Iowa Women for Obama

"I'm running for president because I think we can"

Nick Kimball — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 10:17:17 EST

Here is one of the best moments from last night's debate - a moment that crystallizes why Barack Obama is the best person to be the next President of the United States.

Iowa Independent: Barack turned in 'strongest presidential debate performance'

Nick Kimball — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 09:50:14 EST

In last night's debate in Nevada, Barack gave clear, honest answers to tough questions on the major issues facing our country. And he boldly challenged the cynicism that says we can’t solve our nation’s problems.

Last night we saw that Barack is the one candidate who offers change we can believe in -- the ability to bring our country together, stand up to special interests, and tell the American people not just what he thinks they want to hear, but what they need to know about the challenges we face.

Here's how the Iowa Independent saw it:

U.S. Sen. Barack Obama tonight turned in his strongest presidential debate performance and exposed a clear regional difference with front-runner Hillary Clinton.

Is $97,000 a lot of money? In most of Obama's Illinois and just about all of Iowa the answer to that is "yes," which makes Obama's position on the question of whether to raise or lift the cap on Social Security taxes more reasonable to Hawkeye State voters than the New York shape-shifting of Clinton.

As it stands, the first $97,500 of a person's annual income is subject to the Social Security tax. Obama supports lifting that to shore up the future of the system while Clinton went with the nostalgia card, suggesting that the she could resurrect the macroeconomic picture that prevailed under her husband and cause the Social Security problem to disappear without hard choices. She suggested that popping the cap would hurt middle-class Americans and argued that in some parts of the nation (namely high-priced New York City which she represents) $97,500 isn't a lot of money. It would be interesting to hear her make that argument in Audubon County, Iowa, where the average home is worth half that much, $49,000.

And here's the New Republic:

This was a solid night for Obama. He was focused, energized, tough, charismatic.

Across Party Lines: Monica, a Republican for Obama

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

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

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

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

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

Video: Barack profile on ABC

Nick Kimball — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 13:00:41 EDT

Last night, ABC World News Tonight aired a profile about Barack. Here it is:

Video: Barack's visit to Ankeny

Nick Kimball — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 10:03:02 EDT

Last Saturday, Senator Obama came to the DMACC campus in Ankeny to meet with Iowans and answer their questions. The room was full of folks eager to ask questions on everything from federal spending to who Barack would select for his cabinet.

One of our precinct captains in Ankeny, Monica Green, introduced him. Monica has been a lifelong Republican but is changing parties this year to caucus for Barack because she sees in Senator Obama the ability to change the nation for the better.

Here's video of Monica and Senator Obama in Ankeny.

As long as you are at least 17 years old by November 4, 2007, you can caucus for Barack. If you're currently a Republican or an independent, you can re-register as a Democrat for the caucus. And don't worry, if you're not registered yet you can take care of it easily on Caucus Day at your caucus location!

Have you heard any good stories about Republicans or independents who like Barack's message of changing our politics and the way things are done in Washington? Share your story in the comments!

Reflections on Saturday’s Women for Obama House Party in Cedar Rapids

Obama Campaign in Iowa — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 20:22:44 EDT

When the call went out about a Women for Obama House Party and the promise of a conference call with the Senator himself, of course we turned out! What was most interesting to me, though, was the variety of women who showed up. Don’t get me wrong – to be able to talk directly with Senator Obama was the highlight – but I can’t help but reflect on the interesting group of women who gathered on Saturday. First-timers to the political process (first-time voters, maybe?) seated next to seasoned veterans, across the table from women well-versed on so many topics, who sat next to women who listened without speaking.

Topics ranged from affordable child care to flex time to the ERA. (Just for the record, there were women who didn’t know that the ERA was the Equal Rights Amendment, so we had to do a quick history lesson for them.) And there was the added bonus of meeting Marianne Markowitz, the CFO for the whole Obama for President campaign, who came in from Chicago, just for the day.

The point of all my rambling is to say that Barack Obama is the best candidate for president because, just like he attracts the widest variety of people to his campaign, he will include the widest variety of people in changing this country! I’m always glad to hear Senator Obama say that he can’t change things by himself – he needs us! Everyone will have a seat at the table in the Obama administration. Thankfully.

Barack advocates straight talk on Social Security

Nick Kimball — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 10:49:25 EDT

Yesterday, Barack was in Cedar Rapids for a town hall meeting. The focus was on Social Security and advocating for straight talk when it comes to discussing the issue.

He challenged the other Democratic candidates to be honest when talking about the state of Social Security.

Conventional thinking in Washington says Social Security is the third rail of American politics. It says you should hedge, dodge, and spin, but at all costs, don’t answer.

...

If we have failed to have a real, honest conversation about Social Security, it will not get fixed.

...

But I reject that notion. I think that on issues as fundamental as how to protect Social Security, a candidate for President owes it to the American people to tell us where they stand. Because I don’t think you’re ready to lead if you can’t tell us where you’re going.

...

So let me tell you what kind of leadership I will offer as President. First of all, and I’m just going to lay out some basic principles. Number one: I believe privatization is dangerous.
It tears at the fabric of Social Security – the idea of mutual responsibility – by subjecting a secure retirement to the whims of the market. Now people will tell you, “Well you can get a higher return if everyone had individual accounts and were investing in the stock market.” That sounds good unless you happened to buy Enron right before you’re about to retire. Then things don’t turn out so good. And the whole concept of Social Security is that there’s supposed to be a floor beneath which you can’t sink.
We want to encourage people to save and invest in the stock market, just not your social security dollars, because that’s what’s there set aside and is there for you. That’s why I fought President Bush when he tried to dismantle Social Security and divvy it up into private accounts. And that’s why I will fight efforts for privatization as President.

Now the second, we don’t need to cut benefits or raise the retirement age.
There are a number of ways we can make Social Security solvent that do not involve forcing seniors to bear a heavier burden. Their burden currently is heavy enough.
The best option, in my view, is to ask the highest income Americans to contribute a little more by raising the ceiling that’s currently put on the amount of earnings subject to the Social Security tax.

To emphasize that last point, Barack talked about his friend from Omaha - Warren Buffet. He said Buffet made $46 million last year - an off year for him - but he paid into Social Security at the same level as middle-class families.

Barack also took several questions after his formal remarks.

Michelle Obama back in Iowa!

Caitlin Harvey — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 11:00:34 EDT

Michelle Obama made her 11th trip to Iowa yesterday, making stops in Hampton, Eagle Grove, Algona, and Mason City. At each event, Michelle talked about about her and Barack's middle-class upbringings, and how they understand the values of hard work, honestly, and loyalty.

Each stop had a great turnout, especially the house party in Algona. Michelle was amazed when she walked into the house and was greeted by more than 100 people. She said, "I imagined that at a house party, there would be about 20 people standing around a kitchen. This crowd is just unbelievable!"

At each stop, Michelle talked about how above all, family and community are most important. She told the crowd that she and Barack wanted to keep their daughters' lives as normal as possible during the campaign. Everyone laughed when she told them that Barack will be Trick-or-Treating with Malia and Sasha just like he does every year, and that this year they'd have to buy costumes for the Secret Services agents. But mostly, Michelle's talks were focused serious topics. She said that Barack often says that the biggest problem facing our country is not a deficit of resources, policies, or plans.

What we have is an empathy deficit. We have lost the ability to see ourselves in one another. Fundamentally we have lost the level of care. We need to reclaim that sense of empathy towards each other. We need to realize that I am my brother's keeper, I am my sister's keeper, and that there is more that connects us than divides us. We need a leader who challenges us to work together.

Michelle also talked about Barack's way of thinking that you shouldn't make decisions based on fear. Fear makes us think about what we can't do, rather than what we can do. When people ask her if she thinks Barack is ready to be president, she replies, "Barack is ready. The real question is, are the American people ready?"

Right now in this country, our politics don't match our ideals…Barack reflects all that we've said we wanted: telling the truth, respecting those who we don't agree with. We have to ask ourselves what's holding ourselves back from making real change.

Michelle challenged everyone to believe in the world as it should be, and not be content with the world as it is, just because it is the safest and most comfortable option. "If everyone would just do what I did, and dream about the possibilities that exist if we just step out of our comfort level, we can have the kind of real change that we so desperately need," she said.

Are you ready to take the next step in supporting Barack? Sign up here to get involved. We have great staff all over the state that can talk to you about the many ways you can help out.

Women for Change, Women for Obama Training in Des Moines

Gillian Rosenberg — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 12:22:35 EDT

Women from all over Iowa gathered at East High School in Des Moines to hear from campaign staff, Senator Obama, and each other about how to spread Barack's message of change across the state.

If you are a Woman for Obama, please get involved with the campaign by becoming a precinct captain. Get in touch with your local staff by clicking here.

Help Obama win the DFA poll.

Elesha — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 17:09:56 EDT

Hey Friends,

I wanted to drop you a short note to ask for your help. DFA is holding a Presidential Primary Pulse Poll to decide which candidate deserves their support. I voted for Senator Barack Obama and I need help to move him from 2nd place in the poll.

Could you take just a minute to vote for Barack Obama right now? Here's the link:

http://DemocracyforAmerica.com/VoteObama

Thanks for your help.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Barack Obama: Leadership on Foreign Policy

Nick Kimball — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 22:03:50 EDT

Jaime live-blogged Barack's speech today at Drake University where he laid out precisely why he is the person with the judgment to be our next Commander in Chief. Here are some video excerpts from the speech.

On offering a stark choice on foreign policy:

On the lessons that should be learned from Iraq:

On Iran:

On conventional thinking and foreign policy:

To read and watch the whole speech, click here.

Blank Checks--And Five Years Ago Today

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Obama "actually understands Iowa"

Nick Kimball — Thu, 04 Oct 2007 09:38:21 EDT

Every Iowa caucus veteran will tell you that one factor, above all others, is key to success here: organization. You can have a great candidate and all the money in the world, but none of it matters if you can't put together an organization that gets people out to caucus on a cold night in January.

Barack has attracted a lot of enthusiasm around his candidacy for president, but the question that remained was whether he could harness the enthusiasm and actually turn people out.

Well, I think that question has been answered.

In the comments section, Maria from Delmar, NY, pointed out this column from veteran political reporter Roger Simon about the organization that Barack has built in Iowa. The column speaks for itself:

Barack Obama acts like he understands Iowa
By: Roger Simon
DES MOINES, Iowa — Barack Obama began his speech in an odd and important way, a way that did not make a single news story.
Obama was delivering a major address, reminding voters of his early opposition to the Iraq war. It was big deal speech. There were prepared texts handed out to the press and everything.
But Obama’s first words were not in his text, even though they may have been the most important words he spoke all day.
“If you have not yet signed up as a Barack Obama supporter, hopefully after the speech you will,” he told the crowd at the Polk County Convention Complex.
“Fill out one of those cards. We’ll have volunteers all across the doors. You won’t be able to get out without seeing one of these cards.”
Pretty mundane stuff, right? Which is why most candidates don’t bother with it. Especially not in a speech being covered by the national press, with six TV cameras grinding away.
But that Obama did bother with it is the most important sign I have seen that he actually understands Iowa.
...
I traveled around Iowa with Fred Thompson one day this week and never heard him ask anyone to sign up for his campaign, fill out a card or even vote for him in the caucus.
And his staff didn’t hand out sign-up cards in a disciplined fashion.
Obama’s staff did. There were staffers at every entrance and exit. They collected names, home and e-mail addresses, and phone numbers.
These names will be added to other names to form huge lists. The campaign then will contact every person on the list (several times) to pitch them on the candidate, answer questions and judge the level of support.
This is the unglamorous, arduous drudge work that in Iowa is absolutely essential.
...
Having an inspiring, energetic, magnetic candidate is real nice, but without an organization to back him up, it doesn’t mean much.
While I was in Des Moines, I talked to Gordon and Monica Fischer. Gordon was the Democratic Party chairman here during the last presidential election. Monica worked in the administration of former Gov. Tom Vilsack.
Every Democratic presidential campaign called the Fischers this time to ask for their support. Last week, the couple announced they were going to work for Obama.
One reason, they told me, is they think Obama is the best candidate, with the greatest chance of winning.
But there was another reason.
“He is the best-organized in Iowa,” Gordon said. “He has the best ground game.”
“And his people,” Monica said, “are relentless.”
Relentless is good. Real good. Relentless works in Iowa.
After Obama’s speech, he worked the rope line, which just about every candidate does. But on the rope line, there was a staff person behind him, with sign-up cards in her hand.
And if you shook the candidate’s hand, or got an autograph from him or got him to pose for a picture with you, she handed you a card and asked you to sign up, to volunteer, to bring four friends with you next time.
...
“You know there is starting to get a little zip in the air,” Obama said. “It is time to make a decision. And I hope you make a decision on my behalf.”
Mundane stuff. The stuff that didn’t make a single story.
But the zip is in the air in Iowa. And soon the snow will fall. And caucus night will come.
And the race is not always to the swift here. It is often to the relentless.

In the Iowa Spotlight: Nedra

Caitlin Harvey — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 13:05:34 EDT

Nedra is a Des Moines resident and works as a financial advisor. She is the oldest of five children in a very Republican family. Recently, though, as they’ve heard more and more about Barack Obama, her mother and a few of her siblings have been inspired to support him.

Nedra and her family, like most people, are looking for someone who can bring us together and actually make progress on these issues. That’s why Democrats, Republicans and Independents alike have joined Barack’s campaign. In fact, Nedra's mother was so moved by Barack’s book that she bought copies for all of her children.

Nedra herself has faith in America, and thinks that this is an essential time for change. She heard Senator Obama speak at the Harkin Steak Fry last year, and she felt moved to act. She is a very active part of the campaign here in Polk County, and says she has never been this engaged with a candidate before.

Nedra says that the country is so divided that we really need a strong uniting leader who can bring people together again. “I believe we need to bring total change and civility back to politics and I believe that no one else can do this but him...Senator Obama has been able to ignite a fiery passion for many people.”

Barack and family in the RV on July 4

Nick Kimball — Thu, 05 Jul 2007 20:45:12 EDT

Barack, Michelle, Malia and Sasha drove in an RV to each of the 4th of July events yesterday. It was good down time - time to get away from all the cameras and attention.

Here's some cute footage from a card game they played on the drive from Oskaloosa to Pella.

Mardi Gras in Sioux City: Perfect Weather, Raining Beads

Jaime Mulligan — Sat, 30 Jun 2007 20:39:01 EDT

The name of the game is beads. As many beads as is humanly possible. And Obama volunteers had them by the handful, tossing them out to eager crowds during Friday night's Mardi Gras Parade in Sioux City:

And a few excited Obama supporters watching the event even got some t-shirts:

The Parade is part of Sioux City's annual Mardi Gras celebration and the Obama team here had a great time participating. Below you can see some of our volunteers just after the parade ended, ready to go check out some of the rides and music waiting just up the street near the riverfront.

Lots of people signed supporter cards while waiting in line for custard or funnel cake; others asked for some more information about Barack's vision for uniting our country and solving the issues that confront us each and every day.

For those of you who are in the Sioux City area and would like to find out more, please feel free to stop by our office, located at 1322 Pierce Street. You can also give us a call at 712-255-5860.

For more pictures of the parade, click here.

Have a story about marching in a parade representing Barack? Tell us about it in the comments!

Also, be sure to check back later tonight and tomorrow for highlights of former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle's stops in northwestern Iowa today. And next Tuesday and Wednesday we'll have extensive coverage of the Obama family's swing through southeastern and central Iowa. Click here to see where they'll be!

In the Iowa Spotlight: Meg B.

Jenn Watts — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 11:58:10 EDT

Meg B. is an art teacher who is heavily involved in her community. She lives by a philosophy of family first, and no matter how busy she gets, she will still be there to pick up her kids from day camp and 4-H activities and make sure the family dog, Ink, is tended to.

"It's not easy balancing it all," Meg says. Her husband is a dedicated officer in the Fort Dodge Police Department and that means often working long hours away from home.

"I have to make sure my kids have what they need for school, get them on the bus, and then somehow manage to get myself ready to teach other people's kids.”

Meg often brings up some of the issues Michelle Obama raised in a speech back in April.

In the speech, Michelle said: "I wake up every morning and I wonder how on the earth I'm going to pull off that next minor miracle to get through the day."

Meg decided to get involved in Women for Obama because she believes in Senator Obama's message of uniting people from all walks of life around solutions to the problems we face every day.

One of the main reasons Meg supports Barack is because of his health care plan .

Her parents are dealing with Medicare issues, and she was recently diagnosed with a genetic disease that does not allow her to digest gluten. Meg is very concerned about rising health care costs and believes Senator Obama's plan to reduce health care costs by $2,500 for the average family and ensure that every American has access to affordable health care will protect her, her parents, and her family's health.

This is no small issue for Meg since she is now also concerned that one of her children may be diagnosed with the same genetic disease she has in the future.

Meg was also very impressed when Barack visited Fort Dodge. "The audience was mesmerized by his ideas for this country…He is saying things that others are not."

Meg recently participated in a conference call with Michelle Obama and baked cookies for all the women in attendance.

"Whether you're a socialite or a blue collar worker, women coming together to just talk about their ideas for this country is an empowering thing. I thought baking cookies would make everyone feel more comfortable."

Women like Meg all across the country are supporting Senator Obama by getting involved in Women for Obama. Meg believes that no matter what occupation women hold – whether it be stay-at-home mom or other position in the workplace – you can and should influence American politics by joining the group and supporting Senator Obama.

"Women who stay at home make their families strong,” she said. [We] need to hear their ideas too."

Click here to learn more about Women for Obama. Click here to join the Iowa Women for Obama group on My.BarackObama.com.

Getting Ready to Knock One Out of the Park Tomorrow

Jaime Mulligan — Fri, 08 Jun 2007 14:19:17 EDT

In the build up to tomorrow's Walk for Change, last night some BarackStars attended the Iowa Cubs game and cheered the Cubs on to a 9-6 win over the New Orleans Zephyrs, continuing the team's winning streak. The BarackStars, as some of you may have read about in a post earlier this week, are a network of Iowa high school students for Obama. Here are some pictures from the game:

(Top row, from left) Beautia C., Grace K., Lily C., Kelsey K., Rachel Haltom (staff), Jaci Urness (staff)
(Bottom row, from left) Liza M., Gracie B., Grace S., Caroline Grey (staff), Jake L., Tyler C., Ronnie Cho (staff)

(From left) Jake L. and Tyler C.

(From left) Liza M, Gracie B., and Grace S.

The BarackStars even ran into some Obama supporters in the stadium and helped hand out some Barack pins and stickers.

The excitement for tomorrow is palpable! Everyone in the pictures will be canvassing in and around Des Moines, but our organizers and other volunteers have put together canvasses all over the state! To find a canvass in your area, click here.

Don’t worry if you’ve never done something like this before – a lot of the people door knocking tomorrow haven’t either. We’ll have plenty of staff and volunteers on hand to train you and give you the necessary materials to make it an enjoyable afternoon.

Also, Barack will be in Dubuque to kick off the canvass at 11:15 am tomorrow morning at Lincoln Elementary School. Afterwards he’ll be knocking on doors and listening to the concerns of Iowans and talking about his vision for change.

Hope to see you out on the streets!

For more pictures of the ballgame, click here.

A Challenge to Others to Get Involved and Volunteer

Connie — Fri, 25 May 2007 14:10:23 EDT

This is the first time I have felt really passionate about a candidate running for office. Senator Obama is what this country needs to be turn things around and make a difference. I am challenging those who have not signed up to volunteer or help out in some manner to start doing so. I have had the pleasure of meeting many of the field staff for Polk County and have been opened with open arms. They say a leader is only as successful as those below them. That is the case here also. If we expect for Senator Obama to become President then we all need to unite and spread the word to others. We need to let others know the belief we have in him as our candidate.

Let's not stand back and let this great opportunity pass us by!!!!!