MoveOn.org endorses Barack Obama for President

MoveOn.org, with 1.7 million members in Feb. 5 states, made its first primary endorsement ever backing Sen. Barack Obama today. The organization's website encouraged members to volunteer for the Obama ground campaign with heavy duty get out the vote efforts starting tomorrow.

Here is MoveOn.org's press release on the endorsement:

MoveOn Endorsement Throws Progressive Weight
Behind Barack Obama

3.2 Million Members Nationwide Mobilize to Get Out the Progressive Vote for Senator Obama

Group Has Over 1.7 Million Members In Super Tuesday States

In a resounding vote today, MoveOn.org Political Action's members nationwide voted to endorse Senator Barack Obama for the Democratic nomination for President. The group, with 3.2 million members nationwide and over 1.7 million members in Super Tuesday states, will immediately begin to mobilize on behalf of Senator Obama. The vote favored Senator Obama to Senator Clinton by 70.4% to 29.6%.

Senator Obama accepted the endorsement stating:

"In just a few years, the members of MoveOn have once again demonstrated that real change comes not from the top-down, but from the bottom-up. From their principled opposition to the Iraq war - a war I also opposed from the start - to their strong support for a number of progressive causes, MoveOn shows what Americans can achieve when we come together in a grassroots movement for change. I thank them for their support and look forward to working with their members in the weeks and months ahead."

Eli Pariser, MoveOn.org's Executive Director, issued the following statement on the group's endorsement:

"Our members' endorsement of Senator Obama is a clear call for a new America at this critical moment in history. Seven years of the disastrous policies of the Bush Administration have left the country desperate for change. We need a President who will bring to bear the strong leadership and vision required to end the war in Iraq, provide health care to every American, deal with our climate crisis, and restore America's standing in the world. The enormity of the challenges require someone who knows how to inspire millions to get involved to change the direction of our country, and someone who will be willing to change business as usual in Washington. Senator Barack Obama has proved he can and will be that President.

"With 3.2 million members nationwide and over 1.7 million members in states that vote next Tuesday, we'll be able to immediately jump into action in support of Senator Obama's candidacy. We've learned that the key to achieving change in Washington without compromising core values is having a galvanized electorate to back you up. And Barack Obama has our members 'fired up and ready to go' on that front.

"We congratulate Sens. Clinton, Dodd and Biden, former Senator Edwards, Governor Richardson, Congressman Kucinich and former Senator Gravel on running tremendous campaigns. We thank them for their contributions to the important debate that has gripped our nation and for their ongoing engagement with our members. We're looking forward to working together to bring progressive values to the nation's capitol and to end this disastrous war in Iraq. MoveOn members are committed to putting a Democrat in the White House in 2008 and ushering in a new era of progressive values no matter who wins the nomination."

MoveOn members' comments in the vote reflect the reasons they support Senator Obama:

"Obama's grassroots organizing experience and unifying message combine to show he will work for working people and speak to a broad cross section of the American public. We need this," said Linda Blong of Penngrove, CA.

"There are defining moments in our nation's political history and this is one of them. Barack Obama appeals to the very BEST of the American Spirit," said Estina Baker, Hackensack, NJ

"Barack Obama represents CHANGE in so many levels. He brings HOPE that America can, again, be respected by the rest of the world and that Americans can be proud, again, of our leaders!" Isabelle Mollien, Denver, CO

"Obama has the ability to draw people to him, to energize people who generally don't vote, to create an atmosphere of long-overdue possibility around himself and what he could bring to the office. It is my belief that he can re-establish the lost connection between the American people and their leader, and put our country back on course to be a positive force in the world." Matthew Smith in Columbus, OH

MoveOn's endorsement means a fresh infusion of people-power for Obama in the critical days before Super Tuesday. MoveOn will immediately connect thousands of progressive activists into the Obama GOTV volunteer operation. It will also use the same cutting-edge computer-based phone program that made 7 million GOTV calls for Democrats in 2006 to allow MoveOn members to call other MoveOn members in Feb. 5 states and encourage them to vote for Obama.

Today's endorsement is the first time MoveOn.org has endorsed a candidate for President in the Democratic primary. Over the past year, MoveOn surveyed a rotating sample of 30,000 members each week to determine their membership's preference in the Democratic presidential primary. For months, MoveOn members were divided among many candidates -- as many waited to see who would take bold progressive positions on the issues. As the primary race has gained momentum, the polling showed a consensus forming and, with Senator John Edward's withdrawal from the race, members made their decision in favor of Senator Obama. The vote took place from Thursday, January 31st to Friday, February 1st.

Ground forces, surrogates will play key Super Tuesday role

No candidate will be able to effectively stump through 22 states leading up to Super Tuesday. Instead they will depend on an army of volunteers and surrogates to fan out and represent them in these locations.

Elected officials and celebrities who support the candidate can stump in key areas allowing the candidate to pick and choose which locations to target. Organizations like labor unions and political action committees will also play a role.

Celebrity surrogates vary in their effectiveness depending on the venue. In California, where two former Hollywood stars have governed the state, people often welcome the fanfare. Someone like Oprah Winfrey could have a big impact on the campaign trail in the Golden State.

Regular supporters also act as surrogates representing the candidate with their family, friends and associates. They may also volunteer to "cold call" working door-to-door, on the phones or at visibility/tabling events.

Barack Obama is widely seen as having the most extensive ground operation across the Tsunami Tuesday states. Here in California the operation is unprecedented. There are at least 13 official field offices most now working feverishly seven days a week. Numerous events are scheduled across the state to make contact with voters on behalf of the candidate.

The internet will also play an important role as supporters use email, texting and the like to cajole their contact list. Some may even work the social networks like Facebook and MySpace seeking new friends in Feb. 5 states across cyberspace.

Make calls to February 5th voters

Organize your community

Action Center

Obama Mobile

Targeting swing voters

As the campaign enters high gear with a few weeks before the first contest in Iowa and about six weeks until Super Tuesday, the Obama team is looking to garner more donations and implement its get-out-the-vote (GOTV) drive.

The campaign will also target swing voters, those who are deemed susceptible to persuasion, with their candidate's message.

Generally, one doesn't waste time trying to persuade hardcore supporters of one's opponents. It would not make sense, for example, for Obama supporters to spend days calling and attempting to win over dedicated volunteers from the Hillary Clinton campaign.

Instead, the Obama camp will attempt to identify those voters who haven't made up their minds yet and convince them that Barack is the best candidate. With limited time and resources the campaign must focus its grassroots efforts.

In addition to identifying persuadable voters, Obama's strategists must ascertain what issues are most important to those voters and then craft a message showing the voter why they should choose Obama.

Those swing voters who agree that Obama is the best choice are added to a list of supporters and then targeted for GOTV efforts in the last days before the election.


Election Dates

Iowa Caucus -- Jan. 3, 2008

New Hampshire Primary -- Jan. 8, 2008

Nevada Caucus -- Jan. 19, 2008

South Carolina Primary -- Jan. 26, 2008

Super Tuesday -- Feb. 5, 2008

Plouffe: Obama wins by gaining more states and more delegates

Here is the note released by Obama campaign manager David Plouffe as posted by Sam Graham-Felsen on the official blog:

Plouffe: Obama wins Super Tuesday by winning more states and more delegates

by Sam Graham-FelsenWednesday, February 06, 2008 at 04:26 AM

Campaign Manager David Plouffe...

By winning a majority of delegates and a majority of the states, Barack Obama won an important Super Tuesday victory over Senator Clinton in the closest thing we have to a national primary. From Colorado and Utah in the west to Georgia and Alabama in the south to Senator Clinton’s backyard in Connecticut, Obama showed that he can win the support of Americans of every race, gender, and political party in every region of the country. That’s why he’s on track to win Democratic nomination, and that’s why he’s the best candidate to defeat John McCain in November.

The next contests are right around the corner on Feb. 9, this Saturday, and I should say very cautiously that Barack Obama appears strong overall in the states and territory involved: Washington (97 delegates), Louisiana (67 delegates), Nebraska (31 delegates) and the Virgin Islands (9 delegates).

How much money does Obama need?

With the second quarter nearly at an end, how much money will Barack Obama need to fund his campaign?

Recently, Joe Trippi, the former Howard Dean guy now working for John Edwards, said that Edwards will need $40 million to pursue a four state strategy targeting Iowa, Nevada, New Hampshire and South Carolina. That would average out to about $10 million a state, although the actual share used for each state could vary widely.

Because Edwards is not able to raise the same kind of money as Obama and Clinton, the hope is that a good showing in the early states will attract new money and supporters for Super Duper Tuesday on Feb. 5, 2008.

If we use the figure of $40 million also for the Obama effort in the four early states, they will probably raise that much and more by this quarter.

That would mean that the next two quarters and the five weeks in the first quarter of next year could presumably be used to raise money for Feb. 5.

There could be 20 states including heavyweights like California and New York participating in Super Duper Tuesday also pegged as "Tsunami Tuesday" for its potential to shape the 2008 primary election.

If Obama can raise at least $20 million in each of the next two quarters and then maybe another $10 million in the first five weeks of 2008, he can have about $50 to $60 million for Tsunami Tuesday.

On the high end that would average out to about $3 million a state although certainly the campaign would look to target the states with the most potential. California alone can easily eat up $20 million in a statewide race.

However, if Obama does well in the four early states before Feb. 5, he could vastly increase his monetary, organizational and grassroots support. The momentum of the early states often acts as "king-maker."

One could say that a reasonable goal would be about $4o-50 million for the four early states, and a reserve of $40-60 million for Tsunami Tuesday, not counting any money raised during or after the early state voting.

More Obama Endorsement News

From the political front, three superdelegates endorsed Barack Obama today: Reps. John Larson and Chris Murphy from Connecticut, and Rep. Earl Pomeroy from North Dakota.

In San Francisco, State Senator Leland Yee endorsed Obama, a move that should help the candidate make inroads with the Bay Area's Asian Pacific Islander community.

From the press, The Minnesota Daily, the Santa Fe New Mexican, the Belmont Citizen-Herald (MA), The Phoenix, a Boston weekly, the Sacramento News & Review, the Chico News & Review (CA) and Gay City News (NYC) are backing Obama.

There are also rumors flying around that John Edwards may endorse Obama on Friday. Robert Novak reported that Edwards and Obama may have reached a deal in which the former would become Attorney General if Obama is elected. There are also reports that Edwards' "inner circle" is advising him to team up with Obama. I guess we'll have to wait and see.

Below is the endorsement from the Santa Fe New Mexican:

Editorial: Our nation needs a Democrat; Obama's a better choice

On the other side of this weekend lies Super Tuesday — or Super Duper Tuesday in its new, 24-state form that could well determine both parties' presidential nominees.

New Mexico is part of it — a small part, given our big state's small population, but there's enough of a role that the two remaining Democratic challengers are mounting campaigns for the 26 of our 38 convention delegates to be chosen that day — out of 2,000 nationwide — in what's being called a party caucus.

Far from being a gathering of politically like-minded people, and unlike the barn-dance event it's become in first-in-the-nation Iowa, ours amounts to a single-office primary election (more about this tomorrow).

But at least our half-million registered Democrats, at costs being picked up by their party, will have a say on the day most of the American people can choose a nominee. As for the human-gestation stretch of time between Feb. 5 and Nov. 4, how 'bout putting the candidates in cold storage — at least until Labor Day ...

The nation needs a Democratic president — mostly for the sake of the Supreme Court and the rest of the federal judiciary, but also because our government's policies, foreign and domestic, are badly out of kilter.

There are many good Republicans embarrassed to tears by the Bush-Cheney administration — and they'll be quick to remind their fellow Americans that, come January, those two are outtahere. So elect John McCain or Mitt Romney, and things will be fine; at least finer than they are now ...

Not good enough; eight years of the best that party could offer us is plenty for now. Despite our high personal regard for Sen. McCain, we think it will take Democratic leadership to undo past wrongs, recover the reputation of our globally humiliated country and restore economic and social justice.

But the same operatives who fooled our nation not once, but twice, into Bush-Cheney already are plotting another puppet regime controlled by corporate scoundrels. They'd be ecstatic at the prospect of Democrats floating a Clinton co-presidency, and they've been rubbing their hands with glee during recent weeks as the former president mounted the stage on behalf of his wife, one of the two remaining candidates.

This is the president who unnecessarily lied about an affair with a White House intern; who fecklessly fired off missiles to distract the nation from his all-too-human failings; who, as we noted at the time, should have resigned, or should have been impeached — and was.

Bill Clinton back in a White House he left in the wake of scandalous presidential pardons? The Karl Roves of this world would have a field day with a dual-Clinton candidacy, whether or not the ex-president were to go back in the closet and let the extremely sharp senator run on her own. The nation's newspaper readers and TV audiences would be in for nine months of propaganda far beyond mere mudslinging.

Hillary Clinton is only one of two outstanding candidates for the Democratic nomination, and The New Mexican endorses the other: Illinois Sen. Barack Obama.

Shorter on experience, he also is unsullied by the quid-pro-quo world of Washington. That puts him in excellent position:

* To lead a long-overdue initiative toward universal health care;

* To lead another overdue initiative, on a new nationwide energy source;

* To lead our public schools out of the doldrums;

* To lead the country back to financial solvency and economic independence.

To lead, indeed. Sen. Obama is someone Americans can rally 'round.

His honesty will confound those trying to twist voters' perception of him and the working-people's party; his genuineness will disarm critics jaded over politics-by-rote; his academic brilliance and organizing skills will allow him to handle the complexities of the presidency; and his oratorical skills and compelling personality will inspire a long-lax nation to get off its collective butt and achieve what we're capable of.

New Mexico Democrats can catch an exciting new wave with votes for Barack Obama on Tuesday.

Big crowd again in Manchester

Another big crowd gathered today for Barack Obama's rally in Manchester, New Hampshire.

Watch this video showing the line outside the event.




Here's the calendar of campaign events until primary day on Jan. 8.

EXETER MEET THE CANDIDATE WITH BARACK OBAMA(Official Event)

Sunday, January 6 at 11:15 AM

Exeter High School, Cafeteria (Exeter, NH)

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DERRY RALLY WITH BARACK OBAMA (Official Event)

Sunday, January 6 at 2:15 PM

Pinkerton Academy (Derry, NH)

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House Party with Governor Deval Patrick (Meeting)

Sunday, January 6 at 3:00 PM

Home of Laura and James Trowbridge (Peterborough, NH)

Please join Governor Deval Patrick (MA) as he talks with Granite Staters about Barack's campaign for change. Governor Patrick will be in Peterborough on Sunday,...

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SALEM MEET THE CANDIDATE WITH BARACK OBAMA(Official Event)

Sunday, January 6 at 3:45 PM

Salem High School, Auditorium (Salem, NH)

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Politics and the Arts (Meeting)

Sunday, January 6 at 5:00 PM

NH Theatre Project - West End Studio Theatre (Portsmouth, NH)

As we get closer to picking the next president of the United States join us for a conversation with Broadway Producer of “Hairspray”, Margo Lion,...

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Women for Obama House Party (Women for Obama House Party)

Sunday, January 6 at 6:00 PM

home (New Boston, NH)

dress formally

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KEENE RALLY WITH BARACK OBAMA (Official Event)

Sunday, January 6 at 6:45 PM

Keene High School, Cafeteria (Keene, NH)

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CLAREMONT RALLY WITH BARACK OBAMA (Official Event)

Monday, January 7 at 7:30 AM

Stevens High School, Gym (Claremont, NH)

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Vets Listening Roundtables (Meeting)

Monday, January 7 at 10:00 AM

Remember When (Rochester, NH)

Special Guest: Dick Klass, Colonel, USAF (retired) Veteran’s Advisory Board, Obama for America 2008 220 combat missions in Viet Nam Recipient: Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross, Purple Heart White...

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LEBANON MEET THE CANDIDATE WITH BARACK OBAMA(Official Event)

Monday, January 7 at 10:30 AM

Lebanon Opera House (Lebanon, NH)

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Politics and the Arts (Meeting)

Monday, January 7 at 12:00 PM

NH Institute of Art (Manchester, NH)

As we get closer to picking the next president of the United States join us for a conversation with Broadway Producer of “Hairspray”, Margo Lion,...

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Vets Listening Roundtables (Meeting)

Monday, January 7 at 1:00 PM

Cafe on the Corner (Dover, NH)

Special Guest: Dick Klass, Colonel, USAF (retired) Veteran’s Advisory Board, Obama for America 2008 220 combat missions in Viet Nam Recipient: Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross, Purple Heart White...

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Vets Listening Roundtables (Meeting)

Monday, January 7 at 4:00 PM

The Loaf and Ladle (Exeter, NH)

Special Guest: Dick Klass, Colonel, USAF (retired) Veteran’s Advisory Board, Obama for America 2008 220 combat missions in Viet Nam Recipient: Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross, Purple Heart White...

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ROCHESTER RALLY WITH BARACK OBAMA (Official Event)

Monday, January 7 at 5:30 PM

Rochester Opera House (Rochester, NH)

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Vets Listening Roundtables (Meeting)

Monday, January 7 at 7:00 PM

Breaking New Grounds (Portsmouth, NH)

Special Guest: Dick Klass, Colonel, USAF (retired) Veteran’s Advisory Board, Obama for America 2008 220 combat missions in Viet Nam Recipient: Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross, Purple Heart White...

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Be Counted Canvass (Community Service)

Tuesday, January 8 at 3:00 PM

Obama Portsmouth Office (Portsmouth, NH)

This shift is the most important canvass shift of the entire campaign. This is the final push on election day afternoon to get people to...

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Be Counted Canvass (Organizing)

Tuesday, January 8 at 3:00 PM

Exeter for Obama Staging Location (Exeter, NH)

This shift is the most important canvass shift of the entire campaign. This is the final push on election day afternoon to get people to...

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Be Counted Canvass (Organizing)

Tuesday, January 8 at 3:00 PM

Newmarket for Obama Staging Location (Newmarket, NH)

This shift is the most important canvass shift of the entire campaign. This is the final push on election day afternoon to get people to...

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Primary After Party (Meeting)

Tuesday, January 8 at 7:00 PM

EBAs Restaurant (Everything But Anchovies) (Hanover, NH)

After you are done with your volunteer activities, meet up with other supporters at Everything But Anchovies (EBAs)in Hanover to watch the NH primary results...

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PRIMARY NIGHT RALLY WITH BARACK OBAMA (Official Event)

Tuesday, January 8 at 7:30 PM

Nashua South High School (Nashua, NH)

If you are a member of the media, please go here. PRIMARY NIGHT RALLY Nashua South High School 36 Riverside St. Nashua, NH Doors Open: 7:30 PM An RSVP is strongly...

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Early States Election Schedule

New Hampshire Primary -- Jan. 8

Nevada Caucus -- Jan. 19

South Carolina Primary -- Jan. 26

Super Tuesday -- Feb. 5

Dennis Kucinich: Pick Obama as second choice

Marc Ambinder from theatlantic.com reports that Dennis Kucinich asked his supporters last night to select Barack Obama as their second choice in the Iowa caucus.

Here is a copy of the Kucinich campaign press release:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, January 01, 2008

DES MOINES, IA -- Democratic Presidential candidate and Ohio Congressman Dennis Kucinich opened the New Year by publicly asking his Iowa supporters to vote for him in the caucuses this Thursday, and suggesting that if he did not make the 15% threshold, their second ballot should be for Senator Barack Obama. "This is obviously an 'Iowa-only' recommendation, as Sen. Obama and I are competing in the New Hampshire primary next Tuesday where I want to be the first choice of New Hampshire voters.

"I hope Iowans will caucus for me as their first choice this Thursday, because of my singular positions on the war, on health care, and trade. This is an opportunity for people to stand up for themselves. But in those caucus locations where my support doesn't reach the necessary threshold, I strongly encourage all of my supporters to make Barack Obama their second choice. Sen. Obama and I have one thing in common: Change."

Early States Election Schedule

Iowa Caucus -- Jan. 3

New Hampshire Primary -- Jan. 8

Nevada Caucus -- Jan. 19

South Carolina Primary -- Jan. 26

Super Tuesday -- Feb. 5

Obama campaign strategy

After having discussed Barack Obama's campaign with some other supporters, I've been musing a bit over campaign strategy.

One thing I've been hearing a lot is that Barack isn't edgy enough, that he's taking too much of an intellectual approach to the campaign. They want to see that game face, the posture and behavior of someone who already feels they own the office. My suspicion is that Obama may be saving something for the "fourth quarter" as its difficult to keep energies at high levels for a sustained periods of time. However, that's just a feeling.

Possibly, Obama's handlers could be pushing their candidate a bit too hard wearing him out in the process. It's probably better to be at your best and create a buzz at fewer events than to fail to impress at a larger number of venues. Image is everything in electoral campaigns.

Focusing, targeting

Obama observers know that the senator is to concentrating a lot of resources and energy toward an Iowa strategy.

Is he doing enough, though, in other early states or other major states? I've heard this question a lot also.

There will be less time than usual to build up support after early state voting. On Feb. 5, 2007, the election will likely be decided. Right now, it looks like a three-way race and the third place finisher in Iowa will be in a big hole. But there will be a chance to recover in Nevada before the very important New Hampshire primary.

New Hampshire is often seen as the king-maker state, but in the last two open primary elections, eventual winners Bill Clinton and George W. Bush both lost in the Granite State. I think South Carolina will be the most important state this time around. If a candidate does reasonably well in the first three states and wins in South Carolina, they should have the momentum going into Super Duper Tuesday (Feb. 5).

Resources

Television advertising this early is probably not very effective. Those people who are paying attention, read newspapers, visit campaign websites, etc. and are unlikely to be swayed by tv ads.

Those who are not paying attention are the classic last-minute decision-makers. They are not making the effort to register anything on their mental hard drives.

When the election nears and they have to make a decision they will begin focusing on the candidates.

Television ads now are probably mainly to appease poll-watchers among Obama's supporters, especially the big contributors. This is unfortunate because its expensive to change poll numbers with tv ads. You want to hit the last minute folk when they are in the decision-making process, not now months before Christmas. But then again, the Iowa caucus is so close after the holidays that it becomes confusing when to advertise.

Do you message Iowa voters with "seasons greetings" type ads?

Michigan and Florida

To add to the confusion, the states of Michigan and Florida have moved their polls up before Feb. 5.

These are states with large delegations and obviously the campaign cannot ignore them. However, at the same time the Democratic National Convention has been threatening not recognize Florida's delegates if they don't move their primary back.

So you also don't want to get burned by committing too much in these states. Probably a safe plan is to take them as Super Duper states as they may eventually reschedule their voting back to Feb. 5.

A good campaign strategy in my view would be to budget enough money to do well in the first three states culminating in a victory in South Carolina. You would want to have enough money left over to at least keep your offices running until Super Duper Tuesday. There is only about a week to raise money and buy ads between South Carolina and Feb. 5.

Issues

Obama's key strategic issues are the Iraq War and the environment.

He is locked in a tight race with Hillary Clinton in wooing high technology voters. He also does well among people in higher education, although Clinton is attracting the teachers' unions.

The issues that seem to clearly offer the best hope for distinguishing himself from the other candidates is his consistent opposition to the Iraq War, and his general favorable position among environmental voters.

In my view, he needs to work this base of support more than trying to reach out in other directions. Not that he can't reach out, but a campaign needs to focus on key issues and keep repeating them to drive their points home.

Sun-Sentinel endorses Barack Obama

The Sun-Sentinel of South Florida endorsed Barack Obama today.

Obama: A worthy choice

South Florida Sun-Sentinel

4:38 PM EST, January 25, 2008

Disappointingly, the Democrat presidential candidates kept their pledge to not campaign in Florida. The Democratic National Committee has also warned that Florida's primary this Tuesday won't count toward assignment of delegates to this summer's national convention.'

Nonetheless, there is a vote, and it's an important one for a host of reasons. Not least of which is that whoever wins the popular vote in the Sunshine State, a place that has been a house of horrors for the party in the past two presidential elections, can claim to be the popular front-runner headed into Super Tuesday.

The South Florida Sun-Sentinel Editorial Board recommends voters choose Illinois Sen. Barack Obama.Obama is in his first term in the U.S. Senate. He splashed onto the national political stage with a stirring speech at the 2004 Democratic National Convention, a speech that catapulted him from being an obscure state senator to what is now a historic and inspiring presidential candidacy.

Obama, 46, is characteristically a cool-headed yet passionate politician who could transform the mood of the country with his message of hope and change. He and his opponents - U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton of New York and John Edwards, a former U.S. senator from North Carolina and the 2004 Democratic vice presidential nominee - have all pledged to end the Iraq war, reform health care and bridge the gap between the rich and poor. They are all well-versed on government policy and international affairs. But what sets Obama apart is his ability to spark passion in the American people, who are ultimately the ones with the power to make real change.

Clinton, a two-term senator and wife of former President Bill Clinton, has proven her ability to win among Democrats through victories in New Hampshire and Nevada. But she is also a polarizing figure, based on baggage from her husband's presidency, and would have difficulty gaining the support of Republicans and Independents. Edwards, a former trial lawyer, trails far behind the two other candidates in the polls and has yet to win a primary.

Campaign transcends race

The three are in a competitive race that's been brutal at times, but it hasn't diminished Obama's image as a reconciling figure who can bring the country together.

Instead of relying on racial politics, the bi-racial son of a black Kenyan father and white Kansas mother, Obama has chosen to transcend race. His strong victory in predominantly white Iowa turned the election on its head, due to support from voters of both genders and all political persuasions. Turnout among new and young voters was phenomenal.

Obama is not only a man of lofty ideas and eloquent speech; he is also a leader with good judgment as the only candidate among the three contenders who publicly opposed the Iraq war from the beginning. As a state senator he called it "a U.S. occupation of undetermined length, at undetermined cost with undetermined consequences."

If elected, Obama has pledged to pull all U.S. combat brigades out of Iraq within 16 months of his administration, while keeping some troops in the country to protect our embassy and diplomats and strike against al-Qaida if necessary.

To tackle the immigration problem, he would secure the borders, remove incentives to enter illegally and create a system to allow undocumented immigrants to apply for citizenship after paying a fine and learning English. He pledges to make health care more affordable for everyone and require mandatory coverage for all children.

To address the current economic crisis, he proposes a $75 billion stimulus package to provide workers with an immediate $250 tax credit and Social Security recipients with a one-time $250 supplement. It would also include a $10 billion fund to help homeowners facing foreclosures and a $10 billion fund for states dealing with lower tax revenues.

Level of experience a concern

Some legitimately question Obama's level of experience. That's a concern in foreign policy issues, particularly. Obama's suggestion that he'd be willing to talk to U.S. rivals and foes is refreshing - to a point.

Sure, U.S. policy toward some countries, like Cuba, needs a new approach. But it's naive to think the diplomacy of talk would work magic on its own in other places, such as Tehran.

Obama's plan to pull all combat brigades out of Iraq within less than two years of his administration may also be a little too ambitious. The last thing we need is a failed state in Iraq, and every effort should be made to leave the country as stable as possible.

Obama unquestionably has the wherewithal to match the presidency's intellectual demands. He has a solid resume as a Harvard Law School graduate and was the first African-American editor of the Harvard Law Review. His background also includes work as a constitutional law professor, community organizer, Illinois state senator and now a U.S. senator. His background may be different to many politicians in Washington, but that's part of what makes him so appealing. He could bring a fresh approach to the presidency as we face challenges of the 21st century.

Obama also has a multiethnic background that reflects America's diversity, and could project a more tolerant and progressive image to the rest of the world. He has already proven his ability to bring people of all walks of life together; imagine what he could do on an international stage.

What the nation needs most is someone with a good mix of experience, sound judgment and a potent dose of inspiration to move the country forward. Obama has what it takes.

Obama aiming for Feb. 5?

A Washington Post article claims the Obama campaign may be looking for victory on Feb. 5 as much as winning the early states.

Obama has 19 offices in different early states, much less than his total in Iowa alone, but again much more than total five offices of her leading opponent Hillary Clinton. This can be taken to indicate that the Obama camp believes things may not be over after polls are done in the four early states of Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada and South Carolina.

On Feb. 5, known as "Super Duper Tuesday" or "Tsunami Tuesday" some 20 states will hold primary elections.

Obama is generally less well-known in these states as compared to Clinton. It may be that Obama's belief in grassroots campaigning is driving the investment in Super Duper Tuesday states. It's difficult to start up a person-to-person campaign in a short span of time, as compared to simply launching a television ad blitz.

By opening offices in these states, Obama may be showing his community organizing background and his experience in the importance of making personal contact.

The Importance of South Carolina

The most important move the Obama campaign can do now in preparation for Super Tuesday is to win South Carolina.

A win in the Palmetto State guarantees nationwide media coverage far exceeding any televisions ads the campaign could afford. Barack will have the "big mo" going into Tsunami Tuesday when 22 states pick the Democratic nominee.

If he loses there, people will say the Iowa win was a fluke. African Americans may see him as non-viable since he could not win a state in which they make up about half the Democratic electorate. There will be a lot of negative buzz about his electability.

The big task again, as with all other states except probably Illinois, will be to get out the vote, especially Obama's young supporters. The work requires voter contact, preferably person-to-person although robo-calls, radio ads and other mass media techniques can also help.



Action Center

Obama Mobile

Obama focusing in on Iowa and New Hampshire

Barack Obama has been running tv ads in Iowa for some time now. Those ads are probably at least partly responsible for his recent favorable poll showing in that state.

Obama is hoping to win or do very well in Iowa to boost his campaign but some analysts wonder if there is enough time between Iowa and New Hampshire to make a difference.

The campaign recently announced it would begin running tv ads in New Hampshire also so it seems they are expanding now to a two-state strategy.

Television in Nevada and South Carolina may be just a month or two away. Up to now, Obama has spent nearly $2 million in ads next only to Bill Richardson among Democrats, the latter spending about $2 million. However, unlike Richardson, Obama has concentrated his air time in Iowa.

I still feel South Carolina will make or break the Obama campaign. If he can do well in the first three states and win South Carolina, he has a good chance on Super Duper Tuesday. Things would look very grim, on the other hand, if he loses South Carolina.

Obama really needs the black vote now as I believe he has lost a lot of Iraq War opponents this quarter. If he can win South Carolina, it could signal that black voters have come to believe in him as a candidate.

That could tip the scales in a number of states on Super Duper Tuesday and possibly also in Florida, which is also holding early polls. His supporters would be highly motivated after winning a big primary before Feb. 5 when as many as 20 states will vote for a Democratic candidate.

Obama: Real Leadership for Seniors

Check out this great video from the Obama campaign on senior issues such as Social Security and health care.





Early States Election Schedule

Iowa Caucus -- Jan. 3

New Hampshire Primary -- Jan. 8

Nevada Caucus -- Jan. 19

South Carolina Primary -- Jan. 26

Super Tuesday -- Feb. 5

Philadephia Inquirer endorses Barack Obama

As voters make their choice for Democratic nominee in South Carolina, Obama supporters will be glad to hear of another newspaper endorsement, this time from the Philadephia Inquirer.

Inquirer’s Democratic endorsement for president: Obama

Change.

Democrats are so sure Americans want a change from the eight years they have endured under President Bush that the party thinks winning back the White House from the Republicans is virtually guaranteed.

But only if the right nominee is chosen for the office.

Barely a month into the calendar of caucuses and primaries, the field has been winnowed. Gone are Joe Biden, Bill Richardson, Chris Dodd and Dennis Kucinich. Quixotic is the only way to describe Mike Gravel's campaign heading to Super Tuesday, Feb. 5, when more than 20 states, including New Jersey and Delaware, will hold their caucuses and primaries.

John Edwards' hopes had hinged on the outcome of yesterday's primary in his home state of South Carolina. On the party's ticket for vice president in 2004, Edwards' populist style might have made him a formidable candidate in any other presidential election.

But not this one.

This year it's been hard for anyone to get traction against two candidates who would make history no matter which one is nominated - Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama. In them, Democrats could choose as their nominee either the first woman or the first African American to become president.

But the choice is hard.

In some respects, Clinton is much better prepared than was her husband, Bill, when he, as Arkansas governor, was elected president in 1992. The senator from New York could be a strong leader, comparable to Britain's Margaret Thatcher, but with a compassion for children's issues that could glue the nation's focus on its most precious asset.

But in an election where change is the operative word, would the former first lady represent that? After two Bush presidencies, many Americans don't see change in a Clinton dynasty. Hillary's high negatives in polls may have more to do with her husband's behavior as president than anything she has done since. But those negatives suggest she could be a catalyst for division when the nation longs for unity.

Given that, BARACK OBAMA is the best Democrat to lead this nation past the nasty, partisan, Washington-as-usual politics that have blocked consensus on Iraq; politics that never blinked at the greedy, subprime mortgage schemes that could spawn a recession; politics that have greatly diminished our country's stature in the world.

Obama inspires people to action. And while inspiration alone isn't enough to get a job done, it's a necessary ingredient to begin the hard work.

Obama's appeal to Americans to have the audacity to hope, even in the face of tragedies such as 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina, has fallen on fertile ground. Americans want desperately to believe they can overcome any difficulty - given the right leadership.

But the Illinois senator has shown on the campaign trail that he offers more than pretty words. In debates and speeches, he has provided details of a White House program that, with adjustments, could produce the outcomes this nation needs.

On the war, Obama wants to have all combat brigades out of Iraq within 16 months, while maintaining a force in the region for targeted strikes on al-Qaeda. On the economy, he proposes tax credits for working families and a mortgage credit to help lower-income homeowners. He proposes a national health insurance exchange to help individuals purchase coverage. He wants to do better than No Child Left Behind to improve education.

The question is whether a first-term U.S. senator with no major record as an Illinois legislator is ready to be president. His life story says yes. This former community organizer knows how to bring people together to beat the odds. Others who seemed an unlikely fit rose to the occasion once in the Oval Office. Obama could do that, too.

Seattle Post-Intelligencer Endorses Barack Obama

The Post-Intelligencer, Seattle's oldest newspaper, endorsed Barack Obama today.

P-I Endorsement: A time for change

SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER EDITORIAL BOARD

Washington voters begin having their official say on the 2008 presidential election this week with the field substantially narrowed.

In this week's caucuses and the primaries that follow, Democrats are fortunate to have a difficult choice between two capable leaders whose largely similar visions on global warming, health care and the economy offer the best hopes for this country's future. In this history-making race, Sen. Barack Obama is the better choice over his worthy rival, Sen. Hillary Clinton, because of the real prospects he offers for change in domestic policy, the tone of government in Washington, D.C., and the conduct of foreign affairs.

We are less enamored of the Republicans. Undisturbed by a wrongly launched war of aggression, the leading contenders have competed to show who would be best at standing by the Bush-Cheney legacy of arrogant intervention. Despite his embrace of a particularly dangerous stance on Iraq, Sen. John McCain stands out on the basis of his forceful climate change position, his independence and his distinguished record of public service.

If the two races remain undecided after Super Tuesday, Washington residents will have a rare opportunity to have a voice in the nomination outcomes, joining a healthy national conversation in which the public, more than the media, has taken seriously the prospects for change.

We're delighted the state's Feb. 9 caucuses offer plenty of excitement. The Feb. 19 presidential primary vote will help determine Republican delegate allocations (kudos to the GOP for respecting voters). But it's regrettable that Democrats have relegated their primary to beauty-contest status, a process that flies in the face of the party's own name. It's anything but democratic.

Barack Obama

Sen. Obama has emerged as an impressive, balanced thinker with a charismatic presence. His ability to address a wide range of ideas in nuanced yet deeply inspirational fashion could re-energize political discourse in a manner reminiscent of Franklin D. Roosevelt because Obama has the potential to lift us into a transformative era. Right now, too many Americans see their lives distorted by the misdirected post-9/11 age of secrecy, fear and division. Obama can help the country close that chapter.

The Illinois senator is a candidate particularly well equipped to improve the nation's performance in the world at large. Obama starts from sound, well-considered positions. He opposed the wrongfully launched Iraq invasion. After years in which U.S. leaders have forgone critical diplomatic opportunities with Iran and North Korea, Obama would start from a bolder, more engaged position. He would understand broader parts of the world in a more personal way than any recent president because he lived in Indonesia and has connections with Africa. His presence in the White House would cause the world to look to this country with a renewed hope for positive leadership.

On domestic issues, Obama's instinct for compromise offers a larger hope for a creative, less-contentious pursuit of a society with better education, health care and job opportunities.

For all practical purposes, a Hillary Clinton presidency could open just as many or more doors at home and abroad. Despite our differences with her Iraq war vote, we believe she would pursue Iraq questions skillfully. Democratic caucus-goers will have legitimate debates about whether her hard-won experience or Obama's freshness will better translate into much-needed changes on environmental, health and economic-equity questions. Either could be a worthy general election candidate.

Rep. William Delahunt endorses Barack Obama

According to the Boston Globe, Rep. Willsiam Delahunt of Massachusets will endorse Barack Obama today:

"If Barack Obama is elected president, I daresay America will present a new face to the world, will restore, simply by his election, hope - not just within the United States, but from all corners of the world, that America's claim to moral authority is back on track and that our leadership in world affairs will see a renaissance," Delahunt told the Globe.

Delahunt's endorsement - Obama's first from the Massachusetts congressional delegation - will be made as Obama and Senator Hillary Clinton of New York spar about their respective foreign policy credentials. Clinton has argued that her experiences during her husband's presidency, including extensive international travel, make her the better candidate to deal with foreign leaders and potential terrorist threats.

But Delahunt, declining to criticize Clinton by name, dismissed that notion. "Please do not equate experience with judgment. That's what this is about," Delahunt said. Voters should not "confuse experience with time in Washington," he said, noting that John F. Kennedy, Ronald Reagan, and Bill Clinton all had limited direct foreign policy experience before taking office.

Obama opposed the Iraq war from the start, Delahunt noted, while veteran lawmakers voted to authorize force. Delahunt said he was also influenced by Obama's stated willingness - criticized by the Clinton campaign - to meet with rogue world leaders. Delahunt has met with President Hugo Chávez of Venezuela, negotiating a deal for home heating oil for his constituents from a Latin American leader who once referred to President Bush as "the devil."

Delahunt's backing has elevated significance for Obama, who is seeking to convince voters he would be able to deal with myriad foreign policy challenges after just three years in the Senate. The Massachusetts lawmaker is a prominent member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and was selected to represent the Congress at the UN General Assembly in September.

Early States Election Schedule

Iowa Caucus -- Jan. 3

New Hampshire Primary -- Jan. 8

Nevada Caucus -- Jan. 19

South Carolina Primary -- Jan. 26

Super Tuesday -- Feb. 5

Iowa Caucus Step by Step

BarackObama.com has an easy step-by-step guide for the caucus process in Iowa. Click "Next" on the graphic below to view the tutorial.

You can also get more info in the Caucus Center webpage.

Early States Election Schedule

Iowa Caucus -- Jan. 3

New Hampshire Primary -- Jan. 8

Nevada Caucus -- Jan. 19

South Carolina Primary -- Jan. 26

Super Tuesday -- Feb. 5

Obama Game Plan

One observer of Barack Obama's campaigns in Illinois, and of his strategist David Axelrod, believes that the Obama game plan involves a big push in the late going.

In his Senate primary race, Obama surged ahead in the last few months. Presumably then, the campaign would be holding back some key ammunition for use at the last minute.

Stealth plans of this type are quite commonly used by underdog candidates. There could be some important endorsements, contributions, ads, etc. in storage for a late assault just before the Iowa caucuses. According to this mode of thinking, Hillary Clinton's "inevitability" is not such a bad thing. In fact, it contributes to the environment that this type of game plan tries to create.

Often a stealth plan will have some "dirt" that is unloaded at the last second giving the opposition minimum time to respond. Obama's camp has disavowed any kinds of personal mudslinging, but possibly they could have some bombs that are relevant and fair game for a electoral campaign. Basically anything that has do with a candidate's public record and service is considered vital information for the electorate.

Of course, stealth means keeping things secret, working quietly to build up the apparatus needed to execute the "big push."

There may be some questions over whether such an Obama game plan would work in a national election were such great resources are needed to do anything. Obama's handlers are working one state at a time, so the first goal would be to make it work in Iowa. But then will there be more surprises for the other three early states, and for Super Tuesday?