President-elect Obama ordered his sandwich on rye bread with mustard.

The President-elect visited the Chicago institution with Valerie Jarrett, an Obama-Biden Transition Team co-chair and White House senior adviser. He spent about 15 minutes shaking hands and taking pictures with people in and around the eatery.

See pictures below.

Heather Zichal, a member of the policy team, took a moment to address some of those questions and ideas -- on topics ranging from increasing the number of hybrid cars on the road to making the White House green.

Watch the video below -- then submit your own thoughts on energy and the environment:

I have a special request for you.

The Obama-Biden Transition Project is a nonpartisan entity whose purpose is to facilitate the transition to a new government and prepare for the next administration.

In the past, efforts like these have often been very secretive and funded by the D.C. lobbying and corporate community.

But, like in the campaign, we've decided to do things differently.

For the first time, transition efforts won't be financed with donations from Washington lobbyists and PACs -- which means we'll need to keep asking for your help. Your generosity during the campaign helped get us here, but building a more transparent and open government means continuing to rely on a broader group of people to do this the right way.

We only have a few weeks to assess the state of the federal agencies, prepare our agenda, and staff key positions in the new administration. Your support right now will be crucial to helping us accomplish these goals.

Will you help support the urgent mission of our transition team with a donation?

You know that we got here by building this campaign from the ground up. We're committed to building the White House team the same way.

Thank you,

David

David Plouffe
Campaign Manager
Obama for America

photos from Change.gov

CNN reported:

The day before Vice President-elect Joe Biden turns 66, President-elect Barack Obama presented his running mate with 12 candlelit cupcakes after their weekly lunch on Wednesday. He also gave Biden Chicago White Sox and Chicago Bears hats as well as a bucket of Garrett's popcorn as presents.

Vice President-elect Biden spent his birthday today in his home state of Delware. You can share your birthday wishes and messages to Joe in the comments below . . . 

Thousands of Americans who are passionate about these issues are also speaking out.

Eric from Hebron, IN, wrote in supporting cap-and-trade measures. He said:

"Based on the enviormental policy video I just watched, I thought I should share my ideas on that subject. First, I think the first and most effective program that should be submitted for appoval is the Cap and Trade system for pollution credits. This program I believe is one of the most easily implemented programs available. Secondly, I would like to see the goverment give serious thought to Carbon Capture, this technology is still in its infancy but with the appropiate funding and research this technology could be a key tool in the global warming battle."

On rising energy prices and the auto industry, Michael from Olympia, WA wrote:

"I think it is very important to provide financial incentives to auto manufacturers to produce plug-in hybrid cars. We also need financial incentives, such as tax credits, for consumers to purchase plug-in hybrids. In my humble opinion, this is the most important first step in changing our nation's energy usage habits, and it will go a long way toward energy independence, providing a cleaner environment, and strengthening the economy."

Others offered up creative solutions that might help American businesses keep up with the growing need for conservation. Susan from Chicago, IL, wrote:

"I would like to see Americans working to design and build state-of-the-art environmentally-friendly, energy-efficient public transit vehicles (buses, trams, trains) - technology that could also be exported... We need an energy policy and plan based on energy efficiency, energy conservation, and development of community-based wind, solar, and geothermal power."

Jen from Tempe, AZ, got fired up after watching our latest video, and wrote:

"Your recent video address made me so hopeful the country may actually be able to move away from fossil fuel dependency! I'm so excited!! ....Please do something soon!"

Conversations like these are vital to effective policy development. Your voices will be part of the team's effort to combat climate change and empower Americans to live more sustainable lives.

Make sure to send us your own questions and comments.

To celebrate, President-elect Barack Obama surprised him at the Transition's Chicago headquarters yesterday with cupcakes, candles, and a stirring rendition of Happy Birthday.

Happy Birthday, Joe!

The following day, the Washington Post reported:

Barack Obama [on Monday] displayed once again the power of the vast online network he built during the presidential race, giving prominent display on his campaign and transition Web sites to efforts to help the victims of wildfires burning across Southern California.

...Obama's plea contributed to a surge in visitors to the site, a branch of California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's office that helps coordinate disaster relief efforts. The number of daily hits on the site increased from 15,000 Monday to 179,000 Tuesday, said Karen Baker, Schwarzenegger's secretary of service and volunteering.

Throughout the past 21 months, you've shown again and again your willingness to come together and help those in need, and this time was no different. It's a spirit that was ingrained in the campaign from the beginning, and continues on in the community that you've created.

In a speech in Iowa in December of 2007, Barack Obama explained:

I won't just ask for your vote as a candidate; I will ask for your service and your active citizenship when I am President of the United States. This will not be a call issued in one speech or program; this will be a cause of my presidency.

Relief and recovery efforts in Southern California are still underway, and you can still be take part by volunteering or by making a donation.

Visit CaliforniaVolunteers.org for more information on how you can help.

As one supporter said:

He can't do it by himself... He has to do it with each and every one of us. Just like we showed up to the polls today to cast our vote, we have to continue to show up and do what we're suppossed to do... to help this world be a better place.

Over the past two years grassroots supporters across the country have shown up, day after day, to work for change. For many of you, we know that this is just the beginning. We want your feedback on what's next and where we go from here. You can also share your memorable stories and experiences over the course of this historic campaign.

One of the most inspiring things about this campaign was to see how generous people actually are when they are exposed to tools and information that they can use for the greater good. -- Jade from Rochester, New York

Two weeks after Election Day, supporters are continuing to use the online tools at My.BarackObama.com to gather together to celebrate, to reconnect, and to find ways to stay involved politics and in their communities.

There are hundreds of events planned for the upcoming weeks. Cambridge, Massachusetts supporters are organizing a "Thank You Party" for which over 350 people have already signed up - so many that they had to relocate the meeting to a larger venue.

In Michigan City, Indiana a "One Month Anniversary Celebration" already has nearly 60 members from a dozen local groups signed up to attend.  

In Sanford, Florida supporters are turning their attention to local issues.

Judy from Camdenton, Missouri reported that:

Camden County Missouri Obama volunteers are determined to stay together in the spirit of this movement! We are considering a community service mission. Our first projects may be helping some of the neighbors we canvassed: an elderly woman who needs someone to help with her fall leaves or another elderly neighbor who would just enjoy a post-election visit. Our field organizer David encouraged us from the beginning to keep our group together and as we grew in numbers and spirit we knew we had to keep moving forward.

And in Georgia, local supporters are using MyBO to help organize for the December 2nd Senate runoff. There are nearly 60 separate events scheduled in the upcoming days, including phonebanking, canvassing and organizational meetings (you can check out Georgia.BarackObama.com for the latest on the Georgia runoff).

Even though the 2008 presidential election has ended, the tools here at My.BarackObama.com remain active. You can still find events and groups near you, or reach out in your community and create you own. We've already seen that, as powerful as the tools themselves are, it's the relationships and groups that they've helped form that are one of the true strengths and lasting legacies of this campaign.

Also available on Yahoo and MSN. High-resolution, Quicktime format (.mov file) available here.

To submit your own ideas on energy and the environment, click here.

Earlier today, President-elect Barack Obama addressed the Global Climate Summit in Los Angeles by video, promising to open a "new chapter in American leadership on climate change." Today, environmental leaders praised his bold statement of purpose.

"This is exactly the kind of leadership the country and the world have been waiting for," Pew Center on Global Climate Change President Eileen Claussen said in a statement.

Read more of Claussen's statement and statements from other environmental leaders below.

You can also watch the video on MSN, Yahoo, or in high resolution.

To submit your own ideas on energy and the environment, click here.

Earlier today, President-elect Barack Obama addressed the Global Climate Summit in Los Angeles by video, promising to open a "new chapter in American leadership on climate change." Today, environmental leaders praised his bold statement of purpose.

"This is exactly the kind of leadership the country and the world have been waiting for," Pew Center on Global Climate Change President Eileen Claussen said in a statement.

Read more of Claussen's statement and statements from other environmental leaders below.

To submit your own ideas on energy and the environment, click here.

Earlier today, President-elect Barack Obama addressed the Global Climate Summit in Los Angeles by video, promising to open a "new chapter in American leadership on climate change." Today, environmental leaders praised his bold statement of purpose.

"This is exactly the kind of leadership the country and the world have been waiting for," Pew Center on Global Climate Change President Eileen Claussen said in a statement.

Read more of Claussen's statement and statements from other environmental leaders below.

Please take a few minutes and help shape the future of this movement.

Share your campaign experience and your thoughts on the best way to keep supporting our agenda for change.

The inauguration is just 63 days away, and as President-elect Obama and Vice President-elect Biden prepare to take office, they'll need your support more than ever.

You've built an organization in your community and across the country that will continue to work for change -- whether it's by building grassroots support for legislation, backing state and local candidates, or sharing organizing techniques to effect change in your neighborhood.

Your hard work built this movement. Now it's up to you to decide how we move forward.

Take this short survey and share your ideas.

Thanks to you, this country has an historic opportunity. Electing Barack was the first big step, but there's a lot of challenging and important work ahead.

Together, we can keep making history,

David

David Plouffe
Campaign Manager
Obama for America

Please take a few minutes and help shape the future of this movement.

Share your campaign experience and your thoughts on the best way to keep supporting our agenda for change.

The inauguration is just 63 days away, and as President-elect Obama and Vice President-elect Biden prepare to take office, they'll need your support more than ever.

You've built an organization in your community and across the country that will continue to work for change -- whether it's by building grassroots support for legislation, backing state and local candidates, or sharing organizing techniques to effect change in your neighborhood.

Your hard work built this movement. Now it's up to you to decide how we move forward.

Take this short survey and share your ideas.

Thanks to you, this country has an historic opportunity. Electing Barack was the first big step, but there's a lot of challenging and important work ahead.

Together, we can keep making history,

David

David Plouffe
Campaign Manager
Obama for America

In a short video addressed to the Summit's attendees, President-elect Obama emphasized his enthusiasm for the Poznan Conference and promised that his administration would mark a "new chapter in American leadership on climate change."

"Few challenges facing America -- and the world -- are more urgent than combating climate change," he said. "Many of you are working to confront this challenge....but too often, Washington has failed to show the same kind of leadership. That will change when I take office."

President-elect Obama is committed to engaging vigorously with the international community to find solutions and help lead the world toward a new era of global cooperation on climate change.

"Let me also say a special word to the delegates from around the world who will gather in Poland next month: your work is vital to the planet," he said. "While I won’t be President at the time of your meeting and while the United States has only one President at a time, I’ve asked Members of Congress who are attending the conference as observers to report back to me on what they learn there."

Watch the full video of Barack's remarks below, or visit the Global Climate Summit home page to learn more.

President-elect Obama called both Governor Schwarzenegger and Mayor Villaraigosa yesterday to express his concern over the wildfires and to receive an update on the situation.

To learn more about how you can help those affected by the fires, please visit CaliforniaVolunteers.org.

"We had a productive conversation today about the need to launch a new era of reform where we take on government waste and bitter partisanship in Washington," President-elect Obama and Senator McCain said in a joint statement released after the meeting. "We hope to work together in the days and months ahead on critical challenges like solving our financial crisis, creating a new energy economy, and protecting our nation’s security."

Since the election, many Americans -- some who supported Sen. McCain in the general election, and some who did not -- have written in to urge the two to work together.

Tamara from Springfield, OR wrote. "If you truly want to gain the support and respect of those who did not vote for you, you could 'reach across the aisle' so to speak and begin with incorporating some of the ideas from the Republicans."

"Please work with Senator McCain," Bill from Minneapolis wrote. "I believe that 'country first' is not just a campaign slogan for him. He is a person on the 'other side of the aisle' who could be very effective in bringing the other caucus along."

Some who supported McCain during the election have written in to express their thanks for the promise President-elect Obama made on election night, when he said, "[T]o those Americans whose support I have yet to earn, I may not have won your vote tonight but I hear your voices. I need your help. And I will be your president, too."

"In your victory speech, you made a huge promise to America...and you spoke to me -- a McCain supporter," Christy from Dallas, TX, wrote. "If you follow through on those promises, I know you will do great things for America....Please keep your word. Work with those of us that disagree. We can learn so much from one another."

In case you missed it, or if you want to watch again, you can see the full interview below:

Our thoughts and prayers go out to those who have been affected by the fires.

The Red Cross and Salvation Army are coordinating relief for the victims, and volunteers on the ground are being organized to help with long-term recovery efforts in the days and months to come. If you live in or near Southern California you can volunteer now, and no matter where you live you can help by donating to the relief efforts.

Throughout the campaign, we saw time and again that when ordinary people act together, they can make a huge difference.

Visit CaliforniaVolunteers.org for more information on how you can help.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to those who have been affected by the fires.

The Red Cross and Salvation Army are coordinating relief for the victims, and volunteers on the ground are being organized to help with long-term recovery efforts in the days and months to come. If you live in or near Southern California you can volunteer now, and no matter where you live you can help by donating to the relief efforts.

Throughout the campaign, we saw time and again that when ordinary people act together, they can make a huge difference.

Visit CaliforniaVolunteers.org for more information on how you can help.

Over the past few days, wildfires in Southern California have destroyed nearly 900 homes and burned over 37,000 acres of land, forcing many more families to evacuate their communities. 

Our thoughts and prayers go out to those who have been affected by the fires.

The Red Cross and Salvation Army are coordinating relief for the victims, and volunteers on the ground are being organized to help with long-term recovery efforts in the days and months to come. If you live in or near Southern California you can volunteer now, and no matter where you live you can help by donating to the relief efforts.

Throughout the campaign, we saw time and again that when ordinary people act together, they can make a huge difference.

Visit CaliforniaVolunteers.org for more information on how you can help.

Obama's Letter to the People of Illinois

November 16, 2008

BY PRESIDENT-ELECT BARACK OBAMA

Today, I am ending one journey to begin another. After serving the people of Illinois in the United States Senate -- one of the highest honors and privileges of my life -- I am stepping down as senator to prepare for the responsibilities I will assume as our nation's next president. But I will never forget, and will forever be grateful, to the men and women of this great state who made my life in public service possible.

More than two decades ago, I arrived in Illinois as a young man eager to do my part in building a better America. On the South Side of Chicago, I worked with families who had lost jobs and lost hope when the local steel plant closed. It wasn't easy, but we slowly rebuilt those neighborhoods one block at a time, and in the process I received the best education I ever had. It's an education that led me to organize a voter registration project in Chicago, stand up for the rights of Illinois families as an attorney and eventually run for the Illinois state Senate.

It was in Springfield, in the heartland of America, where I saw all that is America converge -- farmers and teachers, businessmen and laborers, all of them with a story to tell, all of them seeking a seat at the table, all of them clamoring to be heard. It was there that I learned to disagree without being disagreeable; to seek compromise while holding fast to those principles that can never be compromised, and to always assume the best in people instead of the worst. Later, when I made the decision to run for the United States Senate, the core decency and generosity of the American people is exactly what I saw as I traveled across our great state -- from Chicago to Cairo; from Decatur to Quincy.

I still remember the young woman in East St. Louis who had the grades, the drive and the will but not the money to go to college. I remember the young men and women I met at VFW halls across the state who serve our nation bravely in Iraq and Afghanistan. And I will never forget the workers in Galesburg who faced the closing of a plant they had given their lives to, who wondered how they would provide health care to their sick children with no job and little savings.

Stories like these are why I came to Illinois all those years ago, and they will stay with me when I go to the White House in January. The challenges we face as a nation are now more numerous and difficult than when I first arrived in Chicago, but I have no doubt that we can meet them. For throughout my years in Illinois, I have heard hope as often as I have heard heartache. Where I have seen struggle, I have seen great strength. And in a state as broad and diverse in background and belief as any in our nation, I have found a spirit of unity and purpose that can steer us through the most troubled waters.

It was long ago that another son of Illinois left for Washington. A greater man who spoke to a nation far more divided, Abraham Lincoln, said of his home, "To this place, and the kindness of these people, I owe everything." Today, I feel the same, and like Lincoln, I ask for your support, your prayers, and for us to "confidently hope that all will yet be well."

With your help, along with the service and sacrifice of Americans across the nation who are hungry for change and ready to bring it about, I have faith that all will in fact be well. And it is with that faith, and the high hopes I have for the enduring power of the American idea, that I offer the people of my beloved home a very affectionate thanks.

President-elect Obama will continue to record and make available the Democratic radio addresses on video when he is in the White House, just one of many steps designed to foster more direct communication with the American people and make the White House and the political process more transparent.

You can read the full remarks of President-elect Obama's address at Change.gov.

President-elect Obama plans to publish these weekly updates through the Transition and then from the White House.

Today's address from the President-elect concerns the current economic crisis:

Also available on AOL, Yahoo, and MSN
High-resolution, Quicktime format: (106MB .mov file).

President-elect Obama plans to publish these weekly updates through the Transition and then from the White House.

Today's address from the President-elect concerns the current economic crisis:

President-elect Obama plans to to publish these weekly updates through the Transition and then from the White House.

Today's address from the President-elect concerns the current economic crisis:

Also available on AOL and MSN
High-resolution, Quicktime format: (106MB .mov file).

“My youngest daughter is ten years old and although we are permitted to work from home sometimes, it is discouraged,” she writes. “I would like to see more options for single parents that encourage us to have more family time.”

Lee in Los Alamos, NM liked what she heard about science from Senator Obama on the campaign trail, and looks forward to seeing those plans enacted.

“I will be one of the thousands of scientists and engineers striving for our country’s energy independence and one of the millions of parents helping educate our children to sustain our country's standing in this world,” she writes.

Michael in Reno, NV is more philosophical:

“My humble request to my future President: Remain true to who you are. Concern yourself more about doing your job than with keeping your job. Call upon the strength of the American people to realize that dream that belongs to each and every one of us, and lead us to it.”

And then there’s Greg in Brownwood, TX, who tackles one of the more controversial issues facing the President-elect and his family:

“They should look into getting a Standard Poodle. My dog, Gracie, is an ambassador. Everyone LOVES my dog. Thoughtful, considerate, low-key, only barks when necessary, playful and fun… Poodles also do not shed, so are nearly hypo-allergenic…”

Keep the advice coming.

Celebrating Glamour's "Women of the Year 2008:" Glamour magazine honored Hillary Clinton at this year's "Glamour Women of the Year 2008" Awards ceremony this week in New York. Entertainment Tonight caught up with Senator Clinton, America Ferrera and others. According to America Ferrera:

"This has been a wonderful year for women and I think, you know, in large part due to Senator Clinton and I'm always honored to be in her company and I'm very honored to be here today." Watch the segment here.

Glamour calls Hillary Clinton "The Trailblazer," writing: This year Hillary Clinton did something very rare for a politician: She won while losing. No, she didn't reach the White House—but she motivated a new generation of women of every political stripe. Read more here.

Busy in the Senate: Senator Clinton held a conference call Tuesday calling for a comprehensive new stimulus package to jumpstart the ailing economy.

In a letter to President Bush and Senate leaders, Senator Clinton outlined a series of measures that would protect those Americans hit hardest by the recession and put the nation on the road to recovery, including: extending unemployment insurance benefits, providing assistance to financially strapped cities and states to prevent cuts to critical services, and investments in infrastructure and alternative energy projects that could quickly provide hundreds of thousands of new jobs while laying the foundation for future economic expansion.

Today in Albany, Senator Clinton also called for a new national commitment to revitalizing the nation's infrastructure and expanding and improving mass transit systems.  Delivering remarks at the New York State Public Transit Industry Fall Conference, Senator Clinton urged support for a sweeping new plan to improve existing transit systems, expand public transportation to areas that currently have limited access, and overhaul the process by which public transit is planned and financed. 

Transitioning: HillPAC's Executive Director and Social Secretary during the Clinton Administration, Capricia Marshall, appeared frequently on TV this week discussing the First Family transition. Watch her discuss the transition with Wolf Blitzer here.

206 Votes in Minnesota: Senator Clinton e-mailed her supporters today re-emphasizing the importance of the recount in Minnesota and sending Al Franken to the Senate:

Just 206 votes. That's the difference separating Al Franken and Norm Coleman in the Minnesota Senate race -- 206 votes out of about 3 million cast.
In the coming days, Minnesota officials will carefully count every vote to make sure they get the most accurate count possible…

This time we're ready. The Franken Campaign is working hard to make sure every vote is counted -- but they need our help…

Help make sure this important election is decided fairly -- contribute today to Al Franken's campaign.

Virginia 2009: Clinton Campaign Chairman Terry McAuliffe announced this week that he would explore the opportunity of running for Virginia Governor in 2009. Terry's wife, Dorothy, sent the following email yesterday:

As you may know, Terry's been contemplating a run for governor of Virginia for some time now. And this week, he officially kicked off a two-month long process of touring the Commonwealth in order to initiate a conversation with fellow Virginians.

He'll make a final decision about whether to run for governor in early January.

That decision will be based in large part on what kind of enthusiasm is out there for his candidacy.

Honoring Our Veterans: Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton made the following statement marking Veterans Day:

"Today I join all Americans in honoring the brave men and women who have worn the uniform in service to our nation. These men and women have given so much for all of us. We owe them our freedom, our respect, and our gratitude demonstrated in our words and deeds. Veterans are veterans for life and they and their families deserve the support and services they have earned. That is why I have fought to improve veterans health care and to streamline the benefits claim process, and why I will continue to be a champion for veterans in the Senate. We must serve them as they have served all of us. Let us pay our respect today as we recommit ourselves to this solemn duty every day."

"These men and women are the best this nation has to offer, and they deserve to be treated as the best. We need to be there with open arms when our veterans need our support, and we must continue to stand with them over the years.  For all of these reasons, I continue to work on a variety of initiatives, including health care and beyond, to support and honor our veterans and their loved ones."

Hurry! Limited Edition DVDs Available: Contribute $50 or more today and we will send you a special keepsake: A DVD of with Hillary and President Clinton's historic speeches in Denver, the inspiring video that introduced Hillary, and a special message recorded just for you.

For $250 or more, you will receive the special "Signature" edition personally signed by Hillary.

Click here to contribute today.

Dear Friend,

Just 206 votes. That's the difference separating Al Franken and Norm Coleman in the Minnesota Senate race -- 206 votes out of about 3 million cast.

In the coming days, Minnesota officials will carefully count every vote to make sure they get the most accurate count possible. But once again, Republicans want to interfere any way they can with the vote-counting. They're setting up legal challenges and questioning the voting officials' integrity.

This time we're ready. The Franken Campaign is working hard to make sure every vote is counted -- but they need our help. Al Franken needs to keep his campaign active to stop the Republican attacks and make Minnesotans' voices are heard.

Help make sure this important election is decided fairly -- contribute today to Al Franken's campaign.

The people of Minnesota have spoken, and I don't know who will end up winning the final count. But I do know that if Republicans succeed in stopping this count prematurely, we'll lose the chance at having a great fighter for Minnesota's families join me in the Senate.

Al Franken is a good friend who will give us a stronger and more effective Democratic majority in Congress. It's up to us to make sure he has what he needs to fight back against Republican attacks and make sure every vote is counted.

Help make sure every vote in Minnesota counts -- contribute right now to the Franken Campaign!

I know I can count on you to help my friend Al Franken. Thank you for your hard work.

Sincerely,

Hillary

"The climate has made millions of Americans who haven't been involved in a political campaign ever in their lifetimes very active. We estimate that 70 percent of our grass-roots volunteers haven't worked in a campaign before. . . . We're somewhere just shy of 2 million volunteers, and we think we can potentially triple that on Election Day." - Deputy Campaign Manager Steve Hildebrand

One of the most amazing aspects of the grassroots movement that grew alongside this campaign is the number of people within it who had never been involved in politics before, had never seen themselves as political or had never known the role that an individual can play. For many of them, this campaign has provided a chance to learn not just about politics, but about their communities and themselves. 

Kimberlee from Kentucky explained what she learned from this experience:

I learned I could ask total strangers to vote for a candidate they may never even heard about. I learned about great strength with a local union volunteers. I learned about solidarity and teamwork. I learned that the voices of a few can change a city or a county. I learned how to get past my fears and call people and ask for a vote or donations. I learned you can love total strangers, even some from a different state. I learned how to persuade many people. I learned about sacrificing and donating money to a cause bigger than myself. I learned that change is possible. I learned I could survive eating doughnuts and pizza.

...I learned I had a family on a blog who was always there and where we could pump each other up or just vent. I learned I helped in change... I learned that I didn't care what neighbors thought about me when I showed my Obama and Obama/Biden sign proudly in my front yard in a sea of McCain signs. I learned that I could get and liked working in politics. I learned politics wasn't only for my parents.

I learned a lot about myself.

What have you learned along the way?

I signed up for Camp Obama thinking that I was going to stuff envelopes - not actually talk to real people....especially people across our nation. That myth was shattered quickly and happily. After my first calls to New Mexico, I became hooked. I called from the office on Shaw and Maroa, my home, and at Obama gatherings on the weekends. I talked with people in Ohio, Virginia, Nevada,Colorado, Missouri, and Pennsylvania. I have forged bonds with those who both supported Obama and were on the fence. One theme emerged after each session: the need to reduce the division and heal the broken promises. Some felt betrayed by politicians, others had a need to say everything bad about one candidate or another. Each time, I found a way to meet halfway.

I learned that the folks in Ohio were so friendly and kind. Even if they were voting for another candidate, they were nice about it. Virgina was close behind.

...I learned about the lives of so many folks. First, the pundits are wrong. Age is not a barrier to reasoning the better candidate. The wisest voters were those who were chronologically older but of a much younger spirit. One woman who was in her eighties shared that she cast her vote for Obama for her grandchildren so they would not have to die in Iraq. I think those who experience the worst of hard times know what is ahead and want to protect their families from the pain they recall.

Serving as a volunteer on the phonebank has enriched my life and left me feeling that our nation has grown into that purple majesties...the reds and blues have seeped together to form a purple hue.

Of Election Day itself, Eleanor wrote:

Today is a day to remember. Today is a day to cherish... I am proud that I could make a small -- less than small, a fraction of a fraction -- contribution to the whole that I now feel a part of.

Millions of volunteers like Eleanor played their own small part in this campaign, making phone calls, knocking doors, organizing. The online community here has provided a way not just for supporters to connect with the campaign and contribute to the work at hand, but to share their experiences as well. Together you're building a record of a moment in history. 

What part did you play, and what did you learn from your experience with this campaign?

I signed up for Camp Obama thinking that I was going to stuff envelopes - not actually talk to real people....especially people across our nation. That myth was shattered quickly and happily. After my first calls to New Mexico, I became hooked. I called from the office on Shaw and Maroa, my home, and at Obama gatherings on the weekends. I talked with people in Ohio, Virginia, Nevada,Colorado, Missouri, and Pennsylvania. I have forged bonds with those who both supported Obama and were on the fence. One theme emerged after each session: the need to reduce the division and heal the broken promises. Some felt betrayed by politicians, others had a need to say everything bad about one candidate or another. Each time, I found a way to meet halfway.

I learned that the folks in Ohio were so friendly and kind. Even if they were voting for another candidate, they were nice about it. Virgina was close behind.

...I learned about the lives of so many folks. First, the pundits are wrong. Age is not a barrier to reasoning the better candidate. The wisest voters were those who were chronologically older but of a much younger spirit. One woman who was in her eighties shared that she cast her vote for Obama for her grandchildren so they would not have to die in Iraq. I think those who experience the worst of hard times know what is ahead and want to protect their families from the pain they recall.

Serving as a volunteer on the phonebank has enriched my life and left me feeling that our nation has grown into that purple majesties...the reds and blues have seeped together to form a purple hue.

Of Election Day itself, Eleanor wrote:

Today is a day to remember. Today is a day to cherish... I am proud that I could make a small -- less than small, a fraction of a fraction -- contribution to the whole that I now feel a part of.

Millions of volunteers like Eleanor played their own small part in this campaign, making phone calls, knocking doors, organizing. The online community here has provided a way not just for supporters to connect with the campaign and contribute to the work at hand, but to share their experiences as well. Together you're building a record of a moment in history. 

What part did you play, and what did you learn from your experience with this campaign?

For Peggy, “The time I felt the happiest was when I registered a 65 year old woman who had never voted before:)”

When Richard in Glendale, CA phone banked on Election Day, he spoke to “an elderly lady in Ohio who told me that she had just had a mastectomy and her husband had a terminal illness,” he said.

“She asked if she could get some help. I was able to find a way for her to get a ride… and help her and her husband vote without having to leave the car,” he said. “It made me feel great to know that I was able to help.”

For many people, the connections they made were even more intimate – with neighbors who used to be strangers. Marcia in Caldwell, NJ says she lives in a high-rise apartment building “where people tend to remain rather private.” She had never really had a conversation with her neighbors – until the couple next door noticed her Obama button.

“We exchanged high-fives and I invited them to come to Obama headquarters to volunteer to make phone calls. On election night we watched the returns together and cried and celebrated with champagne! What a wonderful unifying experience!!”

Perhaps most exciting, people who didn’t even vote for President-elect Obama are telling us that they feel the same sense of unity. Denise in Washington, MI writes:

“The morning after the election my son said, ‘Mom, why are you so happy? Your guy lost.’ I said because we can move forward now. Congratulations to you, President-elect Obama! Now I pray at night that you will protect all Americans… You did a good job, so keep up the good work and let’s please fix what’s wrong.”

And above all, I will ask you join in the work of remaking this nation the only way it’s been done in America for two-hundred and twenty-one years – block by block, brick by brick, calloused hand by calloused hand. – Barack Obama, Election Night 2008   

The 2008 presidential campaign was one of the longest and largest in history. With the help millions of individuals who invested in this movement for change, we were able to build sophisticated voter contact and get out the vote operations in over a dozen battleground states. But from Iowa onward, the foundation for it all was a grassroots, door to door outreach effort not seen in presidential politics for a generation. 

In mid-October, weeks before the final GOTV push even began, a volunteer named Jason knocked on a door in Ohio and spoke to the 10 millionth person contacted by the Obama campaign:

Jason and Johnny's meeting is just one of countless stories from the past 21 months, but in many ways these small stories are the story of this campaign – the story of ordinary people reconnecting to politics and to their communities, finding a voice and the means to make a difference.

These are stories worth telling, worth sharing and worth remembering. They're the key to understanding not just what happened over the course of these last 21 months, but what can happen next. 

Take a moment tonight to share your own story about your experience with this grassroots campaign, what you saw and the part you played, what you learned and the lessons you'll take away.

For many people, their first real connection to that network was here on this site, either through the blog or through the groups and events on My.BarackObama.com. Together, these supporters used the online tools to communicate, raise money, make phone calls, and organize. More than 1.5 million users formed over 30,000 groups and created over 200,000 offline events, culminating in a massive Election Day get out the vote effort unlike any that had ever been seen before.

One week later, even as offices across the country are being closed down and cleaned out, the MyBO group listservs are still active, the comments on the blog remain lively, and offline events continue to spring up on My.BarackObama. As Dan in Phoenix, Arizona explained:

[MyBO] is just too dynamic and has been truly home to so many people over the past 22 months that it just couldn't die. Kind of reminds me of the famous line from Frankenstein, "It's Alive!"

One week later, MyBO is in fact very much alive and well.

In addition to the countless inauguration parties and election victory celebrations being planned across the country, a number of people have been inspired by the call for community service and volunteerism that has been a part of Barack's message from the beginning. 

In Seattle, a small group is meeting this Saturday for a community service project to clean up Rainier Valley.

In Los Angeles, Blue Star Family Members for Obama are planning to attend as a group a benefit concert for the USO. 

In New Orleans, grassroots supporters are organizing a "Fathers Meeting" to discuss how men in their community can become more active in the lives of their families. 

In Florida, a group is using MyBO to promote pet adoption, inviting people to the Alachua County Animal Service's "Adoptahon" and Open House, and a supporter in Highland Park, Illinois is using MyBO to organize a new book club.

As Chris Hughes explained last week:

What has made My.BarackObama unique hasn't been the technology itself, but the people who used the online tools to coordinate offline action. My.BarackObama has always been focused on using online tools to make real-world connections between people who are hungry to change our politics in this country.

You can still find events and groups near you, or reach out in your community and create you own. The tools here are your tools now -- they always have been.

Voters often said this was one of the major reasons they supported Barack, and they've been writing to the Transition to tell us how important they think it is that this commitment continues.

Lexington from San Diego, CA, wrote:

"When I first learned of Barack Obama, I was encouraged by his thoughts [on] ending the power of lobbyists and the negative effect of the revolving door on the White House. I'd like to see an agenda that focuses on promoting transparency and getting people into government who sincerely want to serve the interests of the nation over their own careers."

John from Seattle, WA wrote, "I am so tired of special interests getting the best of us all. I support you and hope that you will allow the common guy to have a say in how we are to be governed from now on."

Now Barack has taken the first step, with new rules that restrict how lobbyists can participate in the transition -- just as he restricted how they could participate in the campaign.

The new policy, which ethics experts have praised as a bold step forward, was only announced yesterday -- but already people have written in to show their support.

Sarah from Brockport, NY, wrote, "Today I read about the tough new rules for lobbyists and it just further solidified the faith I have in this administration to bring about a real change....I am feeling real patriotic and in tune with my government for the first time in my 46 years."

Carmen from Olympia, WA wrote simply: "Thank you for the transition ethics. Thank you."

In that spirit, we created An American Moment on our website because you deserve a government that respects your involvement in the process by being open, transparent and bipartisan. We want to continue to hear about your hopes and dreams, answer your questions, and get your advice about what should come next.

Cynthia in Fort Lee, VA has already written to us with her perspective:

"Politics -- like parenthood -- is a marathon, not a sprint. Now that the election is over, it's time to turn our attention to the next leg of this race, getting family policies like fair pay, paid sick days, healthcare coverage and early education passed."

Susan in Canton, CT shared her thoughts about the challenges facing the auto industry, and added, "I truly want to keep the momentum going; the hope, the volunteerism, the activism."

That's exactly what we want to do, too. Keep sending your stories and we'll keep learning from them.

Your donation will help provide resources for the Democratic National Committee, whose 50-state field program played a crucial role in this election. It took unprecedented resources to staff up all 50 states, train field organizers, and help build the infrastructure for our field program, and the DNC held nothing back. We saw the results on Election Night, and we'll continue to see the legacy of those efforts in an electoral map that now looks much different than the ones before.

From the beginning, this campaign has been an investment -- in people and resources that have created an infrastructure to accomplish real change. Our grassroots supporters are part of that infrastructure now, and through your work we've shown that change can happen. 

• Federal Lobbyists cannot contribute financially to the transition.
• Federal lobbyists are prohibited from any lobbying during their work with the transition.

• If someone has lobbied in the last 12 months, they are prohibited from working in the fields of policy on which they lobbied.
• If someone becomes a lobbyist after working on the Transition, they are prohibited from lobbying the Administration for 12 months on matters on which they worked.
• A gift ban that is aggressive in reducing the influence of special interests.

Norm Ornstein, from the American Enterprise Institute, said in relation to the announcement:

Restoring trust in government is a prerequisite to enacting good policy and the tough choices the country needs. This ethics policy for the transition is a far-reaching, bold and constructive step to do just that. The policy may exclude some good people with deep experience in their fields, but it will also exclude those who see government service as a springboard to financial success, or who are more intent on pleasing future potential employers or clients than making tough choices in the public interest. As much as anything, this ethics policy is a statement about the tone and tenor of the Obama administration. It is a good sign.

Read more reactions to today's announcement . . .

As we mark Veterans Day, all Americans are united in honoring the extraordinary service and selfless sacrifice of our nation's veterans. Our veterans are part of an unbroken line of heroes who have defended the American people and stood up for American values - from the beaches of Normandy to the battles in East Asia; from the deserts of Kuwait to the skies above Kosovo; from the cities of Iraq to the mountains of Afghanistan. Since 9/11, a new generation of American heroes has borne a heavy load in facing down the threats of the 21st century, and their families have been asked to bear the painful absence of a loved one. These Americans are the best and bravest among us, and they are all in our thoughts and prayers.

"On this Veterans Day, let us rededicate ourselves to keep a sacred trust with all who have worn the uniform of the United States of America: that America will serve you as well as you have served your country. As your next Commander-in-Chief, I promise to work every single day to keep that sacred trust with all who have served. May God bless our veterans, and may God bless the United States of America.

In a private meeting in the Oval Office, President-elect Obama thanked President Bush for his commitment to a smooth transition in light of the nation's many critical economic and security challenges.

The First Lady led Mrs. Obama on a tour of the historic home -- with a focus on the private residence -- before meeting in the West Sitting Hall, where they discussed raising daughters in the White House.

"Our strategy all along has been to expand the playing field. People thought we were crazy, but it is paying off." - Campaign Manager David Plouffe, Oct. 22, 2008

Nearly six days after polls closed, ballots are still being counted in some counties (with Missouri still yet to be officially called) but it's not too soon to look back and consider what happened last Tuesday.

Over 121 million voters cast a ballot in this election, and the final number may be considerably higher. The number of votes already counted for Barack Obama -- 68.5 million -- is the largest total for any candidate in history.

In addition to the states won by John Kerry in 2004, on Tuesday Barack Obama won the battleground states of Ohio, Florida, New Mexico, Nevada, Colorado and Iowa. A willingness to compete everywhere and a commitment to expand the electoral map resulted in victories in a number of traditionally Republican states as well. 

On Tuesday, a Democrat carried the state of Indiana, the state of Virginia and an electoral vote in Nebraska for the first time since 1964. On Tuesday, a Democrat won the state of North Carolina for the first time since 1976.

What happened on Tuesday, especially in states like Indiana and North Carolina, was driven in part by record youth turnout. MSNBC reported:

An estimated 24 million Americans ages 18 to 29 voted in this election, an increase in youth turnout by at least 2.2 million over 2004, reports CIRCLE, a non-partisan organization that promotes research on the political engagement of young Americans. That puts youth turnout somewhere between 49.3 and 54.5 percent, meaning 19 percent more young people voted this year than in 2004, estimates John Della Volpe, the director of polling for the Harvard Institute of Politics. And that’s a conservative estimate, Della Volpe says.

"It looks like the highest turnout among young people we’ve ever had."

What happened on Tuesday was fueled by an ambitious, 50-state voter registration drive that brought millions of new voices into the political process and shifted the political make-up of over a dozen states. In Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico and Florida, Latino voters turned out in record numbers to vote for Barack Obama. 

What happened on Tuesday wouldn't have happened if not for an unprecedented grassroots movement that began over two years ago, and was ultimately transformed into the largest field organization in the history of American politics.

What happened on Tuesday was the result of ordinary Americans who invested in this campaign in whatever way they could: giving five or ten or twenty dollars, knocking on doors and making phone calls, talking to their friends and family and organizing within their own communities.

Writing for the Christian Science Monitor, Alexandra Marks explained what happened on Tuesday this way:

An estimated 136 million Americans – as many as 66 percent, the most since 1908 – pulled a lever, touched a screen, or filled in ballot. They are part of a radical transformation of American politics – not just in terms of ideology and party identification. It goes much further than that.

President-elect Barack Obama, harnessing the lightening speed of digital technology, tapped a new generation of young people, inspiring them to work, knock on doors, make phone calls, convince their parents, friends, neighbors, and grandparents that there was something in America still worth fighting for.

On Tuesday millions of Americans -- young and old -- fought for the hope of a better day, and won.

But what happened on Tuesday didn't end on Tuesday. As Barack himself explained, this victory itself was not the change we seek – it is only the chance for us to make that change.

"Our strategy all along has been to expand the playing field. People thought we were crazy, but it is paying off." - Campaign Manager David Plouffe, Oct. 22, 2008

Nearly six days after polls closed, ballots are still being counted in some counties (with Missouri still yet to be officially called) but it's not too soon to look back and consider what happened last Tuesday.

Over 121 million voters cast a ballot in this