Barack Obama's Blog

Help Gulf Coast residents and first responders

Barack Obama — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 12:42:42 EDT

Today, the thoughts and prayers of all Americans are with those in the path of Hurricane Gustav -- and many of you are asking what you can do to help.

We do not yet know what the impact of Hurricane Gustav will be, and we hope with all our hearts that the damage will not be as great as it was three years ago.

But we know there will be damage, and there is something you can do right now.

Your financial support will strengthen organizations like the American Red Cross that are evacuating Gulf Coast residents and planning to help communities get back on their feet.

Make a donation to support the American Red Cross today.

At times like this, it is our compassion and resilience that define who we are as a nation.

Please give whatever you can afford, even $10, to make sure the American Red Cross has the resources to help those in the path of this storm:

https://donate.barackobama.com/redcross

Thank you for your generosity, and I hope you will join Michelle and me in praying for the safety of those in the path of the storm and the first responders who are doing all they can to ensure the safety of their communities.

Barack

Barack Obama at Mile High -- "The American Promise"

Barack Obama — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 17:16:56 EDT

On a cloudless August night in Denver, before a united party and thousands of grassroots supporters from all across America, Senator Obama accepted the Democratic Party presidential nomination.

Video

Obama made the case for why America cannot afford four more years of the same failed policies and laid out his vision to bring about fundamental change at home and abroad. He reminded us of the extraordinary promise of America at its best and challenged us to continue to fight for that promise, to march ahead, to not turn back...

That promise is our greatest inheritance. It’s a promise I make to my daughters when I tuck them in at night, and a promise that you make to yours – a promise that has led immigrants to cross oceans and pioneers to travel west; a promise that led workers to picket lines, and women to reach for the ballot.
And it is that promise that forty five years ago today, brought Americans from every corner of this land to stand together on a Mall in Washington, before Lincoln’s Memorial, and hear a young preacher from Georgia speak of his dream.
The men and women who gathered there could’ve heard many things. They could’ve heard words of anger and discord. They could’ve been told to succumb to the fear and frustration of so many dreams deferred.
But what the people heard instead – people of every creed and color, from every walk of life – is that in America, our destiny is inextricably linked. That together, our dreams can be one.
“We cannot walk alone,” the preacher cried. “And as we walk, we must make the pledge that we shall always march ahead. We cannot turn back.”
America, we cannot turn back. Not with so much work to be done. Not with so many children to educate, and so many veterans to care for. Not with an economy to fix and cities to rebuild and farms to save. Not with so many families to protect and so many lives to mend. America, we cannot turn back. We cannot walk alone. At this moment, in this election, we must pledge once more to march into the future. Let us keep that promise – that American promise – and in the words of Scripture hold firmly, without wavering, to the hope that we confess.

To all of our supporters, from those who have been with this remarkable campaign from the beginning to those of you who are just joining this movement for change: if you agree that we cannot turn back now -- that this is our moment to seize -- please make a donation today.

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

Joe Biden accepts the Democratic Party's nomination for VP

Barack Obama — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 13:21:02 EDT

Since I've never been called a man of few words, let me say this as simply as I can: Yes. Yes, I accept your nomination to run and serve with Barack Obama, the next President of the United States of America.

Joe Biden formally accepted the nomination for Vice President for the Democratic Party last night. Joe came onto the stage after a moving introduction by his son Beau. And with his family in the audience, including his mom who taught him that "you are defined by your sense of honor, and you are redeemed by your loyalty," he gave a rousing acceptance speech.

Joe told America about his childhood, about being picked on because of his stutter, about his father teaching him to always get up after you've been knocked down, and about the promise that if you work hard, you can succeed in the world. And he spoke about how that promise is slowing slipping away.

Fortunately, Joe told the audience, in Barack Obama, we have a candidate who can and will restore the American Dream for people across the country.

You know, you can learn a lot about a man campaigning with him, debating him, seeing how he reacts under pressure. You learn about the strength of his mind, but even more importantly, you learn about the quality of his heart. I watched how Barack touched people, how he inspired them, and I realized he had tapped into the oldest belief in America: We don't have to accept a situation we cannot bear. We have the power to change it. And change itâ��and change it is exactly what Barack Obama will do. That's what he'll do for this country.

Our greatest presidentsâ��from Abraham Lincoln to Franklin Roosevelt to John Kennedyâ��they all challenged us to embrace change. Now, it's our responsibility to meet that challenge.

Millions of Americans have been knocked down. And this is the time as Americans, together, we get back up. Back up together. Our debt to our parents and grandparents too great, our obligation to our children is too sacred.

These are extraordinary times. This is an extraordinary election. The American people are ready. I'm ready. Barack is ready. This is his time. This is our time. This is America's time.

Watch Joe accept the vice presidential nomination below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zVH58DeUThg

Message from Barack: Did You See Michelle?

Barack Obama — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 15:50:47 EDT

Barack just sent out this email...

Dear Friend -

I am so lucky to be married to the woman who delivered that speech last night.

Michelle was electrifying, inspiring, and absolutely magnificent. I get a lot of credit for the speech I gave at the 2004 convention -- but I think she may have me beat.

You have to see it to believe it.

And make sure to forward this email to your friends and family -- they'll want to see it too.

http://my.barackobama.com/michelle

You really don't want to miss this.

And I'm not just saying that because she's my wife -- I truly believe it was the best speech of the campaign so far.

Barack

The Next Vice President

Barack Obama — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 04:41:28 EDT

Friend --

I have some important news, and I'm pleased to share it with you first.

I've chosen Joe Biden to be my running mate.

Joe and I will appear for the first time as running mates this afternoon in Springfield, Illinois -- the same place this campaign began more than 19 months ago.

I'm excited about hitting the campaign trail with Joe, but the two of us can't do this alone. We need your help to keep building this movement for change.

Please let Joe know that you're glad he's part of our team. Share your personal welcome note and we'll make sure he gets it:

http://my.barackobama.com/welcomejoe

Thanks for your support,

Barack

P.S. -- Make sure to turn on your TV at 2:00 p.m. Central Time to join us or watch online at http://www.BarackObama.com.

Be the First to Know

Barack Obama — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 18:43:30 EDT

Barack Obama is about to make one of the most important decisions of this campaign -- choosing a running mate.

You have helped build this movement from the bottom up, and Barack wants you to be the first to know his choice.

Sign up today to be the first to know:

http://my.barackobama.com/vp

You will receive an email the moment Barack makes his decision, or you can text VP to 62262 to receive a text message on your mobile phone.

Once you've signed up, please forward this email to your friends, family, and coworkers to let them know about this special opportunity.

No other campaign has done this before. You can be part of this important moment.

Be the first to know who Barack selects as his running mate.

Thanks,

David

David Plouffe
Campaign Manager
Obama for America

New Energy for America

Barack Obama — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 16:49:14 EDT

This morning in Michigan, Senator Obama announced a comprehensive New Energy for America plan designed to address the current energy crisis and move America towards a 21st century energy economy. Some of the proposals put forth today include:

Providing short-term relief to American families facing pain at the pump.

Helping create five million new jobs by strategically investing $150 billion over the next ten years to catalyze private efforts to build a clean energy future.

Within 10 years, saving more oil than we currently import from the Middle East and Venezuela combined.

Putting 1 million Plug-In Hybrid cars – cars that can get up to 150 miles per gallon – on the road by 2015, cars that we will work to make sure are built here in America.

Ensuring 10 percent of our electricity comes from renewable sources by 2012, and 25 percent by 2025.

Implementing an economy-wide cap-and-trade program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 80 percent by 2050.

You can read the full New Energy for America plan at Scribd.

Message from David Plouffe: Open Convention

Barack Obama — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 13:26:04 EDT

I wanted you to be the first to hear the news.

At the Democratic National Convention next month, we're going to kick off the general election with an event that opens up the political process the same way we've opened it up throughout this campaign.
Barack has made it clear that this is your convention, not his.

On Thursday, August 28th, he's scheduled to formally accept the Democratic nomination in a speech at the convention hall in front of the assembled delegates.
Instead, Barack will leave the convention hall and join more than 75,000 people for a huge, free, open-air event where he will deliver his acceptance speech to the American people.

It's going to be an amazing event, and Barack would like you to join him. Free tickets will become available as the date approaches, but we've reserved a special place for a few of the people who brought us this far and who continue to drive this campaign.

If you make a donation of $5 or more between now and midnight on July 31st, you could be one of 10 supporters chosen to fly to Denver and spend two days and nights at the convention, meet Barack backstage, and watch his acceptance speech in person. Each of the ten supporters who are selected will be able to bring one guest to join them. Make a donation now and you could have a front row seat to history.

We'll follow up with more details on this and other convention activities as we get closer, but please take a moment and pass this note to someone you know who might like to be there.

It will be an event you'll never forget.

Thank you,

David

David Plouffe
Campaign Manager
Obama for America

Tomorrow in your neighborhood

Barack Obama — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 19:53:17 EDT

Tomorrow, Obama supporters all across the country will be hosting more than 4,000 Unite for Change events.

If you haven't signed up for an event yet, there's still time to find one near you:

http://my.barackobama.com/uniteforchange

The goal of Unite for Change is to bring together people who supported all of the Democratic candidates, as well as Independents and even some Republicans. Obama supporters like you are reaching out to anyone who is tired of the politics of the past and looking for new solutions to the challenges we're facing.

People have signed up to host more than 4,000 events tomorrow -- and they need your help to bring change to their communities.

More than 3,000 events this Saturday

Barack Obama — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 18:53:22 EDT

Join us this Saturday, June 28th, for a Unite for Change house meeting near you.

Obama supporters will be opening their homes and reaching out to Democrats who supported other candidates in the primary, as well as Independents and even Republicans who are hungry for change.

There are more than 3,000 events planned in all 50 states -- find a Unite for Change house meeting near you and RSVP today:

http://my.barackobama.com/uniteforchange

House meetings are a great way to get to know your fellow supporters and help build a united volunteer organization in neighborhoods all across the country.

It doesn't matter if you've been with us since the beginning or if you're just tuning into the process now -- our goal is to reach out to anyone who is tired of the politics of the past and looking for new solutions to the challenges we're facing.

Supporters like you have already signed up to host events and talk about the common values we share. All you need to do is show up on Saturday -- and maybe bring a friend or two.

Here's what some Unite for Change hosts and guests are saying about these events:

"This is the first time that I have ever hosted an event like this. I am inviting my friends and colleagues to the event. Many of us were Edwards and/or Clinton supporters but I want everyone to come together now and support Obama."

- Jessica in Florida

"For the last several weeks, I have been thinking of becoming a volunteer for Senator Obama's presidential campaign. When I read the announcement about Unite For Change Day, I thought it was an awesome opportunity to get involved.

"I am new to my town (been here just over 4 months). The event will give me an opportunity to meet other supporters in my new community."

- Loye in South Carolina

We'll provide event hosts with the materials and support they need, but these meetings can't happen without you.

Sign up now to attend a Unite for Change event in your area:

http://my.barackobama.com/uniteforchange

Over the past year, millions of Americans have gotten involved in this campaign.

By attending a Unite for Change house meeting, you can keep building that momentum all the way through November.

Thank you,

Jon

Jon Carson
National Field Director
Obama for America

Important Announcement from Barack

Barack Obama — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 13:05:39 EDT

The campaign sent out this email this morning...

Friend --

Barack Obama recorded a video message with an important announcement that he wanted you to hear first:

Link to video: An Important Campaign Announcement from Barack Obama

We have made a crucial decision that will impact how we compete in the general election, and it's important that you understand the decision, its implications, and the challenge ahead.

Please take a moment to watch the video.

Thank you,

Scott & Martha @ Obama HQ

Message from Al Gore: "My Endorsement"; Watch the Live Stream Tonight at 8:30 pm EDT

Barack Obama — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 15:28:44 EDT

A few hours from now I will step on stage in Detroit, Michigan to announce my support for Senator Barack Obama. From now through Election Day, I intend to do whatever I can to make sure he is elected President of the United States.

Over the next four years, we are going to face many difficult challenges -- including bringing our troops home from Iraq, fixing our economy, and solving the climate crisis. Barack Obama is clearly the candidate best able to solve these problems and bring change to America.

This moment and this election are too important to let pass without taking action.

That's why I am asking you to join me in showing your support by making a contribution to this campaign today:

https://donate.barackobama.com/gore

Over the past 18 months, Barack Obama has united a movement. He knows change does not come from 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue or Capitol Hill. It begins when people stand up and take action.

With the help of millions of supporters like you, Barack Obama will bring the change we so desperately need in order to solve our country's most pressing problems.

If you've already contributed to this campaign, I ask that you consider making another contribution right now. If you haven't, please take the next step and own a piece of this campaign today:

https://donate.barackobama.com/gore

On the issues that matter most, Barack Obama is clearly the right choice to lead our nation.

We have a lot of work to do in the next few months to elect Barack Obama president, and it begins by making a contribution to this campaign today.

Thank you for joining me,

Al Gore

LIVE TONIGHT -- 8:30 p.m. EDT: Watch streaming video of Al Gore and Barack Obama at a rally in Detroit, Michigan:

Happy Father's Day

Barack Obama — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 19:38:49 EDT

Remarks of Senator Barack Obama
(As prepared for delivery)

Apostolic Church of God

Sunday, June 15th, 2009

Chicago, IL

Good morning. Its good to be home on this Father's Day with my girls, and it's an honor to spend some time with all of you today in the house of our Lord.

At the end of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus closes by saying, Whoever hears these words of mine, and does them, shall be likened to a wise man who built his house upon a rock: the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house, and it fell not, for it was founded upon a rock. [Matthew 7: 24-25]

Here at Apostolic, you are blessed to worship in a house that has been founded on the rock of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. But it is also built on another rock, another foundation" and that rock is Bishop Arthur Brazier. In forty-eight years, he has built this congregation from just a few hundred to more than 20,000 strong" a congregation that, because of his leadership, has braved the fierce winds and heavy rains of violence and poverty; joblessness and hopelessness. Because of his work and his ministry, there are more graduates and fewer gang members in the neighborhoods surrounding this church. There are more homes and fewer homeless. There is more community and less chaos because Bishop Brazier continued the march for justice that he began by Dr. King's side all those years ago. He is the reason this house has stood tall for half a century. And on this Father's Day, it must make him proud to know that the man now charged with keeping its foundation strong is his son and your new pastor, Reverend Byron Brazier.

Change that Works for You: Obama Vows to Protect Consumers

Barack Obama — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 22:46:02 EDT

At the latest stop in his Change that Works for You tour in Chicago this morning, Barack discussed his plan to protect consumers (remarks as prepeared)...

Before we begin, I just wanted to say a word about the flooding devastating so many communities. We were scheduled to be holding this event in Iowa, but we decided to cancel it because we didn’t want to divert state resources from going to help with flood relief.
My heart goes out to the families in Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois and across the Midwest, who have been forced to flee their own homes, and leave their businesses and communities behind. Right now, many of them are wondering when they’ll be able to return, and what they’ll find when they get there. Well, we cannot assure them that their communities will be rebuilt overnight, but we can assure them that they will be rebuilt – because we’ll work to ensure that the full resources of our state and federal government are there to help. And I will do everything in my power to see to it that those resources get to the people who need them as swiftly as possible.

Thank you, Sen. Clinton

Barack Obama — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 14:24:36 EDT

Moments ago, Senator Clinton officially announced her support for Barack Obama. Hillary Clinton made history over the past 16 months -- not just because she has broken barriers, but because she has inspired millions of Americans with her strength, her courage, and her commitment to causes like universal health care that make a difference in the lives of all Americans.

Please take a minute to thank her for her hard work and for supporting this campaign.

New Items at the Obama Store - 20% Discount

Barack Obama — Wed, 28 May 2008 21:06:07 EDT

Use the coupon code HOPE at checkout for a 20% discount at http://store.barackobama.com

We are excited by the amazing amount of support we have received from the art community and are honored to announce the second print in our Artists for Obama Gallery.

Scott Hansen has generously donated his design talents to create this piece titled "Progress." Hansen is a California-based musician (Tycho) and artist (ISO50). He is well known for blending retro textures and styles with a modern design ethic.

All purchases made on the Artists for Obama Gallery are 100% contributions to the campaign and count toward your overall contribution limit of $2300. Contributions are not tax deductible for federal income tax purposes.

Visit the Obama Store now for this and other new summer items.

As you know, only three contests remain in the Democratic primary.

Voters head to the polls in Puerto Rico on Sunday, followed by South Dakota and Montana on Tuesday.

So help give our campaign a crucial boost before these final contests, and send the message that we are ready to move to the next phase and compete against Senator McCain in all 50 states.

Visit the Obama Store and use the code HOPE at checkout for your 20% discount.

Order summer items now!

Sincerely, Scott & Martha @ Obama HQ

Obama on Memorial Day: "Their lives are a model for us all"

Barack Obama — Mon, 26 May 2008 18:07:20 EDT

Senator Obama delivered these remarks (as prepared) today in Las Cruces, New Mexico...

On this Memorial Day, as our nation honors its unbroken line of fallen heroes, our sense of patriotism is particularly strong. Because while we gather here under open skies, we know that far beyond the Organ Mountains – in the streets of Baghdad, and the outskirts of Kabul – America’s sons and daughters are sacrificing on our behalf. And our thoughts and prayers are with them.

I speak to you today with deep humility. My grandfather marched in Patton’s Army, but I cannot know what it is to walk into battle like so many of you. My grandmother worked on a bomber assembly line, but I cannot know what it is for a family to sacrifice like so many of yours have.

I am the father of two young girls, and I cannot imagine what it is to lose a child. My heart breaks for the families who’ve lost a loved one.

These are things I cannot know. But there are also some things I do know.

Barack Obama Wins Majority of Pledged Delegates

Barack Obama — Wed, 21 May 2008 00:33:39 EDT

Senator Obama delivered these remarks (as prepared) from Des Moines, Iowa...

You know, there is a spirit that brought us here tonight- a spirit of change, and hope, and possibility. And there are few people in this country who embody that spirit more than our friend and our champion, Senator Edward Kennedy. He has spent his life in service to this country not for the sake of glory or recognition, but because he cares deeply, in his gut about the causes of justice, and equality, and opportunity. So many of us here have benefited in some way or another because of the battles he's waged, and some of us are here because of them.

John Edwards Endorses Barack Obama for President

Barack Obama — Wed, 14 May 2008 20:51:44 EDT

Barack just sent out this email...

I have some very exciting news.

My good friend John Edwards is endorsing our campaign and joining our movement for change.

We're here in Grand Rapids, Michigan -- and if you receive this message in time, you can probably turn on your TV and be part of the moment.

I'm deeply honored by John's support. He is a true leader who dedicated his career to improving the lives of ordinary Americans.

John ran a strong, principled campaign for president, focusing on a number of important issues where we share common ground -- universal health care, bringing our troops home from Iraq, and eliminating poverty in America.

The way he ran his campaign was also important. He ran in a way that reflected our shared conviction that we need to fundamentally change politics.

Like our campaign, John's campaign never accepted donations from Washington lobbyists or special interest PACs.

Let's welcome John Edwards to the campaign with an outpouring of the kind of grassroots support that is bringing our political process back to the people.

Make a donation of whatever you can afford now, and if you choose, include your own note to Senator Edwards. I'll make sure he gets them:

https://donate.barackobama.com/johnedwards

Thank you for all that you're doing,

Barack

National Voter Registration Kickoff Tomorrow

Barack Obama — Fri, 09 May 2008 15:56:22 EDT

Tomorrow is the official kickoff of Vote for Change, an unprecedented 50-state voter registration and mobilization drive. In over 100 cities across America, from Anchorage, Alaska to Miami, Florida, grassroots supporters will hit the streets to register voters. With events planned in every single state, no matter where you live, you can find an event near you.

As Democratic Governor Kathleen Sebelius of Kansas explained,"This could change the face of American politics for decades to come."

Our efforts across the country have already yielded incredible results. According to a recent Associated Press survey, over 3.5 million people registered to vote in the first three months of 2008. Now we're expanding our approach to every single state, as part of a sustained, six-month effort that could reshape the electoral map.

Most events will begin in the late morning or early afternoon, and will run approximately four hours. No prior experience is necessary, and materials and training will be provided at each location.

There is no better way to start your weekend tomorrow, and no more important work to be done right now than bringing more voters, and more voices, into the political process.

Find an event near you.