"I will never forget who this victory truly belongs to – it belongs to you." - Barack Obama, Election Night 2008
Read the full speech, as prepared for delivery . . .
Ambassador Frederick Vreeland, co-founder of Republicans Abroad for Obama, has sent us another touching story of his conversations with Americans and non-Americans living abroad about their feelings on Sen. Obama's candidacy:
Lucia comes from Lecce, down in the boot of Italy, where she lives with her 83 year old husband, a semi-retired doctor. Lucia definitely has a mind of her own, but said that one thing she and her husband and all the Italians she knows agree on is that the world needs Obama as US president. She reminded me that during the Cold War, in the stand-off between Communism and the Free World, the majority of Italians, including everyone she knows, voted against Communism when the future of the world hung in the balance. At that crucial moment, she says, Italians went out massively to cast their ballots to assure America's position as the world leader. Lucia, her family and her friends were delighted when the Communist world disintegrated, as were the vast majority of Italians. They were proud that they had been on the good side, and of course delighted they had been on the winning side. So, she says, they avidly supported America as the sole SuperPower, following the lead of its president with eager enthusiasm. But Lucia then describes her profound disappointment as the leader of the world, the Chief of State of the nation accepted throughout Italy as Freedom's standard bearer, showed the way -- not to sanity and progress but to suicidal, self-destructive folly. She had been among the most vociferous Italians calling for sacrifices after America's tragic fate on 9/11. But now, she concludes, America's president has led his own people, and all their supporters, over the cliff and into the chasm of unwinable wars in far-off lands. For Lucia, Obama's victory can vindicate all the contributions she and her family doctor have made to parliamentary democracy and civil society -- "God willing," she concludes, not quite daring to be optimistic, "Obama can still save the world from itself."
This story comes in from Ambassador Fredrick Vreeland.
Ambassador Frederick Vreeland is a great friend to the Obama campaign. A former US Ambassador to Morocco, and a distinguished career diplomat and CIA officer, Ambassador Vreeland is a life-long Republican (he was even George H.W. Bush's roommate at Yale!) who endorsed Barack Obama early this year, and with Professor Larry Gray of Rome, founded "Republicans Abroad for Obama". Now retired and living in Rome, Ambassador Vreeland still travels frequently to North Africa, and recently sent the following email to Kim Reed, Senior Advisor on Americans Abroad to the Obama Campaign, regarding his encounter with Youssef, a Moroccan who, like millions around the world, yearns for Senator Obama to be elected on Tuesday.
Here is Ambassador Vreeland's story:
Youssef teaches school in a village in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, which he gets to at the end of a six mile hike after taking an hour's bus ride from his home town of Marrakech, Morocco. He spends every weekday in that village but goes home on weekends to Marrakech where he can pick up cash as a guide for the tourists. He told me last weekend what he does with that cash: he saves it to help buy a pump for the village which, although without roads or running water, has recently been attached to the electric power grid. That's how we got onto the subject of Obama for president. Youssef prays that Obama will win, not because it will revolutionize American foreign policy or save the world from the deepening recession, but because it will realize the dreams that his village's school children have for an America whose leadership they can believe in -- and ignite a burst of hope among uncounted millions of other young people around the globe whose life now lacks everything, but especially hope. For Youssef that water pump is like an Obama presidency: it will change everything. Now, without an electric pump, the village children never do their homework because their parents need them to work the village's one handpump and then carry the water home in heavy jars. But with an electric pump the houses can be connected to the well in the village square and younger children will do their homework. And that will permit them to go on from primary school to highschool, rather than dropping out at age 11 as they do now. And that in turn will mean some will go on to college, thus opening up the world of well paying jobs and improvement in living standards. Youssef sees this as all connected with Obama, who will bring, in his mind, the same burst of optimism and energy that galvanized Morocco in the Kennedy presidency during his own childhood. And the fact that Obama's father was from a Developing Country will make everyone in what used to be called the Third World feel that we live in One World, with common challenges and realistic ambitions. I left Youssef to go back to his almost inaccessible village school, sharing his prayer that next week his students will be liberated from hopelessness, from living in a blind alley and that an Obama victory will reverberate around the world the way Youssef and his fellow villagers are hoping.
This just in from Hilary Bown, Regional Field Director for Central and Eastern Europe. Around the world, let's all do all we can to help Obama win!
We are 36 hours away from this election being over -- but we still have not won this thing yet! As overseas Americans who cast their votes weeks ago, we may feel somewhat disconnected from what is going on tomorrow in the U.S. There are nevertheless a number of ways we can still be involved! Here's a list of 5 easy ideas:1) Have you sent in your ballot?> If you have not, you may still FAX in your ballot before polls close on Nov 4th to the following states: AK, AZ, CA, CO, DC, FL, HI, ID (emergency only), IN, KS, LA, ME (emergency only), MO (Federal employees and military only), MT (by county!), NV, NJ, NM, NC, ND, OK (emergency only), RI, SC, TX (military only), UT, VT, VI, and WV.> You may FAX your ballot by Nov 3rd to MS.> You may EMAIL back your ballot to IN, NJ, NM, ND, SC, and WV (by county!).> You may POSTMARK your ballot by the 3rd to: AL (received by 4 Nov), IL (rec'd 18 Nov), IA (rec'd 10 Nov), NY (rec'd 11 Nov), ND, PA (rec'd 11 Nov), and UT (rec'd 18 Nov).> You may POSTMARK your ballot by the 4th to: AK (received by 19 Nov), AR (rec'd 14 Nov) DC (rec'd 14 Nov), GA (rec'd 7 Nov), IN (rec'd 14 Nov), MD (rec'd 14 Nov), MA (rec'd 14 Nov), OH (rec'd 14 Nov), TX (rec'd 10 Nov), VI (rec'd 14 Nov), WA (rec'd 25 Nov), and WV (rec'd 10 Nov).> If you live in one of the above states, never received your ballot and have not yet done so, please send in a Federal Write-in Absentee Ballot. You can download the forms and instructions for your state at http://www.fvap.gov/shortcuts/get-backup-fed-write-in-ballot/index.html/ .> If you have sent in your ballot, give your county elections office a call to make sure it's arrived. You can look up the phone number of your county's office here: https://obama.overseasvotefoundation.org/overseas/eod.htm/ . If there are any issues, you may still have time to fax, email or post a replacement.2) Have your overseas American friends sent in their ballots?> Call up, email or otherwise check up with 5 American friends living overseas and make sure they have received and returned their absentee ballots. If they have not, use the information above to help them cast a vote if there's still time!3) Will your American friends and relatives be headed to the polls tomorrow?> Call up, email or otherwise check in with 5 American friends or family members living in the U.S. and encourage them to head to the polls tomorrow. Take a couple minutes to tell them why you support Barack Obama and why we're counting on their vote.4) Will other Americans -- those in key swing states -- be headed to the polls tomorrow?> The campaign has set up an online tool called Neighbor to Neighbor, which allows you to make calls to registered voters in crucial areas, providing them with information about their polling locations and encouraging them to vote for Barack Obama. You can pick the state you'd like to call here: http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/phonebankmap/ . You can find answers to commonly-asked questions here: http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/votercontactfaq/ . (Don't forget to calculate the time difference.)> If you do not have a way to make cheap or free phone calls from your land line to the U.S., try using your computer to make calls. You can get 5 free hours of calling from Internet Calls: http://www.internetcalls.com/en/index.html/ ; another inexpensive option is to create and use a Skype account -- calls to the U.S. are just 2 cents/minute: http://www.skype.com/allfeatures/callphones/ .> If you do have a telephone flatrate, consider inviting friends over tonight and tomorrow to make these calls from your home. Polls do not begin closing in the U.S. until midnight CET, so there is plenty of time to make calls after work!5) Are there other ways to assist Democrats and Obama supporters in your area?> If you live near a major city, it is likely that a Democrats Abroad chapter or Americans Abroad for Obama group will be sponsoring an Election Watch party. You can find a big list of events here: http://www.democratsabroad.org/article/2008/10/28/election-results-mexico-city-kathmandhu-join-your-fellow-democrats-and-watch-elec/ . You can also track down events using myBO; search for your area on this page: http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/search_simple/ . Volunteers may still be needed for these events! Contact the event's organizer and let them know you're willing to help. (If you are turned away because they have plenty of volunteers, then they will have plenty of volunteers to feed! Show your support and bake or take snacks and other goodies for those staffing the event.)Americans abroad can still have an impact on this election -- please take a couple hours over the next 1.5 days to ensure that a brighter day in American politics dawns on Nov. 5th!
Before the war in Iraq ever started, Senator Obama said that it was wrong in its conception. In 2002, then Illinois State Senator Obama said Saddam Hussein posed no imminent threat to the United States and that invasion would lead to an occupation of undetermined length, at undetermined cost, with undetermined consequences.
Since then, Senator Obama has laid out a plan on the way forward in Iraq that has largely been affirmed by the bipartisan Iraq Study Group led by James Baker and Lee Hamilton.
Barack understands there is no military solution to Iraq's civil war and has a plan to bring the war to a responsible end. This includes getting the troops out with phased redeployment, putting pressure on the Iraqi government to reconcile and prevent the worsening of the humanitarian crisis.
Immediately upon taking office, Barack will give his Secretary of Defense and military commanders a new mission in Iraq: successfully ending the war. The removal of our troops will be responsible and phased. Obama and Biden will press Iraq's leaders to take responsibility for their future and to substantially spend their oil revenues on their own reconstruction. Obama and Biden will launch an aggressive diplomatic effort to reach a comprehensive compact on the stability of Iraq and the region. They also will address Iraq's refugee crisis.
The Blueprint for Change: Iraq video lays out the detailed plan...
Get more information on Barack's plan for the war in Iraq and learn where John McCain stands.
Nebraskans of all backgrounds have turned out to volunteer over the past few months, and Mick is no exception. A returned Peace Corps volunteer and an Omaha architect, he brings a unique perspective to the race and to his support for Barack Obama and Joe Biden; he was invited to blog as a guest about his experience volunteering for the campaign.
When I heard Senator Obama speak a couple of years ago concerning the Iraq war, I agreed with him when I heard him declare that he was not the “change that we were looking for," but that it was us! I decided to volunteer for his campaign. I am married with two daughters and the owner of a small business. My wife teaches high school; we served as Peace Corps Volunteers in the Dominican Republic (1988-1990). I'd like to tell a story about an experience that my wife and I had while we were assisting a community construct a school in the Dominican Republic. We were determined never to be the only ones working on the project; it was important that the community took ownership of the school if it was ever to be maintained long after we were gone.Our community was located in a remote mountain area where there was no electricity or running water. All of the concrete had to be mixed by hand and water was brought up from the river by young men on donkeys. To say the least, it was very physically demanding work, and the volunteerism was dwindling. Once a month a priest would come up to hold mass in the community, and one day we pulled him aside and asked him if he could say something motivating to the people to encourage them to volunteer. He agreed. For his sermon, he told the families that he was going to perform a “miracle”. Eyes opened wide, ours included as he claimed to everyone that he was going to lift a table up and over his head while using only his index finger. People got very excited and we all gathered around to see a miracle take place. Father held up his finger and prepared to lift the table over his head, but then he paused and asked us all to do the same and with each of us doing our small part we helped to make father’s “miracle” come true. I am happy to report that our family visited the school this past summer and that after eighteen years, and one small “miracle," classes are still being held.The time is now for all of us to work together and to take ownership of our future. Please lift a finger, by volunteering for Barack Obama’s Campaign at one of the three Campaign for Change offices here in Omaha.- Mick McGuire, Omaha
When I heard Senator Obama speak a couple of years ago concerning the Iraq war, I agreed with him when I heard him declare that he was not the “change that we were looking for," but that it was us! I decided to volunteer for his campaign.
I am married with two daughters and the owner of a small business. My wife teaches high school; we served as Peace Corps Volunteers in the Dominican Republic (1988-1990). I'd like to tell a story about an experience that my wife and I had while we were assisting a community construct a school in the Dominican Republic. We were determined never to be the only ones working on the project; it was important that the community took ownership of the school if it was ever to be maintained long after we were gone.
Our community was located in a remote mountain area where there was no electricity or running water. All of the concrete had to be mixed by hand and water was brought up from the river by young men on donkeys. To say the least, it was very physically demanding work, and the volunteerism was dwindling. Once a month a priest would come up to hold mass in the community, and one day we pulled him aside and asked him if he could say something motivating to the people to encourage them to volunteer. He agreed.
For his sermon, he told the families that he was going to perform a “miracle”. Eyes opened wide, ours included as he claimed to everyone that he was going to lift a table up and over his head while using only his index finger. People got very excited and we all gathered around to see a miracle take place. Father held up his finger and prepared to lift the table over his head, but then he paused and asked us all to do the same and with each of us doing our small part we helped to make father’s “miracle” come true. I am happy to report that our family visited the school this past summer and that after eighteen years, and one small “miracle," classes are still being held.
The time is now for all of us to work together and to take ownership of our future. Please lift a finger, by volunteering for Barack Obama’s Campaign at one of the three Campaign for Change offices here in Omaha.
- Mick McGuire, Omaha
From the New Stateman:
Catherine Mayer is from Wisconsin, but for the last few years has headed Time magazine's London bureau. So it's a testament to how keen the Democrats are to win her home state that they're still taking the time to ask for her vote. A lot. "They ring me about once a day at the moment," she told a meeting at last month's Labour conference. "That's how good Democrats Abroad are." She's not alone. Bill Bernard, the organisation's UK chair, says that they're trying to ring all registered voters once, and anyone in a swing state at least twice. Their Republican counterparts are engaged in similar get out the vote efforts, using emails and adverts in American newspapers such as Stars and Stripes. Over 6 million Americans are thought to live overseas - more than live in well over half the states - and the ex-pat community has become increasingly politically active. Democrats Abroad reckon their membership figures have quadrupled in the last four years ("Bush was our biggest recruiter!" Bernard says gleefully). Last spring it held its own primary election (Obama won, by a landslide). It also hosted a debate/party in Portchester Hall on the day of the Super Tuesday primaries – an event so popular that the authorities started squawking about overcrowding and demanding they cleared people out.
From the Charlatan:
For American voters, including students living in Canada, the decision of which presidential candidate to elect comes at a crucial time, with issues like the stumbling economy and the war in Iraq in the limelight. Their votes will have an impact on whether Democratic leader Barack Obama or Republican leader John McCain will become the next president of the United States. Carolyn Farquhar from the Democrats Abroad Ottawa-Gatineau branch estimates that there are about 600,000 American voters living in Canada. She said she feels that American voters abroad can make a substantial difference in this election and encourages them to vote. "It's really important that students know that they have a legal right as American citizens and as dual citizens to vote in the United States [presidential election] and in their individual states," she said. ...California native Jennifer Simpson, a second-year Carleton journalism and economics student, is planning to vote via mail-in-ballot for this election. The main issue that she would like to see the next president focus on is repairing the struggling U.S. economy. Although she feels that developing good international relationships with countries abroad is important, she feels the U.S. needs to focus on taking care of itself before helping other countries in need. "We can't afford to take care of the rest of the world right now because we need to take care of ourselves, it's just like when you have personal problems, you need to help yourself before you can help others," she said. Simpson said her vote would definitely be for Barack Obama. She said she feels that the Democratic leader is more professional and charismatic than his opponent John McCain, and she thinks his domestic-orientated policies are more equipped to bring the country out of their current struggle. Also, on the world stage she said she feels Obama's warm reception from countries around the globe could help alter the negative image she feels the U.S. has garnered internationally, although she said she has for the most part had a very positive experience here in Canada. ...For American citizens living in Canada the voting process is relatively simple. After registering to vote, they have to send a request to their home state for an absentee ballot, which they in turn fill out and send back. The election this November is also a general election, which means the voters will not only be choosing the presidential candidate they want, but will also be voting in state-primary elections, run-off elections and other general elections that occur within the individual's county. American citizens abroad who are looking for more information on how to vote can visit www.votefromabroad.org. Now that the federal election in Canada is over, Canadians are no doubt anxious to see who takes the presidential title south of the border. Will it be an Obama-Biden victory, or a McCain-Palin triumph? Until November, Americans, Canadians and people across the globe will have to wait patiently to see who will rule the White House next.
Michelle Obama has spent the past 20 months traveling across the country to meet with Military Families and wives to discuss why Barack is an advocate for veterans. After meeting with military wives in Virginia this summer, supporters created the group Blue Star Families for Obama.Blue Star Families For Obama (BSF4O) is a “Pro Military, Pro Obama” organization. This grassroots effort was started by Army and Marine Corps Spouses who believe supporting Senator Obama reinforces their support of loved ones serving in the military. They see their commitment to the country as military family members echoed in Barack Obama’s unyielding personal commitment to public service and his dedication to make America safer by increasing the prestige of the United States around the world.BSF4O recently created a moving video that shares their stories and why they support Barack...
I am a military wife. The last few years, being at war, have been hard. But I am proud of my family's decision to serve. People may suppose I support McCain for President. I admire him. But McCain is not my choice.McCain claims to work for us. His actions don't always agree. He campaigned against the new GI Bill, voted against troop safety equipment, against vets health care. He has a 20 percent approval rating from the Disabled American Vets. Barack Obama shows he understands today's military. Obama will help reservists and military families, he's frontlined mental health care, co-sponsored the GI Bill.I believe Barack Obama is the Commander-in-Chief we need. He has the vision to restore America's leadership in the world. That will be good for my family, as a military family. And it will be good for America.Thousands of military families across the country feel the way I do. We are patriotic people. We love our service and our country. And we support Barack Obama for President.
Join BSF4O today and get involved in your state today.
New to the site or still undecided? Learn more about Barack Obama and his position on important issues. If you're already a supporter, find out what you can do to help between now and Election Day, and please consider making a donation to strengthen our field operation and help Get Out The Vote.
Unsure about the differences between Barack Obama and John McCain's energy plans? Check out the side by side comparision below...
Senator Obama was joined by Senator Biden at a meeting with their Senior Working Group on National Security this morning to discuss the challenges that we face abroad, and the new direction that we need in our national security policy. Also at the meeting were Lt. Gen. John G. Castellaw (USMC, Ret.), Mr. Greg Craig, Sec. Richard Danzig, MG Paul Eaton (USA, Ret.), Rep. Lee Hamilton, Amb. Richard Holbrooke, MG Geoff Lambert (USA, Ret.), MG Al Lenhardt (USA, Ret.), ADM John Nathman (USN, Ret.), Sen. Sam Nunn, Sen. Jack Reed, Rep. Tim Roemer, Amb. Dennis Ross, Ms. Mara Rudman, Amb. Wendy Sherman, Brig. Gen. Jim Smith (USAF, Ret.), and Mr. Jim Steinberg.
After the meeting, Obama made brief remarks before taking questions from the press...
The next President will take office at a time of great uncertainty for America. We are in the midst of the greatest economic crisis since the Great Depression. And as challenging as our current economic crisis is, the next President will have to focus on national security challenges on many fronts. The terrorists who attacked us on 9/11 are still at large and plotting, and we must be vigilant in preventing future attacks. We are fighting two wars abroad. We are facing a range of 21st century threats – from terrorism to nuclear proliferation to our dependence on foreign oil – which have grown more daunting because of the failed policies of the last eight years. To succeed, we need leadership that understands the connection between our economy and our strength in the world. We often hear about two debates – one on national security and one on the economy – but that is a false distinction. We can’t afford another President who ignores the fundamentals of our economy while running up record deficits to fight a war without end in Iraq. We must be strong at home to be strong abroad – that is the lesson of our history. Our economy supports our military power, it increases our diplomatic leverage, and it is a foundation of America’s leadership and in the world. Through World War II, American workers built an Arsenal of Democracy that helped our heroic troops face down fascism. Through the Cold War, the engine of the American economy helped power our triumph over Communism. ...We must recognize that from global economic turmoil to global terrorism, the challenges we face demand American leadership of strong alliances. When America is isolated, we shoulder these burdens alone, and the security and prosperity of the American people is put at risk. Yet for eight years, we have seen our alliances weakened and our standing in the world set back. We cannot afford four more years of policies that have failed to adjust to our new century. We’re not going to defeat a terrorist network that operates in eighty countries through an occupation of Iraq. We’re not going to deny the nuclear ambitions of Iran by refusing to pursue direct diplomacy alongside our allies. We’re not going to secure the American people and promote American values with empty bluster. It’s time for a fundamental change, and that’s why I’m running for President.Read Obama's full remarks, as prepared for delivery...
Americans Abroad are just as excited about this election as people in the states. North Shore News in Canada recently published an article on the impact this election is having on Americans living abroad.
You might expect Maureen Harwood to be battling a serious case of election fatigue.The Blueridge resident has dual citizenship, both Canadian and American, and the interview for this story took place the morning after the Canadian federal election -- the same day as the third U.S. presidential debate. The 56th consecutive quadrennial United States presidential election is less than three weeks away.She's showing no signs of fatigue though. The dedicated Democrat sounds enthusiastic, animated even."We're excited about this unprecedented election. It offers us a chance to turn 180 degrees from the last eight years. I guess it's a classic example of having to go through hell to get to heaven."Originally from Chicago, Harwood has been in Canada for 30 years; she raised her children here, and she is a working actor. For some, living on foreign soil might engender a disconnect from the political process, but this time at least, that's not the case for Harwood."I feel very involved. I never imagined I would be this fired up about the election from up here."The reason? Harwood is a member of the local chapter of Democrats Abroad -- the official Democratic Party organization for the millions of Americans living outside the United States. The organization has committees throughout Europe, the Americas, the Middle East, Africa, Asia and the Antipodes...."I was scrolling through some sites and I discovered Democrats Abroad. Because the organization is recognized as a "state" party by the Democratic National Committee (DNC) and is represented on the DNC by eight voting members, members could vote in a Global Primary for expats. A polling place was set up at the Wolf and Hound Pub in Kitsilano."I told my sons 'Let's go. You're voting today,' and we went to the pub. The election results were coming in on one screen and the hockey game was playing on the other." It might have been the perfect setup for a societal segment that Harwood describes as hybrid."We're unique: our American culture is intrinsic, and we've taken on the culture of where we're at . . . so we're hybrids. We're cool."Since connecting with Democrats Abroad back in February -- and since the nomination of Barack Obama as the Democratic Party's presidential candidate -- Harwood has found herself increasingly involved, and increasingly passionate about it....Most of the group's activities since then have focused on reaching out to U.S. citizens based locally -- there are an estimated 30,000 of them in the Lower Mainland -- and giving them a vehicle to participate in the electoral system, to let them know how they can vote to register and help them do it. Under U.S. electoral rules, Americans living abroad may exercise their right to vote upon requesting ballot forms from the state with which they are registered. These must then be returned to that state within 10 days of the date of the election....Jammed to overflow, the Cameo Café on West Second Street in Vancouver has likely never been so quiet at capacity. Giant fans spin lazily above side-by-side Canadian and U.S. flags, and there is the occasional clink of cutlery, but for the most part the audience of 75 or so sits in surprising silence on plastic chairs, listening carefully to the feisty debate playing out on a large screen at the front of the room. This is the final showdown between McCain and Obama at Hofstra University in Hempstead, N.Y.When Obama turns to the camera to speak directly to the voters about the economy, about taxes, his energy plan and health care, the crowd in the room listens and applauds. When McCain goes on the offensive, challenging Obama's campaign tactics and his past associations, they mumble and groan. As moderator Bob Schieffer of CBS News asks the candidates why each of their running mates is a better choice for America, the room erupts in a cheer. There's no doubt which side they're on.Sean Lauer is the chair of the Vancouver chapter of Democrats Abroad Canada. The UBC sociology professor was born and raised in Philadelphia (although his last home state was New Hampshire, so that is where his ballot will be counted). He's been in Canada for seven years now, and is going through the process of becoming a Canadian citizen, so why bother committing so much to an election that almost seems to have a foregone conclusion?..."It's true . . . a lot of us have been working really hard, and I guess I could think 'For what am I doing this?' But if everyone thought that way then nothing would get done."Lauer is quick to point out that in the chaos that followed the knife-edge American election in 2000, it seemed the verdict would ride on thousands of absentee voters."We thought 'Wow. It might really come down to us.'"..."And for the past eight years we've seen how bad it can be, so now it's more important than ever that we're involved and that we vote."And as the financial markets in both countries drop and climb like a high-velocity coaster perhaps it is also more clear than ever that what happens in the U.S. election will affect not only Americans living in Canada, but Canadian-born residents as well."This election will reverberate everywhere," says Harwood. "The world wants it. The world wants this change."..."It helps to have dynamic leaders who have the ability to inspire," says Harwood thoughtfully. "But it's not just about Barack Obama. It's about how people feel inside."Now, with just 16 days left until Nov. 4, the scheduled date of the 2008 U.S. presidential election, Democrats Abroad are working harder than ever to ensure everyone who is eligible is voting. There is still lots to be done, and there are upcoming social events and volunteer opportunities open to Americans and Canadians who support them.To those here that hold U.S. citizenship and haven't yet exercised their right, it's time to follow Schieffer's advice. The moderator signed off from the debate with a line borrowed from his mother: "Go vote now. It will make you feel big and strong."
Barack has been campaigning for 20 months now. For 20 months he has traveled across the country, from state to state, talking to voters and talking about the change that he will bring to Washington. He'll continue traveling and campaigning over the next 16 days, but now it comes down to us. Michelle was in Minnesota earlier this week, where she explained to the gathered crowd that while Barack has gotten us 85% of the way there, the rest is up to us. We have to knock on doors, call voters, volunteer and most importantly, vote.
We are still in a fight, and the next weeks are going to be crucial to our Get Out The Vote effort. Which is why we need our supporters on the ground to be working as hard as they can over the next 16 days to win. This is the most important election of our lifetimes, and we can't afford to sit on the sidelines. Visit your state page today to learn more about how you can help.
This morning on NBC's "Meet the Press," former Secretary of State Colin Powell crossed party lines to endorse Barack Obama for president. Powell specifically cited Senator Obama's handling of the current financial crisis as one of the reasons for his endorsement, and commended Obama for providing "a more inclusive, broader reach into the needs and aspirations of our people."
From the transcript:
So when I look at all of this and I think back to my Army career. We’ve got two individuals, either one of them could be a good president. But which is the president that we need now? Which is the individual that serves the needs of the nation for the next period of time? And I come to the conclusion that because of his ability to inspire, because of the inclusive nature of his campaign, because he is reaching out all across America, because of who he is and his rhetorical abilities – and we have to take that into account – as well as his substance. He has both style and substance. He has met the standard of being a successful president, being an exceptional president. I think he is a transformational figure. He is a new generation coming in to the world, on to the world stage, on to the American stage. And for that reason, I’ll be voting for Senator Barack Obama.
UPDATED: Here's the video from this morning's edition of Meet the Press, in which Colin Powell first announced his endorsement:
I just finally mailed in my absentee ballot! I voted for Obama/Biden.And I just want to take this opportunity to say I am impressed with both the Democrats Abroad and the Vote for Change people.I received a phone call from the Vote for Change people today while I was out. They left a message making sure that I had applied for my ballot. They wanted to tell me it wasn't too late to apply for a ballot but that I might need to fax in my application to get my ballot in time!And last week Democrats Abroad called me and left a message on my answer phone to see if I knew how to vote and to vote Obama. I am so bummed that I missed both calls. Let me tell you that even overseas the Obama Campaign is on the ball!Thanks to Democrats Abroad and Vote for Change for making voting so easy this year. In previous years I didn't vote because it was such a hassle to get an absentee ballot! So thank you.And if there are any other expats out there -- go register to vote! It's easy and it's fun!
Joe Biden just sent out this email...
Amanda -- I've traveled around the world, and I've seen my share of presidential campaigns. But I have never seen one in which Americans living abroad have had a bigger impact. Barack and I know we have support from Americans all over the globe -- and we appreciate all that you are doing to be part of this movement for change. But the time for you to make your voice heard is quickly passing. Voter registration and vote by mail deadlines are approaching. Some states close their rolls as early as today, October 4th. Find your state, get registered, and get your absentee ballot today. Eight disastrous years of George Bush policies have jeopardized our security, tarnished our international reputation, and sunk us into the most profound economic crisis we have seen since the Great Depression. Now, John McCain wants to continue down the same path. Don't imagine for a second that your vote doesn't matter in this election. Register today and request your absentee ballot, and make sure your voice is heard: http://my.barackobama.com/osv Together, we can make history and bring about the change we need. Thank you, Joe
A supporter sent in this photo of voter registration in Japan...
Register to vote and request your absentee ballot today.
