Jaime Mulligan's Blog

Here We Go Now: Caucus Tonight at 6:30!

Jaime Mulligan — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 11:30:30 EST

Our moment is now.

If you were registered as a Democrat by December 5, 2007, you can participate in the caucus tonight at 6:30 pm.

Make sure you know your location (and also make sure to write down your precinct number---you'll probably need that):

We're here at Obama HQ in Denver to answer any questions you might have. Here's the Obama Hotline (program it into your cell phone for tonight!):

1-888-565-6268

Our phones have been ringing off the hook since about 7 am. Colorado is FIRED UP!

Are you ready for tonight? Talk in the comments!

Live from Denver, Part 2

Jaime Mulligan — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 13:01:45 EST

Caroline Kennedy introduced Barack today here in Denver.

Here's some of her remarks:

We need a President who will fight to give every child a world-class education. And Barack Obama has been fighting for children since he was a community organizer more than 20 years ago.

We need a President who will restore our commitment to civil rights and equality. And Barack Obama has brought the Bill of Rights alive by teaching constitutional law and practicing as a civil rights lawyer.
We need a President who will end the war in Iraq. And Barack Obama is the person to do it because he had the courage and judgment to oppose this war from day one.

So when the Democratic Party holds its convention here in Denver this summer, I hope we nominate the candidate who stands for the future of our party and the future of this country – Barack Obama.

It is time for a President who understands that his responsibility is to articulate a vision and inspire all of us to achieve it...who appeals to the hopes of those who still believe in the American Dream, and those around the world who still believe in the American ideal.

The crowd rose to their feet and cheered.

Barack took the stage to enthusiastic applause.

I want to give a shout out to everyone who's still outside...everyone who's in the overflow...

He spoke about the future, about the Democratic Party gathering here in Denver in seven months to nominate our candidate.

This city, built at the base of the Rocky Mountains stands as a monument to a uniquely American belief...the story of America leads West, it is a story of ideals that know no boundaries...

Seven months from now, one of us will stand in that convention hall and give voice to the hopes not just of Democrats, but of all Americans. In six days Colorado, you will get a chance to choose who that voice will be.

You get to choose who will build a new majority...to win in November, but also to transform our country for decades to come.

...

The real choice in this election...is about the past versus the future.

Over and over again during Barack's remarks the crowd rose to their feet and erupted in applause, and towards the end they started chanting "Yes We Can" in between his statements, and when they concluded, everyone stood up again to for a standing ovation.

It's time for change. Our moment is now. Colorado: click here to find your caucus location.

For pictures, including of Denver Bronco Rod Smith, click here. Later on, visit co.barackobama.com for some reporting on our Colorado precinct captain strategy session that starts right now.

Live from Denver

Jaime Mulligan — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 11:49:26 EST

It's about 10:20, and the arena here is completed filled and there's thousands of people in more than one overflow space. Here's some pictures of people streaming in the doors:

Inside, we had some caucus training, presented by volunteers Abigail and Lauren.

Some reminders about the Colorado caucus:

It's next Tue, Feb 5th at 6:30 pm.
Unlike other caucus states, in Colorado, the doors NEVER CLOSE. But everyone should definitely get there at 6:30 pm at the latest to make sure they can participate in the presidential poll!!
If you were a registered Democrat by December 5, 2007, you can caucus.

We also have caucus corners inside, with volunteers answering questions and looking up caucus locations:

For more about the Colorado caucus, check out the caucus center.

After the caucus education, there was a phone bank. Hundreds of attendees took out their cell phones and called five people on a sheet handed to them on their way in. Here's some of the crowd hitting the phones:

The crowd is really pumped up! Former Secretary Federica Pena is spoke and got it even more fired up in here. "Yes We Can."

He also introduced Denver Bronco Rod Smith, who's never been involved in politics before but decided that it was time to get involved:

We need change very badly. Once I found out about this [event], I said I have to go, just to be a part of it. And I end up on stage in front of you guys.

I actually had the opportunity to meet the Senator a few weeks ago, and I was shaking more than than I am now, and you know what? I think we've got the right person to make the change. February 5th is a big day, not just for this state, but for this country.

Check back soon for more! The crowd is cheering "Yes we can!" and Senator Obama's name.

Have you been to an event with Barack? Tell us about it in the comments.

Fired Up in Denver: Thousands in Line for Barack Event This Morning

Jaime Mulligan — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 10:28:55 EST

We're here in Denver and the doors are about to open at the event with Barack in Magness Arena. There's thousands of people lined up outside.

Among them are Denise, Nancy, Tina, Rachel, Elle, Jordan and Anna.

They're from Parker and are really excited to be here. They got up at 4:45 this morning to make sure they got a good spot in the line.

This will be the first time any of them have caucused---they all recently attended one of our caucus trainings. Are you in Colorado? Click here to visit our caucus center.

Check back soon for more. Doors opened about five minutes ago!

Denver Volunteer Office Opening

Jaime Mulligan — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 18:44:26 EST

Following up on Sarah Ramey's post, on Thursday, January 10th, we opened six new offices in Colorado. About 1700 people showed up and every office was hopping with energy and excitement.

In Denver, Senator Gary Hart and Secretary Federico Pena both spoke at our volunteer office opening at 937 Santa Fe Drive. Check out this video feature a local group did of the event:

We spoke to Barbara, a professor, at the event---she's been involved with the campaign since March when she saw Barack and Michelle on Oprah. She began donating to the campaign right away, organized the first call center, served on the planning committee for Barack's visit to Colorado in June, and is now a precinct captain.

This is her first time ever involved in a campaign, and she actually changed her registration from Republican from Democrat so that she could caucus for Obama on Feb. 5. She says that she "likes the kind of leadership that brings people together" and thinks Barack has that.

In this campaign, people are so excited to come out and be a part of the movement. He [Barack] can bring that excitement to the White House.

That is the real power of this campaign - that it's a movement for change.

To get the address of your local office, click here.

Caucus Tonight at 6:30 pm: “Let Us Reach For What We Know Is Possible”

Jaime Mulligan — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 16:36:04 EST

Check out this video of our volunteers and Barack at the Jefferson-Jackson Dinner in November.

Tonight’s the night. Click here to find your caucus location.

Iowa Precinct Captain: Judy

Jaime Mulligan — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 13:48:09 EST

We profiled Judy a few weeks ago:

Judy grew up on a farm in rural Perry, and is a retired consultant for the State Library of Iowa in Des Moines. She has lived in Ames for 35 years with her husband, who works at Iowa State University and is also an Obama supporter. They have two children in their thirties.

Judy has been impressed with Barack since his speech at the Democratic National Convention in 2004, and was excited to see him again at the Hilton Colesium in Ames this past February.

We spoke to her again this week to see how things are going in her precinct in Ames.

Somebody asked me yesterday to convince [them] why [they] should caucus for Barack instead of Edwards.

I just believe that Barack is the one that when he says change, he really means it. He will try and change things from Washington. He has the power and the momentum to go on after Iowa.

I've been so impressed by the young people that have been working on his staff – they're so excited about this candidate. It gives me a lot of hope for the future of this country.

The more I canvass in my precinct, the more people are making up their minds. We have a lot of support for Barack in our precinct and that's exciting.

Click here for more on Judy.

Don't forget to caucus at 6:30 pm tonight! Click here for info.

Caucus Tonight at 6:30 pm: Fired Up, Ready to Go

Jaime Mulligan — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 11:33:35 EST

Check out this video from the Harkin Steak Fry, showing our amazing organizational strength and incredible volunteers who came from all over Iowa to show their support for Barack.

Tonight's the night. Click here to find your caucus location.

Iowa Precinct Captain: Pat

Jaime Mulligan — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 10:57:29 EST

We asked Pat, a precinct captain up in Sioux City, what she would say to an undecided caucus-goer today:

There's a million things I could say. I think that Barack Obama is the person who can unify the country behind a common cause and solve our most pressing problems. I think he's absolutely sincere, and I think he has a leadership quality to bring people together.

I think he's a wonderful listener; he's not tied to an ideological position; he doesn't view his opponents as political enemies. I think he'd be a wonderful face to present to the rest of the world – not just a face, but I think he can restore America's credibility in the world. That's very important. He has sound judgement.

...I just like him. You know, his sincerity, his honesty. ...[He's] promised to say what he means and mean what he says, even if that's hard.

Here's a little bit on Pat herself and you can click here for more.

Pat has four children, four grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. She wants to make sure that the future is bright for them, and so today she's putting her shoulder to the wheel of history to organize on the ground in Iowa for Barack Obama. As a long time caucus goer, Pat is amazed at how much they've grown over the years.

Don't forget to caucus at 6:30 pm tonight! Click here for info.

Stand for Change: Thousands in Des Moines

Jaime Mulligan — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 08:02:04 EST

Happy Caucus Day! After a day of Stand for Change tour stops in eastern Iowa, Barack wrapped up the night before the 2008 Iowa Caucus with a rally in Des Moines.

Despite the cold, more than two thousand people showed up at Hoover High School to hear Barack talk about the importance and privilege of caucusing.

After months of knocking on doors, making phone calls, attending rallies and getting supporter cards signed, getting out and caucusing tonight is the action that matters most!

Stand for Change: 1,000 in Cedar Rapids

Jaime Mulligan — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 20:29:06 EST

In Cedar Rapids on this freezing cold night, a crowd of 1000 people greeted Barack in the Coliseum in the Veteran's Memorial Building. He gave a rousing speech to an incredibly energetic crowd that spontaneously began chanting "fired up, ready to go" once he concluded.

Afterwards I spoke to Lauren and her grandfather Eldon. Lauren's not old enough to caucus yet but she'll be there tomorrow night---she's bringing cookies. She also spent some time in school today trying to convince her peers to get out and caucus tomorrow night.

Eldon will be caucusing for Barack. He first saw Barack on Oprah a long time ago, and has been a supporter ever since.

His speech tonight was great...[I support him because] he has a fresh approach.

We're at the event in Waterloo now, so check back soon for more. Make sure you're at your caucus tomorrow night at 6:30 pm. Click on the picture below to find out more information, including your caucus location:

Stand for Change: 500 Attend Canvass Kick-off in Davenport

Jaime Mulligan — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 16:33:42 EST

Hundreds of people came out this morning in Davenport in the frigid cold to hear Barack speak and then head out to knock on doors to get out the caucus.

I spoke to Jim and Nancy afterwards. They're co-chairing a precinct in Bettendorf, and are ready for the caucus tomorrow night at 6:30 pm. They both described their experiences being involved in the campaign as energizing.

Nancy said that when you listen to Barack, his sincerity comes through, and that he has stayed on message and run a very respectful campaign. Here's some of what Jim said:

Back when I had hair and ideals, I got involved in politics but got worn down...[Barack] captures the spirit of [being involved], not just the politics

...

He's more electable than some of the other candidates. He's about bringing us together, not dividing the country.

...

He really is an agent of change, and I think that's what people are looking for. People are hungry for something different.

Are you ready for change? It all starts here in Iowa tomorrow night at 6:30 pm. Click here to find your caucus location and get more info.

Stand for Change: 1,100 in Dubuque

Jaime Mulligan — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 10:31:48 EST

Table Mound Elementary School in Dubuque has a pretty cool tradition for its students - since 1968, it has held a mock presidential convention where students get a chance to learn about the candidates and simulate an actual convention by breaking up into states and voting.

Chance and Haley are two fifth graders at Table Mound Elementary School in Dubuque, and they took the lead on trying to convince the delegates to vote for Barack Obama.

Tonight during the pre-program they reread their speech. Here is their closing argument for why their peers should vote for Barack Obama.

Barack Obama challenges us to come together and tackle the problems of our country. In the words of his 2004 Democratic National Convention speech:

'There is not a liberal America and a conservative America -- there is the United States of America. There is not a Black America and a White America and Latino America and Asian America -- there’s the United States of America.'

Barack Obama won the mock convention at Table Mound Elementary School.

Chance and Haley were a tough act to follow, but Michelle and Barack took to the stage. Here's some of Michelle's introduction:

We need leadership that will challenge us in a fundamental way to be different....I am so confident that we need leadership that will...challenge us to be better, who will force us to engage, who will demand that we stay at the table, who knows that change doesn't come from the top down but the bottom up. ...Dream of a nation that is lead by the kind of leader that we asked for. Somebody decent and true and honest...someone who is going to be working every day on your behalf...imagine having an opportunity to be led by that man. We can do that this time.

As of right now, there's one day, 9 hours left until the caucuses. Check out our caucus center to find your location and to answer last minute questions about caucusing:

http://iowa.barackobama.com/caucus

Stand for Change: 1000 at Des Moines Canvass Kick-off

Jaime Mulligan — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 16:41:35 EST

It's interesting that today is New Year's Day---a day to remember where we've been and to consider where we're going. This morning in Des Moines, we saw the man who will lead our nation into the next generation - and bring about real change we can believe in.

About two hours ago in Roosevelt High School in Des Moines, about 1000 people gathered for a canvass kick-off event, gearing up to head out in the 1 degree (with windchill) weather to get out the caucus. Michelle, Malia, Sasha and Barack greeted the crowd.

Barack thanked everyone for the months of hard work they have put in to help form such a strong grassroots organization throughout the state of Iowa. He talked about how good intentions are not enough unless they are accompanied by good work and how the next 72 hours pushing forward to caucus are critical. He discussed what is possible, and reminded the crowd how hope is the vehicle for making real change happen:

That's what hope is. Hope is working, fighting for what did not seem possible before.

I spoke to Heather and her husband Chris after the event. Heather looked at all the candidates but she decided on Barack. She thinks it's important that we choose a candidate who has the true potential to shift the dynamic of politics in the country. She's inspired by Barack and thinks there is actual hope for real change:

Hope is not about being naive. You can work for change but if you don't believe then it's impossible---and it's not.

It's a new year. Thousands of Iowans will be ringing in 2008 by standing up on Thursday night for the candidate of their choice---will you be there? Are you going to caucus for hope?

Our moment is now.

Stand for Change: Some of the Thousands of Event Attendees—Jane and Kay

Jaime Mulligan — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 21:51:25 EST

All across Iowa during the Stand for Change Tour we've seen incredible crowds at every location. Gyms and auditoriums overflowing and people braving all sorts of winter weather to get out to see Barack.

Many of these people are already supporters, like Jane who I met this morning in Perry.

Jane voiced concern over where the country is headed and the problems we could end up leaving to our children and grandchildren if something doesn't change soon. She said that she has seen the country change so much over the past eight years---and not for the better.

Jane's been a supporter for a while and is looking forward to caucus night on this Thursday, January 3rd at 6:30 pm. She says of Barack:

We've needed someone like him for a long time.

We also see many people, like Kay, who haven't been longtime supporters. In fact, Kay has been a supporter for only a few hours.

She was undecided going into the Boone event this evening.

Kay lives in rural Boone, and has been looking at all the candidates pretty seriously. She hadn't seen Barack in person before tonight though, and came because her friends encouraged her to.

I spoke to Kay right after she'd signed a supporter card.

She said that what most impressed her about Barack was the time he spent addressing substantive issues during the event today. She's seen other candidates who she felt were kind of vague when discussing policy, but Barack addressed each issue and responded clearly and thoughtfully to each question he took from attendees.

She also was inspired by Barack's message of change and his formal speech. All of these things combined resulted in her signing up as a supporter tonight.

Kay will be standing in Barack's corner during her neighborhood caucus this Thursday, January 3rd at 6:30 pm.

Stand for Change: 260 in Perry

Jaime Mulligan — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 12:32:38 EST

As one of the campaign’s bloggers, I spend a lot of time driving around Iowa to different events with Barack. I have been to many areas before and can generally find my way around, but every once in awhile I'm somewhere new and my map isn’t so reliable. This makes for some worrisome moments, especially if the event is about to start.

But after driving around a few blocks, I take a chance and make a turn, and I know I've found Barack - cars lined up on street after street, people briskly walking towards a building, mothers and fathers holding the hands of their children as they trudge through a path created in the snow.

You walk through the doors of one of our events and you feel things buzzing – volunteers signing people in, asking if they know their caucus location, people picking up copies of our policy book, stopping to pick up a bumper sticker or pin or asking a staff member about Barack's position on immigration or health care.

And then you walk a little further and you see everyone.

Over the course of the past few days, Barack has been asking the crowd at the start of his remarks how many people are planning to caucus. Everyone's hand goes up. He then asks how many are still undecided, and about half the hands go up.

Are you one of the Iowans still making up your mind? You can click here to read about Barack on the issues and you can click here to read more about who Barack is. Barack and Michelle are also all over Iowa over the next few days---check out our events finder to see what's happening near you.

Caucus Day is 3 days away, and you can feel the energy in the air around Barack. It's time for a new type of politics. In the words of Congressman Patrick Murphy, one of Barack's introducers here in Perry: "It's not who's going to lead us, it's where they're going to lead us."

Stay tuned for video from Perry and more coverage of events as we head to Caucus Day!

Stand for Change: 500 in Keokuk

Jaime Mulligan — Sat, 29 Dec 2007 19:16:58 EST

Only 5 days until caucus. It's been a long campaign---it is amazing that caucus day is almost here. Many of the Iowans I talk to are getting several pieces of mail every day and have phones ringing off the hook from the various campaigns. It's definitely the homestretch.

But people are ready for Caucus Day. It's an opportunity to try something new, to venture out and return to our core values as Americans, and do something to create real change in a political system that is not reflecting or supporting ordinary Americans.

And that's why we're seeing the packed events this weekend. Barack is the candidate of change. He is the only person running in this race who is still in touch with the lives of ordinary Americans - after all, he and Michelle finished paying off their loans from law school only a few years ago. The understanding of what it is to be a middle-class American, raising a family and trying to contribute to your community is forefront in the minds of the Obama family.

It's time that our President was this close to the people, that our President took real stands against lobbyists and entrenched interests - not by stifling opposition, but by opening the discussion about policy in Washington, DC to the American people.

There is something happening here. The American people are looking for something different, and thousands of Iowans are coming out to hear Barack’s vision for bringing that change. Check out this video from Keokuk:

Stand for Change: 600 in Burlington

Jaime Mulligan — Sat, 29 Dec 2007 14:09:52 EST

About 600 people came out this morning in Burlington. Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick and Burlington resident Nancy Schulte introduced Barack. Here's part of Nancy’s introduction:

I [am a] proud supporter of the candidate in this race who is 'grassroots grown' right here in Iowa and around the country. He's getting his support from ordinary Americans like all of us, not getting help from unregulated Washington lobbyists and outside money. On January 3, I'll stand for change and I will caucus for Barack Obama.

Barack received standing ovation from the overflow crowd. After the event, I saw spoke to Elizabeth, who had just signed a supporter card. Her daughter Jessica is also a supporter.

Elizabeth says that she was undecided between Barack and another candidate, but it's Barack's respect for and knowledge of the Constitution that made her decide he was the person she'll be standing up for on caucus night on Thursday, Jan 3rd. Are you undecided? Check out this video from today’s event:

Stand for Change: ...How Many People?

Jaime Mulligan — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 20:51:23 EST

We arrived in Davenport and got into the RiverCenter about half an hour ago. There's at least 1,000 people here. Check out the sea of supporters and undecideds:

I spoke to one person, Julian, who grew up in Davenport and will be standing for change on Thursday, January 3rd by caucusing for Barack Obama.

He's never caucused before, and the first time he heard it mentioned at one of Barack's events here he really didn't know what a caucus was. Since then, he's participated in some caucus trainings here in Davenport and watched our caucus video.

He talked about how easy caucusing actually is. You just find your caucus location, go to the location at 6:30 pm on Thursday, January 3rd, and stand in your candidate's corner. It's basically a neighborhood meeting that lasts for about an hour---but because of Iowa's first in the nation status, these meetings actually have the ability to change the world.

Julian is fired up and ready to go to his caucus:

[There's such] crazy energy around Barack. It's nice to have a candidate you actually want to support.

Barack is speaking now.

Were you at one of the other events today? Tell us what you thought in the comments. Also, check out this weekend's schedule for other events.

Stand for Change: Do You Believe?

Jaime Mulligan — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 19:03:02 EST

It was a great event in Clinton - video coming soon.

We have redoubled our efforts this last week to get undecided voters to these events. And, as always, Barack delivers his message best:

"We have to put away our doubts and our fears and our cynicism. We have to embrace the hard task of remaking this country."

We had more than 400 people in Clinton.

Stand for Change: People Braving the Weather to See Barack

Jaime Mulligan — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 17:05:10 EST

We just arrived to Washington Middle School in Clinton, Iowa.

People are braving the snow to come out in droves for today's events. Check out an excerpt from a CBS report "Snow Doesn't Stop Obama" on our event earlier in Coralville, where 900 people attended:

Barack Obama’s campaign has said that bad weather could deter supporters from participating in the caucuses on January 3rd. However, if today is any indication of how voters will react to bad weather, the campaign could be wrong.

Things are getting started here in Clinton, with people signing in, picking up their Ticket for Change that has information on how to find your caucus location, and checking out copies of our policy book--the Blueprint for Change.

There's at least 200 people and the crowd is growing---stay tuned. More from Clinton soon. Barack also has an event in Davenport later tonight. Click here to see the full schedule for the weekend.

Stand for Change: Tonight in Toledo

Jaime Mulligan — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 22:18:12 EST

Toledo was brimming with enthusiasm just before Barack's visit. Duffy Lyon, perhaps better known as the butter cow lady, sculpted a Butter Barack:

And Meisha and Ericka, the official Obama cheer team in Tama County, led the crowd in "I-O-W-A, Barack Obama All the Way" and "Fired Up, Ready to Go!":

The sign-up tables and gymnasium were packed:

General Tony McPeak is along for this part of Barack's 'Stand for Change' Tour and is one of the people who has been introducing Barack at each stop.

He talks about intelligence, leadership, and judgment as some of the critical qualities that our military leadership needs in a Commander-in-Chief, and why he is taking time away from his family during the holidays to talk to Iowans about Barack.

A lot of things need to be changed in this country, and I think there's only one guy who has a real shot of getting this done.

Barack talked about the way things could be.

There is a moment in the life of every generation where if we're to make our mark, our spirit has to break through. And this is our time. This is our moment.

Are you ready to stand up? Are you undecided? Stop by one of Barack's many events this weekend, check out his stances on the issues, or contact your local field office. Whoever you decide to support, make sure you caucus on Thursday, January 3rd at 6:30 pm. You can click here to learn more about the caucus and find your caucus location.

Liveblog, Continued--Stand for Change: Our Moment Is Now

Jaime Mulligan — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 12:37:55 EST

11:38 am. Barack finished delivering remarks on why now is the time for us to all stand for change.

I spoke to Mary and her family afterwards. She's been a Barack supporter for a while now and this was the fourth time she's seen him.

Mary, Mike, Joe, and Kyle

I asked her what she thought of today and she commented on Barack's passion and strength, on his command of the issues, and on the momentum that she feels here in Iowa around Barack's candidacy.

The over 500 person crowd here today was definitely fired up and ready to go.

Are you ready to caucus on Thu, Jan 3rd at 6:30 pm? It's time to stand for change.

Check back later today for some video of the speech.

Liveblog--Stand for Change: Our Moment Is Now

Jaime Mulligan — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 11:26:40 EST

10:30 am. Barack is about to begin his remarks here in Des Moines and things are buzzing. Moving through the room is tough because it's standing room only at this point.

Local field organizer Adam Ukman spoke to the crowd about caucus night. Each person in the crowd was given a 'ticket for change' on their way in that contains the phone number of a local field office and the website address. It has space to write in your own caucus location.

The crowd here was clapping along to Curtis Mayfield's "Move On Up" a few minutes ago. Check out some pictures:

10:40 am. Retired four-star General Tony McPeak is introducing Barack and talking about the energy in the room.

We've got seven days to get this done. This is important...America needs your help.

10:42 am. Monica Green, one of our precinct captains, is on stage introducing Barack. Monica is a Republican who switched parties to support Barack Obama.

He is drawing more Republicans and more independents than any other candidate...And that's why recent national polls show that Senator Obama is the only Democratic candidate who can win the general election without regard to who the Republican candidate may be.

10:47 am. Barack just took the stage. He's reminding everyone to hang on to their ticket for change so they don't forget about caucus night. He also just remarked on the tragic assassination of former Pakistani prime minister Benazir Bhutto:

We mourn her loss...We stand for democracy and...we will be steadfast in our desire to end the kind of terrorist acts that have blighted not just Pakistan but other parts of the world.

11:00 am. Here's some of Barack's remarks:

I chose to run because I believed that the size of these challenges had outgrown the capacity of our broken and divided politics to solve them; because I believed that Americans of every political stripe were hungry for a new kind of politics, a politics that focused not just on how to win but why we should, a politics that focused on those values and ideals that we held in common as Americans; a politics that favored common sense over ideology, straight talk over spin.

Most of all, I believed in the power of the American people to be the real agents of change in this country – because we are not as divided as our politics suggests; because we are a decent, generous people willing to work hard and sacrifice for future generations; and I was certain that if we could just mobilize our voices to challenge the special interests that dominate Washington and challenge ourselves to reach for something better, there was no problem we couldn’t solve – no destiny we couldn’t fulfill.

Ten months later, Iowa, you have vindicated that faith. You’ve come out in the blistering heat and the bitter cold not just to cheer, but to challenge – to ask the tough questions; to lift the hood and kick the tires; to serve as one place in America where someone who hasn’t spent their life in the Washington spotlight can get a fair hearing.

You’ve earned the role you play in our democracy because no one takes it more seriously. And I believe that’s true this year more than ever because, like me, you feel that same sense of urgency.

All across this state, you’ve shared with me your stories. And all too often they’ve been stories of struggle and hardship.

I’ve heard from seniors who were betrayed by CEOs who dumped their pensions while pocketing bonuses, and from those who still can’t afford their prescriptions because Congress refused to negotiate with the drug companies for the cheapest available price.

I’ve met Maytag workers who labored all their lives only to see their jobs shipped overseas; who now compete with their teenagers for $7-an-hour jobs at Wal-Mart.

I’ve spoken with teachers who are working at donut shops after school just to make ends meet; who are still digging into their own pockets to pay for school supplies.

Just two weeks ago, I heard a young woman in Cedar Rapids who told me she only gets three hours of sleep because she works the night shift after a full day of college and still can’t afford health care for a sister with cerebral palsy. She spoke not with self-pity but with determination, and wonders why the government isn’t doing more to help her afford the education that will allow her to live out her dreams.

I’ve spoken to veterans who talk with pride about what they’ve accomplished in Afghanistan and Iraq, but who nevertheless think of those they’ve left behind and question the wisdom of our mission in Iraq; the mothers weeping in my arms over the memories of their sons; the disabled or homeless vets who wonder why their service has been forgotten.

And I’ve spoken to Americans in every corner of the state, patriots all, who wonder why we have allowed our standing in the world to decline so badly, so quickly. They know this has not made us safer. They know that we must never negotiate out of fear, but that we must never fear to negotiate with our enemies as well as our friends. They are ashamed of Abu Graib and Guantanamo and warrantless wiretaps and ambiguity on torture. They love their country and want its cherished values and ideals restored.

It is precisely because you’ve experience these frustrations, and seen the cost of inaction in your own lives, that you understand why we can’t afford to settle for the same old politics. You know that we can’t afford to allow the insurance lobbyists to kill health care reform one more time. We can't afford the oil lobbyists to keep us addicted to fossil fuels because no one stood up and took their power away when they had the chance.

You know that we can’t afford four more years of the same divisive food fight in Washington that’s about scoring political points instead of solving problems; that’s about tearing your opponents down instead of lifting this country up.

We can’t afford the same politics of fear that tells Democrats that the only way to look tough on national security is to talk, act, and vote like a George Bush Republican; that invokes 9/11 as a way to scare up votes instead of a challenge that should unite all Americans to defeat our real enemies.

We can’t afford to be so worried about losing the next election that we lose the battles we owe to the next generation.

The real gamble in this election is playing the same Washington game with the same Washington players and expecting a different result. And that’s a risk we can’t take. Not this year. Not when the stakes are this high.

In this election, it is time to turn the page. In seven days, it is time to stand for change.

11:15 am. Here's more of Barack's remarks:

This has been our message since the beginning of this campaign. It was our message when we were down, and our message when we were up. And it must be catching on, because in these last few weeks, everyone is talking about change.

But you can’t at once argue that you’re the master of a broken system in Washington and offer yourself as the person to change it. You can’t fall in line behind the conventional thinking on issues as profound as war and offer yourself as the leader who is best prepared to chart a new and better course for America.

The truth is, you can have the right kind of experience and the wrong kind of experience. Mine is rooted in the real lives of real people and it will bring real results if we have the courage to change. I believe deeply in those words. But they are not mine. They were Bill Clinton’s in 1992, when Washington insiders questioned his readiness to lead.

My experience is rooted in the lives of the men and women on the South Side of Chicago who I fought for as an organizer when the local steel plant closed. It’s rooted in the lives of the people I stood up for as a civil rights lawyer when they were denied opportunity on the job or justice at the voting booth because of what they looked like or where they came from. It’s rooted in an understanding of how the world sees America that I gained from living, traveling, and having family beyond our shores...It’s experience rooted in the real lives of real people, and it’s the kind of experience Washington needs right now.

There are others in this race who say that this kind of change sounds good, but that I’m not angry or confrontational enough to get it done.

Well, let me tell you something, Iowa. I don’t need any lectures on how to bring about change, because I haven’t just talked about it on the campaign trail. I’ve fought for change all my life.

I walked away from a job on Wall Street to bring job training to the jobless and after school programs to kids on the streets of Chicago.

I turned down the big money law firms to win justice for the powerless as a civil rights lawyer.

I took on the lobbyists in Illinois and brought Democrats and Republicans together to expand health care to 150,000 people and pass the first major campaign finance reform in twenty-five years; and I did the same thing in Washington when we passed the toughest lobbying reform since Watergate. I’m the only candidate in this race who hasn’t just talked about taking power away from lobbyists, I’ve actually done it. So if you want to know what kind of choices we’ll make as President, you should take a look at the choices we made when we had the chance to bring about change that wasn’t easy or convenient.

That’s the kind of change that’s more than just rhetoric – that’s change you can believe in.

It’s change that won’t just come from more anger at Washington or turning up the heat on Republicans. There’s no shortage of anger and bluster and bitter partisanship out there. We don’t need more heat. We need more light. I’ve learned in my life that you can stand firm in your principles while still reaching out to those who might not always agree with you. And although the Republican operatives in Washington might not be interested in hearing what we have to say, I think Republican and independent voters outside of Washington are. That’s the once-in-a-generation opportunity we have in this election.

For the first time in a long time, we have the chance to build a new majority of not just Democrats, but Independents and Republicans who’ve lost faith in their Washington leaders but want to believe again – who desperately want something new.

We can change the electoral math that’s been all about division and make it about addition – about building a coalition for change and progress that stretches through Blue States and Red States. That’s how I won some of the reddest, most Republican counties in Illinois. That’s why the polls show that I do best against the Republicans running for President – because we’re attracting more support from Independents and Republicans than any other Democratic candidate. That’s how we’ll win in November and that’s how we’ll change this country over the next four years.

In the end, the argument that's going on between the candidates in the last seven days is not just about the meaning of change. It’s about the meaning of hope. Some of my opponents appear scornful of the word; they think it speaks of naivete, passivity, and wishful thinking.

But that’s not what hope is. Hope is not blind optimism. It’s not ignoring the enormity of the task before us or the roadblocks that stand in our path. Yes, the lobbyists will fight us. Yes, the Republican attack dogs will go after us in the general election. Yes, the problems of poverty and climate change and failing schools will resist easy repair. I know – I’ve been on the streets, I’ve been in the courts. I’ve watched legislation die because the powerful held sway and good intentions weren’t fortified by political will, and I’ve watched a nation get mislead into war because no one had the judgment or the courage to ask the hard questions before we sent our troops to fight.

But I also know this. I know that hope has been the guiding force behind the most improbable changes this country has ever made. I know that in the face of tyranny, it’s what led a band of colonists to rise up against an Empire. In the face of slavery, it’s what fueled the resistance of the slave and the abolitionist, and what allowed a President to chart a treacherous course to ensure that the nation would not continue half slave and half free. In the face of war and Depression, it’s what led the greatest of generations to free a continent and heal a nation. In the face of oppression, it’s what led young men and women to sit at lunch counters and brave fire hoses and march through the streets of Selma and Montgomery for freedom’s cause. That’s the power of hope – to imagine, and then work for, what had seemed impossible before.

That’s the change we seek. And that’s the change you can stand for in seven days.

We’ve already beaten odds that the cynics said couldn’t be beaten. When we started ten months ago, they said we couldn’t run a different kind of campaign.

They said we couldn’t compete without taking money from Washington lobbyists. But you proved them wrong when we raised more small donations from more Americans than any other campaign in history.

They said we couldn’t be successful if we didn’t have the full support of the Washington establishment. But you proved them wrong when we built a grassroots movement that could forever change the face of American politics.

They said we wouldn’t have a chance in this campaign unless we resorted to the same old negative attacks. But we resisted, even when we were written off, and ran a positive campaign that pointed out real differences and rejected the politics of slash and burn.

And now, in seven days, you have a chance once again to prove the cynics wrong. In seven days, what was improbable has the chance to beat what Washington said was inevitable. And that’s why in these last weeks, Washington is fighting back with everything it has -- with attack ads and insults; with distractions and dishonesty; with millions of dollars from outside groups and undisclosed donors to try and block our path.

We’ve seen this script many times before. But I know that this time can be different.

Because I know that when the American people believe in something, it happens.

If you believe, then we can tell the lobbyists that their days of setting the agenda in Washington are over.

If you believe, then we can stop making promises to America’s workers and start delivering – jobs that pay, health care that’s affordable, pensions you can count on, and a tax cut for working Americans instead of the companies who send their jobs overseas.

If you believe, we can offer a world-class education to every child, and pay our teachers more, and make college dreams a reality for every American.

If you believe, we can save this planet and end our dependence on foreign oil.

If you believe, we can end this war, close Guantanamo, restore our standing, renew our diplomacy, and once again respect the Constitution of the United States of America
.
That’s the future within our reach. That’s what hope is – that thing inside us that insists, despite all evidence to the contrary, that something better is waiting for us around the corner. But only if we’re willing to work for it and fight for it. To shed our fears and our doubts and our cynicism. To glory in the task before us of remaking this country block by block, precinct by precinct, county by county, state by state.

There is a moment in the life of every generation when, if we are to make our mark on history, this spirit must break through.

This is the moment.

This is our time.

And if you will stand with me in seven days – if you will stand for change so that our children have the same chance that somebody gave us; if you’ll stand to keep the American dream alive for those who still hunger for opportunity and thirst for justice; if you’re ready to stop settling for what the cynics tell you you must accept, and finally reach for what you know is possible, then we will win this caucus, we will win this election, we will change the course of history, and the real journey – to heal a nation and repair the world – will have truly begun.

Thank you.

The Page's Mark Halperin called this speech a "tour de force" and the "best written speech of the campaign."

Stand for Change: People Signing On in Fort Dodge

Jaime Mulligan — Wed, 26 Dec 2007 19:41:38 EST

Barack just finished up in Fort Dodge and I’m just about to head out.

Click here for an article about this morning’s event in Mason City:

Obama Vows to Fight Special Interest Groups

The paper says there were 600 there but we actually signed in 650 – quite the crowd!

And we had as many, if not more here in Fort Dodge.

Here's some folks who signed supporter cards after the event tonight:

This is Suzan, Matt, and Melissa. When I asked why they had decided to sign on, Matt said that Barack inspires people, and we need that right now---that he isn't just another politician. He's not the same old thing we've seen over and over again.

He actually is change we can believe in.

And this is Deb. She drove forty minutes from Bradgate to see Barack tonight. She signed a supporter card this evening as well but says she's been a supporter for a while. The first time she saw Barack was when he was on Oprah, but this event was the first time she got to see him in person.

I asked her what she thought and she said: "He's a man of his word." We agreed that that was pretty rare for a political figure these days.

Barack's off to Carroll now for a rally that starts at 8:15. If you're in the area, check it out. Also click here to see all of Barack's events through the weekend. We’ll have video from the rally later tonight!

Stand for Change: Trying to Find Parking in Fort Dodge

Jaime Mulligan — Wed, 26 Dec 2007 18:54:35 EST

I just arrived in Fort Dodge. I had to drive around four blocks to find parking near the school where Barack is speaking.

He has taken the stage in front of a couple hundred people, greeted by enthusiastic cheers. There's pretty amazing energy in this room. Something is happening.

Check out some pictures:

Stand for Change: Another Undecided Chooses Obama

Jaime Mulligan — Wed, 26 Dec 2007 16:21:12 EST

This morning Barack kicked off the Stand for Change Tour in Mason City. The tour will take Barack to virtually every corner of the state - from Carroll to Davenport, and Fort Dodge to Indianola.

This morning Barack spoke to a packed house in Mason City. One undecided Iowan who came out to see what it was all about was Dave.

Dave came this morning undecided. He'd been a big Clinton supporter in the past, and has been watching the campaigns to try to make up his mind. The Iraq war and health care are two issues of great concern to him.

"I listened to Barack [talk about these issues.]..he speaks to my heart."

Dave and I talked about how polarizing politics have become over the last twenty years. He commented on how divided our country has been for such a long period of time, and how Barack's ability to communicate with and respect both sides of the aisle could prove to be just what we need to really change politics.

Dave signed a supporter card after the event ended. He will be standing for change with Barack Obama at his neighborhood caucus on Thu, Jan 3rd at 6:30 PM.

What about you? Are you still undecided?

Click here for Barack on the issues. Click here to learn more about his experience as a community organizer, a constitutional law professor, a state legislator, and a U.S. Senator.

At 3 pm today Barack was in Webster City, at 5:15 pm he’ll be in Fort Dodge, and he wraps up in Carroll at 8:15 pm. Hope to see you there! Check back for continuing coverage.

Council Bluffs: Our Moment is Now

Jaime Mulligan — Mon, 24 Dec 2007 16:16:20 EST

Last night in Council Bluffs, people turned out to hear Barack talk about his ideas and vision for the country, about his experience and judgment, about hope and change.

He spoke about why now is the time to stand up for change. Check out this video that includes some of the event attendees talking about their support for Barack and why they think our moment is now:

P.S. Don't forget to caucus on Thursday, January 3rd at 6:30 pm! Mark the date on your calendar! Never caucused before? Check out our caucus center.

Barack in Indianola: Talking to Undecideds

Jaime Mulligan — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 18:35:00 EST

In Indianola, Barack introduced the local organizers Jeff Philips and Ian Adams and told the crowd that part of his role here today was to make sure he doesn't disappoint them by not finding more supporters today.

He asked if there were any undecideds in the crowd and about half the people present raised their hands. Peering over the crowd, Barack said, "Okay, Jeff, Ian---you see them? Those are our targets."

When his remarks concluded, the crowd rose to their feet to give him a standing ovation.

After the event, I decided to try to find one of the people who raised their hand at the outset and find out what they thought. I ended up talking to Betsy, who actually asked Barack a question about fiscal responsibility.

He had responded by saying that he has four main principles to ensure that our country's finances get back in order: 1) end the Iraq war, which is costing us billions of dollars a month, 2) roll back the Bush tax cuts on the richest Americans, 3) insist on pay-go, where any spending increases must be balanced out with cuts or closing of tax loopholes, 4) get a handle on the health care crisis--because long term, the rapidly increasing health care cost inflation when combined with an aging population will overtake our government spending.

Betsy was at the event with her son Nolan, who's 21. Both of them are still making up their minds about the candidates---on both sides of the aisle. Betsy's a Republican who is trying to decide on a candidate who can work across the aisles, and she hasn't decided yet whether she'll participate in the Republican or Democratic caucus on Thu, January 3rd. But she was impressed with Barack at the event, and in general, really likes the way he refuses to demonize people who disagree with him on policy. She considers herself a moderate and would like to support a candidate who governs to all Americans and not just those in their political party.

Another member of the family, Warren, is a student at the high school in Indianola and is a very big Barack supporter. Warren’s high school held a mock caucus for its students recently and he was one of the most active advocates for Barack. Barack ended up winning the mock caucus, besting the other candidates by over 90 votes.

Like many Iowans, Betsy and Nolan are still making up their minds in these last days. Betsy says that the event definitely made her think more seriously about Barack, and is encouraged by her youngest son's passion for him as a candidate, and that could be the deciding factor for her.

Are you undecided? Come out to one of our many events in the upcoming week. You can also read up on all of Barack's policies by clicking here.

Another Newspaper Endorsement for Barack: Rural America is on Board

Jaime Mulligan — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 18:12:13 EST

The Woodbine Twiner endorsed Barack today. The Twiner is the weekly newspaper of Woodbine, a town with an estimated population of about 1600 people in 2006. Here in Iowa we are excited to have the support of rural Iowans, many of whom helped our policy experts and Barack write his rural plan. When he unveiled his "Real Leadership for Rural America" agenda in October, Barack stated:

...[There] is a lot that all of America can learn from rural America. Because rural values are quintessential American values: hard work and innovation. Rugged independence joined with a belief in community that says that I am my brother's keeper, I am my sister's keeper.

Here is some of the Woodbine Twiner's endorsement:

After speaking with each Democratic candidate, we endorse Barack Obama for president. If Obama can run the United States and surround himself with professionals as he has his campaign, we're confident he can be that agent of change. The junior senator from Illinois has electrified crowds all over the Hawkeye State, yet he's still new enough in the Beltway to inspire our hopes that things can change in Washington, D.C.

...

Obama has not forgotten that we must all work together to get things accomplished. Sure, Republicans and Democrats will forever bicker. But Obama gives us some sort of hope that the two parties can work as Americans – not divide as partisans...As we repair our image around the world and begin to focus on issues back home, Obama gives us the hope both can happen.

To read the full endorsement, click here.

Get Ready to Change the World: Iowans, Find Your Caucus Location!

Jaime Mulligan — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 20:17:17 EST

Calling all Iowans: caucus day is Thursday, January 3rd, 2008. You should arrive at 6:30 pm. Caucus locations have been set by the Iowa Democratic Party.

You can enter your address and find your location by clicking on this picture:

A caucus is a meeting held right in your neighborhood that usually lasts around an hour. It lets you have a say in who should be our next president.

Because the meeting is held in your neighborhood, you’ll be with your neighbors and the whole process will be pretty fun. (I have mentioned this before, but sometimes, there are cupcakes.)

So check out our caucus location finder! Write down the address of your caucus location, and mark 6:30 PM on Thursday, January 3rd, 2008 on your calendar.

Are you ready? It's time to change the world.

Video from Spirit Lake, Iowa

Jaime Mulligan — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 22:07:34 EST

Barack just wrapped up in the Orpheum Theater here in Sioux City:

More coverage soon of all the events this weekend, but in the meantime, check out some video from Spirit Lake:

One Degree: It’s Hot in Here - There Must Be Some Hope in the Atmosphere

Jaime Mulligan — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 17:05:48 EST

As Barack’s swing through Iowa continues, we’re encountering packed venue after packed venue. Last night in Spirit Lake it was about thirteen degrees out but weather.com said it felt like one degree – and still more than 500 people came out on Sunday night to hear Barack and ask questions.

He took a couple of questions, including on immigration and curtailing the influence of special interests in Washington. He was asked about education policy and outlined his education proposals, adding:

Parents, you’ve got to turn off the tvs and shut down the video games. [And] our students have to understand that education is not a passive activity. You don’t just tip your head over and have it pour in....You’re gonna hear me as President not just talking about programs--I’m going to be talking about our obligations to our kids.

He closed by asking everyone there to come out and caucus for him on Thursday, January 3rd, and said that the weather couldn’t be much worse than it was last night. The crowd responded with laughter and Barack grinned and said, “Allright, well not THAT much worse. I’m from Chicago, I know bad weather.”

At each stop he has talked about the tremendous opportunity Iowans have to help decide who the next leader of the free world is. He asks everyone to make sure to caucus--even if they aren’t caucusing for him--because the process is too important to not participate.

Many people have never caucused before, but it’s fun and easy. It usually takes about an hour and is basically a neighborhood meeting. If you have questions about what goes on in a caucus, you can watch this video, check out our Caucus Center, or contact your local field office. (Sometimes there are even cupcakes.)

Barack has more stops today in Spencer, LeMars, Cherokee, and Sioux City. Stop by if you’re in the area! Check our website for other events near you. Here are some pictures from yesterday’s events: Algona, Emmetsburg, Estherville, and Spirit Lake.

Barack's Swing Through Iowa: Pictures

Jaime Mulligan — Sun, 16 Dec 2007 17:29:28 EST

Over the past few days, Barack made stops in Independence, Waterloo, New Hampton, Charles City, and Mason City. This morning he was in Algona and Emmetsburg and later today he’ll be in Estherville and Spirit Lake. The tour continues tomorrow when he’ll be in Storm Lake, Spencer, Cherokee, Le Mars and Sioux City.

If you're in or around those areas be sure to stop by an event!

Here’s some pictures from the past few events:

Check out a slideshow:

Were you at one of the events? Tell us what you thought in the comments.

Jodie

Jaime Mulligan — Sun, 16 Dec 2007 11:34:55 EST

In Mason City last night, a crowd of at least 400 gathered to hear Barack speak. About an hour before the event began, the line wrapped around the cafeteria of Roosevelt Middle School:

Our organization here in Iowa revolves around personal relationships built by the amazing Iowans who dedicate their time to working for change. They make phone calls, knock on doors, talk to their neighbors, and help at events. At the sign-in table in Mason City, I met Jodie.

Jodie lives about four blocks from the middle school and walked over on a cold December night to help make sure everyone who came to the event was accounted for. She has two kids, and her husband is a laborer.

Jodie’s going back to school to become a medical assistant and really loves her classes. She said she first heard about Barack through one of our Faith-Action-Change forums, and that she thinks he has great ideas, especially on health care.

Jodie hasn’t had health insurance for two years. When I asked her if she’d been to the doctor in that time, she shook her head no and said that her family just could not afford it, between housing, food, school, and other bills. Her kids are on Medicaid. She is just waiting for the herniated disc in her back to give out again and require surgery.

With half of all personal bankruptcies in the United States a result of health care costs, all Jodie and others like her can do is pray that their health will not give out before they find the spare thousands of dollars to get health insurance or find an employer that can afford to offer it to them.

For Jodie, her lack of health care has nothing to do with her not wanting it, or because she’s not required to have it – it’s just not affordable. That’s why Barack has a universal health care plan centered around making health care more affordable. Read about it here:

http://www.barackobama.com/issues/healthcare/

Having situations like Jodie’s cannot be who we are in this country, and the crowd last night in Mason City came out for Barack because it’s time to try something new.

There’s too much at stake for every American to continue settling for what the cynics say we have to settle for - a divided America, a polarized political process, a ‘battle’ of the parties instead of a partnership of citizens forging a new path forward together.

Choose hope over fear. Join us.

Barack on Toy Safety

Jaime Mulligan — Sat, 15 Dec 2007 17:56:26 EST

Today Barack has stops in Independence, Waterloo, New Hampton, Charles City, and Mason City. His swing throughout Iowa continues tomorrow and Monday, when he'll visit Algona, Emmetsburg, Estherville, Spirit Lake, Storm Lake, Spencer, Cherokee, Le Mars and Sioux City. If you're in or around those areas be sure to stop by an event.

He took some time before his Waterloo town hall today to talk about ensuring the safety of our children's toys. Outlining many of the horror stories recently in the news where children are harmed or even killed by toys, with federal agencies that are supposed to be responsible for ensuring the safety of these products responding with form letters. Here's how he started off his remarks:

I’d like to say a few words today not just as a candidate, but as a father. I’ve got two little girls at home, one of them age six and the other age nine. Ten days from now, they’ll wake up early in the morning, and start ripping open their presents faster than Michelle and I can get downstairs.

It’s a time of year we always look forward to. But today, going Christmas shopping isn’t just a matter of what toys would bring our children the most joy, but what toys are safe to give them.

And I know that the families here today, and millions of other Americans share our concern.

Barack outlined some of the things he would do to address this issue as President, including establishing mandatory independent inspections of toys to ensure that foreign-made toys meet American safety standards. He would also:

Reach out to other nations and groups such as China and the World Trade Organization on better ways for us all to work together to ensure the safety of our children.
Double the funding for the agency responsible for toy inspections, the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and ensure that its leadership believes in its mission and has a proven record of standing up for consumer safety.
Increase the fines on the companies responsible for distributing unsafe toys---who are currently subject to, at most, a $1.85 million fine, a price that is a drop in the bucket when compared to the revenue of leading toy companies.

One of the points Barack drives home in many of his policy proposals is that the imperative to act on and fix these policies is not just a matter of political positioning or manuevering, but is actually a reflection of our values as a people. Allowing unsafe toys into the hands of our children is not who we are, and Barack has a plan to eliminate the problem.

Here’s a link to the plan (pdf):

http://my.barackobama.com/IALeadToys

To check out some pictures of the town hall in Waterloo, click here.

Liveblog: Des Moines Register Debate

Jaime Mulligan — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 14:13:47 EST

**UPDATED at 2:33 p.m.**

1:22 p.m. The debate started about 15 minutes ago. It's being broadcasted live on Iowa Public Television and you can watch it streaming live here.

Barack has answered questions on the economy and on balanced budgets so far. Here's part of his response to the balanced budget question:

We have specified where that money is going to come from. Right now, we've got a whole host of corporate loopholes. If we close some of those loopholes, we can have tax relief plans for those making less than 75,000 per year. That puts money into the pockets of hardworking americans. It requires some leadership from the white house. that restores that sense that we're in this together, that we're not in this alone.

Discussion on health care currently ongoing...

1:34 p.m. Barack on addressing the root causes of waste in the Medicare system and generally, the health care crisis that leaves 47 million Americans uninsured:

Just to emphasize how important prevention and cost savings can be in the Medicare system, if we went back to the obesity rates that existed in 1980, that would save the Medicare system a trillion dollars.

Many of the reforms in my healthcare plan will reduce costs not just for Medicare for the overall system.

We will not make these changes unless we change business in Washington. The reason we can't negotiate for drugs is because the drug companies specifically sought and obtained a provision in a bill that prevents us from doing it.

Unless we change our politics, we will continue to see the waste that was in that entitlement program.

He also addressed the need for the country to come together to solve our problems and not be afraid to embrace the idea that actual change is possible:

40 years ago, Dr. King challenged America to act on what they called the fierce urgency of now. I feel that urgency today. Our nation's [at] war, our planet's in peril, and Americans and Iowans are working harder and harder just to keep pace.

I believe we can meet these challenges and restore our standing in the world.

But we can only do this if we have the courage to change. If we can bring the country together, if we can push back against the special interets and if we level with the american people about how we will do this. That's the kind of campaign i've tried to run, and i ask you all to caucus for me.

2:11 p.m. Just before the debate Barack's supporters were out in full force representing for the campaign, cheering him on. Here's some pictures:

During the debate, Barack has answered questions on global warming, farm subsidies, and education. Here's a quote from him on farm subsidies:

I have made as a centerpiece for my rural farm agenda that we cap the subsidies because too many of them are going to agrobusiness. We've got folks in Manhattan that are making money off of these subsidies. Family farms are getting squeezed out. I would cap those subsides. We need protection for farmers from drought. We need to invest in conservation, crops, nutrition programs. Through that process we can not only save the land, we can also improve the economic engines in a lot of these rural communities. It's going to require overcoming the excess involvement of agrobusiness in Washington.

And on education:

Early childhood education will close the achievement gap that we see from children, especially minority children. [And] not just talking about how great teachers are but giving them more money and more support. Changing No Child Left Behind so that we're not just teaching to a test. One of the things that I want to do is get parents reengaged in instilling a sense of excellence in their children. Government has to fulfill its obligations to children. Parents have to do their job too. We've got to turn off the tv, put away video games. It's not something we can be passive about, it is something we have to be actively engaged in. Then I have no doubt we can compete with anyone in the world.

Are you watching? Tell us what you think in the comments.

2:33 p.m. The debate just wrapped up. All the candidates were asked for their New Year's Resolution. Here's Barack's response:

I want to be a better father, a better husband. I want to remind myself constantly that this is not about me, what I'm doing here today. It's an enormous strain on the family. Yesterday i went and bought a Christmas tree with my girls. We had 2 hours before I had to fly back to Washington to vote. The only reason that is worth that sacrifice is that somehow my participation in public life is having an impact on their lives and the lives of children all across the country. I have to constantly remind myself not to be timid.

Stay tuned--video of our wonderful volunteers cheering at the debate coming soon. And check out some video of Barack's answers on health care and energy.

Iowa Precinct Captain: Bonnie in Muscatine

Jaime Mulligan — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 10:11:58 EST

There’s a lot going on in Iowa today, including the Des Moines Register Debate at 1 PM CT– you can watch on CNN, MSNBC, Iowa Public Television or on IPTV.org.

Barack also has events tonight in Dubuque (a town hall with special guest Gayle King) and Maquoketa.

But the most impressive events today are all about the grassroots. Tonight, Obama volunteers across Iowa are springing into action. Our precinct captains and other volunteers are hosting parties covering more than 1,600 of Iowa’s 1,784 precincts to get to know each other, learn more about caucusing, and get ready for the big night itself. Due to some weather concerns we’ve had to postpone some of them but click here to find one in your area. (Click here to find your local precinct party.)

So today, on this blog, we’ll be profiling some of our amazing precinct captains, whose work and dedication to Barack’s vision for America are what will be one of the defining factors in how successful this movement for change really is.

Here’s our first one. This is Bonnie from Muscatine. She says that being a precinct captain is all about making connections and getting to know the people in your neighborhood.

Video: Michelle, Barack and Oprah in Des Moines

Jaime Mulligan — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 16:58:00 EST

As you have probably heard by now---if you weren't there---Oprah Winfrey was here in Iowa this past weekend, making a stop in Des Moines and a stop in Cedar Rapids to talk about why she's supporting Barack Obama. This is the first time she has ever endorsed a candidate for political office. In her words:

"With our many colors, religions and languages...but one government. One Congress. One President. And because we only get to choose one, I came out in the cold today to tell you why I believe that choice needs to be Barack Obama."

Check out some video of the event in Des Moines:

Were you at one of the events this weekend (or there in spirit)? Tell us what you thought in the comments.

Liveblog: Barack, Michelle and Oprah in Des Moines Part Two

Jaime Mulligan — Sat, 08 Dec 2007 17:55:01 EST

18,500 people in Des Moines. Click here for liveblogging from earlier.

3:53 pm. Barack got up on stage.

Let me tell you how much Michelle and I love Oprah Winfrey...One of the wonderful things about this campaign is meeting people from all walks of life...I have to tell you, sometimes celebrities will disappoint you....Some of you, you get there and you go, aww. They're on tv and they look so nice and they're being mean. Or they look so tall and it turns out they're kind of short. But Oprah Winfrey, the more we've known her, the more you realize how wonderful her character and her soul is. This is a wonderful person, we love her and we thank her for being here.

Barack spoke about change and opportunity, about fear and hope, about possibility and about standing up. He talked abut the commonality between him and Oprah---their unlikely journeys and their unflagging faith in America. He closed, asking us:

I need to reach for what in your hearts you know is possible. A nation healed. A world repaired. An America that believes again.

Here’s a slideshow of pictures from today’s event, including Michelle, Barack, and Oprah:

Liveblog: Barack, Michelle and Oprah in Des Moines

Jaime Mulligan — Sat, 08 Dec 2007 16:06:20 EST

**UPDATED**

2:40 pm. It's about an hour before the event with Barack, Michelle, and Oprah begins here in Des Moines, and HyVee Hall is filling up. People are absolutely everywhere. While in line waiting for tickets, volunteers are leading each other in "fired up, ready to go!"

Conservatively, the crowd size is at least 3,000 people right now.

We spoke to a few precinct captains who were all very excited about today. They said that when they called around to offer tickets, people jumped at the chance to see Barack and Oprah. One captain, Lynn, said that now that we're 25 days to the caucus, people are starting to make up their minds, and a lot of the undecideds are starting to look at Barack as the candidate for change.

Here's some pictures:

**UPDATE 1**

3:25 pm. I spoke to some attendees about today's event. Here's Kayla (in the middle), who decided to support Barack just last week when she saw him in Des Moines. She says that it was what he stands for and what he can do for the country that made her decide to caucus for him on January 3rd. She's also bringing all her friends with her to caucus.

And this is Michelle, from West Des Moines, with her mother, aunt, and grandma. (She's second from the right.) She's a big Barack supporter.

I come out to see him every time he's in town...This event is like a melting pot, it is a really diverse crowd and is great to see.

More of what it looks like here:

3:30 pm. Michelle just got up on the stage. The crowd is going wild.

Oprah and Barack couldn't be here. I'm sorry. I'm gonna sing for you for the rest of the hour...I'm just kidding. How's everybody doing!?

Oprah Winfrey is representative of the kind of broad and deep support that Barack has inspired in so many people. She herself understands the beauty of this country...She listens, she engages...and we are honored to have her on our team.

3:34 pm. I am not entirely sure I have ever heard a crowd scream like that. Oprah just came out on stage.

At last, I'm here. You know, so much has been said about what my jumping into this arena does or does not bring to the table of politics. I really don't know. I'm gonna leave that all up to the pundits...Will it be like the book club? Will it be like the favorite thing show? I don't know about all of that. Despite all of the talk, the speculation and the hype, I understand the difference between a book club and a free refrigerator...I understand the difference between that and a critical moment...

You have to care about this country to come out in this kind of weather. 12 degrees, freezing rain and snow--you love America I can see you do...For the very first time in my life I feel compelled to stand up and to speak out for the man who I believe has a new vision for America.

I came here because I deeply believe in America and I think we have a lot of work to do...I am not here to tell you what to think. I am here to ask you to think...I want you to think seriously about a man who knows who we are. And he knows who we can be.

I'm not here for partisan beliefs. Over the years I've voted for as many Republicans as I have Democrats...I'm here because of my personal conviction about Barack Obama and what I know he can do for America. And that America is represented on each of the faces that I see here today.

Because when you strip us all down, when you take away our race, our ethnicity, our backgrounds, our sex, when you strip us all down, we are American at our core. We are American in our hopes and our dreams...what we really have is an abiding faith that life can be better for all us...Many colors, religions and languages with one Congress and one President. And because we only get to choose one, I came out to tell you why that choice needs to be Barack Obama.

I believe that Barack Obama will bring statesmanship to the White House...We can all look around us and as you look around you can be sure that we don't just want to reinvent the same reality that we are now experiencing, we have to stand strong and united for the future that lies before us.

Somebody said are you nervous? And I said you're damn right I'm nervous. Because I've never done this before. But I know if you continue to do the same thing over and over and over again you get the same result....

It's time to dream America new again by supporting Barack Obama.

...

There are those who say that Barack Obama should wait his turn...But none of us is God. We don't know what the future holds. So we must respond when the moment... strikes, and Iowa, I believe that moment is now.

More soon!

Caucus for Change Precinct Parties next week

Jaime Mulligan — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 18:57:07 EST

All across the state, Iowans from across the spectrum are organizing for change. They are coming together to support Barack's candidacy for President because it's time for something different.

Our moment is now.

Next week on December 13, there will be precinct parties across the state where Obama supporters and those just looking for more information about Senator Obama can get together and get ready for caucus night. The Precinct Parties are a great opportunity to meet your neighborhood friends and the people you will be caucusing with on January 3rd. It will be a fun evening and an opportunity to get fired up and ready to go for the January 3rd caucuses.

Find your precinct party clicking on this link and get ready to caucus at 6:30 PM on Thursday, January 3rd:

Here’s what a few of our precinct captains said about the planning of their parties:

"The focus will be 'caucus goers meeting caucus goers.' Hopefully we will be able to all get to know each other so that when the big day arrives rallying together will be even more fun!"
-- Blake in Cerro Gordo County

"We're having a dinner at our home for Obama supporters and one Republican spouse. We will ask someone to bring cookies on caucus night."
-- Rita in Woodbury County

"Our party will have food and music, but most importantly it will provide an opportunity to get ready for caucus time. We will have information available so you are prepared. Venga y participe en nuestra fiesta."
-- Alba in Polk County

"Supporters can look forward to understanding the caucus in a way that will make them very comfortable and confident on caucus night in a uniquely democratic, uniquely American event that lets them have a sense of ownership in this democracy!"
-- Becky in Boone County

"My Mom (a converted Republican) is caucusing for the first time in her life and hosting our Clarinda house party. We're serving cookies decorated with the Obama 'O'."
-- Jennifer in Page County

On caucus night, Thursday, January 3rd, you need to arrive before 6:30 pm so you’re certain to get in the door and meet with your neighbors to change the world.

But, first, attend your precinct party and let’s have some fun!

Questions? Contact your local field office.

Iowa College Tour Wrap-up!

Jaime Mulligan — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 13:41:12 EST

On Tuesday and Wednesday this week, Barack visited Grinnell, University of Iowa, Cornell, UNI, and Wartburg. In addition to a couple incredible rallies, there was a town hall, a national service plan announced, and many questions answered.

At each event Barack stressed the need to change the tone of our civil discourse – from shrill partisan bickering to respecting and listening to each other, from making decisions based on fear to making them based on hope and possibility, from settling for the world as it is to instead seeing the world as it could be.

We'll have some video from the tour over the next few days, but here's some pictures for now.

Here's a shot from Wartburg (more pics here):

Here's a shot from UNI (more pics here):

And University of Iowa, where at least 2500 people came out in the freezing rain (more pics here):

College Tour Wrap-up!

Jaime Mulligan — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 10:31:41 EST

Over the last two days Barack has visited Grinnell, University of Iowa, Cornell, UNI, and Wartburg. In addition to a couple incredible rallies, there was a town hall, a national service plan announced, and many questions answered.

At each event Barack stressed the need to change the tone of our civil discourse – from shrill partisan bickering to respecting and listening to each other, from making decisions based on fear to making them based on hope and possibility, from settling for the world as it is to instead seeing the world as it could be.

We'll have some video from the tour over the next few days, but here's some pictures for now.

Here's a shot from Wartburg (more pics here):

Here's a shot from UNI (more pics here):

And University of Iowa, where at least 2500 people came out in the freezing rain (more pics here):

A Call to Serve: Video

Jaime Mulligan — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 21:15:07 EST

Earlier today, Barack unveiled his plan for a new generation of Americans to engage in national service. Here's some video of the speech:

A Call to Serve: "The Decisions We Make Today Will Shape the Century"

Jaime Mulligan — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 17:06:58 EST

Barack delivered a speech today at Cornell College calling on a new generation of Americans to step up, serve their country, and change the world: "The decisions that we make today will shape the century that my daughters and your children will grow up in."

Here's some of Barack's remarks:

[They say] Americans won't come together. Our allegiance doesn't go beyond our political party...Young Americans won't serve our country. They're too selfish or they're too lazy. This is the soft sell of the status quo. The voice that tells you to settle. Because settling isn't that bad.
[But] You go to the first school west of the Mississippi to grant women the same rights as men. You go to a school that resolved in 1870 that race would not be a factor in admission.
Now these may be small changes on the vast canvass of history, but the America we live in is the sum total of that kind of courage...if it weren't for that kind of change it wouldn't be possible for someone like me to stand here today...
I am tired of hearing about how America is on the wrong track. I want to have us come together to put it back on the right track.
...
We need your service, right now, in this moment – our moment – in history. I’m not going to tell you what your role should be; that’s for you to discover. But I am going to ask you to play your part; ask you to stand up; ask you to put your foot firmly into the current of history. I am asking you to change history’s course.
And if I have the fortune to be your President, decades from now – when the memory of this or that policy has faded, and when the words that we will speak in the next few years are long forgotten – I hope you remember this as a moment when your own story and the American story came together, and history bent once more toward justice.

Barack took some questions, and then closed by saying that we are in a rare window where the country is trying to figure out where to go. He asked the young people at the event to recognize the power they have in shaping our collective future as Americans---that they are the lever that can change our direction.

I spoke to Ellen (below) after the event:

She's a junior here at Cornell College and is from Amana Colonies. Majoring in sociology and political science, Ellen said that she was really glad that Barack came to speak at Cornell today, and that his service plan would help get America back on the right path. As someone who has been involved with her community, she said that it was great to be there in person to hear Barack set out this vision for Americans.

For more details on the plan, click here to check out Sam's post.

Online Oprah tickets now available for Des Moines Event!

Jaime Mulligan — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 15:06:41 EST

If you haven’t heard, Oprah Winfrey is coming to Iowa this Saturday, December 8th. She’s headlining two events with Barack and Michelle to talk to Iowans about why Barack Obama should be the next president of the United States. And a limited number of free general admission tickets for the Des Moines event are now available online!

http://iowa.barackobama.com/oprah

Here are the details of the two events:

Des Moines
HyVee Hall B
730 3rd Street
Doors Open at 2:30 pm
Tickets available online or by contacting your local field office

Cedar Rapids
US Cellular Center
370 1st Avenue NE
Doors Open at 6:00 pm
Tickets available by contacting your local field office

All around the state this week, our offices have been buzzing, with dozens and dozens of supporters hitting the phones. Be sure to get your tickets!

http://iowa.barackobama.com/oprah

Barack at Grinnell College

Jaime Mulligan — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 20:21:59 EST

Packed house at Grinnell College tonight:

Barack came out and started speaking to the crowd about hope for the future and rejecting the cynicism that has dominated our political process.

Don't listen to the cynics who tell you you don't make a difference in this election. At this moment, don't let the cynics tell you that you have to settle for what they say you have to settle for.

Barack took a few questions, and one Republican student asked why he should vote for Barack. Here's part of his response:

I believe that the only way we're gonna solve our problems is by creating a political majority for change.

...

For most of your lives, our politics has been based on a divided country. You basically have 47% on one side, 47% on the other, 5% in the middle, they all live in Florida or Ohio...you eke out a victory, but then you can't govern.

You and I may have philosophical differences on some issues. But I promise you this. I will always tell you what I think...I will listen to you even when we disagree

...

One of the reasons why I have high popularity among Republicans in Illinois [is because] they know that I'll listen. And I don't think any one party has a monopoly on wisdom

...

I'll wake up each day thinking about how to make your life a little bit better, and not how to keep myself in elected office.

Here's a slideshow of more pictures from the event.

Rally at the University of Iowa going on right now---check back soon for coverage!

Barack at Iowa State University

Jaime Mulligan — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 15:34:35 EST

After being endorsed by Des Moines Mayor Frank Cownie this morning, Barack held a rally at Iowa State University this afternoon in Howe Hall. People lined up on stairwells and in adjacent hallways to the atrium he was speaking in to listen.

Barack spoke about his vision for the Democratic Party:

We need to be a party that offers not just changes in policy but changes in leadership. That doesn't just try to win an election, but says why we should win. A party that doesn't just use change as an election slogan.

He also spoke about the need for us as a nation to believe in our own possibility and to embrace the potential for real change.

Don't just settle for the way everybody says it has to be. Reach for what we know is possible. A nation healed. A world repaired. An America that believes again.

Do you think real change is possible? Tell us about about the world as it should be in the comments.

Brown/Black Presidential Forum: Video of Obama Supporters

Jaime Mulligan — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 21:26:32 EST

This is Rachel from Ankeny. This evening's cheering just before the Brown/Black Presidential Forum (going on right now) was her first time volunteering with the campaign.

A stay-at-home mom with two boys, ages four and a half and two, she used to work in charitable fundraising to combat AIDS and to improve her local community. One of the most important issues to her is education because of her sons. The war is also a cause of concern.

I asked her what brought her out on such a cold night to cheer with her fellow Iowans, and Rachel said that Barack's energy and vision is what the country needs right now. She also said that a candidate with the ability to unite everyone again was very important and one of the biggest reasons she decided to support Barack.

Check out some video of Rachel and other volunteers cheering:

Are you watching the forum on HDNet? Tell us what you think in the comments.

Obama's Iowa Supporters Out in Full Force in the Freezing Rain, Part Two

Jaime Mulligan — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 19:41:18 EST

Barack just arrived for the Brown/Black Forum that's kicking off right now at North High School in Des Moines.

Earlier today you may have seen our post about our supporters representing for Barack before the Heartland Forum.

And here, several dozen volunteers have been cheering outside in the sleet since 4 pm.

We'll have some video soon, but in the meantime, here's some pictures:

Obama's Iowa Supporters Out in Full Force in the Freezing Rain

Jaime Mulligan — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 14:23:42 EST

In downtown Des Moines today, many of the Democratic candidates are about to participate in the Heartland Presidential Forum that starts at 1:30 CT.

To watch the Forum live, you can click here.

Barack is in town and ready to go. And so are his supporters. Right now it's 32 degrees but feels like 21, and there's slush everywhere and freezing rain. But just outside the Heartland Presidential Forum:

Check back soon--video on its way. We'll also have coverage of the Brown/Black Presidential Forum later on.

**UPDATED: Here's some video:

Karen in Cedar Rapids

Jaime Mulligan — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 12:56:06 EST

Karen is volunteer in the Cedar Rapids office. She was born there and around the age of 11, her family moved to a farm in the area.

Karen has always been either an independent or a Republican, but she saw Barack’s 2004 Democratic convention speech and was impressed. It is the theme of that speech, and of Barack’s vision for uniting the country and changing our politics, that impress her most.

She did wonder though:

I thought – well, he can give a speech, but is there anything behind it?

So Karen followed Barack’s career, read The Audacity of Hope and went to see him in Cedar Rapids at Kirkwood Community College. She sat in the bleachers behind him, and saw something genuine.

And now she’s volunteering as much time as she can, and speaks passionately to undecided supporters about Barack’s qualifications and what his leadership would mean for our country.

Here’s some more from Karen:

For the first time I’ve decided to get involved in the Iowa caucuses. We have the opportunity to choose a fresh face of hope and leave past political fights behind. I believe Barack Obama is the man who can lead our nation into a future with positive ideas.

Senator Obama is a man of our times. His policies on health care, education, the war, and how to rebuild the infrastructure of the United States are sound and doable.

As I read his book, The Audacity of Hope, I discovered a man who had a diverse life growing up – a life that gives him a broad view of the world that few candidates have. Senator Obama will gain back respect from world leaders who will listen to him. He has the gift of leadership and the ability to get people to work together in the United States and abroad. We need a safe world in order to make any other plans work. He is a person that is highly qualified, a man of integrity and honesty, to lead us into future of hope and peace.

Though I’ve been a Republican, I can’t pass the opportunity to help elect a man of his excellence.

Are you coming out to caucus for Barack Obama on Thursday, January 3rd at 6:30 pm? Check out our Caucus Center for more info on how it works.

Megan the Precinct Captain

Jaime Mulligan — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 20:20:19 EST

Megan is a precinct captain in Cedar Rapids. She’s in the office making some calls tonight.

I pulled her away for a few minutes to find out a little bit more about her story. Megan grew up here in Cedar Rapids and was always politically aware, but her family and friends weren’t that involved in the political process. The environment is an important issue for her – climate change, in particular, since its effects have potentially catastrophic impacts in many other areas of society. And if it’s not solved, it could exacerbate many of the other problems we face.

This being the first election she can vote in, Megan looked around at all the candidates.

“They all pretty much stand for the same things [policy-wise]. But the question for me was who is being truthful.”

On February 10th, the day of Barack’s announcement that he was running for President, Megan saw him speak at Kennedy High School.

“I don’t understand how people can see him and not be inspired.”

She signed up as a precinct captain in August and now conducts outreach to her family, friends and neighbors, and encourages them to get involved and come out to the caucus on Thursday, January 3rd at 6:30 pm.

One piece of information Megan makes sure gets out to anyone she talks to is that caucusing is easy. She also reminds people that they can support a candidate, but if they don’t come out to caucus for them, they may not have the chance to vote for them in the general election. Because of Iowa’s first-in-the-nation status, what happens here will have a huge impact in deciding who the next president will be.

In general, Megan thinks it’s important for people to realize that they have the ability to change the world just by voting.

Along these lines, some quick caucus education is sometimes all it takes. Did you know that:

*You can register to vote on Caucus Day at your caucus location.
*You can register as a Democrat (or change your party affiliation to Democrat) for the purposes of this particular caucus.
*There is no absentee ballot voting for the caucus. You must attend for your vote to count.
*You only have to be 17 by Nov. 4, 2007 to participate.

Megan’s back on the phones now. Get in touch with your local field office if you’d like to volunteer!

For more information on the caucus, check out our Iowa Caucus Center.

Barack Taking Questions in Audubon, Iowa: What Money Are You Going to Be On?

Jaime Mulligan — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 17:57:36 EST

In Audubon on Saturday night, an absolutely packed house gathered to ask Barack some questions about where he stands.

He was asked about stem cell research, immigration, and same sex marriage, welfare, medical marijuana, and health care, among many, many other issues.

One woman asked him which books he's reading right now. Barack responded that he's working through a collection of Franklin Roosevelt's speeches and a book about the lost children of Sudan---but that he also reads the sports pages a lot.

A little boy got called on and went straight for one of the most important questions: "What money are you going to be on?" Here's video of Barack's answer:

Health Care Roundtable in Des Moines

Jaime Mulligan — Sun, 25 Nov 2007 15:12:26 EST

At Blank Children's Hospital in Des Moines this morning, Barack participated in a health care round table with six Iowans. From various backgrounds and experiences, all the attendees had a common link: an observation that the health care system is not working for average Americans.

We had:

A pediatrician who encounters children whose insurance has fallen through the cracks because of paperwork mix ups or whose insurance won't cover the preventative care that would improve their health and reduce long-term costs to the health care system.
A student with diabetes who discovered that her $275/month COBRA coverage runs out next April and a new insurance policy will cost at least $300 a month and will not include prescription drug coverage - and she has medications that cost $450/month.
A cosmetologist and her husband who bounce between different insurers and find that their employers either cannot or do not offer coverage - or the coverage that does exist is too restrictive and doesn't allow for preventative care.
A teacher who holds down three part time jobs and, as a breast cancer survivor, struggles to find affordable coverage that reimburses for all the necessary follow-up visits.
A director of a federally-qualified health clinic who said that "health care...is becoming more and more difficult to obtain."

The health care system forces Americans to choose between taking care of their health and paying for rent and food - and all too often puts hard-working people, whose only mistake was getting sick, close to or into bankruptcy.

Half of all personal bankruptcies in the United States are related to medical costs, and many of those who go bankrupt had insurance at the time of their diagnosis.

Barack has a comprehensive health care plan that focuses on making coverage affordable and accessible to average Americans. But, as Barack often says, the real issue with health care reform has not been a lack of plans over the years, but a lack of leadership in Washington, DC.

No one has been able to put together a transparent, comprehensive process that allows for the voice of the American people to triumph over special interests and partisan fights.

Barack's ability to unite and listen to Americans is what has been missing in our government, and would be the key to actually solving difficult problems like the health care crisis.

Check out this short video from the event. It features a conversation between Dr. Jennifer Groos, the pediatrician who participated in the forum, and Barack.

Let us know in the comments what you think about Barack's ability to actually accomplish health care reform.

Video from Council Bluffs: Health Care

Jaime Mulligan — Sat, 24 Nov 2007 19:12:19 EST

Check out some video from this event earlier today:

Barack in Dunlap: Answering Questions on Education, Trade, and Other Issues

Jaime Mulligan — Sat, 24 Nov 2007 16:31:59 EST

Barack stopped by Dunlap Livestock Auction this afternoon and was given a Dunlap Livestock Auction sweatshirt for Michelle, hats for Malia and Sasha, and a jacket for himself that he wore while answering questions.

One person asked about U.S. jobs moving overseas, and Barack talked about how he can't necessarily stop a company from moving, but he can stop the government from giving them a tax break for doing so.

We benefit from trade but it's the job of the president to make sure that trade is not just good for Wall Street but is good for Main Street...We've got to have good trade agreements and we've got to enforce them.

He was also asked about accessibility to education.

We are going to provide a four thousand dollar tax credit to every young person who wants to go to school. That's per year. That will pay for a community college education and some of the costs of a public university...We also want to expand service programs.

For more on Barack's education policy proposals, click here. For other issues, click here.

Keep checking back! We'll have some video soon from the Council Bluffs event.

Were you in Council Bluffs or Dunlap, or have you recently attended an event with Barack? What did you think? Tell us in the comments.

Council Bluffs: Barack & Health Care

Jaime Mulligan — Sat, 24 Nov 2007 14:37:09 EST

Barack spoke to a crowd of about 450 people this morning in Council Bluffs, taking questions on issues ranging from immigration to the economy to education. He also delved into his health care plan:

Over the last six years, health care premiums have risen four times faster than wages. Cost is the number one reason that 47 million Americans do not have health insurance and thousands more are edging towards bankruptcy every day. This is wrong, and it's why my plan does more to cut the cost of health care than any other proposal in this race. By taking on the drug and insurance companies, picking up the tab for the most expensive care, and focusing more on prevention, my plan would save the typical family $2,500 a year in premiums.

Barack has a history of bringing Republicans and Democrats together to address health care. As a state senator in Illinois, he was a leader in expanding access to affordable health care to 150,000 additional children and parents in the state.

He continued:

What I am convinced of is that if we hope to actually pass a universal health care plan this time around, we have to bring Democrats and Republicans together. We have to be willing to stand up to the drug and insurance industry lobbyists. And we have to have an open, transparent process so that the American people can participate in the debate and see exactly what we're doing. I actually expanded health care coverage in Illinois by doing all three of these things, and it's exactly how I intend to pass universal health care as President of the United States.

Does your family struggle with health care costs? Tell us about your experiences in the comments.

Barack's Agenda to Strengthen Community Colleges

Jaime Mulligan — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 20:03:35 EST

Today at Iowa Central Community College in Fort Dodge, Barack unveiled his plan to strengthen community colleges. Discussing the history of community colleges since their creation in the early 20th century, he spoke about their pivotal role in making higher education affordable and allowing Americans to get the skills they need.

One component of the plan is the American Opportunity Tax Credit. This credit is fully refundable and will pay for the first $4,000 of a college education---which would cover the cost of attending community college for most high school graduates in America.

Other components of the plan include ensuring that Pell Grant awards are adjusted to keep pace with rising costs, and that applying for financial aid is simplified.

You shouldn’t need a PhD just to apply for financial aid. Yet studies show many young people don’t sign up for aid simply because the application process is too complicated. In 2004 alone, 1.5 million high school students didn’t apply even though they were eligible for a Pell Grant. That’s why I’ll simplify the process by eliminating the application for student aid altogether. Instead, families will just check a box on their tax form to determine eligibility.

Barack would also create a Community College Partnership Program. The program would help community colleges analyze the needs of their local communities and then ensure that their students graduate with skill sets that will help bolster the local economy. And because in today's economy the skills one has at the outset of their career may need to be supplemented to keep the American economy competitive and ensure that workers can get good jobs throughout their lifetime, Barack would also work with community colleges on lifelong learning classes in areas like computer literacy.

We are in a moment when folks are finding it harder and harder to get ahead. You need new skills to compete, and everything – especially education – costs more. That’s why it’s time to call upon our community colleges once again. To make sure that the 21st century is just as much the American Century as the 20th. To put a little wind at the backs of the American people, and to put more of them on the pathway to their dreams.

For more on the plan, click here. With nearly half of America's undergraduates in community colleges, this plan has the potential to affect a lot of families in a positive way. What do you think?

Barack in Clarion

Jaime Mulligan — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 11:10:40 EST

In Clarion this morning, in a packed gym including more than 130 high schoolers (some of whom were volunteering), a makeshift cheering section started getting the crowd fired up about fifteen minutes before Barack came out with spontaneous rounds of fire it up and ready to go.

Tanja Sanders, a local supporter, introduced Barack, talking about how he puts his family first, has the ability to unify our country, and why his candidacy represents hope for America. She also talked about how Barack is the most electable candidate:

If we were to vote today, 1 in 5 Republicans would actually vote for Senator Obama.

Here's some of what Barack said:

I am running for President because I believe in the American people...I am reminded every day of my life, if not by events, then by my wife, that I am not a perfect man. But I can promise you this, I will always tell you what I think, I will always tell you where I stand, I'll be honest with you about the challenges we face...I will listen to you even when we disagree...And most importantly I will wake up every day thinking about how I can make your lives a little bit better.

In response to a question from the audience about his foreign affairs experience:

My father was Kenyan, I've got family in Kenya right now, and I lived in Southeast Asia for four years when I was growing up. A lot of my knowledge about foreign affairs isn't just what I studied in school or the work that I do on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, it's about understanding how ordinary people in the countries live...Foreign policy's all about judgment. It's all about understanding what the world looks like from the outside, and that's something that I have a lifetime of experience learning.

Check out this slideshow of pictures from the event:

Virginia Governor Tim Kaine in Waverly, IA

Jaime Mulligan — Sat, 17 Nov 2007 17:26:22 EST

Virginia Governor Tim Kaine is talking to Iowans this weekend about why he supports Barack Obama, making stops in Marion, Waverly, Charles City and Osage today - part of the same route he took during RAGBRAI (Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa).

Governor Kaine was born in St. Paul, Minnesota and first ran for local office in 1994. He began his political career with two terms on the Richmond city council and one term as mayor. In Richmond, Governor Kaine spent a lot of time trying to break down racial barriers and figuring out ways to unite people from different classes and backgrounds. Now, as governor of Virginia, he has the same challenges: "How do you bring people together?"

Governor Kaine signed on as a supporter one week after Barack announced that he was running for president. Barack had gone to Virginia to help Governor Kaine's gubernatorial campaign in 2005, and that's when the two first met. "We're both Harvard law grads, both civil rights lawyers, and our moms grew up in the same tiny farmtown in Kansas."

At a small roundtable of mostly undecided Iowans in Waverly, Governor Kaine talked about some of the reasons he's supporting Barack:

He has very unique experiences. The experience of having a Kenyan father and being raised for a few years in Indonesia [is important]. That's a powerful experience in forming character. His work as a community organizer, his work in the state legislature to reform criminal justice issues and improve healthcare, and his work on ethics in the U.S. Senate. He's a smart person but he's smart enough to know what he doesn't know. It takes a smart person and a self-confident person to know when to listen to other people.

He also cited electability as a critical factor for supporting Barack:

In Virginia, where we haven't gone for a Democratic candidate [for president] in a very long time, the only way I got elected governor was by uniting Democrats and independents and lots of moderate Republicans. It's still tough for a Democrat to get our 13 electoral votes, but the independents and the moderate Republicans are very excited about Barack's run.

One of the folks at this event in Waverly was John, who came straight from his job at McDonald's. Here's John with our local field organizer, Alek Wipperman.

I asked John why he decided to attend today's event and here was his response:

I came because I'm interested in the possibilites. Personally I'm a Republican. I would say that I do agree with some of the policies ... that the current administration has [taken].

...I saw this commercial the other day. It was just Obama saying give me a chance, see what it could be like. And I think that's really interesting...There's the conflict in my head. I can support the war, but the war is going badly. And [Barack's] morals are better than anybody else's.

Change is what motivated me.

We'll have more coverage of Governor Kaine's travels across Iowa this weekend, so keep checking back. This is the fourth "red-state" Democrat to travel to Iowa in support of Barack in the last couple of weeks. We had former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle, former Mississippi Governor Ray Mabus and former Oklahoma Congressman Brad Carson in Iowa.

Yesterday, a new Iowa poll was released that showed Barack as the strongest general election candidate against every major Republican candidate. Barack is definitely emerging as the candidate that swing-state Democrats can be confident having at the top of the ticket!

JJ Pictures

Jaime Mulligan — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 15:08:32 EST

Check out some pictures from this weekend. This slideshow includes the sign war on Friday night and all the events on Saturday--the precinct captain meeting with Michelle, the pre-rally, the parade, and the dinner itself.

Click here to visit the full flickr collection of JJ weekend.

JJ Dinner: In the News

Jaime Mulligan — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 11:49:33 EST

The JJ Dinner this weekend was absolutely amazing, with thousands of Iowans coming out to march in the Obama parade into the dinner, attend the event and hear Barack's incredible speech. Reporters thought so too...check out just some of the coverage--including a rave review from David Yepsen:

Des Moines Register

The leading Democratic presidential candidates showed up for the Iowa Democratic Party’s big Jefferson Jackson Dinner Saturday night.
Five of them gave really good speeches.
Barack Obama’s was excellent.
It was one of the best of his campaign. The passion he showed should help him close the gap on Hillary Clinton by tipping some undecided caucus-goers his way. His oratory was moving and he successfully contrasted himself with the others - especially Clinton - without being snide or nasty about it.
Obama was particularly impressive Saturday night. Should he win the Iowa caucuses, Saturday’s dinner will be remembered as one of the turning points in his campaign in here, a point where he laid down the marker and began closing on Clinton, the national frontrunner...
While the Democratic candidates all had a good night, Obama clearly had the best.

Iowa Independent

DES MOINES -- Dr. Steven Kraus of Carroll looked at the place-setting to his right and did a double-take.
The name read Barack Obama. The U.S. senator from Illinois and Democratic presidential candidate would be sitting next to Kraus and his wife Jill on Saturday for at least part of the Iowa Democratic Party's Jefferson-Jackson Day Dinner, a signature event in the 2008 presidential election process.
..."Jill right away said that guy (Obama) is real," Kraus said. "It's not political charisma. It's real. It's genuine. He's doing it for the right reasons."
Kraus said he sees Obama in historic terms.
"He is going to go something momentous," Kraus said. "I feel it in my bones."

Chase Martyn (on display)

Obama beat all of the other campaigns combined at the sign war, if you can even call thousands of people marching together a “sign war.” ...When General Obama and his army took the hill on their way into the auditorium, the faces of other campaigns’ staff displayed a mix of awe, resignation, and indignation.

MSNBC

DES MOINES, IA – Nearly one in three people at last night’s Jefferson-Jackson Dinner was an Obama supporter. The campaign brought 3,000 supporters to a dinner that had 9,000 attendees. They also made sure to have a representative from each of Iowa’s 99 counties in attendance.

When asked if all of the Obama supporters attending the event were from Iowa, Obama’s Iowa Press Secretary Tommy Vietor said, “All of them. Except for my dad.”
Saying he was running “because of the fierce urgency of now,” a quote from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr....in a room filled with 9,000 Democrats that had spent the better part of the night slamming the Republican Party, [Obama] told the audience that he was running to reach across the aisle to those Independents and Republicans disaffected by the past seven years.
...Obama’s speech was buoyed by his large crowd of supporters. They chanted, yelled and stood up and cheered as he evoked the civil rights movement to talk about how he could only stand on this stage because those who had come before him were not afraid to take the difficult positions that he is supposedly espousing now.

But rather than drawing energy from the crowd to give the pep-rally style, exuberant speeches he is known for on the stump, Obama’s tone was somber, his demeanor serious. He ended on an appeal to Iowans and fellow Democrats.

“That’s why I am asking you stop settling for what the cynics say we have to accept,” Obama said. “In this election, in this moment, let us reach for what we know is possible -- a world repaired, an America that knows it can believe again.”

ABC News

The Obama troops clearly won the contest for loudest cheers in the hall as they offered some call and response with the "fired up, ready to go" chants that have become the standard finale to the senator's stump speech. (And they were decked out in red T-shirts with "I'm fired up" emblazoned on the front and "He's ready to go" on the back.)
...The Obama campaign owned the theatrics of the event.
In...the most rousing speech of the evening, Sen. Obama was sure to revisit his theme of calling for a change in the political climate..."This party -- of Jefferson and Jackson, of Roosevelt and Kennedy -- has made the most difference in people's lives when we've led, not by polls, but by principle; not by calculation, but by conviction," Obama said to applause.

Time

...I have to say, [Obama's] performance was especially striking. Again, the applause at his introduction was thundering. He also drew the longest, loudest responses throughout his speech: hooting, hollering and he was the only candidate to draw an enthusiastic chant. He also was the only candidate that seemed, for lack of a better word, to be working it. He gave that speech as if he was trying to convince people, not just solidifying the support he already had...

Washington Post

[At the Iowa Democratic Party's annual Jefferson-Jackson Dinner], Obama...delivered one of his most focused and powerful addresses. In the view of many in the audience, he emerged as the oratorical winner at the biggest Democratic political event in Iowa before the state's January caucuses.
Obama said his candidacy could produce a new Democratic majority capable of breaking the gridlock and polarization that have plagued Washington for a decade or more. "The same old Washington textbook campaigns just won't do it in this election," he said. "That's why not answering questions because we're afraid our answers won't be popular just won't do it."
[An] Oskaloosa couple left with colorful glow necklaces, handed out by Obama's campaign, peeking out from under their coats.
"We just think he's a very strong character," Barbara Donnelly said. Obama's speech "crystallized it for me," Mike Donnelly said. "...there was something about Barack tonight. He was so forceful."

Live from JJ: Pictures from the Speech

Jaime Mulligan — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 00:47:48 EST

Here's a link to some of the speech.

Live from JJ: Barack's Speech

Jaime Mulligan — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 00:08:01 EST

A little less than one year from today you will go into the voting booth and you will select the next President of the United States. Here's the good news. The name G.W. Bush will not be on the ballot. The name of my cousin Dick Cheney will not be on the ballot. We've been trying to hide that for a long time. Everybody has a black sheep in the family. [laughter]

The era of Scooter Libby justice and Brownie incompetence and Karl Rove politics will finally be over. But the question you're gonna have to ask yourself when you caucus in January and you vote in November is what's next for America. We are at a defining moment in our history...The promise that so many generations fought for seems like it's slipping away...we've lost faith that our leaders can or will do anything about it.

It is because of those failures that America is listening...we not only have a moment of great challenge, but a moment of great opportunity. We have a chance to bring the American people together, in a new majority...

That's why telling the American people what we think they want to hear instead of telling the American people what they need to hear just won't do. Triangulating and poll-driven positions because we're worried about what Mitt or Rudy might say about us just won't do...
If we are really serious about winning this election Democrats, then we can't be afraid of losing. The party of Jefferson and Jackson and Roosevelt and Kennedy has always made the biggest difference in the lives of the American people...when we summoned the entire nation to a common purpose, a higher purpose.

A party that doesn't just focus on how to win, but why we should. A party that doesn't just offer change as a slogan but real, meaningful change, change that America can believe in. That's why I'm in this race, that's why I'm running for the Presidency of the United States, to offer change that we can believe in!...I am in this race because I want to stop talking about the outrage of 47 million Americans without healthcare and start actually doing something about it. I expanded healthcare in Illinois by bringing Democrats and Republicans together, by taking on the insurance industry and that is how I will make certain that ever American in this country has healthcare...and I will do by the end of my first term of the President of the United States of America.

...I am running for President because I am sick and tired of Democrats thinking that the only way to look tough on national security is by acting and voting like George Bush Republicans.

...When I am this party's nominee, my opponent will not be able to say that I voted for the war in Iraq...And he will not be able to say that I waivered on something as fundamental as whether it is okay for America to torture because it is never okay. That's why I'm in it!

...I will lead the world to combat the common threats of the 21st century...and I will send once more a message to those yearning faces beyond our shores that says you matter to us, your future is our future, and our moment is now. America, our moment is now.

Our moment is now!

I don't want to spend the next year or the next four years refighting the same fights that we had in the 1990s. I don't want to pit red America against blue America. I want to be the President of the United States of America.

And if those Republicans come at me with the same fear-mongering and swift-boating that they usually do, then I will take them head-on. Because I believe the American people are tired of fear, and tired of distractions...we can make this election not about fear, but about the future, and that will not be just a Democratic victory, that will be an American victory, a victory that America needs right now!

I am not in this race to fulfill some longheld ambitions or because I believe it's somehow owed to me. I never expected to be here. I always knew this journey was improbable. I am running in this race because of of what Dr. King called "the fierce urgency of now." Because I believe that there's such a thing as being too late, and that hour is almost upon us.

...I'm in this race for the same reason that I found for jobs for jobless and hope for the hopeless on the streets of Chicago, for the same reason that I fought for justice and equality as a civil rights lawyer...I will never forget that the only reason that I'm standing here today is because someone had the courage to stand up!

...That's why I'm running, Democrats. To keep the American dream alive..in this election, in this moment, let us reach for what we know is possible. A nation healed and world repaired. An America that believes again.

Barack's supporters erupted at the end of the speech with fire it up, ready to go and kept going through the end of the JJ.

We are here, we are organized, and we want Barack.

Live from JJ: Barack Is Up

Jaime Mulligan — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 23:58:48 EST

Live from the JJ: Barack Comes In

Jaime Mulligan — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 20:38:42 EST

I have never heard anything like that. You know that footage Joe just put up?

Picture that. Louder.

We are organized, we are here, and we want Barack Obama.

Live from the JJ: Please Take Your Seats, We're About to Begin

Jaime Mulligan — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 20:17:13 EST

7:20 pm and the program is about to begin.

(Are you guys all ready to go?)

JJ Liveblog: Fired UP

Jaime Mulligan — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 19:56:41 EST

We're about five to ten minutes away from the dinner starting. We have a tremendous presence here. One side of the hall is chanting Fired Up, the other Ready to Go. All the Obama supporters are wearing glowing Os. Pictures and video coming soon.

Deputy Secretary of State Frank Chiodo on JJ: "Tonight's the night for Barack to make his move. JJ is the biggest national event other before caucus night. Tonight begins the sprint."

Here's more pictures from the rally earlier:

JJ Liveblog: John Legend, Michelle, and Barack

Jaime Mulligan — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 16:58:51 EST

John Legend finished up and Michelle was on the stage getting everyone pumped up.

I love him because he's a wonderful husband. He still sends me flowers for my birthday and for anniversaries even though he's running for President. And because he's decent and honest and he tells the truth.

...He's going to unite this country in ways that we have never imagined, and if you can just take a moment to dream...Kids around the world are watching us and they're trying to figure out who is America, what do we stand for...

[Imagine] what they will think...when we elect my husband President...Barack Obama!

Barack came out on stage. The room is overflowing with excitement.

I am lucky to have Michelle Obama. Some people ask me, how did I marry such a fabulous woman. I begged, on my knees, repeatedly. She finally gave in.

I am thankful to her and I am thankful to the unbelievable talent of John Legend. Thank you so much John...

I've been instructed not to give a long speech. I have to save my voice for the JJ Dinner...

There a whole bunch of reasons why people believed that we might not be where we are today. But there's one thing that the...cynics did not understand.

And that is the power of the American people.

JJ Liveblog: Rally Gets Going!

Jaime Mulligan — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 16:23:16 EST

There's thousands of people here and our state field director, Ann Filipic, just kicked off the program.

"Not only do we have 5-time Grammy Award Winner John Legend with us today, but we have the next President and first lady of the United States, Barack and Michelle. Are you fired up?"

The crowd responded "FIRED UP!"

"Ready to go?"

"READY TO GO!"

Weekend Warriors, the band that won a Battle of the Bands up in Ames, Iowa, just came on and is getting the crowd going. People are still coming in the doors, getting their t-shirts and meeting up with their friends.

More pictures soon but here's a few of people coming in, and some quotes from attendees.

"The campaign is steadily moving---not just the candidate, but the organization." Former State House Democratic Leader Dick Myers.

"Today we are lighting up the energizer bunny for the Democratic Party." Sen. Wood.

"I think there is a groundswell slowly moving up for Obama. You see it in the crowds and the energy. [Today] You can feel the enthusiasm." Sen. Bob Dvorsky.

Liveblogging the JJ: The Sign War

Jaime Mulligan — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 19:24:02 EST

6:42 pm. So if you've never been to the Iowa Jefferson-Jackson Dinner, you may not know that the walls of the room the dinner takes place in are covered in huge handmade signs and posters. And you also may not know that those handmade signs and posters all get put up during a sign war the night before the JJ itself.

It is sign war time. Right now all the campaigns are here in the lobby. The doors open at 7. You can only have five people from any given campaign inside the the hall at any given time.

So we have teams of runners (fired up and) ready to go. The energy in here is amazing. It is definitely, definitely game time.

It's all about organization. And we have it. Here's some pictures of team Obama preparing signs, organizing, stretching, cheering, and generally getting revved up for the massive sign war about to ensue.

7:03 pm. The sign war just started. You can see people darting through the hall, whistles are blowing. Our second team of runners just came out, and the next group moved into position.

There are some people who only have one job: stand there with tape all over them for people running by with posters to grab if needed.

This goes on until 9. It really is all about being organized, and in a way, is no different from what our team does here every day. Work together, involve everyone, and show what this campaign is all about: dedication to changing the world, one step at a time.

8:11 pm. Some pictures:

Change We Can Believe In: Standing Room Only in Knoxville

Jaime Mulligan — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 20:51:12 EST

Tonight at the Skate Pit in Knoxville, so many people came to hear Barack speak that more chairs had to be brought out, and then more chairs...and then a few more.

Eventually it was standing room only. Sheila, a volunteer here in Knoxville who's never caucused before, introduced Barack.

There's no one lobbying for my family in Washington, DC.I don't know if there ever was. I was thinking about my American Dream, I don't even know what that is anymore, and the other night I realized...my American Dream is that the culture will change in Washington.

Barack hugged Sheila and began speaking. He introduced a young man named Anthony seated in the front row who is about to head to Iraq, and the crowd gave Anthony a standing ovation.

Knoxville has a VA facility that's closing, and a lot of the questions tonight were from veterans or about veterans' issues. As a member of the Veterans' Affairs Committee, Barack has advocated to ensure that those who protect our liberty come home to find their benefits accessible and are honored, and he will continue to do so as President.

When asked about why people should caucus for him rather than one of the other candidates, Barack relayed that in Illinois, a poll came out showing that he had a 55% approval rating among Republicans, meaning that he would still be the Senator from Illinois even if Democrats did not vote. He talked about how his policies aren't conservative, but that Republicans and Independents respond to his ability to listen to everyone's concerns, and that they know where he stands.

Were you in Knoxville tonight, or have you recently attended an event with Barack? Tell us what you think in the comments.

Change We Can Believe In Tour: Burlington & Fort Madison

Jaime Mulligan — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 10:32:37 EST

On Tuesday, Fort Madison Mayor Steve Ireland was re-elected. And last night, he introduced Barack at the Rodeo Fairgrounds for our latest stop on the Change We Can Believe In tour.

The mayor took the opportunity to officially announce his support for Barack and his plans to caucus for Barack on January 3rd and was greeted by applause from the crowd. "And with that, I give you the next President of the United States…"

Barack had just come from Burlington, where he had held a town hall with more than 500 people.

At both events Barack discussed the significance of this election, saying that it is an opportunity for "us [to be] clear about who we are and what we believe in.We are not going to be a nation driven by fear, we are going to be a nation driven by hope."

He also spoke about the choices Democrats have as a party:

A lot of people ask me: why you instead of Hillary? Why you instead of Edwards? Look, we have a great field of candidates. But I believe we need fundamental change…I think I offer a new generation of leadership that can more effectively unify the country…and I also have a longer track record of fighting for working people. I didn't just discover working people or getting money out of politics…

…The day I'm inaugurated not only does this country look at itself differently but the world looks at America differently…I can go before them and say you know what? I lived in other countries. I have a grandmother who lives in a village in Africa. I know what it's like to be poor in another country, to just be trying to get running water or electricity in your house…

Barack is right--there are a lot of good candidates for the Democratic nomination. But Mayor Ireland and many of the people at the events last night seemed to be looking for something more in a candidate this time around than the same old thing, and they see a special kind of leader in Barack.

What about you? Join us.

Change We Can Believe In Tour: Muscatine

Jaime Mulligan — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 14:55:13 EST

Barack was in Muscatine this afternoon for the latest stop on the Change We Can Believe In Tour. The town hall meeting in the gym of the Muscatine Center for Social Action was standing room only.

Check out some pictures:

Barack took some questions on ethanol, Iran, defense spending and manufacturing jobs. He was also asked what he thought the role of political parties should be. Here's part of his response:

At its best the Democratic Party has represented ordinary Americans...we fight for equality, we fight for opportunity, we fight for democracy...I'm very proud to be a Democrat.

I want to strengthen our party. I don't think our party has been strengthened by some of the approaches to politics we've taken over the last years...We have a tendency to avoid tough questions because we don't want to be attacked by the Republicans...Parties have to have some convictions...I don't believe that any party has a monopoly on all wisdom in the world...

Setting a different tone to our debates is important. I do think that that's something that we have to change.

One thing that Barack has spoken about for years is chipping away at the part of our national political process that suggests that people who have different opinions are somehow bad people. To disagree without being disagreeable. To strengthen our nation by allowing for a larger tent and working together. It's what he did successfully in the Illinois State Senate when he was able to unite Democrats and Republicans to extend health care to thousands of people who didn’t have it, and he has continued to do it in the U.S. Senate, working to pass historic ethics reform.

This is one of the reasons why Barack has so much support from first-time voters, independents and Republicans, and why he's bringing more and more Americans into the Democratic Party.

Do you know someone who Barack has brought into the Democratic Party, or are you one of those people? Tell us about it in the comments.

Across Party Lines: Monica, a Republican for Obama

Jaime Mulligan — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 14:07:01 EST

This past weekend, a few Democrats from so-called red states, including Former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle from South Dakota, former Mississippi Governor Ray Mabus, and former Oklahoma Congressman Brad Carson, came to Iowa and spoke to crowds here about Barack’s appeal to all Americans in every corner of this country, and about his experience bringing Republicans, independents, and Democrats together to accomplish great things.

Today, 268 Iowa Republicans demonstrated this appeal by publicly announcing their intention to cross party lines to support Barack Obama, believing that Barack is the only candidate of either party who can break the gridlock in Washington.

One of these individuals is Monica. She has been a registered Republican her whole adult life, but is now an active volunteer for a Democratic presidential campaign, seeing something new and inspiring in Barack's candidacy. Check out this short video about her:

Are you a Republican for Obama, or do you know someone who is? Talk about it in the comments.

"They're all our kids"

Jaime Mulligan — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 16:00:10 EDT

On Saturday, at the Amos Issues Conference taking place at Plymouth United Church of Christ in Des Moines, Barack participated with some Iowans in a panel discussion about some of the most pressing concerns facing Americans today. He spoke about the minimum wage, immigration, and healthcare. He also spoke about his community organizing days, and how he learned that listening to people and helping to figure out ways to make their hopes and dreams come to fruition was a hallmark of true leadership.

Barack also outlined his plans for improving education, which includes expanding investment in early childhood education, supporting teachers more, and working on making after-school and summer school programs more available. He also pointed out that even with all these programs, at the end of the day, a lot of our issues come down to individual Americans taking responsibility and said that as President he will be talking to Americans not just about his policies, but about the things they can and should be doing in their everyday life to address the problems we face – like turning off the tv and video games, and making sure kids are doing their homework.

But, he said, the gridlock and conventional thinking in Washington are the true impediments to progress in this and many other policy areas.

We know what to do. The problem is the lack of a sense of urgency. These kids aren't just some other person's problem, they're all our kids. And things won't change until every child is our child.

After the panel, the attendees of the conference broke out into workgroups on the issues discussed. One of the things that Barack has stressed in his campaign is the need for Americans of all faiths to come together, recognize our common values, and enter into dialogues and take action. This is the impetus for our Faith-Action-Change network.

What do you think about education policy, or the role of faith in working for social justice? Talk about it in the comments.

Barack Obama in Perry

Jaime Mulligan — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 19:48:52 EDT

Over 300 people came out tonight in Perry to attend a Meet the Candidate event with Barack. Barack spoke about his vision for the country and took some questions about issues like immigration and Iraq.

The crowd was definitely fired up and ready to go. Check out some pictures:

Were you in Perry, or at any of the other recent events? Feel free to tell us about your experience in the comments!

Barack in Ankeny: A Government That Is Thinking About You

Jaime Mulligan — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 14:05:07 EDT

In an overflowing room this morning in Ankeny, Monica Green, an Obama precinct captain, introduced Barack. A registered Republican, she described a decades-long feeling of paralysis where the political process was concerned. But Barack has made her think maybe things can be different.

Whether you are Democrat, or Republican, or independent, I invite you to join me and caucus for Barack Obama. I believe that the day Barack Obama is elected President of the United States, the world will look at us differently.

Barack came into the room and asked everyone to help him out and make him look good in front of the local organizer, Patrick Whitty, and sign one of our supporter cards. He asked people who have already decided to caucus for him to consider becoming a precinct captain like Monica.

He talked about the response to his candidacy, and how there is a yearning among the people he meets for an affirmation that is it possible our nation can come together across our various divisions and work to get something done.

The question is: Do you have a government that is thinking about you and is trying to make sure that every day that burden gets a little bit easier, that you got a little bit of help, that you have a partner in achieving the American Dream?

…The next President better be impatient about solving these problems…As President of the United States I am going to put in place a health care system that reaches every single person…We are gonna work with employers who are providing health insurance to lower premiums for their employees…

We have waited long enough. It is time that we actually got this done.

Barack closed his remarks by promising to wake up each day thinking about how to make the lives of everyday Americans a little better, and invited people to join him---change will take all of us. He took a few questions and outlined many of the ways he would shift our national priorities as President, whether it be simply by ensuring that people in his Cabinet are actually competent (not former heads of the Arabian Horses Association) or by making sure that our money is spent wisely.

What is the one thing that the government could work on changing to help you get closer to achieving the American Dream? What would you ask the President to wake up thinking about every day? Tell us in the comments.

NOTE: Barack participated in a panel at Plymouth Congregational-United Church of Christ after the event in Ankeny and is currently speaking at a town hall meeting in Des Moines about Social Security. We'll have updates on these events (including video of the town hall) here on the website within a few hours, so check back!

Michelle and Barack in Iowa!

Jaime Mulligan — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 16:45:48 EDT

Michelle Obama was in Iowa today with events in Hampton and Wright County. We’ll have some coverage of her events later on so be sure to check back.

Tomorrow, Barack will be in and around Des Moines, meeting with seniors and giving more Iowans a chance to "lift the hood and kick the tires." Here are the details:

Coffee with Barack Obama in Ankeny
Tomorrow, Sat, Oct 27
Doors open at 8:45 am, event starts at 9:15 am.
DMACC Ankeny Campus, Building #7
Lake View Inn
2006 South Ankeny Boulevard
Ankeny, IA 50023
RSVP here.

Seniors Town Hall with Barack Obama in Des Moines
Tomorrow, Sat, Oct 27
Doors open at 12:30 pm, event begins at 1:00 pm.
East Side Senior Center
1231 East 26th Street
Des Moines, IA 50317
RSVP here.

Meet the Candidate with Barack Obama in Perry
Tomorrow, Sat, Oct 27
Doors open at 4:30 pm, event begins at 5:00 pm.
Perry High School Commons
1200 18th Street
Perry, IA 50220
RSVP here.

Are you planning to go to one of these events, or have you been to a Barack event recently? Tell us what you think in the comments.

It's All About the Grassroots: Women for Obama Training in Des Moines

Jaime Mulligan — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 11:05:58 EDT

Organization, organization, organization – that’s what it takes to make change on any level, and it's definitely what it takes to get it done on caucus night here in Iowa. Barack always emphasizes that this campaign is not just about winning an election - it's about transforming the way we interact with each other and aligning our politics with our core values as Americans.

That’s the reason our campaign slogan here in Iowa is Respect, Empower, Include. And on Saturday in Des Moines we had a Women for Obama training designed to do just that.

Hundreds of women from all over the state came together to talk about the campaign's policies, message, and field program. The program was led by our Iowa Director of Political Operations Gillian Rosenberg and included presentations from Betsy Myers (campaign Chief Operating Officer and Chair of National Women for Obama), Becky Carroll (National Director of Women for Obama), Gannet Tseggai (Iowa Deputy Press Secretary), Katie McCormick Lleyveld (Communications Director for Michelle Obama), Lauren Paige (Media Coordinator), and Anne Filipic (Iowa Field Director).

Sitting through the day, and listening to the ideas and conversations of all the participants, it was truly inspiring to see the incredible group of women that we have involved at the top levels in this campaign – all of whom believe that the key to tackling the issues that most affect women has to be changing our politics.

Barack stopped by the training to thank everyone for their time and energy, and was greeted by a standing ovation. He spoke about the importance of women's involvement in politics, all the strong women in his life, and how their values and wisdom continue to guide him every day.

In the grand tradition of women throughout history, Barack's supporters are those who want to get it done – those who want health insurance for themselves and their children, those who want their sisters and brothers to come home from Iraq and to be treated with respect and dignity upon their return, those who want a clean, beautiful, and healthy planet left behind for future generations. The women in the training want to get it done now, by renewing Americans' faith in our political leadership and ensuring that our standard bearer is someone who can unite those who disagree.

If you're in Iowa, contact your local field office to find out about a Women for Obama group near you. (If you're elsewhere, make sure you've signed up on this page!)

Liveblog: Barack's Foreign Policy Speech at Drake University in Des Moines

Jaime Mulligan — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 11:28:34 EDT

Barack is in Des Moines right now at Drake University to deliver a speech on foreign policy.

10:30 am. Barack is being introduced by Quentin Stephens, a Drake University law student and a U.S. Navy veteran. "What I like best about Senator Obama is that he would never place American men and women in danger for political gain."

10:32 am. Barack just began speaking. He congratulated Al Gore for winning the Nobel Peace Prize and the crowd responded with enthusiastic applause.

10:35 am. Today's speech will focus on foreign policy. Barack started by mentioning that yesterday was the five-year anniversary of the authorization of the Iraq War.

How we made that decision, and how we talk about it today is critical to understanding what we would do as President. Will we carefully evaluate the evidence and the consequences of action, or will we skip over the intelligence and scare people with the consequences of inaction? Will we make these decisions based on polls, or based on our principles? Will we have the courage to make the tough choice, or will we just choose the course that makes us look tough?

...There is no doubt that President Bush failed us in the run-up to war. But the American people weren’t just failed by the President – they were failed by the Congress. Too many members of Congress failed to ask hard questions. Too many members of Congress, including some of my opponents in this race, failed to read the National Intelligence Estimate for themselves – an intelligence report that was so unconvincing, and so filled with qualifications, that the chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee decided to vote against the war when he read it for himself. Too many Democrats fell in line with George Bush, and voted to give him the open-ended authority to wage war that he uses to this day. So let’s be clear: without that vote, there would be no war.

Senator John Edwards voted for the war in 2002. He has renounced that vote, instead of pretending that it was a vote for anything but war. Senator Clinton, on the other hand, makes a different argument. She says that she wasn’t really voting for war back in 2002, she was voting for more inspections, or she was voting for more diplomacy. But all of us know what was being debated in the Congress in 2002. We didn’t need to authorize a war in order to have United Nations weapons inspections. No one thought Congress was debating whether or not to conduct diplomacy. The headlines on October 12, 2002 did not read: “Congress authorizes diplomacy with Iraq” – the headlines on October 12, 2002 read “Congress backs war.

10:43 am. Barack is discussing the lessons of the Iraq War and our relations with Iran.

Five years later, we should all have learned the lessons of that vote – we should all have learned that you can’t give this Administration an excuse to wage war. But just last month, the Senate voted for an amendment that raises the risk that we could repeat the mistake of Iraq.

Here is why this amendment is so reckless. It opens with seventeen findings that highlight Iran’s influence inside of Iraq. Then it says we have to structure our military presence inside Iraq to counter Iran. It goes on to say that it is “a critical national interest of the United States” to prevent the Iranian government from exerting influence inside Iraq. Why is this amendment so dangerous? Because George Bush and Dick Cheney could use this language to justify keeping our troops in Iraq as long as they can point to a threat from Iran. And because they could use this language to justify an attack on Iran as a part of the ongoing war in Iraq.

I don’t want to give this President any excuse, or any opening for war. Because as we've learned with the authorization of the Iraq War – when you give this President a blank check, you can’t be surprised when he decides to cash it.

Among my Democratic opponents in this primary, Senator Clinton is the only Democratic candidate for president who supports this amendment. She said, like she did five years ago, that it is a way to support diplomacy. This is a real difference--I disagree. We all know that Iran poses a threat. We do need to mount international pressure to stop Iran’s nuclear program. We do need to tighten sanctions on the Iranian regime – particularly on Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, which supports terrorism. But this must be done separately from any saber-rattling about checking Iranian influence with our military presence in Iraq. We should not be arguing that our troops have to stay in Iraq to counter influence in Iran.

10:49 am.

Because I think the pundits have it wrong. I think the American people have had enough of politicians who go out of their way to look tough, who say one thing in a caucus and another in a general election. When I am the nominee of our party, the choice will be clear. My Republican opponent won’t be able to say that we both supported this war in Iraq. He won’t be able to say that we really agree about using the war in Iraq to justify military action against Iran, or about the diplomacy of not talking and simply saber-rattling instead. He won’t be able to say that I haven’t been open and straight with the American people. And you know what? The American people want that choice. Because I believe that’s what we need in our next President.

10:52 am.

A couple of months ago, Senator Clinton called me “naïve and irresponsible” for taking this position, and said that we could lose propaganda battles if we met with leaders we didn’t like. Just yesterday, though, she called for diplomacy with Iran without preconditions. So I’m not sure if any of us knows exactly where she stands on this. But I can tell you this: when I am President of the United States, the American people and the world will always know where I stand.

I don’t see how we can rally the world unless we have a President who is willing to lead. I’m not afraid that America will lose a propaganda battle with a petty tyrant – we need to go before the world and win those battles. And as President, I will.

You know, the cautious, conventional thinking in Washington says that Democrats can’t take these positions. Or that we need to say one thing in a caucus and primary campaign, but another in a general election. This is the conventional thinking that said that Democrats had to vote for war in 2002 because there was an election coming up – an election that we lost. The conventional thinking that says that Democrats can’t win elections, unless they talk, act and vote like Republicans when it comes to foreign policy and national security.

Well, I’m not running to conform to Washington’s conventional thinking – I’m running to challenge it. That’s what I did in 2002. That’s what I did in 2004. And that’s what I will do as President of the United States.

10:54 am. Barack just concluded his remarks. This wasn't scheduled to be a townhall but he's taking a few questions. One question was about nuclear disarmament and Barack is outlining the need to aggressively lock up nuclear weapons that are not secured, and to have the United States reengage in active talks with other countries about non-proliferation. "The bottom line is this--America can't just lead by trying to impose its will on other countries, America also has to lead by deed and example."

11:09 am. I just spoke to a few Drake students who were here for the speech---Joyce, Nina, and Katrina. All of them are Barack supporters, and we talked about why Barack is their candidate and what they thought about today's speech.

Nina talked about how she never supported the war, that Saddam Hussein was never where we should have been focusing our energy. "I like that Barack has a clear plan for withdrawal, and that he wants to us to begin talking to other nations again."

For more, check out our post from yesterday that includes our new web ad.

Blank Checks--And Five Years Ago Today

Jaime Mulligan — Thu, 11 Oct 2007 15:41:42 EDT

Five years ago today, our country started down a perilous path to war. Too many politicians followed the politics of the moment and voted to let George Bush invade Iraq. But one candidate for president showed the judgment and courage to stand strongly against something he knew was wrong.

Among the leading candidates for president, only Barack Obama had the foresight to oppose the Iraq war from the beginning. And now he’s got a plan to end our involvement there – strategically and safely.

Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it. That’s why Barack stood recently against a bill that could be used by the Bush administration to justify war against Iran.

We long ago learned that transparency of motive is not a strength of the current administration. And those in Congress who authorized the Iraq war in 2002 should have learned that lesson by now. Unfortunately, some have not.

The questions we need to ask ourselves about who should be the next Commander-in-Chief cannot be about who has been in Washington longest, or who can divide our country well-enough to get just a few votes more than the Republican. The questions must be about:

Who showed proper judgment on the single most important foreign-policy decision since the Cold War?
Who has a proven track record of speaking truth to power – even when it’s unpopular?
Who can take our government back from special interests and give it to the people?

Watch our new web ad – Blank Check – and tell us in the comments what you think.

Healthcare and Kids

Jaime Mulligan — Sat, 06 Oct 2007 11:36:00 EDT

There are certain times when legislation has a tangible, positive impact on the daily lives of millions of Americans. Unfortunately, it's all too rare that such proposals actually make it through legislative bodies that crumble under lobbyist pressure.

But sometimes politicians come together – or are brought together – and actually get something done because it is the right thing to do.

One of these moments came when then-State Senator Barack Obama sponsored and brought people together to extend health care to an additional 20,000 children and 65,000 Illinois adults after just one year. By 2007, Barack’s efforts expanded health care to 70,000 kids and 84,000 adults who otherwise wouldn’t have it.

Another of these moments came about a decade ago when the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) was created. It was the difficult, across-the-aisle work of people like Sen. Ted Kennedy and Sen. Orrin Hatch that made it possible. SCHIP is specifically designed to assist children who fall through the health-care cracks when their working parents make too much to qualify for Medicaid but not enough to afford the skyrocketing costs of private insurance.

Just last week, we had another of these moments when a coalition of Democrats and Republicans came together and voted as public servants to pass an expansion of SCHIP. In Iowa the bill would have extended health care to approximately 26,400 children. Across the country, it would have provided assistance to thousands of American families, and it had the support of 72% of Americans.

But President Bush vetoed the bill.

So a couple days ago, several Obama supporters went to a rally in downtown Des Moines to encourage Congress to override the veto.

On the veto, Senator Obama had this to say:

With one stroke of the pen, the President has denied basic health coverage to 26,400 children in Iowa, putting ideology ahead of compassion and common sense. At a time when we’re spending billions of dollars on a war that should never have been authorized and giving billions in tax breaks to the wealthiest Americans, today’s veto of this bipartisan plan shows a callousness of priorities that is offensive to the ideals we hold as Americans. But George Bush doesn’t have the last word, and I will keep fighting for the Republican votes needed to override his veto.

As the wealthiest nation on earth, there is no reason we shouldn’t be able to cover every child. As President, I’ll sign a universal health care bill into law by the end of my first term that will cover every American, and cut costs more dramatically than any other plan offered by a candidate in this race. And I’ll do it by bringing Republicans and Democrats together – like I did when I was in the Illinois state Senate, when I helped expand health care for an additional 150,000 children and their parents.

If there’s one thing all of us should be able to agree on, no matter what our political views, it’s that our children should get the treatment they need when they need it. And when I’m president, they will.

You can call the U.S. Capitol switchboard at 202-224-3121 to tell them what you think about this veto. You can also click here to read more about Barack's positions that will ensure that all Americans have access to affordable, quality healthcare.

Barack in Mason City: Caring for Our Veterans

Jaime Mulligan — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 16:55:40 EDT

Nick wrote yesterday about Barack's stop in Waterloo where Barack outlined his vision for providing adequate service for the National Guard. Today, Barack stopped in Mason City where he spoke at length about the sacred trust we must keep with all our veterans.

Simply put: we will be there for you, just as you were there for us.

Our veterans have served admirably and carried out their mission brilliantly. But we haven't kept our trust with them in recent years.

In his own words, here's how Barack will bring us back to a time when our veterans' service is fully honored when they come home:

Caring for those who serve is a cost of war. And it’s past time to bring our veterans care into the 21st century. I’ve introduced legislation in the Senate that would give every service-member individual electronic medical and service records. These records will immediately transfer to the VA. And we’ll make every record in the Veterans Benefits Administration electronic. No more stacks of paper. No more failure to link up records between the Pentagon and the VA. We need a system that is more efficient, more responsive, and more capable of serving our veterans.

As President, I won’t stand for hundreds of thousands of veterans waiting for benefits. We’ll hire additional claims workers. We’ll bring together veterans groups and the VA to work out a claims process that is fair and fast. And instead of shutting veterans out, we’ll make sure that our disabled vets receive the benefits they deserve, and we’ll allow all veterans back into the VA health care system.

And when I’m President, we’ll have a simple policy when it comes to homeless veterans: zero tolerance. We’ll expand housing vouchers. We’ll set up a new supportive services program to prevent at-risk veterans and their families from sliding into homelessness. We’ll stand with veterans in their hour of need, just as they have stood up for us.

Doing Our Part: Barack in Charles City

Jaime Mulligan — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 14:14:13 EDT

Barack stopped by the Charles City YMCA today for a Meet the Candidate event. He thanked everyone in attendance and gave a shoutout to local organizer Annick Febrey, who's running our office at 200 North Main Street (Suite 5) here in Charles City. He asked everyone to make him look good to her by signing a supporter card before they left the event.

He took several questions - ranging from Social Security and Medicare to Iran and No Child Left Behind.

A high schooler asked him what he would say to students. Here's Barack's response:

The issues in this campaign are going to affect them much more than they're going to affect me…it's the next generation that's bearing the burden…What I want young people to understand is that they have more at stake than anybody in this campaign, in this election, and we want them involved, not just as bystanders to history but makers of history.

Over and over Barack stressed that there is an aspect of personal responsibility that Americans need to take on in order to tackle all these issues.

He talked about parents stepping in to turn off the TV to make sure kids are doing their homework. He also mentioned the need to make good decisions about our personal health and an easy way to help conserve energy is for each of us to buy energy-efficient lightbulbs. He talked about the tradition of Americans in stepping up to the plate to sacrifice for the things we know must change.

After so many years of a president not really asking us to do much - other than go shopping - to show our patriotism, many found it refreshing to have a leader not just propose comprehensive policy solutions like Barack outlines, but to take the time to emphasize the actions people cand do to do their part.

What do you think? What's one thing you can go out and do today to do your part? I'm double-checking on my light bulbs when I get home.

Iowa BarackStars in Action

Jaime Mulligan — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 20:20:48 EDT

A huge part of what this campaign is about is making sure everyone has a chance to engage in the political process, and a lot of the people leading the way in the effort are high school students here in Iowa.

The Dubuque County BarackStars have a post here about their activities the weekend of the Harkin Steak Fry that is definitely worth checking out.

Dubuque County BarackStars posing with their t-shirts

And just this past weekend, the Waukee BarackStars were out in full force representing the campaign in Dallas County, participating in both the Waukee Fallfest Parade and the Waukee High School Homecoming Parade.

You may have seen our other post about the Valley Tigers and the Roosevelt Roughriders homecoming parades and the Obama supporters in those. We're excited that so many young people are so fired up and ready to go.

Are you a high school supporter of Barack? Are you local in your high school's BarackStar chapter? Leave your thoughts in the comments! If you're not involved yet, but want to learn more, contact your local field office.

Homecoming!

Jaime Mulligan — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 16:38:43 EDT

It's homecoming week and the parades and the games are on! Here in Des Moines our high school volunteers – BarackStars – are out representing Obama. And, true to our grassroots base, they’re getting new students signed up and involved!

Here are some pictures from the Valley parade yesterday:

And earlier this afternoon we hit up the Roosevelt parade, where the Obama group was just behind the homecoming court. We found some friends and new supporters in the dance team:

Here's some more shots from Roosevelt, during and right after the parade ended:

Tonight, Roosevelt is playing Ottumwa, and Valley is taking on Ames. Both games start at 7:30. Good luck everyone!!!

Are you a high school student who's interested in finding out more about Barack, or how a campaign works? Contact your local field office and check us out. Many offices have high school night on Tuesdays – see if there's one near you!

In the Iowa Spotlight: Edith

Jaime Mulligan — Sun, 23 Sep 2007 21:26:08 EDT

Edith, a Des Moines resident, has spent her life in the field of education. After graduating from Drake University, she taught preschool, junior high school, and adult education classes. Having dedicated so many years to teaching, education is a particularly important issue for Edith. She believes that educational opportunities should be equal for everyone – not based on your lot in life.

Edith grew up in Kansas and went to school in the early 1940s, when schools were still segregated. She says that when she moved to Iowa in the late 1940s, schools had begun to integrate and she knew that the country was moving in the right direction. Edith believes that we've made progress as a country over the last several decades, but she worries that we've gotten "off track" in the last few years. Ultimately, though, Edith believes that Senator Obama will get us moving in the right direction again.

Edith is inspired by Senator Obama. She says she is impressed with his experience passing important bills in the Illinois State Senate, and that she believes Barack is a "family man" with strong values.

I believe that Senator Obama will change our country for the better. He will bring people together and make sure that everyone is protected.

Edith has taken her passion and commitment for Senator Obama to the next level. She comes into our office in Des Moines twice a week and volunteers to make phone calls. She also encourages her friends to caucus for Senator Obama because she feels he is the one candidate with the ability to truly bring our communities together.

Edith has decided that Senator Obama's time has come to lead us in that new direction and she's helping him get there every week. Yesterday, many Iowans joined us to knock on doors across the state and bring Barack's message to the doorstep.

What inspires you to work for change?

Knocking for Change This Weekend

Jaime Mulligan — Sun, 23 Sep 2007 00:17:13 EDT

Today we've had a bunch of events with Barack, but all over Iowa our staff and volunteers are also participating in a statewide canvass, knocking on doors in 46 areas of the state..

Pictures are coming in and it looks like everyone's had a pretty good day out there, despite all types of weather---

Sioux City:

Iowa City:

To see if there's a canvass near you, cliick here.

Seniors Town Hall in Ames

Jaime Mulligan — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 20:40:06 EDT

A grandmother, Pat, and her grandson, Chris, introduced Barack today at the Senior Townhall in Ames. Chris is the president of the Ames High School BarackStar program.

BarackStars, if you aren't familiar, are the high schoolers involved in the Obama campaign here in Iowa. (You can find a chapter near you by clicking here.)

A big issue at this town hall today was health care. One person asked Barack why the insurance companies still need to be involved the system. An excerpt from Barack's response:

Here's the bottom line. If I were designing a system from scratch I would probably set up a single-payer system...But we're not designing a system from scratch...And when we had a healthcare forum before I set up my healthcare plan here in Iowa there was a lot of resistance to a single-payer system. So what I believe is we should set up a series of choices....Over time it may be that we end up transitioning to such a system. For now, I just want to make sure every American is covered...I don't want to wait for that perfect system...The one thing you should ask about the candidates though is who's gonna have the capacity to actually deliver on the change?...I believe I've got a better capacity to break the gridlock and attract both Independents and Republicans to work together.

He also discussed the Medicare doughnut hole. The doughnut hole is a provision in a bill written by special interests that was forced through Congress by Republicans literally in the dead of night. As a result of that provision, thousands of Americans now fall into the hole each year, and are faced with paying hundreds and hundreds of dollars for their prescription medication or halting their physician-proscribed treatment. When asked whether he would fix this, Barack responded with an unequivocal yes.

Barack was asked about transparency in government. "I do not believe in secrecy. I do not believe in the imperial presidency. I believe that the vice presidency is actually part of the executive branch...I taught constitutional law for ten years. I believe in the constitution. I know that's a big change. The next president is going to need that bias towards opening up our government again." He referred people to the website to learn more about his plan in this area.

The townhall ended with a standing ovation for Barack.

Cyclones Come Out for Barack

Jaime Mulligan — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 15:59:33 EDT

This afternoon, 4000+ students gathered in Central Campus to hear Barack's message of hope and change.

He discussed the need to end the game playing that has characterized the political process in this country for so long. But he also talked about how in order for that to happen, it isn't enough for him to even be elected---that true change comes from the bottom up, and it will require all of us, especially the younger generation, to come together and leave the cynicism about the political process at the door.

You have to be involved...the cynics in Washington are counting on you not paying attention...If you believe in yourselves, in your own ability to bring about change...we will transform a nation.

Barack also asked any supporters in the crowd to participate in our "4 more" program. Two Iowans who recruit four new Iowa Obama supporters will be selected to represent Iowa and join Barack at one of our biggest and most historic rallies to date in New York City next Thursday. You can click here for more info on the contest: http://iowa.barackobama.com/4more.

(One of the 4 more supporter cards.)

Were you at the rally? Click here to see more pictures. Tell us your thoughts in the comments.

Harkin Steak Fry Pictures

Jaime Mulligan — Sun, 16 Sep 2007 22:16:19 EDT

Lots of pictures keep coming in! Check out this slideshow.

Harkin Steak Fry, Continued

Jaime Mulligan — Sun, 16 Sep 2007 17:55:52 EDT

It has been an absolutely amazing day---so many supporters, so much enthusiasm. Some numbers for you: 3000 supporters, 2000 Obama tshirts, 200 volunteers involved in putting this together, 15 buses, 10 bus staging locations.

Barack came by the pre-rally and spoke to our crowd:

After his remarks, everyone was completely fired up and ready to go. Led by Barack and the Isiserettes, our thousands of supporters started their way to the Steak Fry grounds---about half a mile up the road.

Turning around at the top of the hill, all you could see was a huge mass of Obama supporters:

Barack was the first speaker of the candidates. It was safe to say that the crowd was a sea of "O" signs, waving, people cheering.

We'll have more details later...Check back!!!

Faith Forums here in Iowa

Jaime Mulligan — Sat, 15 Sep 2007 13:07:23 EDT

On Thursday night in Des Moines, our campaign held a faith forum. The campaign's national director of religious affairs, Joshua DuBois, started things off by saying that we had gathered to discuss two things you're never supposed to to raise at dinner party or on a date: faith and politics.

He had people throw out values or words they associate with their faith: justice, stewardship, ethics, peace, love, mercy, reconciliation, dignity, kindness, family, healing, community. He then asked people to throw out words that are associated with faith in the public discourse: self-righteous, exploitative, judgmental, fear, ignorance, hypocrite, misinterpretation, ignored completely.

We all kind of stood back after this exercise, and Josh gave voice to what many of us were thinking. "Why the disconnect?" The question then becomes what role we want faith to have in politics in a diverse, multicultural community. The goal of these forums---like everything else in the campaign---is to get us talking to each other. In that spirit, we all found a partner who we didn't know, and talked about three questions:

My Family: Tell us a story about some real, practical ways that the next President of the United State should affect your life?
My Faith: What does your faith tell you about working to change your community?
My President: How should a President approach faith and politics?

Here's some attendees listening to each other's ideas:

We've been having these events all over the state--here's a video of our Iowa City forum:

Barack Obama is very open about his faith and how it informs his values. But he believes there must be a very clear line between religion and government. And our president must let universal values guide his governance of our nation.

What are your thoughts about the questions posed in the faith forums? Feel free to talk in the comments.

This Sunday: The Harkin Steak Fry

Jaime Mulligan — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 17:48:29 EDT

Tom Harkin's Steak Fry is legendary, one of the great traditions in Iowa politics. This Sunday, Democratic presidential candidates will all be present to speak to thousands in the Indianola Balloon Field. Barack will be there, of course---just like he was last year.

This will be a great opportunity to show the strong organization we've built up here in Iowa. Watch our new trailer and join the excitement:

The Steak Fry itself is from 1-4 pm. But we've got to spend some time getting ready to cheer for our candidate!

Obama Campaign Pre-Rally
Sun, Sep 16 at 11:30 am
Pickard Park RV Camp Ground
Intersection of Highway 92 and 150 St
Indianola

We'll be handing out signs and T-shirts---and rumor has it that Senator Obama might also stop by our pre-rally.

You need a ticket to get into the Steak Fry, so be sure to get one on Senator Harkin's website at www.tomharkin.com---or you can also get them at the door.

Hope to see you on Sunday!!!

Liveblog: Barack's Speech on Iraq in Clinton, Iowa

Jaime Mulligan — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 14:21:46 EDT

1:22 pm. Barack is about to arrive. The crowd is humming. There are about 400+ people here.

One attendee, George, says that there's a consensus in the country that we need to get out of Iraq. He's undecided but thinks that Barack's message on Iraq so far is on the right track. He's looking forward to hearing the speech today.

Here's a quick picture of the scene:

1:45 pm. Zbigniew Brzezsinki, national security advisor to President Carter, received a standing ovation from the crowd when he began speaking. "The choice that you will be making will define America's role."

The fundamental historical misjudgment [of the war in Iraq] must be addressed...The next president must be someone with a demonstrated grasp of the historical moment. That is the essence of true leadership, that is the key to genuine historical experience. The next person must be a person who understands, even personalizes, the global quest for diversity and dignity.

1:50 pm. Barack just began speaking to another standing ovation and enthusiastic applause. He started off with a story about a woman he met in New Hampshire whose nephew was about to depart for Iraq. She told Barack: "I can’t breathe. I want to know when I am going to be able to breathe again."

1:56 pm. Barack is now talking about where we've been and where we are:

After 9/11, instead of the politics of unity, we got a politics that involved division...a political strategy of division with the war in Iraq as its centerpiece. The only thing we were asked to do for our country is support a misguided war and to go shopping. We lost that sense of common purpose as Americans. And we’re not going to be a truly united and resolute America until we can stop holding our breath, until we can come together and reclaim our foreign policy and our politics, and end this war that has cost us too much.

So there is something unreal about the debate that’s been taking place in Washington...

With all that our troops and their families have sacrificed, with all this war has cost us, and with no discernible end in sight, the same people who told us we would be greeted as liberators, about democracy spreading across the Middle East, about striking a decisive blow against terrorism, about an insurgency in its last throes – those same people are now trumpeting the uneven and precarious containment of brutal sectarian violence as if it validates all of their failed decisions.

2:04 pm. Barack is outlining his specific plan for removal of our troops from the civil war in Iraq.

Let me be clear: there is no military solution in Iraq. There never was. The best way to protect our security and to pressure Iraq’s leaders to resolve their civil war is to immediately begin to remove our combat troops. Not in six months or one year – but now.

He's proposing that we start pulling troops out now and continue at a pace of one or two brigades every month to make sure we're out of Iraq by the end of next summer. He is proposing to do it in a responsible way that still protects U.S. facilities and still have the ability to go after the real threats we face.

2:07 pm. Another major part of his comprehensive plan is a diplomatic surge in the region--

At every stage of this war, we have suffered because of disdain for diplomacy. We have not brought our allies to the table. We have refused to talk to people we don’t like. And we failed to build a consensus in the region. As a result, Iraq is more violent, the region is less stable, and America is less secure.

We need to launch the most aggressive diplomatic effort in recent history to reach a new compact in the region. This effort should include all Iraq's neighbors...all of us have a stake in Iraq's stability. It's time to make this debate less about what the world can do for Iraq and what the world will do with Iraq.

...[this effort] means helping our Turkish and Kurdish friends reach an understanding. That means pressing Sunni states like Saudi Arabia to encourage Iraqi Sunnis to reconcile with their fellow Iraqis. And that means turning the page on the Bush-Cheney policy of not talking to Syria and Iran.

2:14 pm. Humanitarian concerns are another part of Barack's proposal. He's talking about refugees and war crimes, and the need for multilateral actions, including the U.N. and countries like Jordan, Lebanon, Egypt and Syria, to address the havoc that this war has caused.

…what’s at stake is bigger than this war – it’s our global leadership. Now is the time to be bold. We must not stay the course or take the conventional path because the other course is unknown. To quote Dr. Brzezinski – we must not allow ourselves to become “prisoners of uncertainty.

2:20 pm. Barack just concluded his speech:

…I’m here today because it’s not too late to come together as Americans – because we’re not going to be able to deal with the challenges that confront us until we end this war. We can do all that we can and say that we will not be prisoners of uncertainty. That we reject the conventional thinking that led us into Iraq and that didn’t ask hard questions until it was too late. We can learn from our past mistakes. What we can say is that we are ready for something new and something bold and something principled.

In other words, it’s time for us to breathe again. That begins with ending this war – but it does not end there. It’s time to reclaim our foreign policy. It’s time to reclaim our politics. Most of all it's time to lead this country and this world again... to a new dawn of peace and unity.

2:46 pm. We just spoke to some people who were here for the speech. This is David:

He's a supporter and believes Barack has a balanced view where foreign relations is concerned. "Barack is different from what we've heard; he has diplomatic solutions---which have been lacking over the last five years."

Another person, talking about Barack's vision for turning the page on our foreign policy, said, "It's how you act, not how you react. It defines whether you're moving forward or moving back."

What did you think of the speech? What do you think should be done with America's foreign policy, moving forward?

Running for Barack

Jaime Mulligan — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 17:22:23 EDT

On Saturday, the Governor's Cup Race and Walk for Homeless Youth Centers took place in downtown Des Moines. A few Obama staffers decided to participate. And because we always make sure to represent for the next president, our own Lukas McGowan, field organizer in Dallas County, was forced to win the entire race:

Luke and Governor Chet Culver

Luke is very humble about his win, which caused quite a stir in our office – since many of us aren't the most avid runners and sustain our existence on takeout and microwaveable meals. We are definitely happy that Barack has a comprehensive healthcare plan.

The fact that Luke won the race without training forced us to ask how he did it. It turns out he’s quite the athlete, having played basketball and soccer, and run track and cross country.

And we’re glad that he was wearing his Obama t-shirt on Saturday!

Are you a runner in the Des Moines area? Join our group Running for Barack. We get together on Wednesdays at 7 a.m. at the South Entrance of Gray's Lake off Fleur Drive. Make sure you join the group for other updates. Come join us!

Hearing From You

Jaime Mulligan — Fri, 07 Sep 2007 12:28:32 EDT

It's all about listening. Today is the second day of a 12-community tour here in Iowa that features Barack’s top policy advisors. Mark Alexander, Cassandra Butts, Judy Gold, Austan Goolsbee, Jason Grumet, Howard Learner, Samantha Power, and Daniel Tarullo are here to get your input on how a future President Obama should approach the major issues facing our country.

The star power of Barack’s policy team is definitely strong - there's a former assistant secretary of state, a Fulbright scholar, a Pulitzer Prize winner and the campaign's policy director, among many other policy well-qualified advisors. Check out the bio s for each of the advisors on the tour.

But these experts--like Barack--know that the key to good policy is not just in issuing ten-point plans based on abstract thought at Washington think tanks.The key to good policy is in actually listening to ordinary, working Americans – the people who are actually affected by the policies put in place by Washington. An example Barack uses often is No Child Left Behind. If teachers had actually been listened to, we wouldn’t be having the problems we have today.

So if you can, try to stop by one of the many events. If you can't make them, check out this page and send us your stories and comments on one or more areas of policy.

It is time for us to make our government of, for and by the people again--but we need everybody. What do you think should be done?