Voices for Change: Reba in Hickory, North
Carolina

post from Obama HQ on 13 August 2008 09:25:26 PM. © Obama HQ

Reba, 60, of Hickory, North Carolina, considered herself a lifetime Republican. But that all changed when Barack Obama came along.

I liked his idea of change. In the last eight years we have seen the White House do whatever they want to do -- it doesn’t matter what the people want. So I decided to switch to Democrat and vote for Obama. Obama makes a whole lot more sense than the Republicans have. I can’t believe I voted for Bush a second time! I’m embarrassed.

As a realtor, Reba has been hit hard by the housing crisis. “It’s hard to help people buy a house right now. Being in so much debt is hard; it’s harder than ever to pay off a house.” The economy has impacted her in a big way. Reba used to own a small real estate brokerage company, but had to sell it when the housing market went bad. “It’s tough,” she says. “I’ve been in the real estate market for 24 years, and this is the worse I’ve ever seen it.”

She’s hoping Obama will bring much-needed change.

Everything Obama says makes so much sense. Like his tax plan – it’s hard for most of us to pay our taxes right now, but Obama’s going to help those of us who don’t have a lot of money. The Republicans ask a lot from us, but give little in return.

Before the Obama campaign came along, Reba had never been politically involved. “I’d never volunteered, and never donated before.” But this time she’s given both time and money to the movement.

He’s something special, and I don’t want him to lose the election because he doesn’t have enough money to compete.

She says she got involved this time because she was inspired by Barack’s understanding of the issues.

What’s different is the desire to have someone in the White House who has a grasp of what’s going on and what real people need.

“And I think Obama will take North Carolina,” she says. “Just about everyone I talk to is going to vote for him!”

Voices for Change is a series featuring profiles of Barack Obama's grassroots supporters from across the nation. The people who make up this movement come from all different backgrounds, but they share a common goal of helping bring about fundamental change in Washington.

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Young Delegates: Alex from Texas

post from Obama HQ on 13 August 2008 07:26:48 PM. © Obama HQ

Alex has been involved in politics since he was 17, when he joined Congressman Lloyd Doggett's campaign. It was there that he learned the value of a strong grassroots organization. He spent his time phone banking, knocking on doors, and coordinating volunteers. After the election, he moved to the Congressman's district office, where he continued working with the community to make sure that ordinary citizens were getting the help they needed from the government.

Having worked at the community level, Alex understands that solutions to problems don't always fit into party molds. He appreciates that Barack is able to transcend partisan politics, reach across the aisle, and offer real solutions tot he problems that are facing our country.

It's always inspiring when intelligent people take office. Barack has this understanding that the world is nuanced and that things aren't always black and white. He's done a very good job of making a policy that is exactly what we need to get things done, even though it might not fit into any of the convenient party boxes that we've set up.

After being active the UT Austin Democrats, he decided that he wanted to work to elect Barack Obama. His work on the campaign ended up with him running a campaign of his own.

I decided I wanted to help Barack Obama and do things to try to get him elected so I worked here in Austin on it. Then I got the idea to try to be a national delegate...it was the first campaign I had ever run myself, and I ended up making a website and handing out flyers at all the local club meetings.

One of the reasons that he wanted to get involved is to make sure that his issues are discussed at the convention. He's especially concerned about repairing America's image in the world.

It was great to see Barack go to Europe. It's good when people overseas can see that we're the good guys and not the bad guys anymore. I'm looking forward to seeing Senator Obama repair the kind of image that my grandfather created when he fought in World War II.

It's too late to become a delegate to the convention, but it's not too late to get involved. If you're still in school, join a local chapter of Students for Barack Obama. If you're not in school, look up a Generation Obama chapter in your neighborhood.

With 12 days to go until the Democratic National Convention, excitement is building in Denver and across America. Soon, delegates from all fifty states will convene in the Mile High City to cast their ballots for Barack Obama and witness his acceptance of the Democratic Party's nomination for president of the United States. As the convention approaches, we will follow these delegates and share stories of the grassroots supporters participating in this historic event.

Read The Full Article:
http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/obamahqblog/gG5KZG

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Road to Denver: Alex from Texas

post from Obama HQ on 13 August 2008 07:26:48 PM. © Obama HQ

Alex has been involved in politics since he was 17, when he joined Congressman Lloyd Doggett's campaign. It was there that he learned the value of a strong grassroots organization. He spent his time phone banking, knocking on doors, and coordinating volunteers. After the election, he moved to the Congressman's district office, where he continued working with the community to make sure that ordinary citizens were getting the help they needed from the government.

Having worked at the community level, Alex understands that solutions to problems don't always fit into party molds. He appreciates that Barack is able to transcend partisan politics, reach across the aisle, and offer real solutions tot he problems that are facing our country.

It's always inspiring when intelligent people take office. Barack has this understanding that the world is nuanced and that things aren't always black and white. He's done a very good job of making a policy that is exactly what we need to get things done, even though it might not fit into any of the convenient party boxes that we've set up.

After being active the UT Austin Democrats, he decided that he wanted to work to elect Barack Obama. His work on the campaign ended up with him running a campaign of his own.

I decided I wanted to help Barack Obama and do things to try to get him elected so I worked here in Austin on it. Then I got the idea to try to be a national delegate...it was the first campaign I had ever run myself, and I ended up making a website and handing out flyers at all the local club meetings.

One of the reasons that he wanted to get involved is to make sure that his issues are discussed at the convention. He's especially concerned about repairing America's image in the world.

It was great to see Barack go to Europe. It's good when people overseas can see that we're the good guys and not the bad guys anymore. I'm looking forward to seeing Senator Obama repair the kind of image that my grandfather created when he fought in World War II.

It's too late to become a delegate to the convention, but it's not too late to get involved. If you're still in school, join a local chapter of Students for Barack Obama. If you're not in school, look up a Generation Obama chapter in your neighborhood.

With 12 days to go until the Democratic National Convention, excitement is building in Denver and across America. Soon, delegates from all fifty states will convene in the Mile High City to cast their ballots for Barack Obama and witness his acceptance of the Democratic Party's nomination for president of the United States. As the convention approaches, we will follow these delegates and share stories of the grassroots supporters participating in this historic event.

Read The Full Article:
http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/obamahqblog/gG5KZG

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Sen. Obama's statement on the passing of AR
Democratic Party Chairman Bill Gwatney

post from Obama HQ on 13 August 2008 06:54:19 PM. © Obama HQ

Below is a statement from Senator Obama on the passing of Chairman Bill Gwatney:

"Michelle and I are heartbroken to hear about the tragic loss of Chairman Bill Gwatney. We're praying for his family and friends and all who worked with him and loved him."

Read The Full Article:
http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/laurinmanning/gG5FKj

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The Real McCain

post from Republicans for Obama - Public Blog on 13 August 2008 05:36:15 PM. © Republicans for Obama - Public Blog

So McCain turned heads two days ago with some strong words regarding the Russian-Georgian conflict:

Message from Barack: A Few Hours From Now

post from Obama HQ on 13 August 2008 05:28:48 PM. © Obama HQ

Barack just sent out this email...

You can make history in the next few hours.

We're within striking distance of 2 million people owning a piece of this movement.

Supporters like you are transforming the way political campaigns are run -- and you're sending a powerful message that you're ready for real change in Washington.

Meanwhile, John McCain is running the same Karl Rove-style campaign that George W. Bush ran four years ago. He's avoiding issues and attempting to tear down our movement with personal attacks and fear mongering.

Not only has McCain voted with Bush 95% of the time, he's adopted the same political playbook. We've seen it all before, and we can't afford 4 or 8 more years of the same low road tactics and disastrous policies.

Be one of the 2 million determined to defeat Bush-style fear and division by donating to build this movement for change.
It's up to each of us to make sure that this election brings change to America. And none of us can do it alone.

Let's show we really are ready for a change from the Bush-Rove politics that McCain stands for.

I hope you'll make a contribution today to support a new kind of politics and make history with 2,000,000 donors.

We're all counting on each other to bring the change our country needs.

Thanks for everything you are doing,

Barack

Read The Full Article:
http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/amandascott/gG5FFZ

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Obama on the shooting at the Arkansas Democratic
Party Headquarters

post from Obama HQ on 13 August 2008 04:36:02 PM. © Obama HQ

Below is a statement from Senator Obama on the shooting at the Arkansas Democratic Party Headquarters:

"I was shocked and saddened to hear about the tragedy in Arkansas. We're all grateful for the quick action of law enforcement and quick thinking by Chairman Gwatney's staff, and Michelle and I are keeping him and his family in our prayers."

Read The Full Article:
http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/laurinmanning/gG5FbM

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Senator Obama's Statement on Georgia

post from Obama HQ on 13 August 2008 03:56:42 PM. © Obama HQ

Below is a statement from Senator Obama in response to President Bush’s announcement on Georgia...

I welcome President Bush's decision to send aid to the people of Georgia, and Americans stand united in support of the men and women who will carry out this humanitarian mission. As soon as possible, we must follow this aid with broader reconstruction assistance, including emergency economic loans, to help the people of Georgia rebuild their lives and their economy.

The situation is still unstable, and Russia must back up its commitment to stop its violence and violation of Georgia's sovereignty with actions - not just words. The United States should now join our European partners in direct, high-level diplomacy with both Georgia and Russia to seek immediate implementation of a cease-fire, and to achieve a lasting resolution to this crisis. There must be independent monitors to verify the implementation of this cease-fire, and Russia must not use this moment to consolidate a position that violates Georgia's territorial integrity, or to violate the human rights of the people of Georgia.

As we move forward, the United States and Europe must review our multilateral and bilateral arrangements with Russia in light of its actions. The loss of life over the last few days has been tragic, and there are no winners in this conflict. Now we must rededicate ourselves to achieving a lasting peace in the region.

Read The Full Article:
http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/amandascott/gG5bdC

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Women For Obama: Shelley in Tennessee

Shelley is a single mother in East Tennessee. A self-proclaimed "Democrat in a Republican state," she feels and sees the struggles of Americans every day. Shelley's daughter is 12 years old and just started seventh grade.

I'm having to cut down on food just to cover the gas prices. I've given up the little luxuries like going out to eat because I just can't afford it. Everything is taking a bite. I had to figure out a way to even buy my daughter school clothes this year.

For four years, Shelley was stationed in Marquette, Michigan with the Air Force. As a veteran, she is ready for the war in Iraq to be over.

My brother was in the Marines for 15 years, and he agrees that it's time for them to come home. It should be over by now. And here in Tennessee in places like Nashville you see people come home for three months, and then they are sent back out again. These kids are doing 2, 3, and 4 tours and it's just too much.

Shelley is also concerned about the skyrocketing cost of health care.

I don't have health insurance. I have to pay cash every time I need to see the doctor. And my prescriptions are all out of pocket. I can't even afford to get my teeth cleaned. My daughter is able to get insurance under her father's plan, but if she weren’t, I would have to pay for state coverage. And even my sister, who has health insurance, is paying up to $50 for one prescription.

Shelley said that her entire family, including her die-hard Republican brother, are all supporters of Barack. They are ready for a new perspective in Washington. And even though she sees McCain yard signs all over her neighborhood, Shelley says she has hope for this fall.

Visit our Women for Obama page to join the community and learn where Barack stands on women's issues.

Read The Full Article:
http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/amandascott/gG5bng

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Voices for Change: Carey in Richmond, Kentucky

As a single mom with two kids, Carey, from Richmond, Kentucky, is feeling the economic downturn in a big way. A university accounting clerk, Carey, 35, is busy taking care of her daughter Kennedy and five-year-old son Gimel, who has autism.

My work takes a huge toll on my family life. Gimel can’t speak, so he goes to speech therapy, and he goes to occupational therapy to learn how to focus. He was getting a lot of therapy in school, but in the summer that responsibility falls on me. Without my family I don’t know what I would do. You’re only allowed so much occupational and speech therapy under Medicaid. I made less than $30,000 a year and have to pay for the rest of his therapy out of pocket.

That’s one of the reasons I do everything I can in my community to let everybody know how Obama stands on healthcare. He represents change, but change begins at home, so we each have to do our part.

Healthcare is an important issue to Carey, who also helps care for her mother who had a stroke a few years ago.

I hope that every single American – if they choose – should be able to afford health insurance despite what illness they might have. If someone comes to a hospital, they need to be able to get help; you need to be able to take a kid to the emergency room and not have to choose between a sick kid and rent.

Carey is also concerned about education. She’s had to struggle to get the resources Gimel needs in school.

Trying to get special needs kids the tools they need to achieve is very hard. The school system is so short funded and short on teachers, and getting the teachers the training they need to work with these kids is even more difficult. We need to invest better in our schools.

And my daughter will be attending college in four years, and I can’t afford that. We need to make college more affordable for low-income children who aim towards college.

She hopes Barack will help bring much needed change to the education system.

Despite caring for her kids and working full time, Carey has found time to do what she can for the campaign.

I canvassed, I donated, I made phone calls. I held a Unite for Change meeting, and a Platform Meeting too. I’m trying to do all I can. I’ve never been politically involved before.

I’m involved in this election because I can see that Barack can identify with my life. He’s had debt, he’s struggled just like the rest of us. He’s gone through it and succeeded. So I see him as a great role model for my children.

Join Carey and millions of Obama supporters across the nation by contributing to the campaign -- and bring change to your community.

Voices for Change is a series featuring profiles of Barack Obama's grassroots supporters from across the nation. The people who make up this movement come from all different backgrounds, but they share a common goal of helping bring about fundamental change in Washington.

Read The Full Article:
http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/stateupdate2/gG5bhp

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