2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Obama Campaign Announces Contributions From 2,893 Iowans In First Nine Months Of Campaign

Obama Campaign Announces Contributions from 2,893 Iowans in First Nine Months of Campaign
Campaign Also Begins Airing New Television Ad “Quiet”

DES MOINES – The Obama for America campaign today announced that in the last nine months, 2,893 Iowans have donated to the campaign – an impressive display of grassroots support across the state. In the third fundraising quarter alone, Obama received contributions from 1,321 Iowans.   

“Over the past nine months, a record number of Americans have donated to this campaign because they are sick of the status quo in Washington and are ready for a President who will fight for them,” said Josh Earnest, Obama’s Iowa Communications Director. “Amazingly, not one of these contributions came from Washington lobbyists or PACs.”

Earnest said that 1,257 of the 1,545 donations from Iowans in the third quarter were less than $200. Of the 4,034 total donations from Iowa donors since Obama announced his candidacy, 2,749 were less than $200 dollars. Obama has raised $252,737 total from Iowans in this campaign.

In the past nine months, Obama has received contributions from more than 350,000 donors across America. 

“Small donations from ordinary Americans are the backbone of this campaign,” Earnest said. “As Senator Obama learned over two decades ago as a community organizer, real change comes from the bottom up, not the top down, so we’re honored to have the support of so many hard-working Iowans.”

The Obama Campaign also announced the launch of a new ad, Quiet.  In the ad, Obama stresses Washington’s failure to reduce our dependence on foreign oil and reveals his willingness to take on tough issues in front of challenging audiences—like telling automakers that as President he won’t stand for them blocking higher fuel standards for our cars.  In Des Moines on Sunday, Obama talked about  how his Christian faith influenced his commitment to fighting global warming.  His bold plan to fight the causes of global warming underscore his view that as President, he won’t just tell the American people what they want to hear—he’ll tell them what they need to know.

SCRIPT – “Quiet”

I don’t accept that we should be still sending eight hundred million dollars a day, part to hostile nations because of our addiction to foreign oil. 

And in the bargain we’re melting the polar ice caps. 

I went to Detroit to insist that we have to increase fuel efficiency standards. Now, I have to admit, the room got kind of quiet.

We can’t just tell people what they want to hear.

We need to tell them what they need to hear. We need to tell them the truth.

Iowa State Representative David Jacoby Endorses Obama

State Representative David Jacoby Endorses Obama

DES MOINES – State Representative David Jacoby of Coralville today announced his support for Barack Obama’s campaign for President citing his experience working across the aisle to bring about real change.  Representative Jacoby is the second legislator to endorse Senator Obama this week. 

“People from all walks of life are drawn to Senator Obama because of his message of hope and unity,” Representative Jacoby said.  “Barack’s ability to build consensus to tackle the tough challenges we face make him the best candidate to bring our country together and make the real progress we so desperately need.” 

“We’re proud to have Dave’s support as we continue to build our grassroots campaign for changing the way we do politics in Washington, D.C.” Senator Obama said.  “With the help of dedicated community leaders like Representative Jacoby, we will reach out to Iowans one by one in the true spirit of the Iowa caucus tradition.”

To date, including Rep. Jacoby, Senator Obama has received a total of 13 endorsements from Iowa state legislators: Rep. Elesha Gayman, Rep. Tyler Olson, Sen. Bob Dvorsky, Sen. Bill Heckroth, Sen. Tom Rielly, Sen. Rich Olive, Rep. Helen Miller, Sen. Steve Warnstadt, Sen. Frank Wood, Rep. Janet Petersen, Rep. Pam Jochum, and Rep. Donovan Olson.  Former Iowa State Party Chair Gordon Fischer, Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller and State Treasurer Mike Fitzgerald have also endorsed Senator Obama’s campaign for change.

Iowa State Representative Donovan Olson Endorses Obama

State Representative Donovan Olson Endorses Obama

DES MOINES – Today, State Representative Donovan Olson of Boone announced his support for Barack Obama’s campaign for President at an event with Senator Obama’s wife Michelle at the Boone County Historical Center. 

“Senator Obama showed tremendous courage when he challenged the conventional wisdom in Washington D.C. and opposed the invasion of Iraq,” Representative Olson said.  “But his greatest asset is his ability to bring people together, regardless of their differences, to solve problems.  That is why I believe he is the best candidate to provide leadership on improving health care, strengthening our schools and creating energy independence.”

Representative Olson has served in the Iowa State House since 2002 and is a member of the Economic Growth, Environmental Protection and Local Government Committees.  Born in Boone, Olson holds Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees from Iowa State University, where he currently works. 

“I am pleased to have Donovan involved in my campaign for changing the way we do politics in Washington, D.C.” Senator Obama said.  “Rep. Olson brings invaluable local experience and understanding to our grassroots campaign in Boone and around Iowa.”

To date, including Rep. Donovan Olson, Senator Obama has received a total of 12 endorsements from Iowa state legislators: Rep. Elesha Gayman, Rep. Tyler Olson, Sen. Bob Dvorsky, Sen. Bill Heckroth, Sen. Tom Rielly, Sen. Rich Olive, Rep. Helen Miller, Sen. Steve Warnstadt, Sen. Frank Wood, Rep. Janet Petersen, Rep. Pam Jochum.  Former Iowa State Party Chair Gordon Fischer, Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller and State Treasurer Mike Fitzgerald have also endorsed Senator Obama’s campaign for change.

Barack Obama Mason City Iowa Video

Barack Obama Mason City Iowa Photos

Barack Obama Mason City Iowa Photos

Obama Campaign Unveils New Ad Featuring Former Air Force Chief of Staff

Obama Discusses Plan to Improve Veterans Care and Help Get Homeless Veterans Off the Streets
Campaign Also Unveils New Ad Featuring Former Air Force Chief of Staff

MASON CITY – During a town hall meeting in Mason City, U.S. Senator Barack Obama today outlined his plan to ensure that the United States keeps its sacred trust with our nation’s veterans when they return home from war. Obama’s comments came in the wake of reports the Veterans Administration (VA) has been lagging in making needed improvements it promised after deplorable conditions at Walter Reed Army Medical Center became public.

“It’s not enough to lay a wreath on Memorial Day, or to make a speech on Veteran’s Day,” Obama said. “When a veteran is denied health care, we are all dishonored. When 400,000 veterans are stuck on a waiting list for claims, we need a new sense of urgency in this country. And when we’ve got young veterans of a misguided war in Iraq sleeping on the streets of our cities and towns, we need a change in Washington.”

Obama said that he will improve medical care for veterans and help eliminate bureaucratic backlogs that delay disability claims by making sure that every service-member has individual electronic medical and service records that immediately transfer to the (VA) system. Obama also said he will hire additional VA claims raters and set up programs to get homeless veterans off the streets.

Obama said that he will improve medical care for veterans and help eliminate bureaucratic backlogs that delay disability claims by making sure that every service-member has individual electronic medical and service records that immediately work with the (VA) system. Obama also said he will hire additional VA claims raters and convert all veterans’ benefits paperwork into electronic records to speed up applications.  Finally, Obama said he will establish a zero tolerance policy for vets falling into homelessness.

“As President, I won’t stand for hundreds of thousands of veterans waiting for benefits. We’ll hire additional claims workers,” Obama said. “We’ll bring together veterans groups and the VA to work out a claims process that is fair and fast. And instead of shutting veterans out, we’ll make sure that our disabled vets receive the benefits they deserve, and we’ll allow all veterans back into the VA health care system. And we’ll have a simple policy when it comes to homeless veterans: zero tolerance. We’ll expand housing vouchers. We’ll set up a new supportive services program to prevent at-risk veterans and their families from sliding into homelessness. We’ll stand with veterans in their hour of need, just as they have stood up for us.”

Senator Obama is a member of the U.S. Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee.

Obama also announced Friday that he will begin airing a new television ad in Iowa featuring Former Air Force Chief of Staff General Merrill A. (Tony) McPeak.

Obama Announces Another Quarter Of Historic Grassroots Support

Obama Announces Another Quarter of Historic Grassroots Support

CHICAGO, IL-- Obama for America today announced another quarter of record-breaking grassroots support. In the third quarter, more than 93,000 new donors gave the campaign at least $19 million in primary dollars alone, for a total of at least $20 million including general election funds.

"With over 350,000 donors and more than a half a million donations, Americans hungry for change know that Barack Obama is the candidate with the right experience to make that change happen," said Penny Pritzker, Obama for America National Finance Chair. "Thanks to this unprecedented grassroots support, the Obama campaign will have the resources we need to win the nomination and the White House.”

“Many in Washington have spent the last weeks declaring the outcome of this race to be pre-ordained, and the primary process a mere formality,” said Obama for America Campaign Manager David Plouffe. “Yet, in this quarter alone, 93,000 more Americans joined our campaign, because they desire real change and believe Barack Obama is the one candidate who can deliver it. This grassroots movement for change will not be deterred by Washington conventional wisdom because in many ways it is built to challenge it.”

Third quarter totals:
• Primary dollars raised: at least $19 million
• Overall dollars raised (with general election): at least $20 million
• Number of new donors: over 93,000

Total 2007
• Primary dollars raised: at least $74.9 million
• Total number of donors: 352,000

New York City Correction Officers Endorse Barack Obama

New York City Correction Officers Endorse Barack Obama

NEW YORK, NY – New York City’s Correction Officers’ Benevolent Association ( COBA) endorsed Barack Obama today at a press conference with the Senator in New York City. COBA, which represents 9,000 unionized members in New York City, is the largest municipal jail union in the country, and the second largest law enforcement union in New York City.

“I am looking forward to working with President Seabrook and the thousands of correction officers across the state as we continue to build this campaign from the bottom up,” said Barack Obama. “It’s an honor to have the endorsement of these men and women who put themselves at risk everyday to serve on the front lines of our nation’s criminal justice system. And we’re all fortunate to have them fighting to make sure correction officers and their widows and children are being treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.”

“We need a president whose leadership empowers all Americans to come together and fight for a better tomorrow. We need a president who understands the contributions of union members, and the critical role we play in advancing our cities, states, and country,” COBA President Norman Seabrook stated.  “Barack Obama is the one candidate who will put an end to the divisiveness in this country so that we can finally achieve greater economic prosperity for the working-class and health care coverage for all Americans.”

The New York City Correction Officers’ Benevolent Association ( COBA) is dedicated to improving the salary and benefits of its members, while ensuring the safest working conditions possible.  COBA has successfully negotiated four contracts with the Bloomberg administration.

Barack Obama will join supporters from across the New York City metropolitan area for a rally in Washington Square Park on Thursday, September 27.  Gates to the park will open at 5:00pm. The event is an opportunity for Obama to thank his supporters for their commitment and hard work over the last few months and rally support for the final push to the nomination contests including the New York primary on February 5th.

Gordon Fischer Endorses Barack Obama

Former Iowa Democratic Party Chairman Gordon Fischer Endorses Barack Obama

When I relaunched this blog six weeks ago, I shared my four goals: (1) to be positive; (2) to address the negative influence of Big Money in politics and need for campaign finance reform; (3) to show how "ordinary" people can reach extraordinary results through politics; and (4) to show why politics is important.

I came back to these same four goals again and again over the past several months as I reflected on the outstanding Democratic field of candidates for president and considered whom to support.  Who could make people feel positive and hopeful about our future?  Who would take a meaningful stand about how money can negatively influence the political process?  Who would inspire a whole range of Democrats -- young and old, party establishment and first-time caucus-goers -- to get involved?  Who would help remind us of the good that we can accomplish through politics?

Clearly, the candidate with the greatest ability to achieve all these goals is Barack Obama.

And so I am proud and very excited today to announce my support for Barack Obama in the 2008 Iowa Caucuses.  I will do everything I can to help him win Iowa, and I hope you'll join me...