Obama HQ Blogger

Introducing Mitch Stewart

Christopher Hass — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 14:44:53 EST

On Friday, Campaign Manager David Plouffe introduced Mitch Stewart as the new Executive Director of Organizing for America:

In addition to the video, David Plouffe sent supporters the following message:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thank you,

David

David Plouffe
Campaign Manager
Obama for America

President Obama's Weekly Address

Christopher Hass — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 16:35:07 EST

From WhiteHouse.gov:

In his first weekly address since being sworn in as the 44th president of the United States, President Barack Obama discusses how the American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan will jump-start the economy.
"This is not just a short-term program to boost employment," he said. "It’s one that will invest in our most important priorities like energy and education; health care and a new infrastructure that are necessary to keep us strong and competitive in the 21st century."
The Administration is still working with Congress to refine the plan, but in the address, President Obama lays out the key priorities. He goes into detail, noting that the plan will update our electric grid by laying more than 3,000 miles of transmission lines; weatherize 2.5 million homes; protect health insurance for more than 8 million Americans in danger of losing their coverage; secure 90 major ports; renovate 10,000 schools; and triple the number of science fellowships.
Watch the President's weekly address below:

Organizing for America

Christopher Hass — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 16:28:49 EST

In case you missed it, last Saturday then-President-elect Obama announced the next step for the unprecedented grassroots movement that grew out of this campaign: Organizing for America.

Video: President Barack Obama's Inaugural Address

Christopher Hass — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 13:51:23 EST

Open Thread: Endings and Beginnings

Christopher Hass — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 10:07:31 EST

From Change.gov:

President Barack Obama's Inaugural Address

Christopher Hass — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 13:47:21 EST

As prepared for delivery:

My fellow citizens:

I stand here today humbled by the task before us, grateful for the trust you have bestowed, mindful of the sacrifices borne by our ancestors. I thank President Bush for his service to our nation, as well as the generosity and cooperation he has shown throughout this transition.

Forty-four Americans have now taken the presidential oath. The words have been spoken during rising tides of prosperity and the still waters of peace. Yet, every so often the oath is taken amidst gathering clouds and raging storms. At these moments, America has carried on not simply because of the skill or vision of those in high office, but because We the People have remained faithful to the ideals of our forbearers, and true to our founding documents.

So it has been. So it must be with this generation of Americans.

That we are in the midst of crisis is now well understood. Our nation is at war, against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred. Our economy is badly weakened, a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some, but also our collective failure to make hard choices and prepare the nation for a new age. Homes have been lost; jobs shed; businesses shuttered. Our health care is too costly; our schools fail too many; and each day brings further evidence that the ways we use energy strengthen our adversaries and threaten our planet.

These are the indicators of crisis, subject to data and statistics. Less measurable but no less profound is a sapping of confidence across our land - a nagging fear that America's decline is inevitable, and that the next generation must lower its sights.

Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America - they will be met.

On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord.

On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn out dogmas, that for far too long have strangled our politics.

We remain a young nation, but in the words of Scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things. The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness.

In reaffirming the greatness of our nation, we understand that greatness is never a given. It must be earned. Our journey has never been one of short-cuts or settling for less. It has not been the path for the faint-hearted - for those who prefer leisure over work, or seek only the pleasures of riches and fame. Rather, it has been the risk-takers, the doers, the makers of things - some celebrated but more often men and women obscure in their labor, who have carried us up the long, rugged path towards prosperity and freedom.

For us, they packed up their few worldly possessions and traveled across oceans in search of a new life.

For us, they toiled in sweatshops and settled the West; endured the lash of the whip and plowed the hard earth.

For us, they fought and died, in places like Concord and Gettysburg; Normandy and Khe Sanh.

Time and again these men and women struggled and sacrificed and worked till their hands were raw so that we might live a better life. They saw America as bigger than the sum of our individual ambitions; greater than all the differences of birth or wealth or faction.

This is the journey we continue today. We remain the most prosperous, powerful nation on Earth. Our workers are no less productive than when this crisis began. Our minds are no less inventive, our goods and services no less needed than they were last week or last month or last year. Our capacity remains undiminished. But our time of standing pat, of protecting narrow interests and putting off unpleasant decisions - that time has surely passed. Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America.

For everywhere we look, there is work to be done. The state of the economy calls for action, bold and swift, and we will act - not only to create new jobs, but to lay a new foundation for growth. We will build the roads and bridges, the electric grids and digital lines that feed our commerce and bind us together. We will restore science to its rightful place, and wield technology's wonders to raise health care's quality and lower its cost. We will harness the sun and the winds and the soil to fuel our cars and run our factories. And we will transform our schools and colleges and universities to meet the demands of a new age. All this we can do. And all this we will do.

Now, there are some who question the scale of our ambitions - who suggest that our system cannot tolerate too many big plans. Their memories are short. For they have forgotten what this country has already done; what free men and women can achieve when imagination is joined to common purpose, and necessity to courage.

What the cynics fail to understand is that the ground has shifted beneath them - that the stale political arguments that have consumed us for so long no longer apply. The question we ask today is not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether it works - whether it helps families find jobs at a decent wage, care they can afford, a retirement that is dignified. Where the answer is yes, we intend to move forward. Where the answer is no, programs will end. And those of us who manage the public's dollars will be held to account - to spend wisely, reform bad habits, and do our business in the light of day - because only then can we restore the vital trust between a people and their government.

Nor is the question before us whether the market is a force for good or ill. Its power to generate wealth and expand freedom is unmatched, but this crisis has reminded us that without a watchful eye, the market can spin out of control - and that a nation cannot prosper long when it favors only the prosperous. The success of our economy has always depended not just on the size of our Gross Domestic Product, but on the reach of our prosperity; on our ability to extend opportunity to every willing heart - not out of charity, but because it is the surest route to our common good.

As for our common defense, we reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals. Our Founding Fathers, faced with perils we can scarcely imagine, drafted a charter to assure the rule of law and the rights of man, a charter expanded by the blood of generations. Those ideals still light the world, and we will not give them up for expedience's sake. And so to all other peoples and governments who are watching today, from the grandest capitals to the small village where my father was born: know that America is a friend of each nation and every man, woman, and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity, and that we are ready to lead once more.

Recall that earlier generations faced down fascism and communism not just with missiles and tanks, but with sturdy alliances and enduring convictions. They understood that our power alone cannot protect us, nor does it entitle us to do as we please. Instead, they knew that our power grows through its prudent use; our security emanates from the justness of our cause, the force of our example, the tempering qualities of humility and restraint.

We are the keepers of this legacy. Guided by these principles once more, we can meet those new threats that demand even greater effort - even greater cooperation and understanding between nations. We will begin to responsibly leave Iraq to its people, and forge a hard-earned peace in Afghanistan. With old friends and former foes, we will work tirelessly to lessen the nuclear threat, and roll back the specter of a warming planet. We will not apologize for our way of life, nor will we waver in its defense, and for those who seek to advance their aims by inducing terror and slaughtering innocents, we say to you now that our spirit is stronger and cannot be broken; you cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you.

For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus - and non-believers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth; and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace.

To the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect. To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society's ills on the West - know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy. To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.

To the people of poor nations, we pledge to work alongside you to make your farms flourish and let clean waters flow; to nourish starved bodies and feed hungry minds. And to those nations like ours that enjoy relative plenty, we say we can no longer afford indifference to suffering outside our borders; nor can we consume the world's resources without regard to effect. For the world has changed, and we must change with it.

As we consider the road that unfolds before us, we remember with humble gratitude those brave Americans who, at this very hour, patrol far-off deserts and distant mountains. They have something to tell us today, just as the fallen heroes who lie in Arlington whisper through the ages. We honor them not only because they are guardians of our liberty, but because they embody the spirit of service; a willingness to find meaning in something greater than themselves. And yet, at this moment - a moment that will define a generation - it is precisely this spirit that must inhabit us all.

For as much as government can do and must do, it is ultimately the faith and determination of the American people upon which this nation relies. It is the kindness to take in a stranger when the levees break, the selflessness of workers who would rather cut their hours than see a friend lose their job which sees us through our darkest hours. It is the firefighter's courage to storm a stairway filled with smoke, but also a parent's willingness to nurture a child, that finally decides our fate.

Our challenges may be new. The instruments with which we meet them may be new. But those values upon which our success depends - hard work and honesty, courage and fair play, tolerance and curiosity, loyalty and patriotism - these things are old. These things are true. They have been the quiet force of progress throughout our history. What is demanded then is a return to these truths. What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility - a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation, and the world, duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task.

This is the price and the promise of citizenship.

This is the source of our confidence - the knowledge that God calls on us to shape an uncertain destiny.

This is the meaning of our liberty and our creed - why men and women and children of every race and every faith can join in celebration across this magnificent mall, and why a man whose father less than sixty years ago might not have been served at a local restaurant can now stand before you to take a most sacred oath.

So let us mark this day with remembrance, of who we are and how far we have traveled. In the year of America's birth, in the coldest of months, a small band of patriots huddled by dying campfires on the shores of an icy river. The capital was abandoned. The enemy was advancing. The snow was stained with blood. At a moment when the outcome of our revolution was most in doubt, the father of our nation ordered these words be read to the people:

"Let it be told to the future world...that in the depth of winter, when nothing but hope and virtue could survive...that the city and the country, alarmed at one common danger, came forth to meet [it]."

America. In the face of our common dangers, in this winter of our hardship, let us remember these timeless words. With hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come. Let it be said by our children's children that when we were tested we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God's grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations.

Inauguration Open Thread

Christopher Hass — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 06:44:42 EST

You can watch the Swearing-In ceremony live today at PIC2009.org beginning at 11:00 a.m.

It's been a long time coming, but today is the moment you've worked for, and waited for. This is your Inauguration Open Thread . . .

From the Presidential Inaugural Committee: Today and Tomorrow

Christopher Hass — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 23:50:47 EST

From Emmett Beliveau, Executive Director of the Presidential Inaugural Committee:

Today, Americans in all 50 states answered President-elect Obama's call to service.

Thousands of people stood up to renew America together, doing everything from working in homeless shelters and mentoring young people, to assembling more than 80,000 care packages for our troops at a service event here in Washington, D.C.

Thank you for a great day of service.

Tomorrow, Barack Obama and Joe Biden will be sworn-in as President and Vice President of the United States.

You can watch the Swearing-In ceremony live on at PIC2009.org beginning at 11:00 a.m.

In the evening, we will be throwing the first-ever Neighborhood Ball, a nationwide celebration of change -- and you don't have to be in the nation's capital to join in the festivities.

ABC will broadcast the Washington, D.C. Neighborhood Ball beginning at 8:00 p.m. EST, and people at Neighborhood Balls across the country will be sending in photos and videos of their celebrations. Some may even be featured in the official Inaugural book.

I encourage you to share your own photos and stories.

You can also text OBAMA to 56333 for instructions on how to send in congratulation messages and pictures from your mobile phone.

This inauguration is more than just the beginning of a new administration. It is the beginning of a nationwide spirit of unity and service.

I hope you will stay involved in the effort to renew America together.

Thank you,

Emmett

Emmett S. Beliveau
Executive Director
Presidential Inaugural Committee

President-Elect Obama on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day: "Our separate dreams are one"

Christopher Hass — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 14:15:48 EST

President-elect Obama joined Americans across the country today in honoring the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. by joining in one of the 11,000 public service planned for today. This morning he released an official statement honoring Dr. King:

Today, we celebrate the life of a preacher who, more than forty-five years ago, stood on our national mall in the shadow of Lincoln and shared his dream for our nation. His was a vision that all Americans might share the freedom to make of our lives what we will; that our children might climb higher than we would.

Dr. Martin Luther King's was a life lived in loving service to others. As we honor that legacy, it's not a day just to pause and reflect - it's a day to act. Today, ordinary citizens will gather together all across the country to participate in the more than eleven thousand service projects they've created using USAservice.org. And I ask the American people to turn today's efforts into an ongoing commitment to enriching the lives of others in their communities, their cities, and their country.

Tomorrow, we will come together as one people on the same mall where Dr. King's dream echoes still. As we do, we recognize that here in America, our destinies are inextricably linked. We resolve that as we walk, we must walk together. And as we go forward in the work of renewing the promise of this nation, let's remember King's lesson - that our separate dreams are really one.

Today President-elect Obama participated in the renovation of a "safe space" housing for homeless and "disconnected" teenagers at Sasha Bruce Youthwork (SBY). For more than 30 years, SBY has helped at-risk youth and their families in Washington, DC. CNN reported:

The shelter provides a variety of services -- including counseling, job training, and substance abuse prevention assistance -- for up to 15 teenagers at a time.

Roughly 30 teenagers are spending the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday volunteering at the shelter by helping to renovate a dorm room.

Obama rolled up his sleeves and pitched in during the visit, using a roller to help paint a couple of walls and a piece of furniture.

He also quoted King to the teenagers, noting that "everybody can be great [because] everybody can serve."

"Don't underestimate the power of people who join together to accomplish amazing things," Obama added. Given the crisis America is currently in, "we can't allow any idle hands. Everybody's got to pitch in."

You can find more information on today's service events at USAservice.org.

Open Thread: A Call to Serve

Christopher Hass — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 19:48:02 EST

President-Elect Obama at the Lincoln Memorial: "You made this belief real"

Christopher Hass — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 17:50:07 EST

During today's Inaugural Celebration at the Lincoln Memorial, President-elect Obama spoke to throngs of gathered supporters about the road traveled and the road ahead, as well as the role that they played in making this moment possible:

As I stand here tonight, what gives me the greatest hope of all is not the stone and marble that surrounds us today, but what fills the spaces in between. It is you - Americans of every race and region and station who came here because you believe in what this country can be and because you want to help us get there.

It is the same thing that gave me hope from the day we began this campaign for the presidency nearly two years ago; a belief that if we could just recognize ourselves in one another and bring everyone together - Democrats, Republicans, and Independents; Latino, Asian, and Native American; black and white, gay and straight, disabled and not - then not only would we restore hope and opportunity in places that yearned for both, but maybe, just maybe, we might perfect our union in the process.

This is what I believed, but you made this belief real. You proved once more that people who love this country can change it. And as I prepare to assume the presidency, yours are the voices I will take with me every day I walk into that Oval Office - the voices of men and women who have different stories but hold common hopes; who ask only for what was promised us as Americans - that we might make of our lives what we will and see our children climb higher than we did.

Read the full text of President-elect Obama's remarks, as prepared for delivery.

Watch the "We Are One" Inaugural Celeberation on HBO

Christopher Hass — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 13:35:52 EST

Televised to the nation, the "We Are One" Opening Celebration is a declaration of common purpose and new beginnings. Today's performance will be grounded in history and brought to life with entertainment that relates to the themes that shaped Barack Obama and which will be the hallmarks of his administration.

HBO is televising the event on an open signal, working with all of its distributors to allow Americans across the country with access to cable, telcos or satellite television to join in the Opening Celebration for free.

You can also watch the Inaugural Celebration online HBO.com/weareone.

UPDATED: Live coverage has ended, but you can watch a rebroadcast of the "We Are One" Inaugural Celebration on HBO tonight at 7:00pm ET, 11:00pm ET, and 2:30am ET.

Message from David Plouffe: "What are you doing tomorrow?"

Christopher Hass — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 11:53:42 EST

In 1994, Congress transformed the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday into a national day of community service to further commemorate a man who lived his life in service to others. As a tribute to that legacy and the very real needs of our nation, the President-elect and Vice President-elect have launched a national organizing effort on the eve of their Inauguration to engage Americans in service.

This morning, David Plouffe sent out a message inviting supporters to help begin the work of rebuilding this country, starting in your own community:

In your neighborhood and in thousands of communities across the country, Americans are answering President-elect Obama's call to service.

Tomorrow, January 19th, our nation will come together in a shared spirit of community. And I wanted to make sure you know how to participate.

Monday is not only the eve of an inauguration that brings all of us so much hope, it's also Martin Luther King Jr. Day -- when we recognize the power of one man to bring about change by serving his country.

Help kick off an ongoing commitment to serve our communities by taking part in this extraordinary day of service.

Sign up to attend or host an event in your community and help rebuild America one neighborhood at a time.

The grassroots movement you helped build was always about more than an election. It's about bringing much needed change to Washington and our communities.

Barack is calling on us to help rebuild our country. He knows what can happen when ordinary people turn their hopes into real action.

Take the first step this Monday, January 19th, by joining a service event near you. Sign up now.

Thanks,

David

David Plouffe
Campaign Manager
Obama for America

President-Elect Obama's Weekly Address: "The promise of a new beginning"

Christopher Hass — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 07:29:24 EST

In his final weekly address before assuming office, President-elect Barack Obama speaks about the upcoming Inauguration activities, a tradition at the heart of our democracy.

This year’s inauguration will be the most open and accessible in history. Millions of people will come together—not just in the capital, but across the nation—to serve their communities and celebrate a new era of change in America:

On Tuesday, the world will be watching as America celebrates a rite that goes to the heart of our greatness as a nation. For the forty-third time, we will execute the peaceful transfer of power from one President to the next.
... Here at home, transitions also remind us that what we hold in common as Americans far outweighs our political differences. Throughout the current transition, President Bush and his Administration have extended the hand of cooperation, and provided invaluable assistance to my team as we prepare to hit the ground running on January 20th.
There is much work to be done. But now, all Americans hold within our hands the promise of a new beginning.

President-elect Obama, Vice President-elect Biden and their families will travel via train to the Inauguration today, holding events in Philadelphia, Wilmington, and Baltimore before arriving in Washington, D.C.

Open Thread

Christopher Hass — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 00:07:53 EST

President-Elect Obama in Ohio: "You've set your sights on the future, and you haven't looked back"

Christopher Hass — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 21:16:56 EST

While visiting a company that manufactures parts used to construct wind turbines earlier today, President-elect Obama emphasized that a renewable energy economy isn’t "some pie-in-the-sky, far-off future," but in fact is happening right now. President-elect Obama toured the Cardinal Fastener & Specialty Company in Bedford Heights, Ohio before delivering prepared remarks on the future of renewable energy and the impact that an American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan could have:

I’m told that if we don’t act now, because of the economic downturn, half of the wind projects planned for 2009 could wind up being abandoned.

That’s why, as part of our Recovery and Reinvestment plan, we’re committing to double the production of renewable energy in the next three years, and to modernize more than 75% of federal buildings and improve the energy efficiency of two million American homes.

In the process, we’ll put nearly half a million people to work building wind turbines and solar panels; constructing fuel-efficient cars and buildings; and developing the new energy technologies that will lead to new jobs, more savings, and a cleaner, safer planet in the bargain.
...But if anyone doubts that we can dig ourselves out of this hole, I invite them to come here to Ohio and look what you’ve done at Cardinal Fastener. I know it hasn’t been easy – and it hasn’t been without risk. But you’ve set your sights on the future, and you haven’t looked back. In an economy that’s losing jobs, you’re creating them. And they’re the kind of jobs that don’t just support families and sustain communities – but also help transform our economy, spurring growth not just today, but for decades to come.

President-elect Obama emphasized that the first job of his Administration will be to put people back to work and get the economy working again, and he commended Congress for moving quickly to begin consideration of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan.

Read the full text of President-elect Obama's remarks, as prepared for delivery . . .

UPDATED with President-elect’s tour of the factory and his remarks below:

President-Elect Obama Travels to Ohio to Discuss an American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan

Christopher Hass — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 14:20:40 EST

President-elect Obama is in Bedford Heights, Ohio today to meet with workers at the Cardinal Fastener & Specialty Company, a growing company that manufactures parts used to construct wind turbines. Companies like Cardinal Fastener and workers like those in Bedford Heights would benefit from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan, which would aim to create nearly half a million new American jobs by investing in clean energy like wind power.

Yesterday President-elect Obama commented on the House of Representatives early efforts to begin work on the plan:

I am pleased that the House of Representatives has acted with urgency on an American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan that will save or create over three million jobs, provide tax relief to struggling families and businesses that create jobs, and invest in priorities like health care, education, and energy that will make America strong and competitive in the 21st century. This plan is a significant downpayment on our most urgent challenges, and it will contain the kind of strict, independent oversight that will allow the American people to hold Washington accountable for how and where their tax dollars are spent.

We'll have more coverage from President-elect Obama's trip later in the day.

President-Elect Obama on the Senate Vote to Release 2nd Half of the Financial Rescue Plan

Christopher Hass — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 23:58:40 EST

The Senate voted today to release the second half of the $700 billion financial rescue plan, which will now be overseen by the incoming Obama Administration. In a statement released after the vote, President-elect Obama acknowledged the frustrations that many Americans have felt over how the first of half of the plan was used, and he pledged to increase transparency and accountability while ensuring that more money reaches struggling homeowners and small businesses:

Restoring the economy requires that we maintain the flow of credit to families and businesses. So I'm gratified that a majority of the U.S. Senate, both Democrats and Republicans, voted today to give me the authority to implement the rest of the financial rescue plan in a new and responsible way.
I know this wasn't an easy vote because of the frustration so many of us share about how the first half of this plan was implemented. There was too little transparency and accountability, and it didn't do enough to get credit where it's needed most -- small businesses and families struggling to keep their jobs and make ends meet. Now my pledge is to change the way this plan is implemented and keep faith with the American tax payer by placing strict conditions on CEO pay and providing more loans to small businesses, more transparency so that taxpayers can see where their money is spent, and more sensible regulations that will protect consumers, investors, and businesses.

Earlier in the day Lawrence Summers, President-elect Obama's incoming Director of the National Economic Council, sent a letter to the bipartisan leaders of the Senate and House of Representatives outlining in detail the President-elect's commitment to accountability and transparency in the use of these funds. The letter also pledged to use the money in a way that will help preserve home ownership, promote jobs and economic recovery, increase lending, promote the stability of the financial system, and safeguard taxpayer interests.

The letter outlined four key goals:

1) Providing a clear and transparent explanation for investments

2) Measuring, monitoring and tracking the impact on lending

3) Imposing clear conditions on firms receiving government support

4) Focusing support on increasing the flow of credit

Other important elements include limiting executive compensation, preventing banks from using government funds to purchase healthy firms rather than to boost lending, and disclosing information online so that American American people readily can monitor the status of each investment made by the Treasury Department.

Read the full letter . . .

Text HISTORY to 56333

Christopher Hass — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 15:05:31 EST

The 2009 Presidential Inaugural Committee announced the full details of their text messaging program today, both for people attending the Inauguration in Washington, DC and those who want to take part in events in their own communities. From PIC2009.org:

As part our commitment to hosting the most open and accessible inauguration in history, we’re proud to offer you a variety of resources via SMS text message. Whether you’ll be in Washington, DC, or at home in your community, text updates will keep you in the know about inaugural activities.

Text HISTORY to 56333 today or sign up online for text message updates.

Also, be sure to take a look at the following options, for more about event updates, scheduling changes, preparation tips, weather reports, DC transportation, and President-elect Obama’s Renew America Together initiative.

• Text SERVE to 56333 for alerts about Renewing America Together – National Day of Service.

• Text EVENTS to 56333 to receive the latest info on events & updates on free Inaugural events in the area.

• Text SCHDL to 56333 for latest updates and breaking announcements and any schedule changes.

• Text TIPS to 56333 for information on how to prepare for Inauguration

• Text WEATHER to 56333 for basic weather updates in the DC area and planning

• Text METRO to 56333 for alerts about the buses and trains in DC.

Open Thread: 44

Christopher Hass — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 00:33:20 EST

Today the Transition office released the new official portrait for President Barack Obama. The photo was taken by newly-announced White House photographer Pete Souza, and is the first time that an official presidential portrait has been taken with a digital camera.

House Votes to Expand Children's Health Care

Christopher Hass — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 23:04:28 EST

The New York Times reports:

With enthusiastic support from President-elect Barack Obama, the House on Wednesday passed a bill to expand the Children’s Health Insurance Program. President Bush twice had vetoed similar legislation.

The House of Representatives voted 289 to 139 in favor of a measure to extend health insurance coverage to four million uninsured children. The bill, H.R.2, would expand the existing State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), a federal program that funds states in order to provide health insurance for children of moderate income families who do not qualify for Medicaid.

Again, from the New York Times:

... Supporters never mustered more than 273 votes for similar legislation in the last two years.

The bill, which would extend coverage to four million uninsured children, symbolizes the shift in priorities in Washington. The vote came five days after the House, defying a veto threat from Mr. Bush, passed two bills to combat sex discrimination by employers who pay women less than men doing the same or substantially similar work.

The child health bill would provide $32.3 billion over four and a half years to continue coverage for seven million children who now rely on the program and to extend coverage to more than four million who are uninsured.

In an official statement following the vote, President-elect Obama said:

In this moment of crisis, ensuring that every child in America has access to affordable health care is not just good economic policy, but a moral obligation we hold as parents and citizens. That is why I’m so pleased that Democrats and Republicans in the House of Representatives came together to provide health insurance to over ten million children whose families have been hurt most by this downturn. This coverage is critical, it is fully paid for, and I hope that the Senate acts with the same sense of urgency so that it can be one of the first measures I sign into law when I am President.

The New York Times online also provides an interactive geographic map of the vote by Congressional District.

Inauguration Night: Your Neighborhood Ball

Christopher Hass — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 18:39:41 EST

The President-elect and his wife Michelle, along with tens of thousands of Americans, will mark this Martin Luther King Jr., Day by participating in community service events across the country. The following afternoon, Barack Obama will be sworn in as the 44th president of the United States, and later that night the new president will celebrate by hosting the first-ever Neighborhood Ball, attended by everyday Americans.

Through interactive technology and a live broadcast on ABC, the Neighborhood Ball will be linked with local, grassroots parties across the country, making for a truly special night that all Americans can take part in. The event will include musical performances by Beyonce, Mary J. Blige, Mariah Carey, Faith Hill, Jay-Z, Alicia Keys, Shakira, Stevie Wonder and Nick Cannon.

You can sign up to host or attend a Neighborhood Ball in your community at PIC2009.org.

These parties can be as simple as a group of neighbors gathering in a living room or local restaurant to watch the live broadcast and interact online and through text messaging. Local Neighborhood Balls will be a place to gather with neighbors to celebrate an historic night, the end to one long journey, and the beginning of a new one.

President-elect Obama himself explained:

This is an inauguration for all Americans. I wanted to make sure that we had an event that would be open to our new neighborhood here in Washington, D.C., and also the neighborhoods across the country. Michelle and I look forward to joining our fellow Americans across the country during this very special event.

President-Elect Obama Invites You to Be a Part of the Inauguration

Christopher Hass — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 12:58:10 EST

President-elect Obama released a video message today, inviting Americans across the country to take part in the upcoming Presidential Inauguration no matter where they live. He explains that, "You don't have to brave the crowds and commotion in order to participate in this celebration, because we've made this Inauguration open and accessible to communities across our nation."

Here are some of the ways that you can be a part of the Inauguration:

• Sign up for our text messaging program to receive updates and have your questions answered
• Watch the Opening Ceremony at the Lincoln Memorial from 7:00-9:00 p.m. ET/PT January 18th on HBO
• Watch the “Kids’ Inaugural: We Are The Future” concert. It will be broadcast from 8:00 - 9:30 p.m. ET/PT January 19th on The Disney Channel, be simulcast on Radio Disney and streamed on Disney.com immediately following the telecast.
• Watch the first-ever Neighborhood Ball on ABC from 8:00 - 10:00 p.m. ET/PT on January 20th
• Watch the webcast of the swearing-in ceremony and the Neighborhood Ball. We’ll keep you posted as more details are released.

• Host or attend a service event in your area on Martin Luther King Jr., Day, January 19th
• Host or attend a party in your area that’s linked – through interactive technology – with the first-ever Neighborhood Ball on January 20th

UPDATED: USAservice.org just announced that over 8,500 events have been created so far in response to President-elect Obama's call for national service. Below is a map of service events taking place on Martin Luther King Jr., Day, January 19th:

There is still time to sign up to host or attend an event near you.

Open Thread: Community

Christopher Hass — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 00:32:00 EST

From USAService.org, the new site designed to help coordinate community service efforts this weekend and beyond:

Readers were asked to submit what they would like to see changed in their communities. The "word cloud" above (made with Wordle) highlights the most common words from their responses. What change would you most like to see where you live?

Prepping for the Inauguration: "The end of a long road"

Christopher Hass — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 21:01:46 EST

As preparations for next week's Inauguration ceremonies continue, the last of the volunteer trainings wrapped up in Washington, D.C. yesterday.

News Channel 8 reports:

Thousands of volunteers received their Inauguration Day assignments Monday night, only eight days before the historical event.

Fired up like an army preparing for battle, 5,000 volunteers marched into D.C.'s convention center to receive their final assignments and training for Inauguration Day on Jan. 20.

... For Francis Atkinson, the inauguration marks the end of a long road with the Obama team. Atkinson, like many others who gathered Monday night, worked on the campaign as a volunteer. She worked across the country knocking on doors passing out flyers, urging people to vote for her candidate. Now, she has one more chance to give to the cause that has become so much a part of her life.

"I'm not going to lose the momentum because that's what it's all about," Atkinson said.

Many of the volunteers will work as ushers, stationed at airports and Metro stops to provide directions and help answer questions. An unprecedented 60,000 people had sent in applications to the Presidential Inaugural Committee to volunteer by January 1st.

Visit PIC2009.org for more news and updates on the Inauguration preparations. You can also sign up to receive information about inaugural events, service opportunities, and ways to participate from your own home.

Inside the American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan: "A down payment on our economic future"

Christopher Hass — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 15:14:58 EST

Last week, President-elect Barack Obama gave a major speech outlining his American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan.

At Change.gov, some of the leading members of the Transition’s policy teams to sat down to talk about the plan, why it’s necessary, how it will work, and how they incoming administration will ensure that programs are both efficient and effective:

In the video above, Transition team members discuss the impact that the American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan could have on healthcare, education, and infrastructure, as well as job creation and the elimination of waste. They also discuss President-elect Obama's plan to provide a $1000 tax cut for 95% of working families in an effort to provide financial relief.

But as Mona Sutphen, incoming White House Deputy Chief of Staff explains:

Ultimately, this is about you, and your participation is essential. Because this isn't just about confronting the current crisis, it's a down-payment on our economic future. We're counting on you to get involved and stay involved.

Today President-elect Obama attended the weekly lunch of Democratic Senators at the Capitol to discuss his plan, during what will likely be his final visit to the Senate before the inauguration next week.

UPDATED: The Transition team has a slideshow up of President-elect Obama's meeting with Democratic Senators earlier today.

Step Forward

Christopher Hass — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 22:52:43 EST

Message from Michelle Obama: "Your call to service"

Christopher Hass — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 17:34:34 EST

Michelle Obama recorded a special video message, inviting all Americans to take part in a national day of service:

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

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

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

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

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

"If you want to be important -- wonderful. If you want to be recognized -- wonderful. If you want to be great -- wonderful. But, recognize that he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. That's a new definition of greatness."
Barack and I will be volunteering in Washington, D.C., our new home. I hope you'll join us by taking part in this national call to service in your community.

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

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

Thank you,

Michelle

Obama Economic Advisor Dr. Romer on the Job Impact of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan

Christopher Hass — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 16:20:57 EST

Today, the Obama-Biden Transition Team released a video in which President-elect Barack Obama's nominee for Chair of the Council of Economic Advisers, Dr. Christina Romer, discusses The Job Impact of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan report released yesterday.

Open Thread: Ten Days to Go

Christopher Hass — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 23:54:53 EST

Video: President-Elect Obama on Job Creation - "Our first job is to put people back to work"

Christopher Hass — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 15:07:53 EST

In this week's Democratic Radio Address, President-elect Barack Obama discusses a report released by the Obama-Biden Transition Team analyzing the number and types of jobs an American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan will create:

We learned yesterday that in the past month alone, we lost more than half a million jobs – a total of nearly 2.6 million in the year 2008. Another 3.4 million Americans who want and need full-time work have had to settle for part-time jobs. And families across America are feeling the pinch as they watch debts mount, bills pile up and savings disappear.

... Our first job is to put people back to work and get our economy working again. This is an extraordinary challenge, which is why I’ve taken the extraordinary step of working – even before I take office – with my economic team and leaders of both parties on an American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan that will call for major investments to revive our economy, create jobs, and lay a solid foundation for future growth.

President-elect Obama directed his nominee for Chair of the Council of Economic Advisers, Dr. Christina Romer, and the Vice President-elect’s Chief Economic Adviser, Dr. Jared Bernstein, to conduct a rigorous analysis of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan to project how many jobs it will create and what kind of jobs they will be.

Today, President-elect Obama released their report so that the American people can see exactly what this plan will mean for their families, their communities, and our economy. Dr. Romer and Dr. Bernstein concluded that the plan will likely save or create three to four million jobs. You can read their full report here.

General Colin Powell: Jan. 19th is "A day to reach out to our fellow citizens in need."

Christopher Hass — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 16:47:39 EST

From USAservice.org:

General Colin Powell formally announced today the Renew America Together initiative as part of President-elect Obama’s national call to service. Standing in the Mayflower Hotel in Washington D.C., Powell exhorted all Americans to make an ongoing commitment to revitalize our local communities, starting on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

The Martin Luther King Jr. Federal Holiday is not only a day off but also for the last 14 years, it has been a day on. It’s a day to reach out to our fellow citizens in need.

He encouraged everyone to visit USAservice.org to find or host a service event. More than 4,000 service events are registered on the site already.
Powell has lived his life in service to our country, proudly wearing the uniform for 35 years before serving as Secretary of State. In addition to his illustrious military career and government roles, Powell founded America's Promise — The Alliance for Youth to ensure that all children develop the skills needed for success.

UPDATED: Watch the full video of General Powell's announcement:

One Year Ago: "Yes We Can"

Christopher Hass — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 00:52:05 EST

One year ago tonight, Barack Obama spoke to a crowd in Nashua after having narrowly lost the New Hampshire primary. That night, he told supporters:

We know the battle ahead will be long. But always remember that, no matter what obstacles stand in our way, nothing can stand in the way of the power of millions of voices calling for change.
... For when we have faced down impossible odds, when we've been told we're not ready or that we shouldn't try or that we can't, generations of Americans have responded with a simple creed that sums up the spirit of a people: Yes, we can.

It was a message, and a moment, that millions of supporters would keep with them through the long primary to come, through the general election that followed, and through the challenges that lie ahead.

Congress Certifies Final Electoral Vote for Barack Obama: 365 to 173

Christopher Hass — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 00:40:50 EST

Barack Obama officially became the president-elect today when the House and the Senate gathered in a joint meeting to complete one of the last formalities of the presidential election: counting the electoral votes.

The New York Times reported:

While there have been oddities in the past that shifted the total, the final result this time was the same as derived in the public voting on Nov. 4: 365 electoral votes for the Democratic ticket of Barack Obama of Illinois and Joseph R. Biden Jr. of Delaware and 173 for John McCain of Arizona and Sarah Palin of Alaska, their Republican opponents. With the results formally entered in the journals of the House and the Senate, Mr. Obama and Mr. Biden are now cleared to be sworn in on Jan. 20.

The finality of the announcement by Mr. Cheney drew a rousing round of applause from assembled lawmakers and their guests, including 26 young people active in politics who were invited by the House speaker, Nancy Pelosi of California.

And the final electoral map, which you all worked so hard for:

Your Ticket to History: Deadline 11:59pm Tonight

Christopher Hass — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 20:01:32 EST

In just twelve days, Barack Obama will stand on the steps of the nation's capitol and take the oath of office to become the 44th President of the United States. This will be the most open and accessible inauguration in our nation's history, and it's being funded without contributions from Washington lobbyists or big corporations. Just like the campaign that preceded it, we're relying entirely ordinary people giving whatever they can afford to make this an event for all Americans.

Earlier this week, Cynthia Russell became the first supporter chosen as a special guest to attend the swearing in, after after she donated to help make this inauguration a success.

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

Contribute now – the deadline is 11:59pm tonight. Don’t miss your chance for a ticket to history.

President-Elect Obama on American Recovery and Reinvestment: "That work begins with this plan"

Christopher Hass — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 16:24:57 EST

Today, President-elect Barack Obama delivered a major new speech at George Mason University, where he made the case for urgent action on an American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan to address the current economic crisis. He offered up the outlines of a plan that includes both new policy and new approaches, with the goal of saving or creating over three million jobs while investing in priorities like health care, energy, and education to jumpstart job creation and long-term growth.

There is no doubt that the cost of this plan will be considerable. It will certainly add to the budget deficit in the short-term. But equally certain are the consequences of doing too little or nothing at all, for that will lead to an even greater deficit of jobs, incomes, and confidence in our economy. It is true that we cannot depend on government alone to create jobs or long-term growth, but at this particular moment, only government can provide the short-term boost necessary to lift us from a recession this deep and severe. Only government can break the vicious cycles that are crippling our economy – where a lack of spending leads to lost jobs which leads to even less spending; where an inability to lend and borrow stops growth and leads to even less credit.

That is why we need to act boldly and act now to reverse these cycles. That’s why we need to put money in the pockets of the American people, create new jobs, and invest in our future. That’s why we need to re-start the flow of credit and restore the rules of the road that will ensure a crisis like this never happens again.

That work begins with this plan – a plan I am confident will save or create at least three million jobs over the next few years. It is not just another public works program. It’s a plan that recognizes both the paradox and the promise of this moment – the fact that there are millions of Americans trying to find work, even as, all around the country, there is so much work to be done. That’s why we’ll invest in priorities like energy and education; health care and a new infrastructure that are necessary to keep us strong and competitive in the 21st century. That’s why the overwhelming majority of the jobs created will be in the private sector, while our plan will save the public sector jobs of teachers, cops, firefighters and others who provide vital services.

Some of the initiatives outlined include:

Modernizing more than 75% of federal buildings and improve the energy efficiency of two million American homes, saving consumers and taxpayers billions on our energy bills.
Making the immediate investments necessary to ensure that within five years, all of America’s medical records are computerized.
Equipping tens of thousands of schools, community colleges, and public universities with 21st century classrooms, labs, and libraries.
Expanding broadband across America, so that a small business in a rural town can connect and compete with their counterparts anywhere in the world.
Investing in the science, research, and technology that will lead to new medical breakthroughs, new discoveries, and entire new industries.

Read President-elect Obama's full remarks, as prepared for delivery . . .

President-Elect Obama to Deliver Major Economic Speech Tomorrow

Christopher Hass — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 22:53:19 EST

President-elect Barack Obama will deliver a major speech on the economy tomorrow, in which he'll make the case for urgent action on an American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan.

The focus of this plan will not just be new policy, but also a new approach to meeting our challenges that focuses on responsibility, accountability, and transparency in order to rebuild confidence and trust in our economy and our markets

President-elect Obama's speech will be delivered at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia and is scheduled to begin at 11:00 AM Eastern Time.

Announcing USAservice.org

Christopher Hass — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 16:55:54 EST

Today the Presidential Inaugural Committee announced the launch of USAservice.org, a new website that will allow you to organize service events in your community and recruit others to join you as part of President-elect Obama's call for a renewed commitment to service:

Today, we’re pleased to announce the launch of USAservice.org, a new website dedicated to President-elect Obama’s national call to service. We encourage you to visit the site today and sign up to host or attend a service event on January 19th, the day before the Inauguration.
Buffy Wicks, the director of Renew America Together, recorded a short video about USAservice.org. Take a look:

As part of a broad initiative called Renew America Together, the President-elect has asked us all, united as Americans, to restore our commitment to local and national service. While government has an important role to play in helping to rekindle our economy and addressing the problems of a distressed nation, he believes that we have a responsibility to help our communities and fellow citizens.
In summoning a new spirit of service, President-elect Obama is calling on us to make a lasting pledge to our country. In his words:
Success will not come from Washington – it must come from the dynamism, determination and ingenuity of the American people; through new partnerships between states and cities, the public and private sector; and through the active involvement of the American people.
This begins on January 19th, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, when Americans across the nation will participate in a day of community service. At USAservice.org, you can find events to attend near you. You can also sign up to host a local event.
Visit USAservice.org today and sign up to host or attend an event. The site will be a useful resource to find opportunities to serve and later share the results of your actions.
While we encourage you to get involved on January 19th, our pledge to serve must remain an enduring commitment for the future. President-elect Obama looks forward to leading the country forward with his call to Renew America Together.

Video: President-Elect Obama Meeting with His Economic Advisory Team

Christopher Hass — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 22:02:29 EST

Courtesy of Change.gov, here's a look inside President-elect Obama's meeting with his economic advisory team yesterday:

Message from Michelle Obama: "Our first guest"

Christopher Hass — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 14:55:52 EST

Today, Michelle Obama sent out a message announcing the first of the ten grassroots supporters who will be chosen as special guests to attend the Inauguration:

Last week, the Presidential Inaugural Committee announced that we're bringing 10 supporters to Washington, DC for several days of Inaugural celebrations.

With the deadline coming up on Thursday, I'm pleased to announce the selection of the first grassroots supporter who will be attending the Inauguration.

Cynthia Russell from Newberry, Florida, and her guest will attend the welcome ceremony, Barack's swearing-in, the Inaugural Parade, and our Neighborhood Inaugural Ball.

Cynthia is a builder and has been feeling the impact of the recent economic crunch. She wrote:
"I'm a single woman who has been building homes for over 18 years. I've supported myself and have been able to help out my mother from time to time. Now I find myself wondering how much longer I can hold on and be able to pay my bills and keep the doors open for business. Barack gives me hope. Hope that 2009 will truly bring change to Americans who find themselves in this mess with me."
We need to select 9 more supporters like Cynthia, and I would love for you to be one of them.

Can you make a donation before midnight on Thursday, January 8th?

Supporters like you made this historic moment possible.

You gave your passion and hard work to this movement, and you brought millions of new people into the political process. Thanks to you, this campaign was open to more people than any in history, and we're counting on you to do the same for the Inauguration.

You could be there to celebrate your amazing accomplishments and give a strong start to the change you fought so hard for.

Please make a donation and help us celebrate everything you did to make this day possible.

Nothing could be better than having you there to be a part of this historic event.

Thank you for everything you've done to bring us to this moment,

Michelle

P.S. -- The opportunity to be part of this historic event is open to everyone, regardless of whether you make a donation. Participate now by telling us what this Inauguration means to you.

President-Elect Obama Arrives in Washington, D.C.

Christopher Hass — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 19:57:15 EST

President-elect Barack Obama left Chicago and arrived in Washington, D.C. on Sunday, sixteen days before he will be sworn in as the 44th President of the United States. "I choked up a little bit," he admitted to reporters, as he left behind the city that he first arrived at in 1985 as a young community organizer.

The Obamas came to the capital early so their daughters could start classes today. This morning, President-elect Obama and Michelle helped their two daughters, Malia and Sasha, get ready for their first day of school:

President-elect Obama then headed to Capitol Hill, where he met individually with both Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid to discuss the economic stimulus package that's expected to be one of the first priorities of the new Congress. In a brief statement to the press before his meeting with Speaker Pelosi, President-elect Obama explained:

The reason we are here today is because the people can't wait. We have an extraordinary economic challenge ahead of us. We are expecting a sobering job report at the end of the week. The speaker and her staff have been extraordinarily helpful in working with our team so we can shape an economic investment and recovery plan that will start to put people back to work.

Later in the day, President-elect Obama held a meeting with his top economic advisors at the Presidential transition team office in Washington D.C., including Treasury Secretary-designate Timothy Geithner.

On Change.gov, Dan McSwain reported:

“Not only do we need to act boldly, swiftly and with sufficient magnitude to make a difference, but we also have to do things in a new way,” President-elect Obama said.

In his meeting, President-elect Obama underscored the importance of his proposed American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan to create jobs and spur the type of lasting economic change that our country needs.

President-elect Obama also noted that he is “confident” that legislation dealing with his economic plan will maintain “unprecedented transparency.”

“Not only will Congress tell exactly what’s in the bill, but we’re exploring steps, for example, like putting on a website very detailed information about what kind of projects are taking place,” President-elect Obama said.

The 111th Congress will be sworn in tomorrow.

Join us at the Inauguration

Christopher Hass — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 18:25:07 EST

A message from Obama for America:

Thanks to you, President-elect Obama and Vice President-elect Biden will take their oaths of office in just 16 days.

You helped shape history, and now you can be a part of it.

Ten supporters and their guests will be selected to come to Washington, D.C. for several days of inaugural events. You could be chosen to fly to Washington, attend the welcome ceremony, the Inaugural parade, the swearing-in, and an official Inaugural ball.

Donate $5 or more now. You could be part of the historic events you made possible.

This inauguration will be open to hundreds of thousands of people. To do that, it takes unprecedented resources.

In the past, inaugurations have been funded by lobbyists and corporations making six-figure contributions. Like our campaign, this inauguration is going to be different. But that means, once again, Barack and Joe need to ask you for your help.

Supporters like you made this possible, and with your help Barack and Joe will run their administration without the influence of big money from Washington lobbyists or special interests. Funding the Inauguration this way is another example of the change you helped bring to Washington.

It's up to you, at this crucial moment, to make the Inauguration a success and give change a strong start.

Make a donation of $5 or more now for the opportunity to join Barack and Joe at the beginning of this historic journey to change our country.

Thank you for your extraordinary efforts throughout the campaign.

Happy New Year,

Obama for America

P.S. -- You can participate without donating. We recognize this day is as important as it is historic, and we want to hear in your words what this inauguration means to you.

One Year Ago: "Sometimes there are nights like this"

Christopher Hass — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 23:18:47 EST

One year ago tonight:

I'll never forget that my journey began on the streets of Chicago doing what so many of you have done for this campaign and all the campaigns here in Iowa: Organizing and working and fighting to make people's lives just a little bit better. I know how hard it is. It comes with little sleep, little pay, and a lot of sacrifices. There are days of disappointment but sometimes, just sometimes, there are nights like this...

You'll be able to look back at this night and say that this was the moment when it all began... This was the moment when we finally beat back the politics of fear and doubt and cynicism, the politics where we tear each other down instead of lifting this country up. This was the moment.
Years from now, you'll look back and you'll say that this was the moment, this was the place where America remembered what it means to hope. For many months we've been teased, even derided, for talking about hope. We always knew that hope is not blind optimism. It's not ignoring the enormity of the task ahead or the roadblocks that stand in our path. It's not sitting on the sidelines or shirking from a fight. Hope is that thing inside us that insists, despite all the evidence to the contrary, that something better awaits us if we have the courage to reach for it, to work for it, and to fight for it.

President-Elect Obama on the Selection of Michael Bennet: "An excellent choice"

Christopher Hass — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 16:49:06 EST

Today, Colorado Governor Bill Ritter announced that he had selected Denver Public Schools Superintendent Michael Bennet to fill Colorado's vacant seat in the U.S. Senate. Following the Governor's announcement, President-elect Obama released the following statement commending the selection of Bennet:

Filling Ken Salazar's boots in the US Senate is a tall order. But in selecting Michael Bennet, Governor Ritter has made an excellent choice.

Michael Bennet perfectly reflects the qualities of the ruggedly independent state he has been chosen to serve. An innovator in the public and private sectors, he has shown himself willing to challenge old thinking and stale policies.

His breakthrough work at the helm of Denver's schools has reflected that commitment, and established Michael as one of the nation's leading education reformers.

He will be a breath of fresh air in Washington.

Bennet will serve the remaining two years of the term of U.S. Sen. Ken Salazar, who has been picked by President-elect Barack Obama to be the next secretary of the Interior.

Video: President-Elect Obama on Econonmic Recovery and Reinvestment

Christopher Hass — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 15:06:35 EST

In today's weekly address to the nation, President-elect Barack Obama discussed the need for an American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan aimed at creating three million new American jobs and making the long-term investments needed to build a 21st century economy.

He stressed that the problems we face are neither Democratic nor Republican problems, and that economists from across the political spectrum agree about the need to act quickly and boldy.

That's why we need an American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan that not only creates jobs in the short-term but spurs economic growth and competitiveness in the long-term. And this plan must be designed in a new way – we can’t just fall into the old Washington habit of throwing money at the problem. We must make strategic investments that will serve as a down payment on our long-term economic future. We must demand vigorous oversight and strict accountability for achieving results. And we must restore fiscal responsibility and make the tough choices so that as the economy recovers, the deficit starts to come down. That is how we will achieve the number one goal of my plan – which is to create three million new jobs...

President-elect Obama will meet with leaders of both parties next week in Washington to discuss the plan.

18 Days

Christopher Hass — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 17:03:21 EST

Preparations in Washington D.C. continue for the January 20th inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama and Vice President-elect Joe Biden. This promises to be one of the most open and accessible presidential inaugurations in history, with the entire length of the National Mall opened to the public.

On Tuesday, David Plouffe announced that 10 supporters and their guests will be selected to join the Inaugural. Unlike past inaugurations, this year's event will not be paid for by Washington lobbyists and corporations. This inauguration, like the campaign the preceded it, has been funded by ordinary people giving what they can. There is still time to make a donation. You and a guest could receive tickets to this historic moment.

An event of this magnitude requires the help of thousands of dedicated volunteers. If you're interested in volunteering to help with the Inaugural events, the deadline to apply is tonight (Friday) at midnight.

You can follow the preparations and the build-up to the January 20th Inauguration at pic2009.org.

New Year's Open Thread

Christopher Hass — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 17:36:43 EST

What are your plans for the New Year?

New Year's Eve: One Year Ago

Christopher Hass — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 19:58:08 EST

"That's what hope is. Reaching for, working for, fighting for what didn't seem possible before." -- Barack Obama in Ames, Iowa on December 31st, 2007

Generation Change

Christopher Hass — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 15:53:17 EST

Now more than ever, we must rededicate ourselves to the notion that we share a common destiny as Americans – that I am my brother’s keeper, I am my sister’s keeper. -- President-elect Barack Obama

On the morning of Christmas Eve, President-elect Obama encouraged Americans to use this season of giving as "a time to renew a sense of common purpose and shared citizenship." Later that afternoon in Huntington Beach, California a group of grassroots organizers gathered outside a local grocery store to help collect food for a local food bank.

They call themselves "Generation Change," and this wasn't their first time here.

Across the country, food banks are facing severe shortages. Demand has increased significantly, wholesalers and retailers have less surplus food to donate and government assistance has decreased. Orange County Generation Change has been working with the OC Food Bank to make up a 100,000 pound shortfall. The group started in early December, and in their first outing they collected over 20,000 pounds of food.

The first food drive was so well received by shoppers at the local grocery store that the store management asked the group to return on Christmas Eve, their busiest day of the year.

This group of over 50 active organizers has adopted not just the message of Barack Obama's presidential campaign -- it's adopted the methods as well. Together they've found ways to adapt the skills and techniques learned from campaigning to community service work.

Kathryn Barrett, the group's Data Coordinator, explained:

We call our group Generation Change and we have two primary chapters -- North Orange County and South Orange County. There is a Central Orange County team forming as well. The South OC team stayed together after the campaign and the North team came together as a result of the recent Change is Coming meetings, although many of us were involved in the campaign and primaries before.

Generation Change was founded in South Orange County, where the food drive was originally tested, but quickly grew to encompass all of Orange County. The group has maintained a structure similar to the one used during the campaign, with a number of RFO's (Regional Field Organziers) who are each responsible for their own territories. There is also a Volunteer Coordinator, Store Coordinator, Team Coordinator, Data Coordinator and Logistics Coordinator.

One of the members, Abraham Jankins, added:

Teams from North and South County volunteered over 50 hours at grocery store food drives, collecting over 100 packages of diapers, hundreds of pounds of baby formula and over 1,000 boxes of dry goods and canned food.

The group organizes through house parties, Facebook, MyBO and phonebank recruiting - using a spreadsheet of volunteers that they created during the campaign. Their second phonebank for volunteer recruitment is scheduled for this Saturday, January 3rd.

Though "100% of the group are strong Obama supporters," they don't go out of their way to identify themselves as such unless someone asks what Generation Change is. As Kathryn explained:

When asked, I like to say we're a political action group working to create the change we voted for.

On Christmas Eve, the organizers set up outside the grocery store and handed out fliers with a list of needed items to interested shoppers on their way into the store. One of the volunteers who participated in the food drive described shoppers who appeared to barely have enough for themselves who donated a jar of peanut butter or a can of tuna, how one young man took the "shopping list" and came back 40 minutes later with an entire shopping cart filled with food for the the food bank, and how some people gave cash donations of $5, $20, and even $100.

One man who spoke to me on his way in said that he was one of the original founders of the food bank. When he came out, he left us his shopping cart with several bags in it and walked away, carrying nothing for himself!

Kathryn finished:

This food-drive has had a wonderful effect on our community and on the volunteers who wanted to have something meaningful to do during the transition to our newly elected Obama Administration. The outpouring of hard work and generosity, camaraderie and fellowship has been amazing. We are all big believers in change from the ground up and this effort has shown us that there is so much good in people.

Across the country, grassroots groups are using the tools, the skills, and the networks created during the campaign to continue to work for change in their own communities. If you helped participate in a community service effort over the holidays or are planning one in the near future, let us know about it in the comments below or by emailing blog@barackobama.com.

CORRECTION: An earlier version of this post incorrectly identified Abraham Jankins as the group leader. AJ himself emailed to explain that Generation Change does not have any one leader, and that instead the group uses numerous "RFO's" who help coordinate activities within their respective regions. As AJ explained, "We're all community organizers."

Road to the White House: Four Days in Denver

Christopher Hass — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 01:59:06 EST

Another look back, this time with Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, Joe Biden and their families at the 2008 Democratic National Convention in Denver:

Inauguration 2009: Your Ticket to History

Christopher Hass — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 15:39:41 EST

Earlier today, campaign manager David Plouffe sent out a message announcing a special opportunity for supporters to attend the Janurary 20th Presidential Inauguration:

Barack Obama will be sworn in as President of the United States of America on January 20th, 2009.

It will be an unprecedented event in the history of our country, and hundreds of thousands of people will come together in Washington, D.C. to share the moment.

Supporters like you made this happen. You know that real change comes from the bottom up, not from the top down, and Barack and Joe want you to join them on this historic day. They want to start off this administration with the people who worked so hard and will continue to fight for change with them.

Between now and January 8th, 10 supporters and their guests will be selected to join the Inaugural activities.

If you make a donation -- in any amount -- to make the Inauguration a success, you and a guest could be flown to Washington, D.C., put up in a hotel, and be there as Barack is sworn in as the 44th President.

Will you make a donation of $5 or more right now? You and a guest could receive your ticket to history.

Unlike past inaugurations, this year's event will not be paid for by Washington lobbyists or corporations.

This campaign was funded by 4 million ordinary people giving only what they could afford, and Barack and Joe are counting on you again. Help start this administration off right -- independent of the special interest donors who have shaped Washington for too long.

This Inauguration will be open to as many Americans as possible. We'll all come together to celebrate the hope and optimism that define this movement for change.

But you could be one of 10 selected to join us in Washington for all Inaugural events. Any donation you make between now and January 8th counts -- whatever you can afford.

Show your support for a different kind of politics and a different kind of inauguration with a donation of $5 or more today.

The Inauguration will be a once-in-a-lifetime event. I hope you can join us.

Thank you,

David

David Plouffe
Campaign Manager
Obama for America

P.S. -- If you cannot make a donation, you and a guest could still be selected to receive your ticket to history. Learn more here.

Video: "The Road to the White House"

Christopher Hass — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 15:10:04 EST

In case you missed it or would like to see it again, here's the full "The Road to the White House" feature from last night's 60 Minutes:

The hour long program looks back at Barack Obama's historic journey to the White House, including behind the scenes footage and interviews. Over the next few days, we'll have our own look back at some of the highlights of the campaign as we close in on the new year. Let us know what your favorite moments were in the comments below . . .

"The Road to the White House" on 60 Minutes Tonight

Christopher Hass — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 18:23:15 EST

Tonight 60 Minutes debutes an hour long feature on Barack Obama's historic journey to the White House, including behind the scenes footage and interviews. Check your local listings for times and channels.

Holiday Open Thread

Christopher Hass — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 21:56:32 EST

This is your Holiday Open Thread . . .

(photo: Preparations for President-elect Barack Obama's Inauguration underway in front of the Capitol Building. Courtesy of the 2009 Presidential Inaugural Committee)

Video: President-Elect Obama Delivers a Holiday Greeting

Christopher Hass — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 13:50:22 EST

Today, President-elect Barack Obama delivered a special holiday address, asking Americans to make this season of giving "a time to renew a sense of common purpose and shared citizenship."

Now more than ever, we must rededicate ourselves to the notion that we share a common destiny as Americans – that I am my brother’s keeper, I am my sister’s keeper. Now, we must all do our part to serve one another; to seek new ideas and new innovation; and to start a new chapter for our great country.

The address will air live on the radio, Saturday at 11:06 am Eastern, but you can watch a video of the address below:

Holiday Message from Michelle Obama: Help make a difference this holiday season

Christopher Hass — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 11:46:42 EST

Michelle Obama sent out a special message today, wishing everyone a happy holiday and encouraging those who can to reach out to those in need this holiday season:

This holiday season, the grassroots movement you helped build can make a big difference for those in need.

I hope you will join me in supporting your favorite charity or contributing to causes that are especially meaningful to me and my family.

While many of us will spend the holidays counting our blessings and sharing dinner with loved ones, millions of people around the country won't be so fortunate. Donating to your local food bank will help provide a holiday meal to people in your community who can't afford one.

Talking with the families of deployed troops was one of the most rewarding experiences I had during the campaign. Giving to Operation USO Care Package is a great way to send members of our military stationed around the world a reminder that someone back home is thinking of them.

This is a time to celebrate our blessings, the new year, and a new era for our country. But it's also a time to come together on behalf of those who need our help.

Do what you can to help today by locating your local food bank and giving your support.

Or send a care package to an American in uniform.

Thank you for all that you do and have a very happy holiday season,

Michelle

Change is Coming: More Scenes from Across America

Christopher Hass — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 13:10:43 EST

Over 4,000 Change is Coming house meetings took place on December 13th and 14th, but there are still hundreds more planned in the weeks ahead. There is still time to find a meeting near you, or plan an event in your own community.

Open Thread

Christopher Hass — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 13:34:00 EST

This is a Sunday open thread . . .

Weekly Democratic Radio Address: President-Elect Obama Announces Key Members of Science and Technology Team

Christopher Hass — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 13:05:25 EST

In this week's Democratic Radio Address, President-elect Barack Obama announced key members of his Science and Technology team, explaining that their work will be critical to both rebuilding our economy and preserving our planet for future generations:

Whether it’s the science to slow global warming; the technology to protect our troops and confront bioterror and weapons of mass destruction; the research to find life-saving cures; or the innovations to remake our industries and create twenty-first century jobs – today, more than ever before, science holds the key to our survival as a planet and our security and prosperity as a nation. It’s time we once again put science at the top of our agenda and worked to restore America’s place as the world leader in science and technology.

Message from David Plouffe: What you're saying

Christopher Hass — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 20:59:04 EST

As we continue to collect feedback from house meetings, emails and online surveys, David Plouffe today sent out a message with updates on what we've been hearing from supporters across the country:

You helped build the most powerful and effective grassroots movement in America.

Now, you're helping to define how this movement will support President-elect Obama's agenda and continue to bring the change we need.

The more voices that are part of this process, the better the results will be.

And so far, the response has been remarkable -- 550,000 people completed the online supporter survey. And this past weekend, supporters organized more than 4,000 Change is Coming house meetings in 2,000 cities across all 50 states.

Take an inside look at a house meeting in Virginia. Watch the video, see photos from meetings all across the country, and share your feedback.

Supporters like you are deciding how this movement will go forward. And your dedication is incredible.

House meetings were held in 2,000 cities. In Florida there were 302 events across the state. In Pennsylvania there were 165, and Ohio had 160.

From these meetings, survey responses, and thousands of conversations on My.BarackObama and email, your ideas about the future of this organization are taking shape.

Here are a few things you shared in the survey:
House meetings were the primary way supporters got involved in the campaign
People are excited to volunteer around a number of top issues, including education, the environment, health care, poverty, and the economy
86 percent of respondents feel it's important to help Barack's administration pass legislation through grassroots support
68 percent feel it's important to help elect state and local candidates who share the same vision for our country
And a staggering 10 percent of respondents indicated that they would be interested in running for elected office
This feedback is essential to our next steps, because this movement is fueled by your ideas and your passion.

Watch the house meetings video and get involved by taking the survey or hosting a meeting of your own.

Between now and Barack's inauguration, we'll continue to collect your ideas and feedback.

After the inauguration, we should be able to announce a clear plan for the future of this movement -- a plan determined by you.

Thanks for being a part of this journey to bring about change in the years to come,

David

David Plouffe
Campaign Manager
Obama for America

President-Elect Obama's Statement on President Bush's Auto Rescue Plan

Christopher Hass — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 12:40:19 EST

In response to this morning's announcement that President Bush will make $13.4 billion in federal loans available for General Motors and Chrysler LLC, President-elect Obama released the following statement:

Today's actions are a necessary step to help avoid a collapse in our auto industry that would have devastating consequences for our economy and our workers. With the short-term assistance provided by this package, the auto companies must bring all their stakeholders together -- including labor, dealers, creditors and suppliers -- to make the hard choices necessary to achieve long-term viability. The auto companies must not squander this chance to reform bad management practices and begin the long-term restructuring that is absolutely required to save this critical industry and the millions of American jobs that depend on it.

Change is Coming: Message from Obama for America

Christopher Hass — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 13:06:08 EST

As part of the Change is Coming house meetings that took place last weekend, guests had a chance to watch a special video message from the Obama campaign and national online organizer Nikki Sutton:

If you hosted a meeting this past weekend, there is still time to share your feedback and report back on the issues that are important to your group and your community.

Change is Coming: Scenes from Across America

Christopher Hass — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 18:16:40 EST

Last weekend thousands of house meetings took place all across the country, as Obama supporters and their neighbors met to discuss the issues that concerned them most, and how best to make an impact in their own communities. The meetings spanned all fifty states, and were a visible sign of the enthusiasm and commitment that remains.

Michael in Ventura, California explained:

We had our first post-election meeting yesterday, and 94 people showed up! We were all amazed! Seventy-seven had sent RSVP's saying they would be there, and we thought that that would be a stretch. All I can say is WOW! We won the election, but the work has just begun.

See more photos from last weekend's Change is Coming house meetings...

Inauguration News from David Plouffe

Christopher Hass — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 12:12:47 EST

On Tuesday, David Plouffe sent out an update on inauguration plans -- including ticketed events, parades, service projects, and ways to get involved in your local community:

In the past, presidential inauguration events have too often focused on wealthy donors and Washington lobbyists.

This year, every American will have a chance to be part of the inauguration.

President-elect Obama and Vice President-elect Biden want you to join them in celebrating the unity we need to renew America's promise.

Sign up now to receive more information about inaugural events -- including service projects, parades, whistle-stop rallies, ticketed events, and ways to get involved in your local community.

Our country is facing great challenges, but we also have an unprecedented opportunity to bring change.

Renewing America's promise begins with the idea that we rise or fall as one nation and one people. Barack and Joe hope that people all across this country will come together around the inauguration and share their passion for the change we need.

Be the first to receive information about tickets, service opportunities, and local events.

Thank you for being part of this important moment,

David

David Plouffe
Campaign Manager
Obama for America

Change is Coming: "What we started"

Christopher Hass — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 14:56:25 EST

Reports from Change is Coming house meetings that took place this past weekend have been coming in from across the country. Over the next few days we'll be sharing stories and photos from a number of meetings, and we'll have an in-depth look at a few groups that have already begun to work to improve their communities.

Here are just a few of the initial responses from the comments here on the blog this weekend:

From Michelle in Smithfield, North Carolina:

I attended a meeting today and am so glad that I took advantage of the opportunity.
We decided to call ourselves "Workers for Change." Our first immediate short term goal is to conduct a food drive through January 20th; we plan to collect 2000 pounds of food. With so many people losing their jobs, we felt that helping those that may be fighting hunger right now was something that we could address immediately.

... Within our group alone, several people are currently without healthcare due to unemployment, inability to get insurance due to pre-existing conditions or inability to pay premiums charged for small businesses. We are hopeful and confident that with the right tools and committed involvement, we will make an impact and see positive, life-improving change within our community.

From Bill in Livingston County, Michigan:

The excitement and enthusiasm carried over from the election to this weekend's meeting. There were many people there that had never been interested in politics before, had never felt their voices could be heard or have an effect in changing policy in America. It was great to see so many people attending that really believed the little guy's voice was actually going to be heard.

In Georgia, Lawrence wrote, "I'm the biggest Obama supporter you will find, but I guess the media is so negative and doubtful of change that I'm feeling down." But after attending a house meeting in Augusta, he reported:

The meeting went very well. There was a good turnout and mix of crowds (white, black, mature & young, women and men) -- the Obama trademark.

We discussed and planned to attend a public hearing in our community dealing with cutting transit service on Saturdays and raising travel costs. We also discussed other issues facing our community and nation. Our action item was to attend the meeting and make plans for a service project during the MLK holiday weekend.
I'm glad I went. These meetings are a way of keeping us connected and discussing the issues, and I'm sure this won't be the last. Love it.

And in Henderson, Nevada, Carolyn posted:

Today a small group of supporters gathered at the home of Annette and Ken. It was great seeing old friends from the campaign as well as meeting new friends. Everyone got an opportunity to talk about their issues... Everyone was passionate about their concerns and anxious to carry on what was started during this historic campaign.
I was ecstatic to learn that we would get support going forward from the Obama organization to help us stay together and work on our issues... Many issues were discussed, but as a group I think we will be concentrating on healthcare and promoting healthy lifestyles, energy and political awareness and participation in future elections. I'm looking forward to our next gathering.

Check back soon for more from the Change is Coming house meetings. If you hosted a meeting this past weekend, there is still time to report back on the issues that are important to your group and share your feedback on the future of this grassroots movement.

Video: Weekly Democratic Radio Address

Christopher Hass — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 09:19:09 EST

During Saturday's weekly Democratic Radio Address, President-elect Barack Obama announced that he will nominate Shaun Donovan, currently New York City Commissioner of Housing Preservation and Development, as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

In the address, President-elect Obama explained that the mortgage crisis and rising foreclosures threatens to shake "the foundation of the American Dream."

There is nothing more fundamental than having a home to call your own. It's not just a place to live or raise your kids or return after a hard day's work – it's the cornerstone of a family's financial security.

To stem the rising tide of foreclosures and strengthen our economy, I've asked my economic team to develop a bold plan that will dramatically increase the number of families who can stay in their homes. But this plan will only work with a comprehensive, coordinated federal effort to make it a reality. We need every part of our government working together – from the Treasury Department to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the agency that protects the money you've put in the bank. And few will be more essential to this effort than the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

President-elect Obama praised Donovan's long record on housing reform issues and his leadership in expanding access to affordable housing. As Commissioner of Housing Preservation and Development in New York City, Donovan has helped create the largest municipal affordable housing plan in the nation. Donovan served at HUD during the Clinton Administration, and also worked in both the business and non-profit sectors where he helped make responsible homeownership and access to affordable housing a reality for American families.

Change is Coming Open Thread

Christopher Hass — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 17:23:06 EST

The Change is Coming house meetings kicked off today -- if you hosted or attended a meeting today, let us know how it went in the comments below.

And there is still time to find a house meeting near you for Sunday . . .

Change is Coming Kick-Off

Christopher Hass — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 15:11:47 EST

The official kick-off of the Change is Coming house meetings is tomorrow, although there are over 200 early meetings taking place tonight. Altogether over 4200 event have been organized throughout the country, from small local gatherings to an event in Los Angeles with nearly 500 attendees.

Many of the hosts we spoke with last night were busy making final preparations for the weekend.

Jan Biederman in Cleveland explained:

The goals of our get-together will be multi-fold, not the least of which will be to keep the grass-roots momentum going. I think that myself and many others view this as not only another political election, but as a progressive movement to really change some of the awful ways our country was run during the Bush administration.
I plan to facilitate a discussion on what we can do locally to help bring about the change we all want, and not just wait for Washington.
I hope that by getting people together, even if we did not know each other before the event, we will leave with some of the same warm feeling we had during the election, knowing there are many others like ourselves out there willing to actually walk the walk ...

It's not too late to find an event near you. And if you're attending a meeting this weekend, send us your photos and stories at blog@barackobama.com.

This Weekend: Still Fired Up?

Christopher Hass — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 23:08:27 EST

This weekend marks the kick-off for the Change is Coming house meetings, the next step in what has become an unprecedented grassroots movement.

Over 4200 events have been planned in communities across America, and the response has been incredible. We've spoken to hundreds of hosts over the last few days, and the message is clear: they are still fired up, and ready to get back to work.

Caroline Greenwood was a volunteer Team Leader in Miami, Florida. On Saturday she's hosting a house party for over 60 guests, nearly a quarter of which are first time attendees who are new to the group. Like many supporters, Caroline's group has remained active -- Saturday's meeting will be their fifth meeting since Election Day.

In Johnstown, Pennsylvania Dave Casker had to move his meeting to a new location, after the initial sign-ups overwhelmed the original venue. Dave explained:

I have invited everyone I can think of... the volunteers from the campaign, from the primary, and even back to the petition drive phase. I have invited every local politician I can.
I'm in the process of inviting reps from community service groups like the Salvation Army, Catholic Charities, the Women's Help Center, the Veterans Center, the local senior center so on, to send someone to briefly tell us what their needs are and how we might help them... I even invited the city council woman, who was the county chair of McCain's campaign, because she really IS an advocate for community involvement.

In El Paso, Texas former Obama field organizer John Paladino is hosting a meeting at a local restaurant, where he's expecting as many as 100 guests:

Many of our core group got involved in politics because of Barack Obama and his message of hope and change. We worked in many poor areas in the election and realize that change has to come from the bottom up. We have to get involved in the local politics because the day to day issues are most often handled by our school boards and city councils.

There is still time to find a house meeting near you and join local supporters in your community this weekend. These meetings will help lay the groundwork for local grassroots efforts across the country, and your ideas and feedback will help guide this movement in the months and years ahead. For people like Caroline, Dave, John and thousands of others, this grassroots movement was about more than just an election, and they are still fired up.

Statement of President-elect Obama on Human Rights Day

Christopher Hass — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 20:47:40 EST

In recognition of Human Rights Day, President-elect Obama released the following statement today:

The United States was founded on the idea that all people are endowed with inalienable rights, and that principle has allowed us to work to perfect our union at home while standing as a beacon of hope to the world. Today, that principle is embodied in agreements Americans helped forge -- the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Geneva Conventions, and treaties against torture and genocide -- and it unites us with people from every country and culture.
When the United States stands up for human rights, by example at home and by effort abroad, we align ourselves with men and women around the world who struggle for the right to speak their minds, to choose their leaders, and to be treated with dignity and respect. We also strengthen our security and well being, because the abuse of human rights can feed many of the global dangers that we confront -- from armed conflict and humanitarian crises, to corruption and the spread of ideologies that promote hatred and violence.
So on this Human Rights Day, let us rededicate ourselves to the advancement of human rights and freedoms for all, and pledge always to live by the ideals we promote to the world.

'He can't do it by himself. He's gonna need our help.'

Christopher Hass — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 16:21:47 EST

“President-elect Obama was clear throughout the campaign that elected officials in Washington alone aren’t going to bring change. And whether it’s by working to expand the Democratic majority or building grass-roots support for the administration’s agenda, the power to bring the change we need lies in the hands of Americans who are engaging their communities.” - Obama campaign spokesman Ben LaBolt

Two weeks ago, campaign manager David Plouffe announced plans for a series of coordinated house meetings, to be held on December 13th and 14th, in which supporters could meet and help plan the future of this grassroots movement. Since then, over 4,000 events have been planned in communities across the country.

In Nevada, the Las Vegas Sun recently reported:

Nearly two dozen gatherings are scheduled throughout the Las Vegas Valley, and the postelection enthusiasm is still hot.

Yvette Williams, who hosted candidate Obama at a house party in August 2007 and became a delegate to the Democratic National Convention, had to cut off her Sunday party at 75 activists.

Likewise, Fred and Suzie McKay, who held more than 40 events for Obama throughout the course of the campaign, will host 22 people, a full house.

...“He can’t do it by himself. He’s always said that. He’s gonna need our help. That means working with members of Congress, including Republicans,” Williams said.

The article also explained that grassroots supporters are focusing their attention on local as well as national issues:

... Nevadans should pay particular attention to this fact: The Obama organization is also creating a state and local agenda. As Williams put it: “It’s not enough to change politics in Washington if we’re not changing them here locally. It’s good and great if it’s changing in D.C, but if it’s not affecting us in our local community, it’s not doing us any good at all.”

At the weekend events, volunteer leaders will poll participants on chief priorities and find out who among them has particular expertise or relationships with legislators and other key players. And, they’ll strategize about a plan for the coming months.

Along with the recent postelection surveys, these house meetings are a way for supporters to share their input and help determine what comes next for this movement, both locally and nationally.

As David Plouffe explained in a video message yesterday:

This grassroots organization has always been about more than an election. It's about transforming our country -- and we've only just begun.

There is still time to find a house meeting near you, or sign up to host your own. If you've already made plans to host or attend a meeting, let us know in the comments below where you'll be and what your goals are moving forward.

The Next Step: Attend a Change is Coming House Meeting Dec. 13-14

Christopher Hass — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 17:45:14 EST

On December 4th, David Plouffe sent out the following message to supporters, inviting them to take part in the next step of this unprecedented grassroots movement:

Exactly one month ago, you made history by giving all Americans a real opportunity for change.

Now it's time to start preparing and working for change in our communities.

On December 13th and 14th, supporters are coming together in every part of the country to reflect on what we've accomplished and plan the future of this movement. Your ideas and feedback will be collected and used to guide this movement in the months and years ahead.

Join your friends and neighbors -- sign up to host or attend a Change is Coming house meeting near you at:
http://my.barackobama.com/changeiscoming
Since the election, the challenges we face -- and our responsibility to take action -- have only gotten more urgent.

You can connect with fellow supporters, make progress on the issues you care about, and help shape the future of your community and our country.

Learn what you can do now to support President-elect Obama's agenda for change and continue to make a difference in your community.

Take the first important step by hosting or attending a Change is Coming house meeting. Sign up now at:
http://my.barackobama.com/changeiscoming
To get our country back on track, it will take all of us working together.

Barack and Joe have a clear agenda and an unprecedented opportunity for change. But they can't do it alone.

Will you join us at a house meeting and help plan the next steps for this movement?

Thanks,

David

David Plouffe
Campaign Manager
Obama for America

Message from David Plouffe: "We've only just begun"

Christopher Hass — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 17:17:19 EST

Earlier today David Plouffe sent out an email and video message to supporters, inviting them to take part in the next step of this grassroots movement:

I just recorded a special video message -- from a place you might recognize -- about this weekend's Change is Coming house meetings, and why you should join tens of thousands of your fellow supporters.

Watch the video and find a Change is Coming house meeting near you. Or host one yourself and invite your friends, family, and neighbors.
At the house meetings, you'll reflect on our campaign, discuss the future of this movement, and identify some ways to get involved in your community.

Meeting hosts will report back, and your feedback will be instrumental in guiding this movement through some important and unprecedented territory.

This grassroots organization has always been about more than an election. It's about transforming our country -- and we've only just begun.

With the enormous challenges we're facing at home and abroad, we have no choice but to continue working together. There's so much more we can do to help Barack bring change to America.

How we do that is up to you.

Watch the video and sign up to host or attend a house meeting this weekend.

I hope you'll continue to make history with us.

Thanks and happy holidays,

David

David Plouffe
Campaign Manager
Obama for America

Video: President-elect Barack Obama on 'Meet the Press'

Christopher Hass — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:11:53 EST

On Sunday, Barack Obama made his first 'Meet the Press' appearance as President-elect. He spoke in detail about the economy and foreign policy, warning that the economy is "going to get worse" before it gets better and declaring that a short-term economic stimulus package is his "number one priority" coming into the White House:

"We’ve got to provide a blood infusion right now, make sure that the patient is stabilized. We’ve got to get the economy moving."

President-elect Obama announced the leaders of his White House economic team before the Thanksgiving holiday -- the earliest announcement of its kind ever made by an incoming administration. In his interview, the President-elect assured that his White House economic team is already hard at work drawing the blueprints for economic recovery.

President-elect Obama also announced his decision to nominate retired General Eric K. Shinseki as his choice to head the Department of Veterans Affairs, calling General Shinseki, "exactly the right person who is going to be able to make sure that we honor our troops when they come home."

You can watch clips from President-elect Obama’s appearance on 'Meet the Press' below:

President-Elect Barack Obama Lays Out Key Pieces of Economic Recovery Plan

Christopher Hass — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 12:25:58 EST

On Saturday, President-elect Barack Obama laid out key pieces of his economic recovery plan during the weekly Democratic Radio Address. This nationwide initiative will help save or create at least two and a half million jobs, while rebuilding our infrastructure, improving our schools, reducing our dependence on oil, and saving billions of dollars.

President-elect Obama announced five specific components of the plan:

Embark on a large-scale effort to make public buildings more energy-efficient
Make the single largest new investment in our national infrastructure since President Eisenhower established the Interstate Highway System in the 1950s – creating millions of jobs and compelling states to act quickly and make smart investments
Create jobs and help our children compete by launching the most sweeping effort to modernize and upgrade school buildings that this country has ever seen
Renew our information superhighway by boosting broadband deployment in communities across America
Modernize our health care system so that every hospital and doctor’s office is using cutting-edge technology and every American has access to electronic medical records.

You can read the full transcript of the radio address at Change.gov.

Open Thread

Christopher Hass — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 10:10:04 EST

This is a Sunday open thread . . .

President-elect Obama's Statement on Job Loss

Christopher Hass — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 14:38:55 EST

In response to the announcement today of November job loss numbers, President-elect Obama released the following statement:

The 533,000 jobs lost last month, the worst job loss in 34 years, is more than a dramatic reflection of the growing economic crisis we face. Each of those lost jobs represents a personal crisis for a family somewhere in America. Our economy has already lost nearly 2 million jobs during this recession, which is why we need an Economic Recovery Plan that will save or create at least 2.5 million more jobs over two years while we act decisively to maintain the flows of credit on which so many American families and American businesses depend.

There are no quick or easy fixes to this crisis, which has been many years in the making, and it's likely to get worse before it gets better. But now is the time to respond with urgent resolve to put people back to work and get our economy moving again. At the same time, this painful crisis also provides us with an opportunity to transform our economy to improve the lives of ordinary people by rebuilding roads and modernizing schools for our children, investing in clean energy solutions to break our dependence on imported oil, and making an early down payment on the long-term reforms that will grow and strengthen our economy for all Americans for years to come.

The Next Step: Attend a Change is Coming House Meeting Dec. 13-14

Christopher Hass — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 19:04:44 EST