AAFO HQ Blog

Video: Election Night Speech in Grant Park

Christopher Hass — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 11:06:36 EST

"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 . . .

Italian Support for Obama

Christopher Ruggles — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 18:04:52 EST

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."

Obama Inspires People Around the World

Christopher Ruggles — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 11:47:32 EST

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.

Five Things You Can Still Do to Help Barack Obama

Christopher Ruggles — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 11:19:28 EST

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!

Blueprint for Change: Iraq

Amanda Scott — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 14:44:39 EDT

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.

Guest Blogger: Mick McGuire

Chuck Lippstreu — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 20:02:11 EDT

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

In The News

Amanda Scott — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 16:09:08 EDT

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.

"I am a military wife"

Amanda Scott — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 17:32:29 EDT

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.

Energy: Side By Side

Amanda Scott — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 16:01:36 EDT

Unsure about the differences between Barack Obama and John McCain's energy plans? Check out the side by side comparision below...

Senator Obama's National Security Avail

Amanda Scott — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 12:19:30 EDT

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...

"Casting votes from the sidelines"

Amanda Scott — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 18:09:10 EDT

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."

"The rest is up to us"

Amanda Scott — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 15:46:35 EDT

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.

Former Secretary of State Colin Powell: "I'll be voting for Senator Barack Obama"

Christopher Hass — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 11:44:21 EDT

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:

Vote From Abroad

Molly Claflin — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 16:50:19 EDT

There are over 6 million Americans living abroad in this election cycle, and we want to make sure their voices are heard in this election. We're not just working in the battleground states; we’re working hard to get out the vote in London, Munich, Hong Kong and more.

Nanci, an expatriate living in the UK, just already sent in her vote:

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!

If you haven’t voted yet, there’s still time. Visit VoteForChange.com to learn more and make sure your vote gets counted – no matter where in the world you are.

Register Before It's Too Late

Amanda Scott — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 17:32:19 EDT

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

Obama Addresses UN General Assembly

Christopher Ruggles — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 10:06:08 EDT

Statement of Barack Obama on the Opening of United Nations’ General Assembly
Tuesday, September 23, 2008

“I welcome the opening of the United Nations' 63rd General Assembly. This gathering of heads of state and delegations from 192 nations presents an important opportunity to focus on global challenges ranging from terrorism and nuclear weapons, to climate change and the food crisis. It should serve as an opportunity to renew the UN’s founding commitment to peace and human rights – not as a forum for Iran’s President to air his hateful views.

The United Nations is an important vehicle for us to share global burdens and costs. Over the last year, the UN’s relief agencies helped stave off famine and disease in Burma, Haiti, and elsewhere. We have seen more than 100,000 UN blue helmets help keep the peace in some 18 missions around the world. And we have seen the UN Security Council finally vote to impose more stringent measures on Iran to punish its ongoing pursuit of nuclear weapons.

Unfortunately, we have also seen the polarization and paralysis of the United Nations. The UN Human Rights Council loses its credibility when it issues 29 resolutions condemning democratic Israel, while remaining silent on the abuses carried out by Zimbabwe. The UN Security Council rightly authorized a larger peacekeeping presence for Darfur, but UN member states have largely failed to make the necessary troop and logistical contributions. In the face of Russia’s recent aggression – a clear violation of the UN Charter – the UN Security Council failed to act decisively.

We need to learn from these mistakes. As a first step, we should be united in rejecting and strongly condemning Iranian President Ahmadinejad’s denial of the Holocaust, support for terrorism, and pursuit of nuclear weapons. All member states should make plain that there is no place in the community of nations for his outrageous and offensive views. Now is the time for the international community to be united in condemning anti-Semitism and terrorism. Now is the time for Iran to accept the EU3+3 offer, or face increased pressure.

Strong, effective alliances and partnerships are not a luxury – they are a necessity in effectively confronting global challenges like terrorism, nuclear proliferation, climate change, pandemics, extreme poverty, and genocide. As President, I will restore our alliances and partnerships that have been so badly strained these last eight years, and engage in the kind of tough and principled diplomacy that is necessary to advance our interests.

It’s time for America to use our influence to reform and shape the United Nations so that it functions efficiently and accountably, and can better shoulder the burdens of pressing global challenges. We all have an interest in achieving this result so that the UN can help advance the common security and common humanity of the world.”

The Fierce Urgency of Now in France!

Christopher Ruggles — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 01:13:58 EDT

We are continuing our phone banking campaign in Paris, France this week.
We have sessions from 7 to 10PM, Monday through Thursday evening this
week.

Monday 22nd September, 7PM to 10PM
At the home of Theresa Hougie - 17eme Metro Wagram

Tuesday 23rd September, 7PM to 10PM
At the home of Gloria Cadet - 17eme Metro Place de Champeret

Wednesday, 24th September, 7PM to 10PM
At the home of Tara Stickley - 18eme Metro Château Rouge, Barbès

Thursday, 25th September, 7PM to 10PM
At the home of Roberta Beardsley - 1er Metro Châtlet

Please email AAO Regional Field Director, Christine Houben at
houbenc@dnc.org for details of the locations where we will be meeting to
make calls and reach out to our Democrats Abroad members in France.

Please note that you must bring your cell phone with you to use at these
meetups.

While we have successfully reached a portion of our members, we still
have many more to contact. Those of you who have already participated
know how important it is, and know how many people still need help
registering to vote.

It is vital that we give them the information they need in order to
Register & Request their ballots !

Please commit to coming to at least one of these sessions so that we may
reach everyone on our membership database by the end of the week. If
you have extra time this week, come to two or more sessions. This is
our final push for the month of September, leading up to the October
4th deadline to Register & Request a ballot in many US states. Your
help couldn't be more important right now. Americans all over France
are waiting to hear from you to encourage them to post their Ballot
Requests.

We are ahead in the polls right now. We need to take advantage of this
momentum and encourage everyone we know, anyone we can reach out to that
their vote will make a difference this year. We need to do this today.

The time to act is NOW.

TIme Is Running Out! Regional Field Directors Are There to Help

Christopher Ruggles — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 10:41:22 EDT

With only 47 days left, our efforts abroad are in high gear and we need your help!

Time is running out to request your absentee ballot so you can vote in November. It only takes a few minutes to complete at www.VoteFromAbroad.org/11. Please go there and request your ballot NOW! Make sure you voice is heard in this historic election!

Also, all across the world we are phonebanking Americans abroad to make sure they have requested their absentee ballots. We need your help to ensure that we get through our list of voters! Please email your Regional Field Director if you are interested in helping- it is very easy and important! In this election, every vote counts!

Below is the complete list of regional staff. **Please note that we have added five new field staffers since our last email** Reach out to your appropriate staff member with any questions you have regarding registering to vote, requesting your absentee ballot, or getting involved with Americans Abroad for Obama in your community. With only a few weeks left for Americans abroad to request their ballots, we need everyone's help!

Below are the names, contact information and regional assignment of our Regional Field Directors:

Eastern Canada: Will Fripp, frippw@dnc.org
Western Canada: Kim Burkhardt, burkhardtk@dnc.org
Guadalajara area of Mexico: Tim Whiting, whitingt@dnc.org
All other parts of Mexico: Nick Moreno, morenon@dnc.org
UK, Ireland, Scandinavia, and South Africa: Karin Robinson, robinsonkj@dnc.org
Francophone Europe and North Africa: Christine Houben, houbenc@dnc.org
Spain, Italy, Israel, Portugal and sub-Saharan Africa: Bob Barad, baradb@dnc.org
Greece, Lebanon, Turkey, Jordan, Cyprus, UAE area- Elina Mihalaki, mihalakie@dnc.org
Germanophone and Central/Eastern Europe: Hilary Bown, bownh@dnc.org
Australia, Philippines, and New Zealand: Carmelan Polce, polcec@dnc.org
Northern Asia: Terri Macmillan, macmillant@dnc.org
Southeast Asia: Chang Chiu, chiuc@dnc.org
India & Nepal: Shelli Koffman, koffmans@dnc.org
Central/South America, Caribbean: Zak Schwarzman, schwarzmanz@dnc.org

This is a grass roots effort that begins with individuals just like you. We need your involvement! Please reach out to your assigned staffer and get involved with this historic campaign in your community TODAY! We have no time to lose!

Thank you all for your continuing support!

Get Out the Vote in China!

Christopher Ruggles — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 14:13:19 EDT

* * * BARACK THE VOTE THIS WEEK!
US voters in China are strongly encouraged to register/request an absentee ballot by September 20th. (State deadlines vary.) Over 3,000 local election officials are dealing with record demand this year. Get your registration in! Get an FPCA form from the US embassy or consulate near you, or use a web tool like www.VoteFromAbroad.org/9.

* * * COME TO A VOTER REGISTRATION EVENT!
We can help you fill out the FPCA form request, print and mail your registration in.

TODAY! TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 16
+ Beijing: 4-9P @ The Bridge Cafe, Wudaokou, Haidian District. (1, Bldg 12, Huaqingjiayuan, Chengfu Lu. West of Wudaokou subway station). Contact Brian USVoteHaidian@gmail.com. 13801019104.

WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 17
+ Beijing: 4-9P @ The Bridge Cafe, Wudaokou, Haidian District. (1, Bldg 12, Huaqingjiayuan, Chengfu Lu. West of Wudaokou subway station). Contact Brian USVoteHaidian@gmail.com. 13801019104.

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 18
+ Beijing: 7P-Midnight @ The Saddle Cantina, Sanlitun (Big orange building just south of 3.3 mall. 81 Sanlitun North Bar Street, West end of the inner courtyard of Beijing Nali Huayuan). Contact Alex USVoteBeijing@gmail.com. Beijing cell: 13146911013.
+ Shanghai: Contact David USVoteShanghai@gmail.com. Shanghai cell: 15801879271.

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 20
+ Beijing: 1-5P @ The Bookworm, Sanlitun. (4 Sanlitun Nan Jie). Contact Ada USVoteChina@gmail.com. Beijing cell: 13641003762.
+ Shanghai: Contact David USVoteShanghai@gmail.com. Shanghai cell: 15801879271.
+ Guangzhou: 2-5PM. Voter registration phone banking. Private location. Contact Dana USVoteGuangzhou@gmail.com. Guangzhou cell: 13725213679.

* * * BARACK THE VOTE FROM HOME OR WORK
WWW.VOTEFROMABROAD.ORG/9

Go to: www.VoteFromAbroad.org/9 and follow the instructions to securely generate both an FPCA (Federal Post Card Application), and the back-up ballot, a FWAB (Federal Write in Ballot), appropriate for your local election office -- all in an PDF file you can save and print.

Download, print and save the resulting PDF file, and sign and mail in the FPCA on Page 4 to both register and request an absentee ballot. Some states allow fax transmission of the FPCA -- however, this must always be followed up with the mailed in, signed original for your vote to be counted.

Hang on to the FWAB portion of the PDF until October 5th. If you have not received your regular ballot by then, fill it out, sign and mail it in. The FWAB can only be used if you are already have registration/ballot request on file for this year. * * * Be sure to double-envelope your absentee ballot when mailing --- write "SECURITY ENVELOPE" on the inside envelope. This is to protect the privacy of your ballot during handling.

VoteFromAbroad is a voter registration tool developed by Democrats Abroad in compliance with strict EU privacy laws. No information about you is retained or shared with anyone, unless you opt in.

For voter assistance from the Obama campaign in China or from Democrats Abroad, please contact USVoteChina@gmail.com, macmillant@dnc.org, or demsasiapacificvc@yahoo.com.

Voter Registration in Japan

Amanda Scott — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 13:36:22 EDT

A supporter sent in this photo of voter registration in Japan...

Stay Tuned to BarackTV

Christopher Ruggles — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 18:05:02 EDT

Did you miss Barack's acceptance speech? Another convention speech? An earlier speech? For Americans living around the globe across time zones and with varied TV access, it can be hard to catch the speeches live. The campaign has made it easier by posting many speeches online at BarackTV.

You can find the speeches directly at this link: http://www.barackobama.com/tv/

Also, if you would like to save a speech and burn it to CD, there are detailed instructions online at: http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/video_download_howto_r/

Meet Your Regional Field Director: Chang Chiu

Christopher Ruggles — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 14:17:07 EDT

Chang Chiu, Regional Field Director for South East Asia, is a former corporate lawyer now consulting in Jakarta on political risk analysis and corporate social responsibility issues, but working full time for Obama until Election Day. He is a graduate of the University of Virginia School of Law, the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies, and Princeton University. This is his second stint as an expat, having lived in Beijing from 1999 to 2001 and the past year in Indonesia.

Chang says he began to listen to what Obama was saying after Iowa,

“but it was after the South Carolina primary that I was a 100% supporter of Barack. I liked his message and saw that he could inspire even the most politically apathetic among us to care about where our country is headed.”

“My most persuasive Obama sales pitch is in talking about foreign policy. Expats have a keen ear for knowing how to best approach other nations and Obama comes across quite favorably in how he says his presidency would engage other nations.”

Regarding other Americans living abroad, Chang says,

“I've learned that there is a lot of enthusiasm for Obama out there, and a willingness to help finding new voters.”

Chang says his job as a Regional Field Director demands

“quick email turnaround, clarity in emails, good phone skills, jugglers' skills in engaging with all of the committed volunteers across the region, a loving and understanding spouse who is a committed Obama supporter (not exactly a skill, but necessary nevertheless), and a dependable piece of luggage to get me around.”

Voter Registration in France

Amanda Scott — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 11:48:08 EDT

Voter registration is at the heart of our winning strategy. Americans living overseas must request their ballot by the end of this month to be sure to receive their ballot in time. Please participate in this unprecedented effort to get out the overseas vote for Barack Obama. Every voter you register, including yourself, has the potential to have an impact on the outcome.

ARE YOU LIVING IN FRANCE?

Our Regional Field Director with Americans Abroad for Obama, Christine Houben, is looking for volunteers to help out at the DAF Phone Bank.

Can you commit to helping us win this election? Reaching out to voters is the keystone to our success in November.

Although much of our campaign efforts are directed at finding and registering new voters, this shouldn't distract us from the importance of securing 100% confirmation of registration all our members – those Americans who are most easily within our reach.

A Phone Banking session will take place at the home of Lois Grjebine in Paris VIeme arrondissement this Thursday, September 11th from 7PM to 10PM.

Please email Christine at houbenc@dnc.org to volunteer.

What is Phone Banking?
•It is reaching out to each and every DAF member to make sure they have registered to vote.

What are the goals of Phone Banking?
•To secure 100% confirmed voter registration for all our members.
•To confirm that they will be voting for Barack Obama.
•To sign up new volunteers for the campaign from within our membership.
•To confirm contact details for all our members.
•To answer any other questions they may have about Democrats Abroad or about this election.

Email Christine at houbenc@dnc.org for more information on our Phone Banking Campaign.

Americans Abroad Brochure

Amanda Scott — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 12:19:59 EDT

Check out the new Americans Abroad For Obama Brochure!

Obama London!

Amanda Scott — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 12:03:55 EDT

Check out the Obama London group at one of their weekly organizational meetings:

Meet Your Regional Field Directors

Amanda Scott — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 11:53:32 EDT

Perhaps nothing demonstrates Barack Obama’s commitment to Americans living overseas more than the assignment of Regional Field Directors to register and mobilize eligible voters abroad. The campaign’s decision to hire staff who are familiar with a region outside the US national boundaries and assign them to organize voter information and registration efforts reflects an animating understanding of the role we can play not only in getting Barack Obama elected President, but informing his policy regarding our experience in our host countries.

Hilary Bown is based in Berlin and has lived in Russia as well as Germany since moving abroad six years ago. She completed her graduate education in European Political Studies and Peace and Security Studies in Germany and Poland and speaks five languages. Hilary’s extensive experience traveling the continent has come in handy in her field director position: she recently visited five countries in 10 days, meeting with 9 different groups!

Hilary describes the Americans she works among as diverse individuals who know the importance of a strong dollar.

We're looking forward to America accepting its responsibility to the rest of the world and regaining its standing with our allies. We are ready to greet the world with a new face and be greeted with respect once more.

In her current role, Hilary describes herself as a manager, secretary, travel agent (with a demanding client—i.e herself), organizer, negotiator, cheerleader, designer and systems developer.

You'll find me typing on the train and networking on the city bus!

As for her sales pitch for Obama, Hilary says it’s hard to reduce it to a simple slogan. Here’s how she puts it:

I was one of the thousands of Americans in the audience at Obama's speech in Berlin, Germany. In two separate sections, he listed many of the ways in which the present administration has failed to be an ethical leader in the world. One of the most significant for me was when he addressed the issue of nuclear disarmament. The United States needs to take a strong stand against nuclear weapons, leading by example and cooperating with Russia and other nuclear powers to ultimately eliminate our unnecessary and dangerous stockpiles of weapons. It is the first time I have heard a presidential candidate talk not just about securing nuclear material and preventing proliferation, but in fact securing our future by going arms-free ourselves. Barack Obama recognizes it is time to abandon Cold War thinking and address instead the challenges of the 21st century.

Watch Parties across China!

Christopher Ruggles — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 12:13:50 EDT

All across China on Friday, August 29, at 10 AM local time there will be parties to watch Obama's historic acceptance speech. If you can't make the Watch Party, check out CNN Asia or www.demconvention.com

COME TO A WATCH PARTY!

* * * BEIJING

LIVE! OBAMA SPEECH WATCH, HAIDIAN Come watch Obama's
acceptance speech for his party's nomination for US
President LIVE at 10AM! Also: major speeches from
Michelle, Joe, Hillary, Bill, Teddy and Al, as time
permits. BRUNCH from 9A-Noon -- 20% off All
Breakfasts. HAPPY HOUR from 5P-8P -- 15 RMB Qingdao
Beer. The Bridge Cafe, Wudaokou location (100 meters
southwest of Wudaokou Station, 8286-7026 for
directions). For details contact Brian at
USVoteHaidian@gmail.com.

OBAMA SPEECH WATCH, CHAOYANG US Citizens! Come watch
Obama's acceptance speech for his party's nomination
for US President. RMB 160, Private function from 7P-10P
at the Blue Frog, Sanlitun. For details please contact Auria
at USVoteBeijing@gmail.com.

* * * SHANGHAI

LIVE! OBAMA SPEECH WATCH SHANGHAI Come watch Obama's
acceptance speech for his party's nomination for US
President LIVE at 10AM! Malone's American Cafe
(Tongren Lu Location). near Nanjing Xi Lu, Metro Line 2
Jing'an Temple Station. 9:30A-11:30A -
Second Floor. Brunch available from 10:30A.
Happy Hour from 5P-8P - Third Floor. Watch Obama's and other
major speeches from the DNC. For details contact David
@ USVoteShanghai@gmail.com.

* * * GUANGZHOU

OBAMA SPEECH WATCH GUANGZHOU Attention US
Citizens! Come watch Barack Obama's acceptance speech
for his party's nomination for US President. 6PM. For location
details contact Dana at 1372 521 3679, USvoteGuangzhou@gmail.com

AND: For those who will be in Hong Kong on tomorrow morning

* * * HONGKONG

CONVENTION WATCH/HELP OBAMA WIN!
Come Join us watch the Democratic National Convention on CNN
8:30A - 10:30 am. Legends, Two Exchange Place, 49/F
Contact Assistant Field Director for Hong Kong, Edith Terry, for more information at
eterry@mindspring.com.

Indonesia to India! (Even More Supporters Gather for the Acceptance)

Christopher Ruggles — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 12:11:01 EDT

Supporters have posted the following events in Indonesia and India. Please check earlier posts on this blog to see that supporters around the planet are tuned in to the Convention this week, and will be listening to Obama's historic acceptance speech.

Click on the below for event info:

Bali, Indonesia

Mumbai, India

Chennai, India

More Convention Events Around the Globe

Christopher Ruggles — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 12:21:11 EDT

Voters around the planet are coming together to support Obama! In addition to these below, please see previous post for other events. Or else contact your Regional Field Director to see what is on in your area. Tune in to hear Obama's acceptance!

Vientiane, Laos - Convention Watch Party with Phil Robertson, Chair of Democrats Abroad Thailand, Thursday, 28 August 2008, Sticky Fingers Restaurant, Second Floor, 6:30 - 9:00 PM, Democrats Abroad, Mekong/Isaan Area Chapter. Please call Robert Vanden Bosch for more information about the event: (020)7979242.

Kathmandu, Nepal - Convention Breakfast Watch Party - Gather at Ann & Brian Peniston's house on Friday morning at 8am to view Senator Obama's acceptance speech. We will have homemade pastries and strong coffee to keep you going the rest of the day. Please call or email Marcela at 9841517892/r2andmarcela@hotmail.com for directions. Friday, August 29, 8 am.

Kabul, Afghanistan. (un)Conventional Canapes and Cocktails (Convention Watch Party). Watch the convention and the much-anticipated speech by Barack Obama in front of 75,000 supporters in Denver, as he accepts the democratic nomination to be our next president, with your fellow Americans in Afghanistan for Obama. Same place as last. Bring your passport and credit card to make a donation. Regret US Passports only. For additions to the guest list please email: afghanistan4obama@gmail.com. Donations of Canapes and Libations encouraged. Casa Obama - Home of Chris and Susan (Kabul, Afghanistan) Taimani Street 6. Friday, August 29 at 5:00 PM.

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Come watch Obama's acceptance speech Friday, August 29, 6:30-8:30pm! We're going to watch Senator Obama's acceptance speech pre-recorded from Invesco Field in Denver! Join other Democrats Abroad members at the home of Dana Doan. Please contact tmcrowley@hotmail.com for further info & directions!

Singapore. Democratic Convention Celebration (Convention Watch Party) Join Democrats Abroad, Lion City Committee (DALCC) members in a night of celebration as we watch speeches and coverage of the Democratic National Convention. This is an informal social event to enjoy the company of fellow Dems, celebrate our candidate, talk politics, and dream big for the future when Obama is in the White House! LOCATION: The Youth room is a little tricky to find -- best way to reach is to walk down the stairs by the pool. Look for the room with the mirrored walls and disco ball! CASH BAR: We need to cover the cost of the room through F&B purchases, so help out the cause and toast Obama with a drink! RSVP REQUIRED: All participants must RSVP (scmargolin@gmail.com) at least 48 hours before the event. We will provide attendance list to American Club for admittance. QUESTIONS? Contact Susie Margolin (scmargolin@gmail.com). Youth Room, American Club (Singapore, Singapore), 10 Claymore Hill, Singapore, Singapore. Friday, August 29 at 7:00 PM. Jakarta, Indonesia.

Jakarta, Indonesia Convention Watch Party (Convention Weekend of Action) Date: Friday, August 29, 2008 Place: Jl. Kemang Dalam No.6, H.2 (South East Asia Obama Campaign Headquarters, home of Catherine Chen and Chang Chiu, the Southeast Asia Regional Field Director) Time: 7 pm -10 pm Join to watch Sen. Barack Obama accept the Democratic nomination for President and give his historic speech in front of 75,000 people at Invesco Field in Denver, Colorado. The live speech will be at 9 am next Friday morning in Jakarta (10 pm EST in the U.S.) and we will rebroadcast it for our Jakarta Democratic Convention Watching Party on Friday night. Please come to share in the excitement and catch some of the momentum as the Obama campaign gears up for the final push for voter registration and absentee ballot request. There will be an opportunity to use the votefromabroad.org/10 website and a chance to answer questions about voter registration, absentee ballot request and receipt, and return of absentee ballots. There will also be a chance to sign up to volunteer for the Obama campaign in the next six weeks which are crucial toward securing victory in November. Limited amounts of food and drink will be provided. Please feel free to bring some to share. This is an open invitation. Please forward it through your networks and invite your friends and family. Please RSVP at chang.chiu@gmail.com. Donations always welcome! Directions: f coming from McDonald's on Kemang Raya, take left when you see the Amigo's sign. Go all the way down this road until you're almost at Hero. Take a right at the last flower stands. Go all the way down until the road ends and take a left. House is on this street, will be on your left. Look for the OBAMA signs!

New Delhi, India. DENVER IN DELHI - BE A PART OF HISTORY! You are invited to watch Barack Obama's acceptance speech at the Democratic National Convention (tape delay from Thursday night in Denver) WHEN: Friday night, August 29 8:00 pm Get ready with no-host drinks, dinner, snacks 9:00 pm Screening of speech. Then register to vote, buy Obama gear, celebrate! WHERE: Retro Sushi Restaurant in the Vasant Continental Hotel, Vasant Lok You can watch the speech on youtube, you could read about it in the paper, or you can come on out and watch history in the making with your friends and neighbors -- Join us! Free of charge and non-Americans welcome Donations gratefully accepted. Retro Sushi Restaurant in the Vasant Continental Hotel (New Delhi, India), Vasant Lok, New Delhi, India. Friday, August 29 at 8:00 PM.

Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Saturday, Aug. 30, 6:30 pm Watch Senator Barack Obama speak to the Democratic National Convention on the big screen. Then following the speech, join fellow U.S. citizens and others to talk politics and find out how to register to vote in the upcoming U.S. presidential election. Special drink prices and other good stuff! Bring a friend! Further info: 012 949 421 or 023 430 264 Email: DemsAbroadKH@gmail.com Sponsored by: Democrats Abroad In Cambodia. Foreign Correspondents Club (Phnom Penh, Cambodia), FCC Phnom Penh, #363 Sisowath Quay, Corner of Street 178.

Chiang Mai, Thailand. Friday, August 29, watch Obama's speech live at TBA. Please contact Steve at: stevenjayepstein@yahoo.com for more details.

Register and WIN! (and Convention Events Around the World)

Christopher Ruggles — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 12:11:02 EDT

Regardless what other polls may be reporting, Barack Obama is ahead in national polls among REGISTERED VOTERS. The implications are clear. Increase the voter registration rolls and multiply the votes for Barack Obama.

Obama for America Regional Field Directors throughout the world recognize that Convention Week is a great hook for snaring eligible voters living abroad. Here are some of the events they are planning, all of which involve aggressive outreach.

The timing is fortuitous: September is “change over month” when fresh employees will be taking up posts at US firms overseas, and their families will become active at schools, clubs and houses of worship in their hosts countries.
Regional Directors need your help promoting these events among the new arrivals.

Ada Shen in China has posted the following event her listserv.
Come attend a Speech Watch Party in Beijing, Shanghai or Guangzhou for live coverage
during the day, and/or cable news coverage in the evening! (Attendance is limited to US Citizens.)

• Beijing, Haidian District - for details contact Brian at USvoteHaidian@gmail.com
• Beijing, Chaoyang District - for details contact Auria at USvoteBeijing@gmail.com
• Shanghai - for details contact David at USvoteShanghai@gmail.com
• Guangzhou - for details contact Dana at USvoteGuangzhou@gmail.com
Add your city or your favorite watering hole to the list! To host an event in
your area, please contact Ada at USvoteChina@gmail.com.

Karin Robinson (UK, Scandinavia and South Africa Regional Field Director) has offered to host an acceptance speech watch party on Friday night for those volunteers who spend three hours or more canvassing for eligible voters in London. RSVP robinsonkj@dnc.org

Ireland: Join Democrats Abroad and Obama supporters on August 29th from
6:00PM at O'Neill's Pub on Suffolk Street for live convention phone ins
and to watch convention highlights.

Sweden: Live from the convention, on Thursday August 28th join Democrats
Abroad Sweden for a live convention watch and phone in with Sweden's own
convention blogger Adrienne George. At the Hard Rock cafe from 6:00 PM -
RSVP to events@democratsabroad.se

Paris, France:
Next week is the Democratic National Convention. Although there will be
lots of great speeches in the Pepsi Center, everyone is looking forward
to one: Obama's acceptance speech. This speech is going to be so BIG
that it will be at the Invesco Field at Mile High Stadium which can hold
75,000 people.

This is an event not to be missed.

As such, come join other like-minded individuals and watch it.

Of course, Obama won't be accepting the nomination until 9 PM EST
Thursday night which, unfortunately is 3 AM Paris time, Friday morning.

Due to technical problems, we haven't finalized the venue yet but will
know by Tuesday and will send out another email. Both candidates,
though, are centrally located

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA

DA Australia is hosting functions to view the 2008 Democratic National
Convention speeches at not one but two great locations!!

On Tues 26 Aug, Wed 27 Aug and Thurs 29 Aug you can join Obama
supporters to watch speeches live from the floor of the 2008 DNC at
either of these 2 venues:

1. The Agincourt Hotel, Restaurant on level 2

Corner of Harris Street and Broadway, Broadway

TVs in the Level 2 Restaurant will be tuned to CNN from 11am. Come and
have a great pub lunch and watch the speeches live. Voter registration
information will be available and Obama merchandise will be available
for sale.

The Agincourt wil not be broadcasting Day 4 (Friday 29 Aug) of the
Convention which features Barack Obama's Acceptance Speech. The Manning
Bar at Sydney Uni will broadcast the Day 4 Acceptance Speech and play
host to a day of festivities around the event.

2. Jacksons On George, Absolute Bar (level 3)

George Street at Alfred St, Sydney CBD

Climb your way up to Level 3 to watch the speeches live in the Absolute
Bar from 10am. Order your lunch, sit back and be inspired! Voter
registration information will be available and Obama merchandise will be
on sale.

Jacksons on George will broadcast Day 4 of the convention as well.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA

Democratic National Convention Highlights Replay

Time and Place Date: Saturday, August 30, 2008
Time: 2:00pm - 5:00pm
Location: Queensbury Hotel
Street: 593 Swanston Street
City/Town: Melbourne, Australia
View MapGoogleMapQuestMicrosoftYahoo
Contact Info Email: cknowlton@gmail.com

Description
Join Democrats Abroad Australia and Barack Obama National Convention.

THE PHILIPPINES

Obama Acceptance Speech Party

Friday, 29 August, 5:15-7:15pm: Obama Acceptance Speech Party – Meet at
TGI Friday’s Restaurant, on High Street, Fort Bonifacio to hear David
McCauley speak from his vantage as an Obama family friend about the
candidate’s Asian and Pacific roots and world view, and then to view
Obama’s speech given earlier in the day to an audience of 75,000 in
Denver. Food included (but not drinks) with a minimum donation of P1500
to support the voter registration efforts of Democrats
Abroad-Philippines.

ALSO -

Wellington, NZ - probably a House Party gathering to watch a replay of
the DVD from Melbourne

Auckland, NZ - probably a gathering in a local pub/restaurant for
AUCKLAND FOR OBAMA supporter group

Brisbane, QLD, Australia - probabaly a House Party gathering to watch a
replay of the DVD from Melbourne

Regional Field Directors Assigned around the Globe!

Christopher Ruggles — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 13:19:28 EDT

Dear Americans Abroad for Obama,

We have some exciting news! We are pleased to welcome to the Americans
Abroad team a committed group of Regional Field Directors based in
several locations all
around the world. Please reach out to your appropriate staff member with
any questions you have regarding registering to vote, requesting your
absentee ballot, or getting involved with Americans Abroad for Obama in
your community.

Below are the names, contact information and regional assignment of our
Regional Field Directors:

Mexico: Nick Moreno, morenon@dnc.org

Canada: Will Fripp, frippw@dnc.org

UK, Scandinavia, and South Africa: Karin Robinson, robinsonkj@dnc.org

Francophone Europe and North Africa: Christine Houben, houbenc@dnc.org

Mediterranean, the Levant and sub-Saharan Africa: Bob Barad,
baradb@dnc.org

Germanophone and Central/Eastern Europe: Hilary Bown, bownh@dnc.org
Pacific Basin: Carmelan Polce, polcec@dnc.org

Northern Asia: Terri Macmillan, macmillant@dnc.org

Southeast Asia: Chang Chiu, chiuc@dnc.org

Central/South America: TBA very soon, please check back with the blog shortly!

This is a grass roots effort that begins with individuals just like you.
We need your involvement! Please reach out to your assigned staffer and
get involved with this historic campaign in your community TODAY!

We also remind you to register for your absentee ballot
NOW: http://www.votefromabroad.org/

Finally, we sincerely thank all of you who have already made significant
contributions -- through
fundraising, the hosting of events, canvassing, blogging, and all of
your other efforts. We hope you continue your involvement with this
campaign... we cannot do it
without you!

Thank you for your continuing support,

Kim Reed
Executive Director, Americans Abroad for Obama

Ali Sutton
Field Director, Americans Abroad for Obama

Daniel Dozier
International Finance Director

Trawling for Votes Overseas

Christopher Ruggles — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 01:24:03 EDT

Trawling for Votes
Finding Eligible Americans in the Thicket of Foreign Cities

You know they’re out there: Americans enrolled in year-abroad programs, on sabbatical, or relocated with US-based firms. Many may not know that they’re able to vote while away from home.

With the absentee ballot registration deadline looming, it’s a race against time to find these Americans and tell them “Yes You Can!” vote from abroad.

Here is a top tip from GOTV volunteers in London:

Scan events listings for performances, lectures and book signings by prominent Americans. There are bound to be a number of voting-age US citizens who appear. For example, swimmer Michael Phelps will be in London on Sunday August 24th, and Obama for American Regional Field Director Karin Robinson has sent the following blast to her listserv:

Michael Phelps is the Master of Ceremonies for the Olympic Handover ceremony at the Mall near Buckingham Palace on Sunday.
We can expect a massive number of Americans in attendance.
We need YOU and your friends to work the crowd, passing out http://www.votefromabroad.org leaflets, providing on-site voter registration and catching the attention of the press, so the mass media will in turn promote http://www.votefromabroad.org

This election will hinge on putting a ballot in the hands of all eligible Americans.

Please email robinsonkj@dnc.org to help get out the vote this Sunday.
-----------------------------------

But don’t think only of high profile events. Scan the campus listings of nearby Universities, too. Visiting professors from the States tend to draw American audiences.

For visibility, GOTV volunteers wear large campaign badges, t-shirts and sometimes caps. A few enthusiasts have been known to rig up placards as sandwich boards. As pictured, one London-based volunteer cycles a rickshaw with placard-bearing passenger. Many volunteers report people approaching them with enthusiasm, while others “follow the accents” and ask prospective voters, “Are you an American,” then, “Are you planning to vote in the upcoming election?”

Finally urge your volunteers to carry http://www.votefromabroad.org at all times. You never know when/where you'll run into an American, singly or in packs.

Now it’s YOUR turn! Where do you look for eligible voters? How do you grab their attention? What “pick up lines” do you use to pique interest in registering to vote?

Please share your ideas with the rest of us. Photos welcome: please send them to expats@barackobama.com

Pictures From Berlin

Amanda Scott — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 20:25:18 EDT

Here are some pictures from Barack's Berlin speech a supporter sent in...

Americans in Paris

Amanda Scott — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 18:30:33 EDT

Some of our supporters in Paris sent us these pictures...

Send comments, photos, stories of interest, articles of interest, or video links to expats@barackobama.com.

Rally in Kabul

Christopher Ruggles — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 15:32:40 EDT

Last night in Kabul, about 80 Americans attended a rally in support of Obama. Richard Danzig called into the group to discuss Obama’s foreign policy. The location in Kabul was powered by a generator, which had to be shut down on account of noise, which caused the session to be lighted only by lanterns. The group affectionately named the event “Danzig in the Dark.” In the photo are organizers Nathaniel Fick, Vikram Singh, Susan Marx, and Chris Marx with the group’s hand-painted and signed Obama banner.

Where in the world will YOU vote?

Christopher Ruggles — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 20:55:10 EDT

Check out this video in which US citizens around the world, including Gwyneth Paltrow, remind us how important it is to vote wherever we are in the world. Every vote counts, so please, wherever you are, get registered to vote. Follow the link from the Americans Abroad page (to your right) or else go to http://www.votefromabroad.org/.

Enjoy the video!

Berlin Voter Registration

Bradley Portnoy — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 20:33:20 EDT

When Barack laid out his vision for American foreign policy in Berlin last week, he was hardly the only American working the Tiergarten. A team of volunteers, composed of Americans living abroad all over Europe, helped our road team assist people through security, help disabled spectators find their way, wrangle the press, and most importantly, register Americans to vote.

Kathleen flew to Berlin from Sweden to volunteer her time, joining roughly 40 other volunteers who registered over 350 Americans to vote in the upcoming election.

I was doing voter registration, and it was on a big long street, and we had a couple of stations set up. Most of us spent our time trying to find the "needle in the haystack," the Americans who were not registered to vote. There was a huge group of us that basically just tried to yell out into the crowd. We had signs that said "Voter Registration." We were yelling out "Americans Abroad! Voter registration! Absentee ballot registration!" We actually found quite a few people. I heard an estimate that we registered 350 people. I personally found about 20. And we had tables set up where you could look up the info for the states and what forms to fill out.

Living abroad, Kathleen had never had the opportunity to get invovled in politics before. She said that the best thing about the day was getting to meet other supporters who live overseas.

It was a warm and friendly atmosphere in the crowd. It was really a lot of fun, especially when we were preparing and meeting all these other supporters who live abroad. That was just as fun as the speech itself. We don't meet that many other American supporters in Europe, and to get together with them was just really, really fun for us. They're such an intelligent and interesting group of people.

Barack may have come home, but there are still ways for Americans living abroad to get involved in this movement for change. Talk to your friends in the expat community about why you support Barack, and then make sure that they're registered to vote from abroad. Every vote counts in this election.

Road Blog: London, the Day in Pictures

Obama Road Blog — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 20:37:26 EDT

Barack Obama spent yesterday in London concluding his foreign trip. It was a packed day, including meetings with Prime Minister Gordon Brown, former Prime Minister Tony Blair, and opposition leader David Cameron.

When the Senator went to 10 Downing Street he was granted an opportunity to visit the garden as well as stroll with the PM through the square behind the residence. One of the things they discussed was a statue of another gentleman from Illinois, Abraham Lincoln. The Augustus Saint-Gaudens statue in Parliament Square London is an exact replica of the one in Lincoln Park in Chicago.

Enjoy the pictures of the day.

Arun Chaudhary
July 27, 2008
Chicago, IL

Video: Barack Obama at 10 Downing Street, London

Christopher Hass — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 22:37:56 EDT

Senator Obama met with British Prime Minister Gordon Brown in London this morning, on the last leg of his weeklong overseas tour. The two discussed foreign policy issues for two hours of talks inside 10 Downing Street, the prime minister's London residence. Afterwards, Barack spoke briefly to the press about their meeting:

The prime minister's emphasis, like mine, is on how we can strengthen the transatlantic relationship to solve problems that can't be solved by any single country individually.

Watch the video of Barack's full remarks below:

Road Blog: Three Hours in France

Obama Road Blog — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 22:05:13 EDT

The OFA Plane touched down in Paris this afternoon, where Barack Obama traveled to the Elysee Palace to meet with French President Nicolas Sarkozy.

Senator Obama and President Sarkozy then held a joint press conference, taking questions from both French and American journalists. Senator Obama turned to him at one point and said that he needs to find out what Sarkozy eats, so he can maintain the same energy level.

Here are Senator Obama's opening remarks:

It was a very brief stop. We are already in London, where Barack plans to meet with former Prime Minister Tony Blair, Prime Minister Gordon Brown and opposition leader David Cameron. We will bring you pictures from these events as well as video from the joint press conference with PM Gordon Brown and Senator Obama.

Arun Chaudhary
July 25th, 2008
London, UK

Americans Abroad: Building Bridges

Amy Hamblin — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 18:56:26 EDT

Standing in Berlin, a city divided by a wall for 28 years, Barack delivered a major speech yesterday in which he warned against allowing “new walls to divide us from one another” and called on Americans and Europeans to “build new bridges across the globe.”

Now is the time to join together, through constant cooperation, strong institutions, shared sacrifice, and a global commitment to progress, to meet the challenges of the 21st century. It was this spirit that led airlift planes to appear in the sky above our heads, and people to assemble where we stand today. And this is the moment when our nations – and all nations – must summon that spirit anew.

Meredith is one of over 7 million Americans who live abroad. Born and raised in a Chicago suburb, she now lives in Lautrec, France. She's the founder of the Southwest Chapter of Democrats Abroad France, and she's excited by the prospect of having Barack in the White House.

Wanting to highlight Barack's unique background and sound foreign policy judgment to other Americans abroad, Meredith decided to generate some media attention this spring by playing off Barack’s image as a sort of bridge.

I was attending a Democrats Abroad regional primary in Brussels this past March and the idea just came to me, as I looked at all these Americans gathered from all over Europe. I'd been reading articles about Obama where journalists would often refer to his ability to bridge gaps between races, ethnic groups, socio-economic groups--so the idea of bridges was in my mind. I realized we all lived in countries with famous or beautiful bridges and the bridge would be an ideal symbol for his candidacy--especially to Americans living abroad.

So far supporters who have connected through My.BarackObama and online bulletins have snapped pictures in front of more than 76 bridges in 36 countries, on five continents. Locations include: Istanbul, Johannesburg, Vancouver, Rome, London, Vienna, Dublin, Jakarta, Berlin, Florence, Tokyo, Oslo and Brussels.

The group has succeeded in drawing attention to voters living abroad, attracting media coverage from McClatchy, The New York Times and local news outlets.

There is an enthusiasm for Obama among Americans abroad that mirrors the enthusiasm back in the States. We want to show it! The media coverage of these bridge shots also raises the profile of Democrats Abroad in foreign countries and helps us locate other Americans who may need help or advice on how to register for an absentee ballot. It's not a straight-forward process. Each state has its own rules. The good news is there is now an on-line website that makes a difficult process much simpler: www.VoteFromAbroad.org.

Also, it's important that Americans back in the States hear the voices of the 7 million Americans living, working and studying overseas. We are often on the front line of American foreign policy. We have to explain it and sometimes defend it.

If you are a U.S. citizen living outside the United States, you can check out our page dedicated to Americans Abroad and sign up for Americans Abroad for Obama to recieve updates and information. It doesn’t matter whether you live on U.S. soil or abroad, you can organize support and make a difference anywhere. Find a local group, start one if there isn’t one for your area or host an event -- we’ve even added a country field, so that you can find and organize events anywhere in the world.

Road Blog: Jerusalem to Berlin - The Day in Pictures

Obama Road Blog — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 21:35:46 EDT

Our global trip with Barack Obama continued today across time zones and continents.

The moon still hung in the sky when the Senator's motorcade rolled through the gates of old Jerusalem to the Western Wall. Senator Obama joined a rabbi in prayer before the illuminated wall and inserted a note into one of its crevices, as is tradition.

The next stop was Berlin. Senator Obama met with German Chancellor Angela Merkel in the morning, and later in the day delivered a public address in Berlin's Tiergarten Park. The full text and video of the speech are already available but we had some special pictures from the event that we wanted to share with you. We hope these pictures will give you a sense of this remarkable day that spanned cultures and borders and reminded us of how interconnected we really are.

Arun Chaudhary

July 24th, 2008

Berlin, Germany

Remarks of Senator Obama in Berlin, Germany

Obama Road Blog — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 13:56:37 EDT

Senator Obama delivered the following remarks in Berlin, Germany...

Thank you to the citizens of Berlin and to the people of Germany. Let me thank Chancellor Merkel and Foreign Minister Steinmeier for welcoming me earlier today. Thank you Mayor Wowereit, the Berlin Senate, the police, and most of all thank you for this welcome.
I come to Berlin as so many of my countrymen have come before. Tonight, I speak to you not as a candidate for President, but as a citizen – a proud citizen of the United States, and a fellow citizen of the world.
I know that I don’t look like the Americans who’ve previously spoken in this great city. The journey that led me here is improbable. My mother was born in the heartland of America, but my father grew up herding goats in Kenya. His father – my grandfather – was a cook, a domestic servant to the British.
At the height of the Cold War, my father decided, like so many others in the forgotten corners of the world, that his yearning – his dream – required the freedom and opportunity promised by the West. And so he wrote letter after letter to universities all across America until somebody, somewhere answered his prayer for a better life.
That is why I’m here. And you are here because you too know that yearning. This city, of all cities, knows the dream of freedom. And you know that the only reason we stand here tonight is because men and women from both of our nations came together to work, and struggle, and sacrifice for that better life.
Ours is a partnership that truly began sixty years ago this summer, on the day when the first American plane touched down at Templehof.

Continue reading for the full remarks (as prepared for delivery)...

Watch Barack Speak LIVE in Berlin

Christopher Hass — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 12:47:05 EDT

Barack Obama is in Germany today, where he will be speaking at an outdoor event at Tiergarten Park in Berlin shortly.

From McClatchy:

Barack Obama arrived in Germany Thursday morning to much fanfare, as local television stations aired live coverage and fans gathered in the streets for a glimpse at the U.S. Democratic presidential candidate who will be delivering a much anticipated speech here later today.

Senator Obama’s speech from Berlin, Germany is being carried live right now on CNN, and you can watch a live stream of the event below:

Road Blog: Obama Arrives in Berlin

Obama Road Blog — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 11:19:27 EDT

We arrived in Berlin, Germany this morning and Senator Obama met with Chancellor Angela Merkel at the German Chancellery. Here are some photos from the visit...

Stay tuned for coverage of Senator Obama's speech in Tiergarten Park later today!

Road Blog: Israel, the Day in Pictures

Obama Road Blog — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 18:14:59 EDT

Even veteran members of the traveling press were shocked when they saw today's schedule. Some had never seen such a packed day.

Indeed, Barack made the most of his day in Israel. He met with Defense Minister Ehud Barak and Likud Party Chairman Benjamin Netanyahu, visited the Holocaust History Museum at Yad Vashem, met with Israeli President Shimon Peres in Jerusalem and then Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Prime Minister Salam Fayyad in Ramallah. He toured the town of Sderot with Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni, met the Mayor of Jerusalem, and had dinner with Prime Minister Olmert. Not a bad day's work.

We are off to Berlin in a few very short hours where Senator Obama be speaking at Berlin's Teirgarten park tomorrow. We will be streaming that event live Thursday at 1pm EDT.

Enjoy your pictures of today...

Road Blog: Barack Obama visits Sderot, Israel

Obama Road Blog — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 18:12:05 EDT

"Sderot is a place that looks peaceful and it should live in peace because the people of Israel believe in peace." said Tzipi Livni, Israel's Minister of Foreign Affairs as she introduced Barack Obama.

Livni gave Senator Obama a tour of a home in Sderot that had been torn apart by a rocket attack, and afterwards Senator Obama spoke about what he had just seen in a press availabiilty...

Road Blog: Barack Obama at Yad Vashem

Obama Road Blog — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 13:15:04 EDT

After a busy morning of meetings, Senator Obama toured Yad Vashem, just outside Jerusalem.

Yad Vashem is a museum dedicated to preserving the memory of the Holocaust and its victims.

Senator Obama laid a wreath in the Hall of Remembrance, and shared his thoughts in the museum's guest book:

I am grateful to Yad Vashem and all of those responsible for this remarkable institution.

At a time of great peril and promise, war and strife, we are blessed to have such a powerful reminder of man’s potential for great evil, but also our capacity to rise from tragedy and remake our world. Let our children come here, and know this history, so they can add their voices to proclaim “never again”. And may we remember those who perished, not only as victims but also as individuals who hoped and loved and dreamed like us, and who have become symbols of the human spirit.

Senator Obama also made remarks following his tour that you can watch below...

Arun Chaudhary
July 23rd , 2008
Jerusalem, Israel

Jordan: The Day in Pictures

Obama Road Blog — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 18:19:43 EDT

Senator Obama spent a hot, dusty Tuesday in Jordan on the heel end of his fact-finding mission to Afghanistan and Iraq. He arrived in Amman this afternoon with two fellow senators, Jack Reed (D-RI) and Chuck Hagel (R-NE).

The trio cleaned up a bit after their journey before heading to the ancient ruins of the Amman Citadel to hold a press conference on their observations before the world press.

Senator Obama then went to the Palace of His Majesty, King Abdullah, to have a private one-on-one meeting before his Senate colleagues joined them for dinner.

The hospitality of His Majesty extended far beyond dinner. King Abdullah personally drove Barack to the Queen Alia airport where the OFA plane was waiting on the tarmac.

This slideshow chronicles a day well-spent in Jordan and Senator Obama's arrival in Tel Aviv, Israel.

Arun Chaudhary

July 22, 2008

Jerusalem, Israel

Youthful support in London

Christopher Ruggles — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 13:36:37 EDT

Hannah of London shows her support of Obama!

Join Barack In Berlin!

Amanda Scott — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 17:33:57 EDT

Join Barack in Berlin this Thursday. See below for details...

Thursday, July 24
Barack Obama Speech

Siegessäule at the Grosser Stern in Tiergarten Park
Berlin, Germany

The event is free and open to the public. Tickets are not required.

Gates open to the public: 4:00 PM

Public Entrance: Straße des 17. Juni at Brandenburg Gate

Event is on the east side of the park. Members of the public should use the following public transportation stops: Potsdamer Platz, Under den Linden, and Hauptbahnhof.

For security reasons, do not bring bags. Please limit personal belongings. No signs or banners permitted.

Donnerstag, 24. Juli
Rede Barack Obamas

Siegessäule am Großen Stern im Tiergarten
Berlin, Deutschland

Die Veranstaltung ist kostenlos und der Öffentlichkeit frei zugänglich. Eintrittskarten werden nicht benötigt.

Einlass der Öffentlichkeit: 16:00 Uhr

Eingang: Straße des 17. Juni am Brandenburger Tor Die Veranstaltung findet auf der östlichen Seite der Siegessäule statt. Es wird gebeten die öffentlichen Verkehrsmittel zu benutzen.

Haltestellen: Potsdamer Platz, Unter den Linden, Hauptbahnhof

Verzichten Sie aus Sicherheitsgründen auf die Mitnahme von Taschen. Bitte beschränken Sie die Mitnahme persönlicher Gegenstände. Plakate oder Transparente sind nicht gestattet.

Welcome to the Blog of Americans Abroad!

Christopher Ruggles — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 17:11:13 EDT

Dear Americans Abroad,

Welcome to the Americans Abroad Blog! This is your opportunity to help show the world how Americans around the world support Obama.   As Americans living overseas, we have a unique perspective on how Obama’s election will help build not only America’s competitiveness in the world, but also will restore America’s image and standing in the eyes of the world.

We invite you to participate in this historical campaign from wherever in the world you are.   This campaign is a grassroots effort, and Obama’s election depends on the voices of Americans. Have your voice heard and help Obama win the Presidency!

It’s very simple to have your voice heard around the world, and to participate from wherever you are.   Please get involved.

How can you be heard? Here are a few ways:

Your content. Send comments, photos, stories of interest, articles of interest, or video links to expats@barackobama.com.
Your story. Set up your profile at www.my.barackobama.com and tell us why you support Obama. Your story is an important part of this election, and we would like to tell it in the blog.
Your blog. Start your own blog! Sign into your profile at www.my.barackobama.com and blog away. Post your own opinions, articles, and photos. This is your own space and you can voice your own thoughts and opinion on issues important to the campaign. If you would like particular posts of your own highlighted on the Americans Abroad blog, simply bring them to the attention of expats@barackobama.com.

Thank you so much for all you have already done to help win this campaign. Please stay engaged from wherever you are and put your voice out there!

Thank you for your help and support.

Yes we can!

Chris
Volunteer for Americans Abroad

Americans Abroad Blog Launch

Amanda Scott — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 13:13:05 EDT

The Obama campaign is pleased to announce the official launch of the Americans Abroad blog. Americans Abroad for Obama will enlist and engage American citizens living outside the United States in our movement to change American politics.

One American Abroad, Diana, lives in London and she recently told the campaign about a time when she first realized the effect Obama has on other countries in the world.

I was cycling toward Piccadilly Circus in London where I live. I have a courier bicycle with a large basket in front, to which my daughter had glued an “Obama '08” bumper sticker. I stopped at a light, and a young man bearing a bunch of daffodils began to cross. He looked at my bike, took notice of the bumper sticker, looked at me, looked back at the sticker, reached into his bouquet, pulled out a flower and tossed it into my basket.

This was not a random act of kindness. It was a thoughtful and informed response from one global resident to another. It was this fellow’s perception, shared by a good many citizens of the places where we live, that Americans who stand with Barack Obama, stand for policies that recognize and respect the needs of the wider world. Standing with Barack Obama offers us something positive to promote: engagement on climate change, withdrawal from Iraq, reclaiming the moral authority to confront those responsible for atrocities in Darfur and elsewhere. And so much more.

Diana's story is like so many others, and we'll be featuring these stories throughout the next four months. For Americans living abroad, this site can be your home away from home. Change begins here.

Americans Abroad: In The News

Amanda Scott — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 14:42:41 EDT

From the Edmonton Journal:

Celebrating national pride with sparklers, face paint and a picnic in the park on Friday may have seemed three days late for most Edmontonians, but it was right on time for Karen Connelly and other Americans living in the city.

The Washington state native said celebrating earlier just feels wrong.

"Canada Day is not the same," she said. "Canadians don't celebrate like Americans do."

Alice Hinkle, who just moved here from Ohio, also felt odd about celebrating Tuesday.

"Fireworks on the first seems a little too early for me," she said.

The Fourth of July used to be one of Connelly's favourite days. But in recent years, being unable to celebrate with family and friends has made her annually unhappy.

"I'm usually down in the dumps on this day," said Connelly, who married a Canadian and moved here in 1980.

This year, she finally got to celebrate properly -- with about 30 fellow Americans.

"I feel like I'm back with my own family," she said. "I never knew there were so many Americans here."

Connelly showed up at the gathering at Hawrelak Park in blue pants, blue earrings and a red-white-and-blue shirt.

An American flag was taped to the front of the picnic area. Children ran around with their faces painted red, white and blue, and some people brought their own flags to wave.

Gisele Martinez dressed her kids in American colours to introduce them to a part of their culture. Martinez isn't American, but is married to one.

This is the first year Martinez has celebrated the holiday with her kids, but she said she wants to start a trend.

"They need to know where they came from," she said.

Enrique, 5, had a Puerto Rican flag painted on his forehead and Isabelle, 6, had "U.S.A" written on her cheek.

While the kids played with sparklers, the adults talked about hometowns and the U.S. election. Some came for that specific purpose.

The event was hosted by Democrats Abroad, partly to educate Americans living in Canada about how they can vote.

It isn't a coincidence that the event was first held in an election year.

Marilyn Gaa runs the Edmonton chapter of Democrats Abroad and used the event to promote Barack Obama's campaign.

"We're hoping to have fun, but also draw in U.S. citizens not connected with Democrats Abroad."

Gaa said she's planning other events in the run-up to the election, such as during the debates and the Democratic National Convention in August.

From Business Day:

US PRESIDENTIAL candidate Barack Obama’s nomination appears a mere formality, encouraging Democratic Party supporters in SA to prepare for his race against Republican Party nominee John McCain.

Wary that the contest may be tightly fought, the local branch of Democrats Abroad was urging each of the estimated 20000 Americans in SA to apply early for an absentee ballot.

“Generally Americans tend to wait until Labour Day in September before they start thinking of voting but what we’re saying is that the process takes time,” said Monica Stewart, vice-president of Democrats Abroad’s South African branch.

The election takes place on November 4.

A former member of the Illinois General Assembly, Stewart will be a delegate at next month’s Democratic Party convention, the only one from Africa. In all, 22 delegates will represent the party’s overseas membership. About 6-million Americans live abroad.

“This is an election where every vote counts, we saw it in the primaries,” said Stewart, who for the past eight years has run the Johannesburg-based Illinois Africa Trade and Investment Office.

Of primary importance among Democrats, she said, was to help Obama win at least three of the five crucial states: New York, California, Ohio, Florida and Texas — something that has come to define the success of any presidential candidate.

To whip up enthusiasm in SA, the local Democrats were hoping to host party chairman Howard Dean. “Our message is, ‘Yes we can vote from abroad.’ It is difficult but it requires taking action a little earlier,” said Anita Maranney, a naturalised American married to a South African.

It was expected that, should he make it to SA, Dean would not only “rally the troops” but also begin a process of connecting influential Americans to Africa. “If we are to have a new engagement it must be informed,” said Stewart, who felt Obama’s message had resonated with people across racial and political affiliations in SA.

From the Daily Star:

The Lebanon chapter of Democrats Abroad, the global voting wing of the Democratic National Party, held a Fourth of July celebration at the Terrace Cafe on Rue Hamra Friday evening to raise awareness about their group. The Lebanon chapter, created in January 2008, is the only one in the Arab Middle East.

Eugene Sensenig-Dabbous, the vice chair of the chapter, said the Beirut group aims to connect the more than 36,000 American citizens in Lebanon to American politics through voter registration and participation in primaries.

During the February 5 "Super Tuesday" primaries, the Democrats Abroad functioned as a state, voting in a global primary. The results split the Europe/Middle East/Africa (EMEA) group's six delegates, four for Senator Barack Obama and two for Senator Hillary Clinton, while Lebanese-American David Munir Nabti was elected to serve as one of the four Obama delegates to the Denver convention in August. He will be the first non-Israeli Middle Eastern delegate to the Democratic National Convention since the Democrats Abroad began functioning as a state in 1976. The other five EMEA delegates come from chapters in the Netherlands, France, South Africa, the United Kingdom and Germany.

Voter Registration All Over The World

Amanda Scott — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 15:52:15 EDT

Voter Registration events are taking place all over the world according to the New York Times...

For some Democrats living outside the United States, the Fourth of July may have more of a hometown feel this year.

From Chiang Mai, Thailand, to the Jerusalem Biblical Zoo, Democrats Abroad, the overseas brach of the party, is holding a series of American-style barbeques planned to celebrate Democratic politics and principles and to encourage overseas Americans to register to vote.

“We plan to celebrate the Fourth of July in every corner of the world,” said Christine Schon Marques, the international chair of Democrats Abroad. “We are united and dedicated to doing all that we can to help get a Democrat elected to the White House.”

In Leeds, England, the group is meeting at the “Ha! Ha! Bar & Canteen.” Buenos Aires, home to the tango, will feature a party at Le Café Merval, where a DJ will play American music. In Costa Rica, Americans are invited to the Cerveceria Costa Rica – a well-known Costa Rican brewery. And, the Toulouse, France chapter has plans for a “fun political trivia quiz” in a private home.

Events are also taking place in Dublin, Ireland, Geneva and Zurich, Switzerland, Bangkok, Thailand and three locations in the United Kingdom.

In Florence, forget about visiting the Uffizi. There’s an “American picnic” with games, music, speeches, barbecue and voter registration.