Ambassador Frederick Vreeland, co-founder of Republicans Abroad for Obama, has sent us another touching story of his conversations with Americans and non-Americans living abroad about their feelings on Sen. Obama's candidacy:
Lucia comes from Lecce, down in the boot of Italy, where she lives with her 83 year old husband, a semi-retired doctor. Lucia definitely has a mind of her own, but said that one thing she and her husband and all the Italians she knows agree on is that the world needs Obama as US president. She reminded me that during the Cold War, in the stand-off between Communism and the Free World, the majority of Italians, including everyone she knows, voted against Communism when the future of the world hung in the balance. At that crucial moment, she says, Italians went out massively to cast their ballots to assure America's position as the world leader. Lucia, her family and her friends were delighted when the Communist world disintegrated, as were the vast majority of Italians. They were proud that they had been on the good side, and of course delighted they had been on the winning side. So, she says, they avidly supported America as the sole SuperPower, following the lead of its president with eager enthusiasm. But Lucia then describes her profound disappointment as the leader of the world, the Chief of State of the nation accepted throughout Italy as Freedom's standard bearer, showed the way -- not to sanity and progress but to suicidal, self-destructive folly. She had been among the most vociferous Italians calling for sacrifices after America's tragic fate on 9/11. But now, she concludes, America's president has led his own people, and all their supporters, over the cliff and into the chasm of unwinable wars in far-off lands. For Lucia, Obama's victory can vindicate all the contributions she and her family doctor have made to parliamentary democracy and civil society -- "God willing," she concludes, not quite daring to be optimistic, "Obama can still save the world from itself."
This story comes in from Ambassador Fredrick Vreeland.
Ambassador Frederick Vreeland is a great friend to the Obama campaign. A former US Ambassador to Morocco, and a distinguished career diplomat and CIA officer, Ambassador Vreeland is a life-long Republican (he was even George H.W. Bush's roommate at Yale!) who endorsed Barack Obama early this year, and with Professor Larry Gray of Rome, founded "Republicans Abroad for Obama". Now retired and living in Rome, Ambassador Vreeland still travels frequently to North Africa, and recently sent the following email to Kim Reed, Senior Advisor on Americans Abroad to the Obama Campaign, regarding his encounter with Youssef, a Moroccan who, like millions around the world, yearns for Senator Obama to be elected on Tuesday.
Here is Ambassador Vreeland's story:
Youssef teaches school in a village in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, which he gets to at the end of a six mile hike after taking an hour's bus ride from his home town of Marrakech, Morocco. He spends every weekday in that village but goes home on weekends to Marrakech where he can pick up cash as a guide for the tourists. He told me last weekend what he does with that cash: he saves it to help buy a pump for the village which, although without roads or running water, has recently been attached to the electric power grid. That's how we got onto the subject of Obama for president. Youssef prays that Obama will win, not because it will revolutionize American foreign policy or save the world from the deepening recession, but because it will realize the dreams that his village's school children have for an America whose leadership they can believe in -- and ignite a burst of hope among uncounted millions of other young people around the globe whose life now lacks everything, but especially hope. For Youssef that water pump is like an Obama presidency: it will change everything. Now, without an electric pump, the village children never do their homework because their parents need them to work the village's one handpump and then carry the water home in heavy jars. But with an electric pump the houses can be connected to the well in the village square and younger children will do their homework. And that will permit them to go on from primary school to highschool, rather than dropping out at age 11 as they do now. And that in turn will mean some will go on to college, thus opening up the world of well paying jobs and improvement in living standards. Youssef sees this as all connected with Obama, who will bring, in his mind, the same burst of optimism and energy that galvanized Morocco in the Kennedy presidency during his own childhood. And the fact that Obama's father was from a Developing Country will make everyone in what used to be called the Third World feel that we live in One World, with common challenges and realistic ambitions. I left Youssef to go back to his almost inaccessible village school, sharing his prayer that next week his students will be liberated from hopelessness, from living in a blind alley and that an Obama victory will reverberate around the world the way Youssef and his fellow villagers are hoping.
This just in from Hilary Bown, Regional Field Director for Central and Eastern Europe. Around the world, let's all do all we can to help Obama win!
We are 36 hours away from this election being over -- but we still have not won this thing yet! As overseas Americans who cast their votes weeks ago, we may feel somewhat disconnected from what is going on tomorrow in the U.S. There are nevertheless a number of ways we can still be involved! Here's a list of 5 easy ideas:1) Have you sent in your ballot?> If you have not, you may still FAX in your ballot before polls close on Nov 4th to the following states: AK, AZ, CA, CO, DC, FL, HI, ID (emergency only), IN, KS, LA, ME (emergency only), MO (Federal employees and military only), MT (by county!), NV, NJ, NM, NC, ND, OK (emergency only), RI, SC, TX (military only), UT, VT, VI, and WV.> You may FAX your ballot by Nov 3rd to MS.> You may EMAIL back your ballot to IN, NJ, NM, ND, SC, and WV (by county!).> You may POSTMARK your ballot by the 3rd to: AL (received by 4 Nov), IL (rec'd 18 Nov), IA (rec'd 10 Nov), NY (rec'd 11 Nov), ND, PA (rec'd 11 Nov), and UT (rec'd 18 Nov).> You may POSTMARK your ballot by the 4th to: AK (received by 19 Nov), AR (rec'd 14 Nov) DC (rec'd 14 Nov), GA (rec'd 7 Nov), IN (rec'd 14 Nov), MD (rec'd 14 Nov), MA (rec'd 14 Nov), OH (rec'd 14 Nov), TX (rec'd 10 Nov), VI (rec'd 14 Nov), WA (rec'd 25 Nov), and WV (rec'd 10 Nov).> If you live in one of the above states, never received your ballot and have not yet done so, please send in a Federal Write-in Absentee Ballot. You can download the forms and instructions for your state at http://www.fvap.gov/shortcuts/get-backup-fed-write-in-ballot/index.html/ .> If you have sent in your ballot, give your county elections office a call to make sure it's arrived. You can look up the phone number of your county's office here: https://obama.overseasvotefoundation.org/overseas/eod.htm/ . If there are any issues, you may still have time to fax, email or post a replacement.2) Have your overseas American friends sent in their ballots?> Call up, email or otherwise check up with 5 American friends living overseas and make sure they have received and returned their absentee ballots. If they have not, use the information above to help them cast a vote if there's still time!3) Will your American friends and relatives be headed to the polls tomorrow?> Call up, email or otherwise check in with 5 American friends or family members living in the U.S. and encourage them to head to the polls tomorrow. Take a couple minutes to tell them why you support Barack Obama and why we're counting on their vote.4) Will other Americans -- those in key swing states -- be headed to the polls tomorrow?> The campaign has set up an online tool called Neighbor to Neighbor, which allows you to make calls to registered voters in crucial areas, providing them with information about their polling locations and encouraging them to vote for Barack Obama. You can pick the state you'd like to call here: http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/phonebankmap/ . You can find answers to commonly-asked questions here: http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/votercontactfaq/ . (Don't forget to calculate the time difference.)> If you do not have a way to make cheap or free phone calls from your land line to the U.S., try using your computer to make calls. You can get 5 free hours of calling from Internet Calls: http://www.internetcalls.com/en/index.html/ ; another inexpensive option is to create and use a Skype account -- calls to the U.S. are just 2 cents/minute: http://www.skype.com/allfeatures/callphones/ .> If you do have a telephone flatrate, consider inviting friends over tonight and tomorrow to make these calls from your home. Polls do not begin closing in the U.S. until midnight CET, so there is plenty of time to make calls after work!5) Are there other ways to assist Democrats and Obama supporters in your area?> If you live near a major city, it is likely that a Democrats Abroad chapter or Americans Abroad for Obama group will be sponsoring an Election Watch party. You can find a big list of events here: http://www.democratsabroad.org/article/2008/10/28/election-results-mexico-city-kathmandhu-join-your-fellow-democrats-and-watch-elec/ . You can also track down events using myBO; search for your area on this page: http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/search_simple/ . Volunteers may still be needed for these events! Contact the event's organizer and let them know you're willing to help. (If you are turned away because they have plenty of volunteers, then they will have plenty of volunteers to feed! Show your support and bake or take snacks and other goodies for those staffing the event.)Americans abroad can still have an impact on this election -- please take a couple hours over the next 1.5 days to ensure that a brighter day in American politics dawns on Nov. 5th!
Did you miss Barack's acceptance speech? Another convention speech? An earlier speech? For Americans living around the globe across time zones and with varied TV access, it can be hard to catch the speeches live. The campaign has made it easier by posting many speeches online at BarackTV.
You can find the speeches directly at this link: http://www.barackobama.com/tv/
Also, if you would like to save a speech and burn it to CD, there are detailed instructions online at: http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/video_download_howto_r/
Chang Chiu, Regional Field Director for South East Asia, is a former corporate lawyer now consulting in Jakarta on political risk analysis and corporate social responsibility issues, but working full time for Obama until Election Day. He is a graduate of the University of Virginia School of Law, the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies, and Princeton University. This is his second stint as an expat, having lived in Beijing from 1999 to 2001 and the past year in Indonesia. Chang says he began to listen to what Obama was saying after Iowa,
“but it was after the South Carolina primary that I was a 100% supporter of Barack. I liked his message and saw that he could inspire even the most politically apathetic among us to care about where our country is headed.”“My most persuasive Obama sales pitch is in talking about foreign policy. Expats have a keen ear for knowing how to best approach other nations and Obama comes across quite favorably in how he says his presidency would engage other nations.”Regarding other Americans living abroad, Chang says,
“I've learned that there is a lot of enthusiasm for Obama out there, and a willingness to help finding new voters.”
Chang says his job as a Regional Field Director demands
“quick email turnaround, clarity in emails, good phone skills, jugglers' skills in engaging with all of the committed volunteers across the region, a loving and understanding spouse who is a committed Obama supporter (not exactly a skill, but necessary nevertheless), and a dependable piece of luggage to get me around.”
All across China on Friday, August 29, at 10 AM local time there will be parties to watch Obama's historic acceptance speech. If you can't make the Watch Party, check out CNN Asia or www.demconvention.com
COME TO A WATCH PARTY!* * * BEIJING LIVE! OBAMA SPEECH WATCH, HAIDIAN Come watch Obama'sacceptance speech for his party's nomination for USPresident LIVE at 10AM! Also: major speeches fromMichelle, Joe, Hillary, Bill, Teddy and Al, as timepermits. BRUNCH from 9A-Noon -- 20% off AllBreakfasts. HAPPY HOUR from 5P-8P -- 15 RMB QingdaoBeer. The Bridge Cafe, Wudaokou location (100 meterssouthwest of Wudaokou Station, 8286-7026 fordirections). For details contact Brian atUSVoteHaidian@gmail.com.OBAMA SPEECH WATCH, CHAOYANG US Citizens! Come watchObama's acceptance speech for his party's nominationfor US President. RMB 160, Private function from 7P-10Pat the Blue Frog, Sanlitun. For details please contact Auriaat USVoteBeijing@gmail.com.* * * SHANGHAILIVE! OBAMA SPEECH WATCH SHANGHAI Come watch Obama'sacceptance speech for his party's nomination for US President LIVE at 10AM! Malone's American Cafe(Tongren Lu Location). near Nanjing Xi Lu, Metro Line 2Jing'an Temple Station. 9:30A-11:30A -Second Floor. Brunch available from 10:30A. Happy Hour from 5P-8P - Third Floor. Watch Obama's and othermajor speeches from the DNC. For details contact David@ USVoteShanghai@gmail.com.* * * GUANGZHOUOBAMA SPEECH WATCH GUANGZHOU Attention USCitizens! Come watch Barack Obama's acceptance speech for his party's nomination for US President. 6PM. For location details contact Dana at 1372 521 3679, USvoteGuangzhou@gmail.comAND: For those who will be in Hong Kong on tomorrow morning* * * HONGKONGCONVENTION WATCH/HELP OBAMA WIN!Come Join us watch the Democratic National Convention on CNN8:30A - 10:30 am. Legends, Two Exchange Place, 49/FContact Assistant Field Director for Hong Kong, Edith Terry, for more information ateterry@mindspring.com.
Supporters have posted the following events in Indonesia and India. Please check earlier posts on this blog to see that supporters around the planet are tuned in to the Convention this week, and will be listening to Obama's historic acceptance speech.
Click on the below for event info:
Bali, Indonesia
Mumbai, India
Chennai, India
Voters around the planet are coming together to support Obama! In addition to these below, please see previous post for other events. Or else contact your Regional Field Director to see what is on in your area. Tune in to hear Obama's acceptance!
Vientiane, Laos - Convention Watch Party with Phil Robertson, Chair of Democrats Abroad Thailand, Thursday, 28 August 2008, Sticky Fingers Restaurant, Second Floor, 6:30 - 9:00 PM, Democrats Abroad, Mekong/Isaan Area Chapter. Please call Robert Vanden Bosch for more information about the event: (020)7979242.
Kathmandu, Nepal - Convention Breakfast Watch Party - Gather at Ann & Brian Peniston's house on Friday morning at 8am to view Senator Obama's acceptance speech. We will have homemade pastries and strong coffee to keep you going the rest of the day. Please call or email Marcela at 9841517892/r2andmarcela@hotmail.com for directions. Friday, August 29, 8 am.
Kabul, Afghanistan. (un)Conventional Canapes and Cocktails (Convention Watch Party). Watch the convention and the much-anticipated speech by Barack Obama in front of 75,000 supporters in Denver, as he accepts the democratic nomination to be our next president, with your fellow Americans in Afghanistan for Obama. Same place as last. Bring your passport and credit card to make a donation. Regret US Passports only. For additions to the guest list please email: afghanistan4obama@gmail.com. Donations of Canapes and Libations encouraged. Casa Obama - Home of Chris and Susan (Kabul, Afghanistan) Taimani Street 6. Friday, August 29 at 5:00 PM.
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Come watch Obama's acceptance speech Friday, August 29, 6:30-8:30pm! We're going to watch Senator Obama's acceptance speech pre-recorded from Invesco Field in Denver! Join other Democrats Abroad members at the home of Dana Doan. Please contact tmcrowley@hotmail.com for further info & directions!
Singapore. Democratic Convention Celebration (Convention Watch Party) Join Democrats Abroad, Lion City Committee (DALCC) members in a night of celebration as we watch speeches and coverage of the Democratic National Convention. This is an informal social event to enjoy the company of fellow Dems, celebrate our candidate, talk politics, and dream big for the future when Obama is in the White House! LOCATION: The Youth room is a little tricky to find -- best way to reach is to walk down the stairs by the pool. Look for the room with the mirrored walls and disco ball! CASH BAR: We need to cover the cost of the room through F&B purchases, so help out the cause and toast Obama with a drink! RSVP REQUIRED: All participants must RSVP (scmargolin@gmail.com) at least 48 hours before the event. We will provide attendance list to American Club for admittance. QUESTIONS? Contact Susie Margolin (scmargolin@gmail.com). Youth Room, American Club (Singapore, Singapore), 10 Claymore Hill, Singapore, Singapore. Friday, August 29 at 7:00 PM. Jakarta, Indonesia.
Jakarta, Indonesia Convention Watch Party (Convention Weekend of Action) Date: Friday, August 29, 2008 Place: Jl. Kemang Dalam No.6, H.2 (South East Asia Obama Campaign Headquarters, home of Catherine Chen and Chang Chiu, the Southeast Asia Regional Field Director) Time: 7 pm -10 pm Join to watch Sen. Barack Obama accept the Democratic nomination for President and give his historic speech in front of 75,000 people at Invesco Field in Denver, Colorado. The live speech will be at 9 am next Friday morning in Jakarta (10 pm EST in the U.S.) and we will rebroadcast it for our Jakarta Democratic Convention Watching Party on Friday night. Please come to share in the excitement and catch some of the momentum as the Obama campaign gears up for the final push for voter registration and absentee ballot request. There will be an opportunity to use the votefromabroad.org/10 website and a chance to answer questions about voter registration, absentee ballot request and receipt, and return of absentee ballots. There will also be a chance to sign up to volunteer for the Obama campaign in the next six weeks which are crucial toward securing victory in November. Limited amounts of food and drink will be provided. Please feel free to bring some to share. This is an open invitation. Please forward it through your networks and invite your friends and family. Please RSVP at chang.chiu@gmail.com. Donations always welcome! Directions: f coming from McDonald's on Kemang Raya, take left when you see the Amigo's sign. Go all the way down this road until you're almost at Hero. Take a right at the last flower stands. Go all the way down until the road ends and take a left. House is on this street, will be on your left. Look for the OBAMA signs!
New Delhi, India. DENVER IN DELHI - BE A PART OF HISTORY! You are invited to watch Barack Obama's acceptance speech at the Democratic National Convention (tape delay from Thursday night in Denver) WHEN: Friday night, August 29 8:00 pm Get ready with no-host drinks, dinner, snacks 9:00 pm Screening of speech. Then register to vote, buy Obama gear, celebrate! WHERE: Retro Sushi Restaurant in the Vasant Continental Hotel, Vasant Lok You can watch the speech on youtube, you could read about it in the paper, or you can come on out and watch history in the making with your friends and neighbors -- Join us! Free of charge and non-Americans welcome Donations gratefully accepted. Retro Sushi Restaurant in the Vasant Continental Hotel (New Delhi, India), Vasant Lok, New Delhi, India. Friday, August 29 at 8:00 PM.
Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Saturday, Aug. 30, 6:30 pm Watch Senator Barack Obama speak to the Democratic National Convention on the big screen. Then following the speech, join fellow U.S. citizens and others to talk politics and find out how to register to vote in the upcoming U.S. presidential election. Special drink prices and other good stuff! Bring a friend! Further info: 012 949 421 or 023 430 264 Email: DemsAbroadKH@gmail.com Sponsored by: Democrats Abroad In Cambodia. Foreign Correspondents Club (Phnom Penh, Cambodia), FCC Phnom Penh, #363 Sisowath Quay, Corner of Street 178.
Chiang Mai, Thailand. Friday, August 29, watch Obama's speech live at TBA. Please contact Steve at: stevenjayepstein@yahoo.com for more details.
Regardless what other polls may be reporting, Barack Obama is ahead in national polls among REGISTERED VOTERS. The implications are clear. Increase the voter registration rolls and multiply the votes for Barack Obama.Obama for America Regional Field Directors throughout the world recognize that Convention Week is a great hook for snaring eligible voters living abroad. Here are some of the events they are planning, all of which involve aggressive outreach. The timing is fortuitous: September is “change over month” when fresh employees will be taking up posts at US firms overseas, and their families will become active at schools, clubs and houses of worship in their hosts countries. Regional Directors need your help promoting these events among the new arrivals. Ada Shen in China has posted the following event her listserv. Come attend a Speech Watch Party in Beijing, Shanghai or Guangzhou for live coverageduring the day, and/or cable news coverage in the evening! (Attendance is limited to US Citizens.)• Beijing, Haidian District - for details contact Brian at USvoteHaidian@gmail.com• Beijing, Chaoyang District - for details contact Auria at USvoteBeijing@gmail.com• Shanghai - for details contact David at USvoteShanghai@gmail.com• Guangzhou - for details contact Dana at USvoteGuangzhou@gmail.comAdd your city or your favorite watering hole to the list! To host an event inyour area, please contact Ada at USvoteChina@gmail.com. Karin Robinson (UK, Scandinavia and South Africa Regional Field Director) has offered to host an acceptance speech watch party on Friday night for those volunteers who spend three hours or more canvassing for eligible voters in London. RSVP robinsonkj@dnc.org
Ireland: Join Democrats Abroad and Obama supporters on August 29th from6:00PM at O'Neill's Pub on Suffolk Street for live convention phone insand to watch convention highlights. Sweden: Live from the convention, on Thursday August 28th join DemocratsAbroad Sweden for a live convention watch and phone in with Sweden's ownconvention blogger Adrienne George. At the Hard Rock cafe from 6:00 PM -RSVP to events@democratsabroad.se
Paris, France: Next week is the Democratic National Convention. Although there will belots of great speeches in the Pepsi Center, everyone is looking forwardto one: Obama's acceptance speech. This speech is going to be so BIGthat it will be at the Invesco Field at Mile High Stadium which can hold75,000 people.This is an event not to be missed.As such, come join other like-minded individuals and watch it.Of course, Obama won't be accepting the nomination until 9 PM ESTThursday night which, unfortunately is 3 AM Paris time, Friday morning.Due to technical problems, we haven't finalized the venue yet but willknow by Tuesday and will send out another email. Both candidates,though, are centrally located
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIADA Australia is hosting functions to view the 2008 Democratic NationalConvention speeches at not one but two great locations!! On Tues 26 Aug, Wed 27 Aug and Thurs 29 Aug you can join Obamasupporters to watch speeches live from the floor of the 2008 DNC ateither of these 2 venues: 1. The Agincourt Hotel, Restaurant on level 2 Corner of Harris Street and Broadway, Broadway TVs in the Level 2 Restaurant will be tuned to CNN from 11am. Come andhave a great pub lunch and watch the speeches live. Voter registrationinformation will be available and Obama merchandise will be availablefor sale. The Agincourt wil not be broadcasting Day 4 (Friday 29 Aug) of theConvention which features Barack Obama's Acceptance Speech. The ManningBar at Sydney Uni will broadcast the Day 4 Acceptance Speech and playhost to a day of festivities around the event. 2. Jacksons On George, Absolute Bar (level 3) George Street at Alfred St, Sydney CBD Climb your way up to Level 3 to watch the speeches live in the AbsoluteBar from 10am. Order your lunch, sit back and be inspired! Voterregistration information will be available and Obama merchandise will beon sale. Jacksons on George will broadcast Day 4 of the convention as well. MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIADemocratic National Convention Highlights ReplayTime and Place Date: Saturday, August 30, 2008 Time: 2:00pm - 5:00pm Location: Queensbury Hotel Street: 593 Swanston Street City/Town: Melbourne, Australia View MapGoogleMapQuestMicrosoftYahoo Contact Info Email: cknowlton@gmail.com DescriptionJoin Democrats Abroad Australia and Barack Obama National Convention.THE PHILIPPINESObama Acceptance Speech PartyFriday, 29 August, 5:15-7:15pm: Obama Acceptance Speech Party – Meet atTGI Friday’s Restaurant, on High Street, Fort Bonifacio to hear DavidMcCauley speak from his vantage as an Obama family friend about thecandidate’s Asian and Pacific roots and world view, and then to viewObama’s speech given earlier in the day to an audience of 75,000 inDenver. Food included (but not drinks) with a minimum donation of P1500to support the voter registration efforts of DemocratsAbroad-Philippines. ALSO - Wellington, NZ - probably a House Party gathering to watch a replay ofthe DVD from MelbourneAuckland, NZ - probably a gathering in a local pub/restaurant forAUCKLAND FOR OBAMA supporter groupBrisbane, QLD, Australia - probabaly a House Party gathering to watch areplay of the DVD from Melbourne
Dear Americans Abroad for Obama,We have some exciting news! We are pleased to welcome to the AmericansAbroad team a committed group of Regional Field Directors based inseveral locations allaround the world. Please reach out to your appropriate staff member withany questions you have regarding registering to vote, requesting yourabsentee ballot, or getting involved with Americans Abroad for Obama inyour community.Below are the names, contact information and regional assignment of ourRegional Field Directors:Mexico: Nick Moreno, morenon@dnc.org
Canada: Will Fripp, frippw@dnc.org
UK, Scandinavia, and South Africa: Karin Robinson, robinsonkj@dnc.org
Francophone Europe and North Africa: Christine Houben, houbenc@dnc.org
Mediterranean, the Levant and sub-Saharan Africa: Bob Barad,baradb@dnc.org
Germanophone and Central/Eastern Europe: Hilary Bown, bownh@dnc.orgPacific Basin: Carmelan Polce, polcec@dnc.org
Northern Asia: Terri Macmillan, macmillant@dnc.org
Southeast Asia: Chang Chiu, chiuc@dnc.org
Central/South America: TBA very soon, please check back with the blog shortly!This is a grass roots effort that begins with individuals just like you.We need your involvement! Please reach out to your assigned staffer andget involved with this historic campaign in your community TODAY!We also remind you to register for your absentee ballotNOW: http://www.votefromabroad.org/Finally, we sincerely thank all of you who have already made significantcontributions -- throughfundraising, the hosting of events, canvassing, blogging, and all ofyour other efforts. We hope you continue your involvement with thiscampaign... we cannot do itwithout you!Thank you for your continuing support,Kim ReedExecutive Director, Americans Abroad for ObamaAli SuttonField Director, Americans Abroad for ObamaDaniel DozierInternational Finance Director
Trawling for VotesFinding Eligible Americans in the Thicket of Foreign CitiesYou know they’re out there: Americans enrolled in year-abroad programs, on sabbatical, or relocated with US-based firms. Many may not know that they’re able to vote while away from home.
With the absentee ballot registration deadline looming, it’s a race against time to find these Americans and tell them “Yes You Can!” vote from abroad.
Here is a top tip from GOTV volunteers in London:Scan events listings for performances, lectures and book signings by prominent Americans. There are bound to be a number of voting-age US citizens who appear. For example, swimmer Michael Phelps will be in London on Sunday August 24th, and Obama for American Regional Field Director Karin Robinson has sent the following blast to her listserv:Michael Phelps is the Master of Ceremonies for the Olympic Handover ceremony at the Mall near Buckingham Palace on Sunday.We can expect a massive number of Americans in attendance.We need YOU and your friends to work the crowd, passing out http://www.votefromabroad.org leaflets, providing on-site voter registration and catching the attention of the press, so the mass media will in turn promote http://www.votefromabroad.org
This election will hinge on putting a ballot in the hands of all eligible Americans.
Please email robinsonkj@dnc.org to help get out the vote this Sunday.-----------------------------------But don’t think only of high profile events. Scan the campus listings of nearby Universities, too. Visiting professors from the States tend to draw American audiences.For visibility, GOTV volunteers wear large campaign badges, t-shirts and sometimes caps. A few enthusiasts have been known to rig up placards as sandwich boards. As pictured, one London-based volunteer cycles a rickshaw with placard-bearing passenger. Many volunteers report people approaching them with enthusiasm, while others “follow the accents” and ask prospective voters, “Are you an American,” then, “Are you planning to vote in the upcoming election?” Finally urge your volunteers to carry http://www.votefromabroad.org at all times. You never know when/where you'll run into an American, singly or in packs.Now it’s YOUR turn! Where do you look for eligible voters? How do you grab their attention? What “pick up lines” do you use to pique interest in registering to vote?
Please share your ideas with the rest of us. Photos welcome: please send them to expats@barackobama.com
Last night in Kabul, about 80 Americans attended a rally in support of Obama. Richard Danzig called into the group to discuss Obama’s foreign policy. The location in Kabul was powered by a generator, which had to be shut down on account of noise, which caused the session to be lighted only by lanterns. The group affectionately named the event “Danzig in the Dark.” In the photo are organizers Nathaniel Fick, Vikram Singh, Susan Marx, and Chris Marx with the group’s hand-painted and signed Obama banner.
Check out this video in which US citizens around the world, including Gwyneth Paltrow, remind us how important it is to vote wherever we are in the world. Every vote counts, so please, wherever you are, get registered to vote. Follow the link from the Americans Abroad page (to your right) or else go to http://www.votefromabroad.org/.
Enjoy the video!
Hannah of London shows her support of Obama!
