win -- if we stand up and speak out together.

So I'm asking you to join me, starting today, by adding your name as a strong supporter of Wall Street reform:

http://my.barackobama.com/StandForWallStreetReform

Thank you,

President Barack Obama

How much could you save on your taxes?

2010-04-13T11:02:00.000-07:00

Jason --

Did you know that the average tax refund is up nearly 10% -- about $3,000 -- this year? And that there are more than a dozen Recovery Act tax cuts that over 100 million Americans can take advantage of this tax season?

See how much you could save thanks to the Recovery Act.

Together, in February 2009, we passed the Recovery Act -- taking our economy from the brink of disaster to the road to recovery, and keeping President Obama's campaign promise of giving 95% of working Americans a tax cut.

Now, it's tax season, and there are more than a dozen ways the Recovery Act is helping folks save -- credits for new homeowners, help with saving for college, and rewards for making your home more energy efficient.

After you find out how much you can save, make sure your family and friends can do the same by forwarding this email:

http://my.barackobama.com/TaxSavings

Thanks,

Mitch

Mitch Stewart
Director
Organizing for America

"Because of you"

2010-04-01T11:01:00.000-07:00

Jason --

"It's because of you."

That's what President Obama said before he took the stage in Iowa City right after health care reform passed. And I couldn't agree more.

We've put together a quick video that highlights the incredible work you did over the last year, to honor and thank you for the history you made.

Please watch the video, then celebrate by co-signing health care reform legislation with the President.

We're offering a personalized certificate to every co-signer to make sure we can all have a way to commemorate this victory with the President.

So check out the video, pass it along to your friends, and co-sign historic health reform with President Obama:

http://my.barackobama.com/ThisIsChange

Thanks for everything,

Jeremy

Jeremy Bird
Deputy Director
Organizing for America

P.S. -- Great news: In addition to health and student loan reform, there's even more change happening.

Thanks in large part to tax benefits in the Recovery Act, average tax refunds are up by almost 10 percent from last year.

And President Obama announced a new Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty with Russia, calling it "the most comprehensive arms control agreement in nearly two decades."

Keep checking your email, and we'll let you know about more great news as it comes in.

Fwd: Today, add your name to mine

2010-03-29T11:00:00.000-07:00

Jason --

Last week, the President made history by signing comprehensive health care reform into law.

To mark your essential role in this achievement, he has asked for your name to be added next to his as a co-signer of health care reform.

David Plouffe will personally deliver the names to President Obama, and OFA will provide a certificate to every co-signer, to show their role in this fight:

http://my.barackobama.com/cosigner

Thanks for making it possible,

Mitch

-------------Original Message-------------
From: Barack Obama
Subject: Today, add your name to mine

Friend --

I'm writing to you on a great day for America.

This morning, I gathered with members of Congress, my administration, and hardworking volunteers from every part of the country to sign comprehensive health care reform into law. Thanks to the immeasurable efforts of so many, the dream of reform is now a reality.

The bill I just signed puts Americans in charge of our own health care by enacting three key changes:

It establishes the toughest patient protections in history.

It guarantees all Americans affordable health insurance options, extending coverage to 32 million who are currently uninsured.

And it reduces the cost of care -- cutting over 1 trillion dollars from the federal deficit over the next two decades.

To ensure a successful, stable transition, many of these changes will phase into full effect over the next several years.

But for millions of Americans, many of the benefits of reform will begin this year -- some even taking effect this afternoon. Here are just a few examples:

Small businesses will receive significant tax cuts, this year, to help them afford health coverage for all their employees.

Seniors will receive a rebate to reduce drug costs not yet covered under Medicare.

Young people will be allowed coverage under their parents' plan until the age of 26.

Early retirees will receive help to reduce premium costs.

Children will be protected against discrimination on the basis of medical history.

Uninsured Americans with pre-existing conditions can join a special high-risk pool to get the coverage they need, starting in just 90 days.

Insured Americans will be protected from seeing their insurance revoked when they get sick, or facing restrictive annual limits on the care they receive.

All Americans will benefit from significant new investments to train primary care doctors, nurses, and public health professionals, and the creation of state-level consumer assistance programs to help all patients understand and defend our new rights.

As I've said many times, and as I know to be true, this astounding victory could not have been achieved without your tireless efforts.

So as we celebrate this great day, I want to invite you to add your name where it belongs: alongside mine as a co-signer of this historic legislation. Organizing for America will record the names of co-signers as a permanent commemoration of those who came together to make this moment possible -- all of you who refused to give up until the dream of many generations for affordable, quality care for all Americans was finally fulfilled.

So, if you haven't yet, please add your name as a proud health care reform co-signer today:

http://my.barackobama.com/cosigner

Please accept my thanks for your voice, for your courage, and for your indispensable partnership in the great work of creating change.

History, and I, are in your debt.

President Barack Obama

Jason, add your name to mine

2010-03-23T11:00:00.000-07:00

Jason --

I'm writing to you on a great day for America.

This morning, I gathered with members of Congress, my administration, and hardworking volunteers from every part of the country to sign comprehensive health care reform into law. Thanks to the immeasurable efforts of so many, the dream of reform is now a reality.

The bill I just signed puts Americans in charge of our own health care by enacting three key changes:

It establishes the toughest patient protections in history.

It guarantees all Americans affordable health insurance options, extending coverage to 32 million who are currently uninsured.

And it reduces the cost of care -- cutting over 1 trillion dollars from the federal deficit over the next two decades.

To ensure a successful, stable transition, many of these changes will phase into full effect over the next several years.

But for millions of Americans, many of the benefits of reform will begin this year -- some even taking effect this afternoon. Here are just a few examples:

Small businesses will receive significant tax cuts, this year, to help them afford health coverage for all their employees.

Seniors will receive a rebate to reduce drug costs not yet covered under Medicare.

Young people will be allowed coverage under their parents' plan until the age of 26.

Early retirees will receive help to reduce premium costs.

Children will be protected against discrimination on the basis of medical history.

Uninsured Americans with pre-existing conditions can join a special high-risk pool to get the coverage they need, starting in just 90 days.

Insured Americans will be protected from seeing their insurance revoked when they get sick, or facing restrictive annual limits on the care they receive.

All Americans will benefit from significant new investments to train primary care doctors, nurses, and public health professionals, and the creation of state-level consumer assistance programs to help all patients understand and defend our new rights.

As I've said many times, and as I know to be true, this astounding victory could not have been achieved without your tireless efforts.

So as we celebrate this great day, I want to invite you to add your name where it belongs: alongside mine as a co-signer of this historic legislation. Organizing for America will record the names of co-signers as a permanent commemoration of those who came together to make this moment possible -- all of you who refused to give up until the dream of many generations for affordable, quality care for all Americans was finally fulfilled.

So, if you haven't yet, please add your name as a proud health care reform co-signer today:

http://my.barackobama.com/cosigner

Please accept my thanks for your voice, for your courage, and for your indispensable partnership in the great work of creating change.

History, and I, are in your debt.

President Barack Obama

Thank you, Jason

2010-03-22T10:59:00.000-07:00

Jason --

For the first time in our nation's history, Congress has passed comprehensive health care reform. America waited a hundred years and fought for decades to reach this moment. Tonight, thanks to you, we are finally here.

Consider the staggering scope of what you have just accomplished:

Because of you, every American will finally be guaranteed high quality, affordable health care coverage.

Every American will be covered under the toughest patient protections in history. Arbitrary premium hikes, insurance cancellations, and discrimination against pre-existing conditions will now be gone forever.

And we'll finally start reducing the cost of care -- creating millions of jobs, preventing families and businesses from plunging into bankruptcy, and removing over a trillion dollars of debt from the backs of our children.

But the victory that matters most tonight goes beyond the laws and far past the numbers.

It is the peace of mind enjoyed by every American, no longer one injury or illness away from catastrophe.

It is the workers and entrepreneurs who are now freed to pursue their slice of the American dream without fear of losing coverage or facing a crippling bill.

And it is the immeasurable joy of families in every part of this great nation, living happier, healthier lives together because they can finally receive the vital care they need.

This is what change looks like.

My gratitude tonight is profound. I am thankful for those in past generations whose heroic efforts brought this great goal within reach for our times. I am thankful for the members of Congress whose months of effort and brave votes made it possible to take this final step. But most of all, I am thankful for you.

This day is not the end of this journey. Much hard work remains, and we have a solemn responsibility to do it right. But we can face that work together with the confidence of those who have moved mountains.

Our journey began three years ago, driven by a shared belief that fundamental change is indeed still possible. We have worked hard together every day since to deliver on that belief.

We have shared moments of tremendous hope, and we've faced setbacks and doubt. We have all been forced to ask if our politics had simply become too polarized and too short-sighted to meet the pressing challenges of our time. This struggle became a test of whether the American people could still rally together when the cause was right -- and actually create the change we believe in.

Tonight, thanks to your mighty efforts, the answer is indisputable: Yes we can.

Thank you,

President Barack Obama

Tell Rep. Shuler who you're fighting for

2010-03-18T10:59:00.000-07:00

Jason --

"I'm here for Natoma."

That's what President Obama wrote us yesterday about Natoma Canfield, an Ohio woman whose story helped inspire the President and the nation to keep fighting for reform.

As we speak, each member of Congress is preparing to cast their last vote on health reform, while insurance-company lobbyists bombard D.C. with a million-dollar-a-day campaign of distortions and threats. To break through in these final moments, we must show Congress why we'll never forget the choice they make: Because we're fighting for the people who matter most in our lives.

So today, we've launched a new tool to help OFA supporters show Congress the names of the people who drive us to support reform. It might be a sick father. Maybe it's a friend who lost her job. Or maybe it's a daughter who simply deserves to grow up knowing that affordable care is always within reach. Whoever you know that's inspired you to fight for reform, the time to act is now.

Our voice is strongest when we speak out together, so we're aiming to send 108 messages from Asheville to Representative Shuler today. Submitting your letter takes just a moment -- please click here to join in.

Representative Shuler provided crucial support to the President on climate change legislation, and a message about why you're fighting could help provide the resolve to support health reform as well.

As the President reminded us, reform is not just about helping those who struggle today -- it's about making sure that no American is ever just one job loss, accident, or illness away from going without the care they require. That's why we're committed to reform that ends insurance-company abuses, guarantees affordable choices, and brings down costs.

But it all depends on the upcoming vote in the House of Representatives -- and with just a day or two left, it's still too close to call.

Our new online tool makes it easy to tell Rep. Shuler who you're fighting for, and you can even submit a quick photo to drive the message home. Your words and images will be sent straight to your representative, and they'll be visible to every member of Congress before the final vote is cast.

Together, we can send a unique message, powerful enough to break through when it matters the most.

http://my.barackobama.com/DayNine

Thanks for making it possible,

Natalie

Natalie Foster
New Media Director

What you're doing is working

2010-03-17T10:58:00.000-07:00

Jason --

I wanted to take a moment to thank you directly for the outstanding work you've been doing as part of Organizing for America's Final March for Reform. I can tell you that your voice is heard in Washington every day. I see how your efforts are moving us toward victory.

But I also know that with just days remaining, the final vote is shaping up to be extremely close. Everything we've worked for is on the line, and your voice is needed now more than ever before.

Raise your voice today: We must all speak out together to finish the job.

In these final, crucial days, much more will be asked of us. Our resolve will be tested.

During moments like this, I believe it's important to remember why we have worked so hard for so long. That's why I spoke to the country Monday at a gathering in Ohio and said it plainly: I'm here for Natoma.

Natoma Canfield is like most of us: She works hard, and tries to do what's right. Years ago, she had battled back from cancer, so she always maintained health insurance in case she ever really needed it again. But because of her medical history, the insurance company kept raising her deductible and her premiums.

Last year alone, Natoma paid over $10,000 in monthly premiums and co-pays, while her insurance company chipped in just $900. And then they hiked up her rates another 40%. She simply couldn't afford it -- she had to cancel her policy. That's when she wrote to me. I read her letter, and shared her story with insurance company CEOs as another reason why the system has to change.

That was two weeks ago. Then, just last week, the unthinkable happened: Natoma collapsed, and was rushed to a hospital. It's leukemia -- the cancer has returned. Now she's in the hospital, worried sick not just about her condition, but how she'll financially survive.

So why am I still in this fight? Simple. I'm here for Natoma.

I'm here because of the countless others who have been denied coverage because of pre-existing conditions. I'm here for the small business owners forced to chose between health care and hiring. I'm here for the folks who are forced to watch helplessly as their premiums skyrocket with no reason or recourse.

And I'm here for my mother. She died of cancer, and in the last six months of her life, I saw her on the phone in her hospital room arguing with insurance companies instead of focusing on getting well and spending time with her family.

As I was finishing my remarks Monday, a woman in the crowd called out, "we need courage." She's right.

The politicians in Washington need courage to face down the powerful interests who have held back progress for far too long. And all of us who share this cause need courage to speak up with persistence and clarity in these final days.

I've always found that courage comes from remembering that we fight for something and someone beyond ourselves. It comes from our faith. And it comes from our commitment to those we love.

So please take a moment to remember those who inspire you -- those who give you the strength to march on.

There's very little time left, and still much to do. But I believe to my core in the power of Americans to change history when we put our mind to it. And if you'll stay with us in these final days, I know we can do it again:

http://my.barackobama.com/speakout

Thank you for making it possible,

President Barack Obama

Day 7: Call into swing districts

2010-03-16T10:57:00.000-07:00

Jason --

In 2008, voters in Louisiana's 2nd congressional district voted to send President Obama to Washington to fight for change -- including for desperately needed health insurance reform. They expected Republican Representative Joseph Cao to reach across the aisle to be a partner for change.

Unfortunately, after supporting reform last fall, Rep. Cao is reportedly now planning to vote to let insurance companies continue jacking up premiums and denying care to sick people. But it's not too late for him to put average Americans and the middle class ahead of corporate and special interests.

The next make-or-break vote on reform is just a few days away, it's expected to be extremely close, and Rep. Cao could be critical. So for Day 7 of the Final March for Reform, our plan is to reach out to voters in his district and ask them to call their representative to speak out for reform.

Using our easy online tool, we'll give you a list of friendly voters and tips on what to say. If we can help even a few of these folks call Rep. Cao's office it could make a huge difference -- so please take a few minutes and get started now.

Our online Neighbor-to-Neighbor tool makes calling quick and easy. Once you log in (it only takes a few seconds) you'll get a list of like-minded voters in Rep. Cao's district.

Our message is simple: Rep. Cao can stand with Louisiana families and businesses by casting a key "yes" vote or continue on the path of bitter partisanship and suffer at the polls in November.

Today, OFA supporters across the country are calling voters in similar districts as part of our Final March for Reform. It's not too late for Republican representatives to do the right thing for their districts and the nation -- we only hope they're willing to listen to their constituents.

After so many months of work, a final vote could come any day, and every vote in the House could tip the balance. Please don't wait -- call a few of these critical voters now:

http://my.barackobama.com/Day7

Thanks,

Mitch

Mitch Stewart
Director
Organizing for America

P.S. -- Would you rather make these calls with other volunteers? This week, OFA supporters nationwide are hosting Final March for Reform events to reach out to voters in critical districts. You can find one in your area here:

http://my.barackobama.com/Day7RSVP

Day 2: Call Rep. Shuler

2010-03-11T10:56:00.000-08:00

Jason --

President Obama has called for the House to vote to move health reform forward as early as next week. Your representative, Rep. Heath Shuler, stood with the President to set America on a course to energy independence, enhance our national security, and create 21st century jobs -- and deserves our thanks. Now, it's important to make it clear that the voters back home stand with President Obama and want health reform.

We're in the final march for reform and it all depends on this next crucial vote. Please call Rep. Shuler today, express your support for health reform, and say we're prepared to stand together -- OFA supporters in North Carolina have pledged 284,605 hours to volunteer for members of Congress who support reform.

According to our records, you live in North Carolina's 11th congressional district. You can reach Rep. Shuler's office at (202) 225-6401. Please call now -- then click here to let us know you made a call.

(Not your representative? Click here to look yours up.)

We know the stakes: Coverage for millions of uninsured Americans. Ending insurance company abuses, like denying coverage to those with pre-existing conditions and drastically raising premiums. Reining in costs that are bankrupting families and crushing businesses. Putting life-and-death decisions in the hands of patients and doctors, not insurance company bureaucrats.

Everything we've worked for depends on winning this upcoming vote in the House of Representatives -- and it's going to be very, very close. If there was ever a time to pick up the phone and make a difference, that time has come.

Please call today:

http://my.barackobama.com/FinalMarchCall

Thanks for joining together for this Final March for Reform. Because of you, we're going to win this.

Mitch

Mitch Stewart
Director
Organizing for America

Health reform cannot wait

2010-02-26T10:56:00.000-08:00

Jason --

The millions of Americans suffering in a health care system that costs too much, and denies too many care, cannot afford another year-long debate.

President Obama made that clear at yesterday's bipartisan meeting on reform: While he is listening to good ideas from both sides of the aisle and hopes to move forward in a bipartisan fashion, the American people cannot afford an incremental approach.

Watch highlights from the bipartisan meeting here.

Yesterday, the President extended a hand to the Republicans and showed he's open to any idea that will help cover the uninsured, cut costs, and give Americans control over their own health care.

But he made clear that the millions of Americans who cannot afford insurance can't wait on political games in Washington. After this meeting, all ideas are on the table. Now, Congress must move swiftly to complete and pass a final bill.

It was a conversation focused on substance, not process, and it showed. Both sides found areas of agreement.

But there was a fundamental divide on establishing common sense rules to protect families from the worst insurance company practices, and making sure that every American -- rich or poor, old or young -- has access to care.

The President does not believe we can address a problem this big incrementally -- or after another year of rising costs and loss of coverage. Check out the highlights now -- and share them with your friends and family:

http://my.barackobama.com/HighlightsMeeting

Thanks,

Mitch

Mitch Stewart
Director
Organizing for America

P.S. -- It's crucial that every American knows the facts about what happened at the meeting. So thousands of OFA supporters are calling talk radio to tell their personal story about our broken health care system and make it clear that President Obama is listening to all ideas for reform.

With our new "On the Air" tool, you'll get all the information you need to make a successful call, so please help spread the word by calling a radio call-in show today:

http://my.barackobama.com/OnTheAirHighlights

Fwd: Details of the President's plan

2010-02-23T10:55:00.000-08:00

Jason --

President Obama just released a new health reform proposal -- and our political director sent me an overview that I wanted to share with you.

Here's the bottom line: It's a plan that puts Americans in charge of their own health care, bridges the gap between the Senate and House bills, and adds additional ideas from both parties to fight waste and abuse.

The plan will serve as a starting point for discussion at a major bipartisan meeting this Thursday between the President and congressional leaders to discuss Republican and Democratic ideas for improving our health care system. And if there are more areas of agreement, they'll be added to the plan.

Ultimately, we're going to move forward with a bill that lowers costs, increases competition, provides relief for families and small businesses, and covers the uninsured -- and we'll need your help to do it.

Please take a look below at the details of the proposal so that you'll have all the info you'll need for the fight ahead. And if you want to find out more about how the proposal would affect you, click here:

http://www.whitehouse.gov/health-care-meeting

Thanks,

Mitch

----Original Message----

From: Addisu Demissie, Political Director
To: Mitch Stewart, Director
Subject: Details of the President's plan

Mitch --

FYI, here's a quick overview from the White House of the President's just-released proposal on health reform. Exciting stuff.

It builds on legislation passed by the House and Senate, bridging the differences in those bills while adding new provisions.

The most notable addition is the creation of a new "Health Insurance Rate Authority," which would give the federal government the power to review unreasonable rate increases and other unfair practices by the big insurance companies.

The policy experts I speak to think this is a really strong improvement -- and would help a lot of people in places where insurers are jacking up rates like they are in California, Maine, and around the country.

-- Addisu

Overview of the President's Proposal
The President's Proposal puts American families and small business owners in control of their own health care.

-- It makes insurance more affordable by providing the largest middle class tax cut for health care in history, reducing premium costs for tens of millions of families and small business owners who are priced out of coverage today. This helps over 31 million Americans afford health care who do not get it today -- and makes coverage more affordable for many more.

-- It sets up a new competitive health insurance market giving tens of millions of Americans the exact same insurance choices that members of Congress will have.

-- It brings greater accountability to health care by laying out commonsense rules of the road to keep premiums down and prevent insurance industry abuses and denial of care.

-- It will end discrimination against Americans with pre-existing conditions.

-- It puts our budget and economy on a more stable path by reducing the deficit by $100 billion over the next ten years -- and about $1 trillion over the second decade -- by cutting government overspending and reining in waste, fraud and abuse.

It includes a targeted set of changes to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, the Senate-passed health insurance reform bill. Key changes include:

-- Eliminating the Nebraska Medicaid provision and providing significant additional federal financing to all states for the expansion of Medicaid;

-- Closing the Medicare prescription drug "donut hole" coverage gap;

-- Strengthening the Senate bill's provisions that make insurance affordable for individuals and families;

-- Strengthening the provisions to fight fraud, waste, and abuse in Medicare and Medicaid;

-- Increasing the threshold for the excise tax on the most expensive health plans from $23,000 for a family plan to $27,500 and starting it in 2018 for all plans;

-- Improving insurance protections for consumers and creating a new Health Insurance Rate Authority to provide federal assistance and oversight to states in conducting reviews of unreasonable rate increases and other unfair practices of insurance plans.

For more information, check out:

http://www.whitehouse.gov/health-care-meeting

You have to see this

2010-01-30T10:53:00.000-08:00

Jason --

Yesterday, the President stood in front of a gathering of House Republicans and took questions for more than an hour, urging them to put aside partisanship and work together for the good of the country. MSNBC described it as going straight into "the lion's den."

He was inspiring.

We've highlighted some of the key moments and trust me, it's worth checking out.

Once you do, please pass this along to everyone you know.

This is the sort of honest dialogue and political courage that we all need to move our country forward.

Let's do it together,

Mitch

Mitch Stewart
Director
Organizing for America

P.S. -- There's our own Q&A session for OFA supporters with President Obama coming up on Thursday, February 4th. Click here to submit a question now:

http://my.barackobama.com/HouseVideo

A stampede

2010-01-22T10:52:00.000-08:00

Jason --

Yesterday morning, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that corporations can spend freely in federal elections.

It's a green light for a new stampede of special interest money in our politics, giving their lobbyists even more power in Washington. Now, every candidate who fights for change could face limitless attacks from corporate special interests like health insurance companies and Wall Street banks.

While the GOP is celebrating a victory for its special interest allies, President Obama is working with leaders in Congress to craft a forceful response that protects the voices of ordinary citizens.

Please add your name right away to help show that the American people support strong, urgent action to prevent a corporate takeover of our democracy.

Congress: I support bold action to ensure fair elections.

The Supreme Court decision overturned a 20-year precedent saying that corporations could not pay for campaign ads from their general treasuries. And it struck down a law saying corporations couldn't buy "issue ads" -- which only thinly veil support for or opposition to specific candidates -- in the closing days of campaigns.

The result? Corporations can unleash multi-million-dollar ad barrages against candidates who try to curb special interest power, or devote millions to propping up elected officials who back their schemes.

With no limits on their spending, big oil, Wall Street banks, and health insurance companies will try to drown out the voices of everyday Americans -- and Republicans seem ecstatic.

While opponents of change in Congress are praising this victory for special interests, President Obama has tasked his administration and Congress with identifying a fix to preserve our democracy -- and we need to show that the American people stand with him.

Add your name today:

http://my.barackobama.com/FairElections

Thanks,

Mitch

Mitch Stewart
Director
Organizing for America

Urgent: Election in 3 days

2010-01-16T10:52:00.000-08:00

Jason --

There's a crucial Senate election in Massachusetts in just three days. We need your help to win it.

The polls are tightening as right-wing money floods the state, and one even shows the race to be a dead heat between progressive champion Martha Coakley and her extreme opponent. The truth is, special elections often have very low turnout and are notoriously unpredictable.

The stakes are just too high to leave Martha's victory to chance.

If we lose, Sen. Ted Kennedy's seat will be in the hands of someone who opposes everything he fought for. We'll lose a key vote for the President's agenda in the Senate -- and put all the progress we've made toward health reform at risk.

That's why OFA is putting together a massive voter turnout effort to make sure Obama voters get back to the polls this time around -- but we need your help to pay for it. Please donate $5 or more to OFA to help fund our organizing, including our work to elect Martha Coakley.

OFA is going all out in Massachusetts -- we're sending organizers, knocking on doors, and making phone calls by the tens of thousands to make sure that folks know how to participate.

It's a huge effort, it's expensive, and time is short. But with the outcome uncertain and the stakes sky high, I don't want to wake up the morning after the election thinking that we could have done something more. If you feel the same way, please donate $5 or more to help us make Martha Coakley the next senator from Massachusetts:

https://donate.barackobama.com/Coakley

Thanks,

Mitch

Mitch Stewart
Director
Organizing for America

We want our money back

2010-01-15T10:51:00.000-08:00

Jason --

Yesterday, President Obama announced our proposed Financial Crisis Responsibility Fee on the country's largest banks:

"My commitment is to recover every single dime the American people are owed. And my determination to achieve this goal is only heightened when I see reports of massive profits and obscene bonuses at some of the very firms who owe their continued existence to the American people...We want our money back, and we're going to get it."

The fee would recover every penny loaned to Wall Street during the financial crisis and stop the reckless abuses and excesses that nearly caused the collapse of our financial system in the first place.

But the banking industry -- among the most powerful lobbies in Washington -- is already launching attacks to stop Congress from enacting the proposal.

Barack and I aren't backing down. But to win, we'll need the American people to add their voice right away.

Thankfully, OFA supporters are already signing on to a bold statement of support: "We want our money back -- and we stand with President Obama to make sure we get it." You can add your name by clicking here.

The proposal is expected to recoup billions from the big banks, most of it from the ten largest. As the President said, "If these companies are in good enough shape to afford massive bonuses, they are surely in good enough shape to afford paying back every penny to taxpayers."

There is much more work to do to reform the financial system and create a new era of accountability. But the Financial Crisis Responsibility Fee is a crucial step. And with the banks already working to tear it down, I hope that I can count on you to speak out to show that Americans stand with us as we take them on.

Click here to add your name to the statement:

http://my.barackobama.com/Banks

Change isn't easy, but it's certainly worth fighting for. I'm glad you're in this fight with us.

Thank you for making it possible,

Vice President Joe Biden

Help for Haiti

2010-01-14T10:50:00.000-08:00

Jason --

On Tuesday, a catastrophic earthquake struck near Port-au-Prince, Haiti. The full extent of the damage is still being assessed, but the death toll -- already in the thousands -- is climbing fast.

This is the worst earthquake to hit the area in more than 200 years. Entire communities have been ripped apart and as many as 3 million people have been directly affected, including tens of thousands of American citizens who are in Haiti.

Our neighbors in Haiti are racing to confront the enormous devastation -- and the OFA community can help.

Click here for more information about essential relief efforts and ways you can help today.

Footage is pouring in of homes collapsing, Haitians carrying injured family members, and hospitals being overrun in what was already the poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere.

I have directed my administration to respond with a swift, coordinated, and aggressive effort to save lives. Personnel from the United States and our partners in the international community are on the ground in damaged areas right now, working side by side with the Haitian people. They're providing much-needed food, water, and sanitation supplies, saving lives and helping local communities start to rebuild.

Despite the fact that we are experiencing tough times here at home, I encourage those who can to reach out and help. It's in times like these that we must show the kind of compassion and humanity that has defined the best of our national character for generations.

Click here to find out what you can do:

http://my.barackobama.com/Haiti

As this story continues to unfold, I hope you will continue to keep the people of Haiti in your thoughts and prayers, as well as the many Haitian-Americans who have done so much to enrich our country and who are worried about friends and loved ones in this time of need.

Thank you,

President Barack Obama

2009

2009-12-30T10:49:00.000-08:00

Jason --

Looking back at 2009, it turns out you were right.

Early this year, millions of you chose to keep working together and create Organizing for America, to build on the momentum of the Obama campaign, take on the defenders of the status quo, and make change happen.

Special interests thought they could steamroll you with hundreds of millions of dollars in lobbying and attack ads. Meanwhile, you built a massive organization, driven by local leadership, that reached out to millions of fellow Americans and made your voices heard to Congress in record numbers.

In the coming year, our opponents will make a final stand to block health reform and seek to defeat many of the President's other crucial initiatives. And they're already targeting those in Congress who are championing change.

So I wanted to take a moment at year's end to reflect on everything you've built, and to ask for your help one last time this year to hit the ground running in 2010. Please donate $5 to keep our organizing strong in all 50 states.

This has been a remarkable year for the movement you've built from the ground up.

Beth Kimbriel, a mother of four from Richmond, Virginia, has no formal political experience. But every week, as an OFA "Community Organizer," she trains and manages other volunteer leaders to organize effectively around the President's agenda. Hundreds of her fellow OFA Community Organizers around the country have already volunteered more than 200,000 hours doing similar work. Thousands more have taken on other leadership positions in every single state. And we're still growing -- nearly a million people who had never volunteered for the presidential campaign have signed up with OFA this year.

Supporters spread the word throughout our communities, with more than a million conversations with neighbors on the phone and at the doorstep, and 250,000 letters to the editor about how President Obama's policies would help ordinary Americans.

And when Congress was making crucial decisions, you spoke out more powerfully than the special interests ever could. In the last few months, you've made more than 1 million calls to Congress -- including more than 300,000 on one amazing day in October that created huge momentum for health reform. Thousands of supporters attended town halls to counter the shouting mobs and speak out in person. And you even held 37,107 events in every congressional district -- bus tour rallies, phonebanks and forums to inform your neighbors.

These incredible efforts have powered victories on a wide range of issues. OFA volunteers provided a huge boost to help pass the Recovery Act, President Obama's historic budget, an expansion of children's health care, credit card and student loan reform. Your voices helped pass a historic green jobs and energy bill in the House, and the confirmation of the nation's first Latina Supreme Court justice, Sonia Sotomayor, in the Senate. And of course, you were instrumental in passing comprehensive health reform through both houses of Congress for the first time in American history.

With every phone call to a member of Congress, every door knocked on a rainy day, every event held in a town center, you've helped to push this country forward.

But with the special interests and their allies in Congress fighting us for every inch, we need your help again to keep our organizing strong in 2010. Can you chip in $5?

https://donate.barackobama.com/give

Thanks for making it all possible,

Mitch

Mitch Stewart
Director
Organizing for America

A historic moment

2009-12-24T10:49:00.000-08:00

Jason --

Although it's Christmas Eve, I wanted to share some exciting news: The Senate just passed a historic health reform bill.

In all the back and forth, it's easy to lose sight of what this incredible breakthrough really means. But consider this: This Christmas, there are millions of Americans without health insurance who risk losing everything if they get sick.

There are mothers and fathers who wonder how they'll provide for their children because an illness has wiped out their savings. There are small business owners who worry that they'll have to lay off a long-time employee because the cost of insurance is rapidly rising.

If we finish the job, all this can change. We will have beaten back the special interests who have for so long perpetuated the status quo. We will have enacted the most important piece of social policy since the Social Security Act in the 1930s, and the most important health reform since Medicare in the 1960s.

In Decembers to come, millions more will have access to affordable coverage. Parents will have the security and stability of knowing their insurance can't be revoked at a moment's notice. And the skyrocketing costs plaguing our small businesses will be brought under control.

When you make calls, write letters, organize, this is the change you're making -- a better life for your family and for men and women in every state.

There is still more to do before I can sign reform into law -- a last round of negotiations and final votes in the Senate and the House -- and I'm counting on your help every step of the way. But for now, I hope that as you celebrate this holiday season, you remember that the work you are doing is making our union more perfect, one step at a time. For that, I am grateful to you.

Merry Christmas and happy holidays,

President Barack Obama

P.S. -- Organizing for America supporters are signing a note of appreciation to all the senators who have worked so hard to make this possible. I hope you'll join them:

http://my.barackobama.com/SenateLetter

Where we stand

2009-12-21T10:48:00.000-08:00

Jason --

Last night, President Obama laid out his plan to defend our national interest by refocusing our efforts on three clear goals: defeating al Qaeda, stabilizing Pakistan, and breaking the Taliban's momentum in Afghanistan.

To achieve these goals, the President has authorized the rapid deployment of 30,000 more troops in Afghanistan, with a firm commitment to begin bringing our troops home in 2011.

It's a clean break from the failed Afghanistan policy of the Bush administration, and a new, focused strategy that can succeed.

Please take a moment to watch the President's address to the nation and read more about his plan.

Our new strategy ends the era of blank checks for Afghanistan's leaders, facilitates a responsible transition to Afghan security forces, and begins bringing our troops home in 2011.

Please take a moment to listen to President Obama outline his plan -- and pass this along to anyone you know who wants to learn more:

http://my.barackobama.com/AfghanistanAddress

Thank you,

Vice President Joe Biden

Afghanistan

2009-12-02T10:47:00.000-08:00

Accountability

2009-11-19T10:46:00.000-08:00

Jason --

Thirty-three Republicans in Congress represent districts that voted to send President Obama to Washington to reform our health insurance system.

And 32 of them -- all but one -- voted against health insurance reform. They voted with the insurance industry, and against their constituents. They voted against ending discrimination based on pre-existing conditions, against reining in skyrocketing premiums, and against expanding health coverage to more Americans.

But it's not too late for them to do the right thing -- the House still needs to vote once more on health reform. The last vote was extremely close, and we'll need to fight for every vote in the final round. So we've started an aggressive radio ad campaign to make sure these 32 understand that if they vote against the wishes and interests of their constituents again, they will be held accountable.

Please chip in $5 or more to get ads on the air in these critical districts right away.

When a district votes for a Republican representative and a Democratic president, they expect their representatives to reach across the aisle to be a partner for change. And next Election Day, voters will be asking themselves, "Is my representative still on my side -- or on the side of D.C. special interests?"

These 32 representatives answered that question when they voted to put insurance companies first. With your help, we can make sure their constituents hear about it by blanketing the radio waves in their home districts.

This is what real accountability looks like. It's the first step toward ensuring that Congress represents the voters who sent them to Washington -- and it could well be critical to winning the final health reform vote.

Please donate $5 or more so we can get these accountability messages on the air when and where they matter most:

https://donate.barackobama.com/Accountability

Thanks,

Mitch

Mitch Stewart
Director
Organizing for America

Video: A remarkable anniversary

2009-11-04T10:45:00.000-08:00

Jason --

One year ago today, you made history.

We all knew that electing Barack Obama President was only the opportunity to bring about change; that we would all have to keep working to fulfill the promise our victory offered.

And you've come through -- by making hundreds of thousands of calls to Congress to push health reform forward, by pouring your effort into seemingly insurmountable challenges time and again, and, since January, by building on the power of our campaign to create Organizing for America.

And now, with the finish line on health reform in sight, we need your voice more than ever before.

To mark this special day, President Obama just recorded a video for supporters like you -- please watch his message, and sign up to join OFA in your community today.

Thank you so much for fighting so hard and giving so much to make the promise of a stronger, more just and prosperous America in the years ahead a reality:

http://my.barackobama.com/Year

My best,

David Plouffe

A Call to action

2009-10-09T10:45:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-08T10:44:00.000-07:00

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.

The cavalry, in white coats and scrubs

2009-09-30T10:43:00.000-07:00

Jason --

The cavalry is here -- and they're in white coats and scrubs: More than a half a million doctors and millions of nurses are joining forces to help pass real health reform.

Americans listen to their nurses and doctors when it comes to health reform -- and for good reason. If we can help them amplify their voices, it'll be a huge boost to our campaign for change.

So we're working on a new television ad featuring their voices explaining why doctors and nurses so strongly support President Obama's plan -- and asking Congress to pass it. We'll run the ad in key states and districts all around the country to show folks where health professionals stand, cut through the spin, and build even greater support for reform.

But to produce and air the new ad before the Senate starts debating a final bill, we'll need to raise $300,000 by Thursday. Please donate $5 right away.

The American Medical Association, Doctors for America, and a dozen other physicians groups representing 500,000 doctors are endorsing reform. So are the American Nurses Association and other organizations representing millions of nurses.

They're speaking out because they see the shortcomings of our health care system firsthand, every day: patients denied the care they prescribe, families losing access to their doctors, and a system that forces them to spend more time with paperwork and less time with patients.

These voices need to be heard -- with so much deception out there clouding the debate, it's critical that medical professionals are able to focus the country on the simple fact that health reform is good medicine.

But the final congressional committee could vote on their reform bill as early as Wednesday -- and debate on final legislation could start by the end of the week. So if we're going to help make these doctors and nurses' voices heard, we'll need to do it right now. Can you chip in $5 or more to help get our ad on the air?

https://donate.barackobama.com/HealthAd

Thanks,

Mitch

Mitch Stewart
Director
Organizing for America

Now, it's our turn

2009-09-14T10:42:00.000-07:00

Jason --

Last Wednesday, President Obama called on our representatives to pass health reform that brings stability and security to Americans who have insurance, affordable coverage to those who don't, and reins in the cost of care.

Now, it's our turn. After last week's speech, members of Congress have no doubt about where the President stands. But to win this fight, we must show that Americans from every state and every background support his plan -- and we need Congress to do the same.

Click here to call your representatives, and then tell us how it went. According to our records, you live in North Carolina's 11th congressional district. Please call:

Sen. Richard Burr's Asheville office at (828) 350-2437
Sen. Kay Hagan's Greensboro office at (336) 333-5311
Rep. Heath Shuler's Asheville office at (828) 252-1651

(Not your representatives? Click here to look yours up.)

Call your representatives, and tell whoever answers where you are from and that you watched the President's address.

Then tell them that you want your representatives to support the President's plan, ask them where they stand -- and thank them if they already clearly support it.

Don't forget to click here to let us know what they said.

Hundreds of thousands of folks will be calling, so please try again if you get a busy signal.

This movement has brought us to a historic moment where reform is within reach. Now your energy and commitment are needed to get us the rest of the way.

Please call today:

http://my.barackobama.com/CongressCall

Mitch

Mitch Stewart
Director
Organizing for America

Not the first, but the last

2009-09-09T10:42:00.000-07:00

Jason --

I just finished laying out my plan for health reform at a joint session of Congress. Now, I'm writing directly to you because what happens next is critical -- and I need your help.

Change this big will not happen because I ask for it. It can only come when the nation demands it. Congress knows where I stand. Now they need to hear from you.

Add your voice: Ask your representatives to support my plan for real health reform in 2009.

The heart of my plan is simple: bring stability and security to Americans who already have health insurance, guarantee affordable coverage for those who don't, and rein in the cost of health care.

Tonight, I offered a specific plan for how to make it happen. I incorporated the best ideas from Democrats and Republicans to create a plan that's bold, practical, and represents the broad consensus of the American people.

We've come closer to real health reform in the last few months than we have in the last 60 years. But those who profit from the status quo -- and those who put partisan advantage above all else -- will fight us every inch of the way.

We do not seek that fight, but we will not shrink from it. The stakes are too high to let scare tactics cloud the debate, or to allow partisan bickering to block the path. Your voice, right now, is essential.

See my full plan and call on your representatives to support it:

http://my.barackobama.com/SupportReform

Ours is not the first generation to understand the dire need for health reform. And I am not the first president to take up this cause, but I am determined to be the last.

Thank you,

President Barack Obama

The real story of August

2009-09-03T10:40:00.000-07:00

Jason --

At the beginning of August, President Obama wrote to the OFA community to challenge us to work hard, break through the noise and give the American people a voice in the fight for health insurance reform.

It wasn't easy: With Congress back home, special interests and partisan attack groups went into overdrive spreading lies, and the media seemed to broadcast any story of conflict or division they could find.

But you accepted the President's challenge -- and delivered.

See it for yourself: Check out the latest photos and stories from around the country.

Our strategy for the month was simple: engage the millions of individuals who know we need change to fight the lies and tell the truth, build support for reform, and ensure that support is highly visible while members of Congress are home gauging public opinion. We continued our methodical, battle-tested approach of volunteers reaching out online and offline in every part of the country. We offered the facts, answered questions and engaged those who were ready to get involved.

And the results were extraordinary. OFA supporters like you came together in an unprecedented way over the past four weeks -- and it couldn't have happened without the individual volunteers who make it all possible:

Folks like Rebecca E. in Santa Fe, New Mexico, who voted for the first time last year -- and collected more than 1,800 health care declarations this summer. Across the country, we've collected more than 1 million signatures in support of the President's core principles for health insurance reform.

Supporters like Nita L. in Longmont, Colorado, who organized hundreds of supporters in her town to come with her to talk with their member of Congress about how much this fight means to them. They were among the more than 70,000 folks who showed up at 350 town halls -- where supporters of reform at times outnumbered opponents by 10-1 -- and volunteers who made 65,000 trips to local congressional offices.

It's the people who made more than 100,000 calls to Congress to thank representatives fighting for change -- like Nancy T. in Hendersonville, North Carolina, who hosted a health care phone booth because, after her heart transplant, she knows that no American should have to choose between financial ruin and getting the care they need.

It's the 1,500 supporters who filled a local recreation center in Kansas City, Missouri, at a town hall meeting with Senator Claire McCaskill, and the 2,500 people who jammed the streets to hear from Senator Sherrod Brown in Ohio -- just two of the more than 4,000 events where folks gathered to show their support across all 50 states in August.

All of these signatures, calls, office drop-bys, conversations, gatherings, and town hall meetings, all of the late nights, homemade signs, long hours in the sun, and tireless volunteers who make it happen -- totaling more than 1.5 million people who've taken part in this campaign for real reform -- it all adds up to one incredible movement for change.

Check out the latest photos and stories from the field to see this movement in action:

http://my.barackobama.com/ontheground

As Congress returns to D.C. and we roll up our sleeves for the final push toward reform, we know the hardest work may yet lie ahead. The special interests and those in Congress who have pledged to oppose the President no matter what will stoop even lower in the weeks ahead.

But you should never doubt that we face the coming challenges together, as part of something far larger than any of us alone -- and far stronger than the old broken politics that have preserved the status quo for long enough.

Our strategy is working. We are going to win this thing. Americans will finally get the health insurance reform we all need.

Thank you for making it possible,

Mitch

Mitch Stewart
Director
Organizing for America

An update - and a big new goal

2009-07-25T10:33:00.000-07:00

Jason --

Last week, Republican Senator Jim DeMint tried to rally our opposition by declaring that stopping reform would "break" President Obama. Instead, hundreds of thousands of you rushed forward to stand up for enacting health insurance reform this year.

Then on Wednesday, the President delivered a powerful prime-time address about why further delay is simply not an option, and even more support came pouring in. (Watch the highlights here).

Now, we're on the brink of a major milestone in building this campaign: One million Americans publicly declaring their support for the President's three core principles for health insurance reform this year.

Our goal is to reach the one million mark before Congress casts the first crucial votes as early as next week. This is just a first step of many we'll take together. But it will send a clear message that the American people will not stand for playing partisan politics with our lives and livelihoods -- and that we won't settle for anything less than the real health insurance reform America so desperately needs this year.

Add your name to stand up for the President's three principles for real health insurance reform in 2009.

Adding your name right now will have real impact. Not only will you help us hit this key milestone, but we'll run the signatures we collect in local and national newspaper ads and present them in powerful displays at high-profile local events across the country in the crucial days and weeks to come.

We're so close to a million because volunteers all over the country are reaching out online, door-to-door, on the phone and at public events in their community. And every time a new supporter stands up with the President, they in turn reach out to others and the movement grows.

Less than three months ago, OFA launched our campaign for health insurance reform. In that short time, hundreds of thousands of Americans have joined in by:

sharing a personal health care story
calling their representatives
going door-to-door talking with their neighbors
calling neighbors in all 50 states
publishing letters to the editor in local newspapers
donating
hosting or attending a local event, and much more.

For Republican leaders and special interests, the health insurance debate may be a political game. But for millions of American businesses and families, the cost of inaction is economic ruin and deteriorating care for the ones we love. Out-of-control health care costs are breaking the budgets of families, businesses and government -- and every day that Congress refuses to act, 14,000 Americans lose their coverage entirely.

We're working so hard in every part of this country because we understand -- this is no game. Add your name to help us reach one million public supporters this week, and join in this effort to reform health insurance in 2009:

http://my.barackobama.com/reform

Thank you,

Mitch

Mitch Stewart
Director
Organizing for America

On the ground in North Carolina

2009-07-01T10:34:00.000-07:00

Jason --

My name is Lindsay Siler, and I'm the new North Carolina State Director for Organizing for America. I'd also like to introduce our new North Carolina Field Director, Greg Jackson.

I'm excited to announce that we're on the ground in North Carolina. I'm thrilled to be part of this movement standing with President Obama to make the change we fought for in 2008 a reality in 2009 and beyond.

Right now, that means working to fix our deeply broken health care system that has denied many Americans the care they need for far too long. Organizing for America is fighting to make sure Congress passes real health care reform that gives every American access to the quality, affordable health care they deserve.

But to be successful, we need to hear from you -- your effort and commitment are the backbone of this movement and this organization.

So starting Tuesday, July 7th, we'll be hosting Listening Tour stops across the state.

Will you make your voice heard and join us on the Listening Tour?

At Listening Tour stops, you'll get a chance to learn about OFA's goals and accomplishments, hear about some lessons learned during the election, and offer your thoughts on how we can organize North Carolina going forward. Your ideas will be used to write a North Carolina-specific plan for Organizing for America.

The campaign brought an unprecedented number of new voices into the process -- we need to make sure those voices remain at the center of the debate as the President and Congress work to fix our health care crisis, reinvest in our schools, and jumpstart a new green economy.

But these stops are not just for folks who were involved in the campaign -- we hope that every North Carolinian will get involved.

We can't stop growing our movement now. We've never had a better opportunity to shape our future -- and just like during the election, we'll do it from the bottom up.

Sign up now to attend a Listening Tour stop:

http://nc.barackobama.com/ListeningTourNC

I look forward to seeing you,

Lindsay

Lindsay Siler
North Carolina State Director
Organizing for America

P.S. -- If you can't make it to a Listening Tour stop, you can still get involved with Organizing for America in North Carolina. Let us know how you'd like to see North Carolina organized:

http://nc.barackobama.com/LTSurvey

This is why

2009-06-16T10:35:00.000-07:00

Jason --

Last year, millions of Americans came together for a great purpose.

Folks like you assembled a grassroots movement that shocked the political establishment and changed the course of our nation. When Washington insiders counted us out, we put it all on the line and changed our democracy from the bottom up. But that's not why we did it.

The pundits told us it was impossible -- that the donations working people could afford and the hours volunteers could give would never loosen the vise grip of big money and powerful special interests. We proved them wrong. But as important as that was, that's not why we did it.

Today, spiraling health care costs are pushing our families and businesses to the brink of ruin, while millions of Americans go without the care they desperately need. Fixing this broken system will be enormously difficult. But we can succeed. The chance to make fundamental change like this in people's daily lives -- that is why we did it.

The campaign to pass real health care reform in 2009 is the biggest test of our movement since the election. Once again, victory is far from certain. Our opposition will be fierce, and they have been down this road before. To prevail, we must once more build a coast-to-coast operation ready to knock on doors, deploy volunteers, get out the facts, and show the world how real change happens in America.

And just like before, I cannot do it without your support.

So I'm asking you to remember all that you gave over the last two years to get us here -- all the time, resources, and faith you invested as a down payment to earn us our place at this crossroads in history. All that you've done has led up to this -- and whether or not our country takes the next crucial step depends on what you do right now.

Please donate whatever you can afford to support the campaign for real health care reform in 2009.

It doesn't matter how much you can give, as long as you give what you can. Millions of families on the brink are counting on us to do just that. I know we can deliver.

Thank you, so much, for getting us this far. And thank you for standing up once again to take us the rest of the way.

Sincerely,

President Barack Obama

"I have President Obama on the line"

2009-06-04T10:36:00.000-07:00

Jason --

"If we don't get it done this year, we're not going to get it done."

That's how President Obama -- briefing leading Organizing for America volunteers in our health care effort -- described our fight to pass real health care reform in 2009.

Then, yesterday, the President took the next step by writing congressional leaders to re-emphasize his principles for real health care reform, including his commitment to creating a public insurance option available to all.

Now it's up to us to show massive public support for the President's call -- and we have to move quickly. Can you add your name today?

Declare your support for the President's health care reform principles.

You can also listen to the President's call with leading Organizing for America volunteers. It was an incredible moment, and I'd like you to be a part of it.

This signature drive is so urgent because Congress is working as we speak to hammer out the details for health care reform.

What comes out of this process will make or break our one shot at real reform.

Washington is swarming with insider lobbyists, and we have to show that regular people in every state and every district are paying attention.

So please add your name to show you support President Obama's call that any final reform plan must reduce costs, guarantee choice -- including the choice of a public insurance option -- and ensure quality health care for every American.

http://my.barackobama.com/ObamaCall

President Obama put it best on the call: "This is our big chance," he said, "to prove that the movement that started during the campaign isn't over -- we're just getting started."

And that's exactly what we're going to do.

Thank you for standing with us again,

David Plouffe
Organizing for America

P.S. -- Please forward this note around to friends and family who want to listen to the President's briefing from Air Force One and then add their voice to our campaign. This is going to take all of us.

Change is happening

2009-04-28T10:37:00.000-07:00

Jason --

Tomorrow will mark the President's hundredth day in office. A lot of attention will be given to this largely symbolic day, and the truth is that what we do every day after it will be just as important -- if not more. But our accomplishments in this time have been remarkable, and they're having real effects on people and communities throughout the country.

You built the movement that made this possible, and it's up to you to show Americans that real change can happen when ordinary citizens work together.

Explore this interactive map to learn about the progress we've made in the last 100 days and the stories of real Americans whose lives have already been touched. Then spread the word by passing it along to your friends and family.

With the country in crisis, the President took office and acted quickly to restore confidence and stability to our economy. But just as important were the steps we've taken toward building a new foundation for our prosperity, so that we never go back to the system that led us to crisis in the first place.

In just one hundred days, we've made crucial investments to create jobs and improve education, energy, and health care. All of this is a down payment for a new economic vision -- one where skilled workers fuel our economy rather than debt and speculation; one where American leadership on clean energy fuels 21st century innovation; and one where families and businesses are no longer weighed down by crushing health care costs.

Delivering on the promise of change is the reason we built this movement. Now, President Obama is counting on all of us to build support for this foundation and create a lasting recovery for America.

Take a look now at these critical first steps we've taken together and pass it on for others to see:

http://my.barackobama.com/100days

This new direction would not have been possible without you. But our biggest tests are yet to come, and the future is ours to shape. Let's seize this moment together so history will show that, at this defining crossroads, a generation of Americans put their country on the path to long-term security and prosperity.

Thank you,

David Plouffe

Deadline: Midnight tonight

2009-04-13T10:37:00.000-07:00

Jason --

I have incredible news. Last week we set a goal of 10,000 donors to fund the fight against those who are standing in the way of passing President Obama's budget. But with your overwhelming response, we blew right past it. We're within reach of 20,000 donors -- can you get us there before midnight tonight?

This is our chance to lay the groundwork for the change we've been fighting for -- affordable health care for all Americans, a clean energy future, and a renewed education system. But in the days ahead, opponents will try to block or weaken the President's bold plan for taking America in a new direction.

Will you help reach 20,000 donors before the deadline? Make a donation of $25 or more before midnight tonight to help prepare for a tough fight ahead.

Thank you for your continued support,

Mitch

Mitch Stewart
Director
Organizing for America

------Original Message------
From: David Plouffe, BarackObama.com
Subject: Calls for failure

Jason --

It makes you wonder whether they see the same thing we do.

Advocates for the status quo are calling for President Obama to fail while millions of families struggle. They're playing the same old political games and offering the same failed policies at a time of crisis.

In the coming days, opponents will do everything they can to destroy the President's proposed budget, a bold plan to help fix our broken economy and healthcare system and finally make energy and education the priority we all know they must be.

The change we need won't come without a fight -- no meaningful change ever does. Just like in the campaign, Barack Obama can't win without you by his side. Town by town, block by block, this grassroots movement is organizing and uniting Americans behind the President's plan.

But to finish what we started, we need resources.

Will you join the fight? Before Monday, April 13th, make a donation of $25 or more to help President Obama turn this country around.

We know that Washington won't change overnight. It'll take time, commitment, and money, but this grassroots movement can make change a reality -- affordable health care, a clean energy economy, and quality education for all. We know we are asking a lot from you -- but the stakes couldn't be higher.

It's why we worked so hard to elect President Obama, and he's counting on us to follow through. Today, you can make a difference.

Jo Ann from Charlotte, NC, has joined thousands of other supporters this week to support this movement and reject the same old politics:

I am a sixty-two year old woman on disability. I followed the election closely and did what I could to get Obama elected. Since he was inaugurated, I have watched in awe to see how much has already been accomplished. I live in Charlotte, NC where the unemployment rates are double digits and going up. My youngest son was out of work for 8 months because the company he worked for went out of business. So many workers and families are losing jobs and homes. There's so much more to be done, but this budget has to be passed and the programs have to be put into practice before things start to recover. That's why I support President Obama and his plans.

Americans like Jo Ann deserve better than the kind of divisive politics we've seen year after year. They deserve a truthful debate about real issues and a budget that will turn this economy around so that they can turn their lives around.

We need to seize this crucial moment to help pass this budget and invest in the one thing that can make President Obama's promises of change a reality -- the movement you built.

Before the Monday deadline, strengthen this movement. Make a donation of $25 or more today:

https://donate.barackobama.com/fightattacks

Thank you for all that you do,

David Plouffe

Under attack

2009-04-09T10:39:00.000-07:00

Jason --

Just ten weeks into Barack Obama's presidency, partisan voices and leaders like Rush Limbaugh, Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal, and Indiana Congressman Mike Pence are already trying to turn the American people against him. "I hope the President fails," they're saying.

Trying to tear down the President in order to maintain the status quo is unacceptable -- especially when the need for change is more urgent than ever.

With far-right ideologues in Congress threatening to block or weaken the President's budget in the coming days, we'll need your help to set the record straight about President Obama's economic recovery plan. Show your support by Monday, April 13th -- before the budget fight ends.

Will you make a donation of $25 or more before the Monday deadline?

President Obama faced the same negativity during the election. But in record numbers, folks like you came out and built support in communities across the country. With your support and energy, you said no to the politics of the past.

Now, more than ever, we need your voice and your support again to ensure that the likes of Rush Limbaugh and partisan ideologues in Congress don't succeed.

Whether they're misleading the public about the President's proposals to lower taxes for working families, or bashing his budget without offering specifics of their own in return, these critics have never been interested in a serious debate about turning our economy around.

The federal budget is not just a laundry list of numbers or programs. It's about the lives, the families, and the dreams of every American. With our future at stake this week, we can't afford to get bogged down in petty partisanship.

Before the budget fight draws to a close, please keep this grassroots movement going with a donation of $25 or more:

https://donate.barackobama.com/fightattacks

Thank you for everything,

Mitch

Mitch Stewart
Director
Organizing for America

Video message from President Obama

2009-03-18T10:39:00.000-07:00

Jason --

President Obama recorded a special message for you about the budget he's submitted to Congress and what you can do to help it pass.

Watch the video now and take action to make sure your representatives know you support this new direction:

The budget President Obama has proposed isn't the same old document Washington has come to expect year after year.

Right now, we have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to finally confront the systemic problems that have held America back for far too long in energy, health care, and education.

But it's up to you to get involved and make it happen. Join a canvass this weekend and talk with everyone you know about the President's plan to secure long-term prosperity for our families.

After watching the President's video, you can also look up your elected representatives and let them know you support this new foundation for economic growth:

http://my.barackobama.com/budgetaction

Thanks,

David Plouffe

This Weekend

2009-03-16T10:32:00.000-07:00

Jason --

The current debate in Washington over President Obama's budget has made one thing clear -- ensuring our long-term prosperity won't come without a fight.

Partisan voices and special interests are showing real resistance to President Obama's call for making the necessary reforms and investments in energy, health care, and education. That's why we need to bring the conversation back into homes and communities across America.

Last week, thousands of you pledged your support for the President's economic plan and encouraged your friends and family to join you in a national display of support. Now I need you to take the next step.

This weekend, supporters like you are organizing Pledge Project Canvasses to talk to people in their communities about this plan and mobilize support in neighborhoods across the country.

Host or attend a Pledge Project Canvass in your neighborhood this weekend.

It's absolutely crucial that Americans hear from you about this plan -- we can't leave this important debate up to a Washington establishment that doesn't welcome change.

It's up to you to show Washington that Americans are demanding this new direction and won't stand on the sidelines while our country's future is at stake.

On these canvasses, you'll join fellow supporters in your community to:

Talk with people about the President's plan
Ask them to sign their names to the pledge
Provide information on how to contact and urge their elected representatives to support the plan

Host or attend a canvass this weekend:

http://my.barackobama.com/pledgecanvass

Nothing is more powerful than having people hear from ordinary Americans about the vision President Obama has laid out for our country. Join us this weekend.

Thanks,

Mitch

Mitch Stewart
Director
Organizing for America

The next few weeks

2009-03-13T10:32:00.000-07:00

Jason --

The next few weeks will be some of the most important our movement for change has encountered yet.

Mitch wrote to you earlier this week about Organizing for America's Pledge Project -- an effort to identify and mobilize support across the country for the economic vision President Obama has outlined in his budget.

If you haven't yet done so, pledge your support now and ask your friends, family, and neighbors to do the same.

The budget that passes Congress has the potential to take our country in a truly new direction -- the kind of change we all worked so hard for. We didn't fight to shy away from the tough long-term decisions Washington has ducked for far too long.

President Obama knows, as you do, that our future strength and prosperity depends on Washington finally taking the hard and smart steps in energy, health care, and education that will make sure America and its families are strong for decades to come.

And while his budget reflects those important values and priorities, the President also understands the government has to cut spending like so many families and businesses are being forced to do now. He invests where we need to and cuts where we must.

In the next few weeks we'll be asking you to do some of the same things we asked of you during the campaign -- talking directly to people in your communities about the President's ideas for long-term prosperity. But first, start with your own pledge of support, and the support of your friends, family, and neighbors:

http://my.barackobama.com/pledgeproject

We know this fight won't be easy. But important battles never are. Together, we have the opportunity to shape our country's future. We believed in the power of people to win an improbable election victory. And we believe in the power of people to drown out the cynics and entrenched interests in Washington to bring lasting, meaningful change we can all be proud we played a role in.

Thanks,

David Plouffe

VIDEO: Ready for the fight

2009-03-09T10:31:00.000-07:00

Jason --

Just over a week ago, President Obama submitted his first budget and made it clear he was ready for the fight to come.

The President isn't alone. We're ready for that fight too -- it's what you built this movement for.

Watch a video I recorded announcing our new initiative, the Organizing for America Pledge Project:

Americans are ready for the bold new direction this plan offers. It's what they voted for in November, and it's needed now more than ever as we continue to face an unprecedented economic crisis.

But the special interests and old ways of Washington won't go away easily. In fact, they'll only fight back harder.

It's up to you to organize support for President Obama's plan throughout the country. It's the only way we'll get the change this country needs.

Take the next step now in our fight to bring change:

http://my.barackobama.com/pledgeproject

Thanks,

Mitch

Mitch Stewart
Director
Organizing for America

Blueprint for our future

2009-02-27T10:30:00.000-08:00

Jason --

Yesterday, President Obama submitted his first budget to Congress.

As the President said, the budget isn't just numbers on a page. It establishes our plans and priorities as we confront some of the longest-standing challenges this country has ever faced.

Watch a short video of President Obama introducing his budget and share it with your friends:

With this budget, President Obama is asking Washington to do something it rarely does -- look beyond the next election and take the long-term steps to ensure America's future strength and prosperity.

It will involve sacrifices and difficult decisions. But it will also boldly invest in the three areas most critical to our economic future: energy, health care, and education.

Investing in a clean energy future will put America at the forefront of industry in the 21st century and create the jobs that will form a new foundation for the middle class.

Confronting the mounting cost of health care will put America back on a solid foundation so businesses can thrive and families can prosper.

Reforming and strengthening our education system will ensure American innovation and competitiveness well into the next century.

Watch the brief video now:

http://my.barackobama.com/thebudget

This budget isn't just a reflection of President Obama's priorities. It's a reflection of yours.

This is the change you worked for and Americans demanded. But to make sure it succeeds, the President will need your help.

In the coming weeks, we'll be asking you to talk directly to people in your community, to build momentum and demonstrate the broad support President Obama has for this new direction.

Thank you for your continued commitment,

David

David Plouffe
Campaign Manager
Obama for America

My address to Congress

2009-02-25T10:29:00.000-08:00

Jason --

Last night, I addressed a joint session of Congress for the first time.

To confront the serious economic challenges our nation faces, I called for a new era of responsibility and cooperation. We need to look beyond short term political calculations and make vital investments in health care, energy, and education that will make America stronger and more prosperous well into the future.

Watch a few highlights from my address and share it with your friends now:

A little more than a month into my administration, we've already taken bold steps to address our urgent economic problems.

Through the Recovery Act, the Stability Plan, and the Housing Plan, we're taking the immediate necessary measures to halt our economic downturn and provide much-needed assistance to working people and their families.

But to set our country on a new course of stability and prosperity, we must reject the old ways of doing business in Washington. We can no longer tolerate fiscal deficits and runaway spending while deferring the consequences to future generations.

That's why I pledged last night to cut our deficit in half by the end of my term. Achieving that goal will require making sacrifices and hard decisions, as well as an honest budgeting process that is straight with taxpayers about where their dollars are going.

Watch some key moments from my address now:

http://my.barackobama.com/presidentialaddress

Central to this plan will be a renewed commitment to honesty and transparency in government. Restoring our country's economic health will only happen when ordinary citizens are given the opportunity to hold their representatives fully accountable for the decisions they make.

I look forward to continuing to work with you as we bring about the change you made possible.

Thank you,

President Barack Obama

A big first step -- thank you

2009-02-17T10:27:00.000-08:00

Jason --

Today, I signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act into law.

This is a historic step -- the first of many as we work together to climb out of this crisis -- and I want to thank you for your resolve and your support.

You organized thousands of house meetings. You shared your ideas and personal stories. And you informed your friends and neighbors about the need for immediate action. You continue to be a powerful voice for change throughout the country.

The recovery plan will create or save 3.5 million jobs, provide tax cuts for working and middle-class families, and invest in health care and clean energy.

It's a bold plan to address a huge problem, and it will require my vigilance and yours to make sure it's done right.

I've assigned a team of managers to oversee the implementation of the recovery act. We are committed to making sure no dollar is wasted. But accountability begins with you.

That's why my administration has created Recovery.gov, a new website where citizens can track every dollar spent and every job created. We'll invite you and your neighbors to weigh in with comments and questions.

Our progress will also be measured by the tens of thousands of personal stories submitted by people who are struggling to make ends meet. If you haven't already, you can read stories from families all across the country:

http://my.barackobama.com/yourstories

Your stories are the heart of this recovery plan, and that's what I'll focus on every day as President.

With your continued support, we'll emerge a stronger and more prosperous nation.

Thank you,

President Barack Obama

Update: Recovery bill and your stories

2009-02-13T10:26:00.000-08:00

Jason --

Congress is preparing to vote on a final Economic Recovery bill.

President Obama is urging action in Washington because families across the country need help right now.

In the past week, thousands of you came together at house meetings to talk about how the economic crisis is affecting your communities. And thousands more shared your personal stories on our website.

Your voices were heard. Help is on the way.

Take a few minutes and read some of the stories your fellow Americans shared.

These stories are the face of the economic crisis, and they will be the focus of our recovery. Here are a few excerpts from the tens of thousands of stories people like you shared:

"As of a week ago, our family has joined the ranks of the unemployed and thus uninsured. We have two children, a 6 year old and a 10 month old. With my part time jobs and unemployment, we should be able to keep the roof over our heads, at least one car in the driveway and food in our stomachs for a few months. The state of our health insurance is what truly scares us."
Nichole H., Columbus, OH

"I live in a small rural community in central Minnesota and have run my own small business for 32 years here. These last 8 years have been a slow steady decline economically. This has caused me to continually find ways to tighten my budget. Our small towns are really struggling with infrastructure and loss of businesses to attract and hold workers in their communities."
Judy T., Motley, MN

"I am a teacher in Florida where we are 50th in the country in spending per student. I feel this generation of students is being cheated out of a quality education. I'm fortunate that I have a job. But our education system is failing our children. There are so many areas of education that are suffering because of massive budget cuts. The bottom line is: as the United States of America we can do better for our children."
Betty Jo A., Deltona, FL

Read more from Nichole, Judy, Betty Jo, and others who shared their economic crisis stories:

http://my.barackobama.com/yourstories

Ordinary people are telling the real story of the struggles and pressures families are facing right now. They drive home the importance of this recovery plan and the need to put it into action immediately.

The President's economic recovery plan is an important first step in getting our country back on track. But recovering from this downturn will require the faith, confidence, and hard work of all Americans.

Thank you for staying involved during this critical time for our country,

David

David Plouffe
Campaign Manager
Obama for America

VIDEO: President's first prime time press conference

2009-02-10T10:26:00.000-08:00

Jason --

Last night, President Obama gave his first-ever prime time press conference to call for immediate action on his economic recovery plan.

Today, the Senate voted to pass the President's plan. But there's another round of voting in both houses of Congress before the president can sign it into law.

Make sure that your voice is heard in this process.

Watch the video and share your economic crisis story. If you've already shared your story, talk to a friend, neighbor, or family member and record their story.

http://my.barackobama.com/recoveryconference

Thank you,

Mitch

Mitch Stewart
Director
Organizing for America

Your Economic Crisis Story

2009-02-09T07:56:00.000-08:00

Jason --

Americans have organized Economic Recovery House Meetings in all 50 states -- including 382 in California, 255 in Florida, 115 in Ohio, 199 in New York, 105 in Washington, and 149 in Texas.

That's more than 3,587 meetings in 1,579 cities and 429 congressional districts.

This past weekend, meeting hosts and guests watched a video of Governor Tim Kaine answering your questions about the president's recovery plan. Then they shared their own stories about how the crisis has affected them.

Watch Governor Kaine's video and share your economic crisis story.

The media is filled with numbers about the economic crisis. But the numbers do not tell the full story.

The story of this crisis is in homes across the country -- homes where a family member has lost a job, where parents are struggling to pay a mortgage, and where college tuition has slipped out of reach.

That's also where the story of our recovery begins -- in communities where repairing roads and bridges, manufacturing green technologies, and rehabilitating our schools and hospitals will directly impact the lives of ordinary people and their families.

President Obama's recovery plan will help struggling families right now by saving or creating up to 4 million jobs. But it will also help strengthen our economy for the future by investing in crucial infrastructure projects in health care, education, and energy.

Share your story about how this economic crisis is affecting you and your family and join your fellow Americans in supporting bold action to speed our recovery:

http://my.barackobama.com/sharestories

Thank you for organizing so much support at this crucial moment for our country,

Mitch

Mitch Stewart
Director
Organizing for America

Urgent message from President Obama

2009-02-07T07:54:00.000-08:00

Jason --

President Obama recorded a video to speak directly to you about his economic recovery plan.

America is facing an urgent and unprecedented challenge. The economic crisis requires bold and immediate action.

Watch President Obama's video and share it with your friends and family:

http://my.barackobama.com/recoveryvideo

Thank you,

David

David Plouffe
Campaign Manager
Obama for America

Paid for by Organizing for America, a project of the Democratic National Committee -- 430 South Capitol Street SE, Washington, D.C. 20003. This communication is not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee.

This email was sent to: jasonbugg@gmail.com

To unsubscribe, go to: http://my.barackobama.com/unsubscribe

Continuing to sell the Stimulus Pakcage.

2009-02-04T10:25:00.000-08:00

Here's the latest email.

Jason --

Last night, President Obama recorded a series of national network and cable news interviews about the urgent need for an economic recovery plan.

Watch the video and share it with your friends and family:

President Obama discussed why we need an immediate effort to create millions of jobs while investing in long-term challenges like energy and health care.

He called for swift investment in job creation while continuing to assist those who are out of work, without health insurance, or in danger of losing their homes.

The Economic Recovery plan passed the House of Representatives, and the Senate is preparing to vote on it very soon. The final version can and will be improved. But the President's core plan will positively affect families and communities all across the country.

You can help make sure the American people have all the facts so they can support this crucial effort to boost our struggling economy.

The President is leading. Help is on the way.

Lend your voice by sharing this video with everyone you know. Then sign up to join thousands of people across the country who are organizing Economic Recovery House Meetings this weekend:

http://my.barackobama.com/recoveryplan

Thank you for staying involved,

David

David Plouffe
Campaign Manager
Obama for America

For the record, I'm for the stimulus.

Selling the Recovery Bill

2009-02-02T09:01:00.000-08:00

Here's the latest email update from the White House.

The economic crisis is growing more serious every day, and the time for action has come.

Last week, the House of Representatives passed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which will jumpstart our economy and put more than 3 million people back to work.

I hope to sign the recovery plan into law in the next few weeks. But I need your help to spread the word and build support.

It's not enough for this bill to simply pass Congress. Americans need to know how it will affect their lives -- they need to know that help is on the way and that this administration is investing in economic growth and stability.

Governor Tim Kaine has agreed to record a video outlining the recovery plan and answering questions about what it means for your community. You can submit your questions online and then invite your friends, family, and neighbors to watch the video with you at an Economic Recovery House Meeting.

Join thousands of people across the country by hosting or attending an Economic Recovery House Meeting this weekend.

The stakes are too high to allow partisan politics to get in the way.

That's why I've consulted with Republicans as well as Democrats to put together a plan that will address the crisis we face.

I've also taken steps to ensure an unprecedented level of transparency and accountability. Once it's passed, you will be able to see how every penny in this plan is being spent.

You can help restore confidence in our economy by making sure your friends, family, and neighbors understand how the recovery plan will impact your community.

Sign up to host or attend an Economic Recovery House Meeting and submit your question for the video now:

http://my.barackobama.com/recovery

Our ability to come together as a nation in difficult times has never been more important.

I know I can rely on your spirit and resolve as we lead our country to recovery.

Thank you,

President Barack Obama

P.S. -- If you can't host or attend an Economic Recovery House Meeting, you can still submit your questions for Governor Kaine and then share the video with your friends and family this weekend. Learn more here:

http://my.barackobama.com/recovery

Don't get me wrong for saying this, I'm with the President about 90% of the time, but this is just what some people are worried about. Sending text messages and emails to supporters that he might not make on the records. There's nothing nefarious about this email or any other to date, but could you imagine the hubbub if the Bush White House had sent out texts and emails to their campaign contributors and followers? The left would be going bonzo gonzo right now.

The First Post Inauguration Email

2009-01-23T10:28:00.000-08:00

Friend --

When Barack Obama was declared our 44th President, you didn't just revel in that victory -- you started asking what's next for this movement.

How is this unprecedented group of volunteers, grassroots leaders, and dedicated supporters going to help make change a reality?

More than half a million people shared their thoughts and ideas about moving forward, and we listened carefully. Last week, President Obama announced the creation of Organizing for America -- a group that will work alongside the President to support the agenda you fought so hard for.

You can be part of its first steps.

Watch a short video message I recorded with Mitch Stewart, Executive Director of Organizing for America, and learn more about this new organization you helped build.

http://my.barackobama.com/neworganization

You've already invested in the future of this country -- whether you voted, donated money, helped organize your local community, or got involved in countless other ways.

But right now, your participation in the political process is more important than ever. We'll soon be asking you to give whatever time or talent you can to support the President. With your help, we can bring change to Washington and the entire nation.

I look forward to working with you in the months and years ahead.

Thank you,

David

David Plouffe
Campaign Manager
Obama for America

Now they stop calling me "Jason" at the beginning of the emails. It kind of hurts.

A Call to Service

2009-01-12T13:19:00.000-08:00

Finally an email that showcases the positive things that Obama's email database can achieve.

One week from today, on January 19th, Barack and I will join thousands of people all across the country for an extraordinary day of service.

I recorded a short video to tell you more about this important effort. Please take a minute to watch it and sign up to host or attend a service event near you.

Volunteers of all ages and backgrounds are committing to renew America together, one community at a time.

Whatever service activity you organize or take part in -- cleaning up a park, giving blood, volunteering at a homeless shelter, or mentoring an at-risk youth -- you can help start this important journey. But this is about more than just a single day of service, it's the beginning of an ongoing commitment to your community.

Monday, January 19th, is also Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Dr. King taught us to live a life of service, and he led by example. He once said:

"If you want to be important -- wonderful. If you want to be recognized -- wonderful. If you want to be great -- wonderful. But, recognize that he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. That's a new definition of greatness."

Barack and I will be volunteering in Washington, D.C., our new home. I hope you'll join us by taking part in this national call to service in your community:

http://www.USAservice.org/calltoservice

It will take ordinary citizens working together with a common purpose to get this country back on track. This national day of service is an important first step in our continuing commitment.

Now is the time to remind all Americans what ordinary people can accomplish when we stand together.

Thank you,

Michelle

This is what they should be doing instead of asking for money after a long campaign and the economy in free fall: asking people to give of themselves. I'm all for this and will probably try to do something.

Comparing the Cost of Obama's Inauguration to Past Inaugurals

2009-01-08T20:33:00.000-08:00

All of these emails about the Obama Inauguration have gotten me curious about the cost of the event to taxpayers and from donations to the Presidential Inaugural Committee. So I decided to do a very rudimentary Google search and see what I could find out. Here goes.

First of all there is this link, which tells about some of the costs of Bush's 2004 Inaugural and Tractor Pull:

The Presidential Inaugural Committee has said putting on the inaugural events will cost about $40 million, which is being raised from private donors -- more than half of them corporations that gave as much as $250,000 each -- as well as sales of tickets and merchandise.

In addition, the federal government and District of Columbia will bear the costs of providing security, expected to be around $20 million.

Some critics have questioned spending millions on inauguration festivities in a time of war and after the devastation of December's tsunami in South Asia. But organizers insist that the pageant is an appropriate celebration of American democracy.

"We're a nation at war, but we do believe it's important, through privately raised money, [that] we ought to go forward with the inaugural festivities," said Dan Bartlett, White House communications director.

Organizers have included a number of events to honor military personnel, including Thursday night's Commander in Chief Ball, which is expected to draw 2,000 troops.

"The president made it clear that he wanted to pay special tribute in a special way to those armed forces -- men and women -- who put their lives on the line every day, with particular emphasis on the war on terror," said Greg Jenkins, the inaugural committee's executive director

Some more digging showed me this about Clinton's 1996 Inaugural and Orgy (featuring Fleetwood Mac!)- it's a brief snippet of an article, but some of the pertinent numbers are there.

While organizers of President Clinton's second inaugural have touted next month's celebration as smaller and less expensive than the 1993 extravaganza, the cost borne by taxpayers will be the highest ever, according to White House records.

This taxpayer expense was not highlighted at a recent briefing by inaugural organizers, who focused instead on the strict standards imposed this time for collecting private donations for "cheaper" parties and other special events.

But according to budgets provided by the White House and Congress -- and not including the undisclosed inaugural budget of the Secret Service -- the public cost is at least $12.7 million.

This year's festivities are promising to be bigger than any other's on record. How big? Well this blog entry from CNN.com goes into some detail about the money being asked for by Washington D.C. for security alone.

"Even though we're very practiced at inaugurations and large events, this is one that will rewrite the book on inaugurations," said the Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton, D-DC, who has requested an additional $15 million from Congress to help the city cover costs. That would double the $15 million Congress has already allocated to pay for all national events and demonstrations in Washington during 2009.

DC Mayor Adrian Fenty agreed costs for increased security and crowd control would dwarf the original allocation. And for a city facing a budget shortfall and the same economic downturn affecting the rest of the country, now is not the time to rack up debt, Fenty told CNN.

"We are in talks with the federal government as we sit here today to let them know — I think they already know that that's not enough," he said, referring to the $15 million already allocated. "Now the question is if you want to make sure that you cross every 't' and dot every 'i', it does look like it's going to be significantly more than that."

Fenty predicted costs for the city would run close to $50 million, the same amount Congress provided to both Denver and St. Paul, Minnesota to host the Republican and Democratic conventions earlier this year.

From what I'm gathering about this Inauguration, the security costs for Clinton's '96 party, Bush's '04 shindig, and Obama's '09 love fest look like this:

Clinton: $12.7 million
Bush: $20 million
Obama: $30 million (projected)

That's a lot of money. But the real money begins to pile up not in the cost of the security, but in the cost of the actual Inauguration and the festivities that accompany it, which are paid for (in part) by the Presidential Inauguration Committee. The numbers look like this:

Clinton: It's not specified, but from the sound of that article it was a smaller party than the '92 Inaugural.
Bush: $40 million
Obama: unknown as of yet, but I imagine it will be bigger than Bush's in '04

I want to be fair about this next part, so I'm going to play it safe and assume for a second Obama's Inauguration costs the same $40 million that Bush's did in '04. That puts the total cost for this Inauguration at around $70 million, and that's being conservative.

$70 million dollars. That's a ton of money. Granted, I didn't account for inflation, and Bush and Obama's security costs are going to be significantly higher than Clinton's due to our Post 9/11 fear fest, but still $70 million dollars.

$70 million for a party that most Americans aren't going to be able to go to. Oprah and Bill Gates will be able to go. Michael Stipe and Bono will be there. Us poor people? We'll read about it in Star Magazine eating cake. Let us eat cake.

More later.

Now the muscle comes in

2009-01-08T17:57:00.000-08:00

Because Barack is the ultimate good cop, we need a bad cop to come in and threaten us with a phone book and a plunger. That man is David Plouffe.

Jason --

I wanted to take a minute to reinforce Barack's message.

We wouldn't be preparing to celebrate this historic inauguration if it weren't for you. But the deadline to get your ticket to history is just a few hours away.

Time and again you have stepped up to support this movement in inspiring ways. Now you can help give this administration a strong start.

Ten supporters and their guests will be selected to come to Washington, D.C., and attend the welcome ceremony, the swearing in, the Inaugural Parade, and the Neighborhood Inaugural Ball.

Will you make a donation of $25 or more before midnight tonight? You could be a part of the inaugural events.

You believed in Barack's message of change and helped build the grassroots movement that made history.

No matter where you are on Inauguration Day, we'll all come together and remember why we put so much work into making this happen.

Thank you for everything,

David

David Plouffe
Campaign Manager
Obama for America

P.S. -- You can be part of this moment without making a donation. Participate by telling us in your own words what this inauguration means to you. Learn more now:

https://donate.pic2009.org/tickettohistory

This is getting obnoxious.

Now the biggest gun of them all is here.

2009-01-08T17:53:00.000-08:00

Jason --

On January 20th, our journey to bring change will officially begin.

We're organizing the most open and accessible Inauguration in our nation's history. And we're doing it without contributions from Washington lobbyists or big corporations.

Just like we did on the campaign, we're relying entirely on supporters like you -- ordinary people giving whatever they can afford to make this an event for all Americans.

I know we've asked a lot of you. But changing the way business is done in Washington will take a commitment from all of us. Right now, you can help give this administration a strong start.

And if you make a donation of any amount before midnight tonight, you could be selected to come to Washington, D.C., and be part of the welcome ceremony, the swearing in, the Inaugural Parade, and the Inaugural Community Ball.

Will you make a donation of $25 or more and be part of the historic moment you made possible?

We have a long road ahead of us, and we're going to face some major challenges as soon as we start. But I know I can count on you every step of the way.

Thank you for everything you've done and happy New Year,

Barack

P.S. -- You could be there for this historic moment even if you cannot make a donation. You can show your support by sharing what this Inauguration means to you. Learn more here:

https://donate.pic2009.org/tickettohistory

I still don't understand how giving the Obama Inaugural my money will help get the Administration "of to a strong start". Will someone smarter than I am explain that to me? I thought trouncing McCain and providing the strongest mandate for a President since 1996 was enough, but now apparently getting Gallagher to smash fruit all over Washington insiders in rented tuxes is what needs to happen. Maybe Gallagher aims at Republicans and Democrats who don't want to play ball.

Now they've brought out wifey!

2009-01-06T17:50:00.000-08:00

Jason --

Last week, the Presidential Inaugural Committee announced that we're bringing 10 supporters to Washington, DC for several days of Inaugural celebrations.

With the deadline coming up on Thursday, I'm pleased to announce the selection of the first grassroots supporter who will be attending the Inauguration.

Cynthia Russell from Newberry, Florida, and her guest will attend the welcome ceremony, Barack's swearing-in, the Inaugural Parade, and our Neighborhood Inaugural Ball.

Cynthia is a builder and has been feeling the impact of the recent economic crunch. She wrote:

"I'm a single woman who has been building homes for over 18 years. I've supported myself and have been able to help out my mother from time to time. Now I find myself wondering how much longer I can hold on and be able to pay my bills and keep the doors open for business. Barack gives me hope. Hope that 2009 will truly bring change to Americans who find themselves in this mess with me."

We need to select 9 more supporters like Cynthia, and I would love for you to be one of them.

Can you make a donation of $25 or more before midnight on Thursday, January 8th?

Supporters like you made this historic moment possible.

You gave your passion and hard work to this movement, and you brought millions of new people into the political process. Thanks to you, this campaign was open to more people than any in history, and we're counting on you to do the same for the Inauguration.

You could be there to celebrate your amazing accomplishments and give a strong start to the change you fought so hard for.

Please make a donation of $25 or more and help us celebrate everything you did to make this day possible:

https://donate.pic2009.org/tickettohistory

Nothing could be better than having you there to be a part of this historic event.

Thank you for everything you've done to bring us to this moment,

Michelle

P.S. -- The opportunity to be part of this historic event is open to everyone, regardless of whether you make a donation. Participate now by telling us what this Inauguration means to you.

Now they've brought out the heavy hitters. The campaign is one thing, David Plouffe is another, but Michelle? I love her.

Another Plea for Cash!

2009-01-03T17:43:00.000-08:00

Jason --

Thanks to you, President-elect Obama and Vice President-elect Biden will take their oaths of office in just 17 days.

You helped shape history, and now you can be a part of it.

Ten supporters and their guests will be selected to come to Washington, D.C. for several days of inaugural events. You could be chosen to fly to Washington, attend the welcome ceremony, the Inaugural parade, the swearing-in, and an official Inaugural ball.

Will you donate $25 or more now? You could be part of the historic events you made possible.

This inauguration will be open to hundreds of thousands of people. To do that, it takes unprecedented resources.

In the past, inaugurations have been funded by lobbyists and corporations making six-figure contributions. Like our campaign, this inauguration is going to be different. But that means, once again, Barack and Joe need to ask you for your help.

Supporters like you made this possible, and with your help Barack and Joe will run their administration without the influence of big money from Washington lobbyists or special interests. Funding the Inauguration this way is another example of the change you helped bring to Washington.

It's up to you, at this crucial moment, to make the Inauguration a success and give change a strong start.

Will you make a donation of $25 or more now for the opportunity to join Barack and Joe at the beginning of this historic journey to change our country?

https://donate.pic2009.org/tickettohistory

Thank you for your extraordinary efforts throughout the campaign.

Happy New Year,

Obama for America

P.S. -- You can participate without donating. We recognize this day is as important as it is historic, and we want to hear in your words what this inauguration means to you.

Now the big party is crucial.

It's up to you, at this crucial moment, to make the Inauguration a success and give change a strong start.

They've got to show the Republicans that Democrats throw the best parties. If they don't, then they have already lost the ideological war in Washington.

I know this is essentially a raffle, but something about this just makes me mad. I voted for Obama, I worked for the campaign, I made long impassioned blog posts about him, but this whole thing just reeks, and I don't know why. His people keep sending emails asking people that are broke for money to essentially host a tea party. People have told me that this tea party is part of his job, and I say it isn't. His job is to lead by example. A lot of rhetoric out there is for Americans to tighten their belts, well what about doing a subdued inauguration?

The Inaugural Inaugural Solicitation

2008-12-30T17:35:00.000-08:00

Jason --

Barack Obama will be sworn in as President of the United States of America on January 20th, 2009.

It will be an unprecedented event in the history of our country, and hundreds of thousands of people will come together in Washington, D.C. to share the moment.

Supporters like you made this happen. You know that real change comes from the bottom up, not from the top down, and Barack and Joe want you to join them on this historic day. They want to start off this administration with the people who worked so hard and will continue to fight for change with them.

Between now and January 8th, 10 supporters and their guests will be selected to join the Inaugural activities.

If you make a donation -- in any amount -- to make the Inauguration a success, you and a guest could be flown to Washington, D.C., put up in a hotel, and be there as Barack is sworn in as the 44th President.

Will you make a donation of $25 or more right now? You and a guest could receive your ticket to history.

Unlike past inaugurations, this year's event will not be paid for by Washington lobbyists or corporations.

This campaign was funded by 4 million ordinary people giving only what they could afford, and Barack and Joe are counting on you again. Help start this administration off right -- independent of the special interest donors who have shaped Washington for too long.

This Inauguration will be open to as many Americans as possible. We'll all come together to celebrate the hope and optimism that define this movement for change.

But you could be one of 10 selected to join us in Washington for all Inaugural events. Any donation you make between now and January 8th counts -- whatever you can afford.

Show your support for a different kind of politics and a different kind of inauguration with a donation of $25 or more today:

https://donate.pic2009.org/tickettohistory

The Inauguration will be a once-in-a-lifetime event. I hope you can join us.

Thank you,

David

David Plouffe
Campaign Manager
Obama for America

P.S. -- If you cannot make a donation, you and a guest could still be selected to receive your ticket to history. Learn more here.

This is the first email I received about the Inauguration and the Obama campaign's attempts to raise money. At first I was really angry about this.

A lot of the wording angers me.

If you make a donation -- in any amount -- to make the Inauguration a success, you and a guest could be flown to Washington, D.C., put up in a hotel, and be there as Barack is sworn in as the 44th President.

Show your support for a different kind of politics and a different kind of inauguration with a donation of $25 or more today

P.S. -- If you cannot make a donation, you and a guest could still be selected to receive your ticket to history.

A friend pointed out that I'll be donating to "history" in a city full of homeless people.

The thing that makes me angry is this: Our cities are crumbling, we're damn near in a depression and our deficit isn't getting any smaller. Not to mention most people (myself included) just don't have money anymore, but here is his handlers sending out begging emails to people who believed in him so that he can possibly afford to get The Commodores to play his big inaugural party.

It's shameless. Maybe the violin players on this Titanic will play "Celebration" or "Brick House" instead of "Nearer My God To Thee".

Seriously, swear this guy in on YouTube from his office, and have him get to work.

Be humble about it. How many families are tightening their belts right now? How many children didn't have Christmas? How many students aren't getting student loans? How many programs are being cut? How many freelance writers have seen both of their recent raises taken away at one paper and two or their other papers completely cut off their work? How many insurance tech guys have had their bonuses cut?

Obama spoke a lot about sacrifice and finding a way through this bad time in America so maybe a big party isn't what we need, maybe what we need is a President to say "let's not do it this way".

That's change I can believe in.