Dear Amanda,

The final presidential debate is this Wednesday, October 15th, at 9:00 p.m. Eastern.

It's the last chance for undecided voters to see Barack and John McCain side-by-side and determine who will bring the change this country needs.

You can make the most of this opportunity by bringing your friends, family, and fellow supporters together to watch.

Sign up to host a Debate Watch Party. We'll make sure you have everything you need to make the event a success.

If you've hosted an event before, you know how powerful they can be to help grow our movement. If you haven't, it's a terrific way to show your support, and we'll be with you every step of the way to help.

We're having a special conference call for Debate Watch Party hosts next week. We'll give you ideas for how to get your guests involved in the rest of the campaign.

In these final weeks, each of us needs to do whatever we can to keep growing our movement and encourage undecided voters to cast their vote for change.

Sign up to host a Debate Watch Party now:

http://my.barackobama.com/debate-watch-party

Thanks,

Jon

Jon Carson
National Field Director
Obama for America 

But here’s the thing.  They can run misleading ads, and pursue the politics of anything goes, and try to change the subject.  They can do that – but it’s not going to work.  Not this time.

The times are too serious.  The challenges are too great.  The American people aren’t looking for someone who can divide this country – they’re looking for someone who will lead it.

We simply cannot afford four more years of the economic theory that says we should give more to those with the most and hope prosperity trickles down to everyone else.

It is time to turn the page on eight years of economic policies that put Wall Street before Main Street but end up hurting both.  We need policies that grow our economy from the bottom-up, so that every American, everywhere has the chance to get ahead.  Not just corporate CEOs, but their secretaries too.  Not just the person who owns the factory, but the men and women who work on its floor.

These are the Americans I’m standing with.  These are the folks I’m fighting for.  That’s the kind of leadership I’m offering.  That’s what I mean when I talk about change.

Read Barack's full remarks, as prepared for delivery...

Barack spoke to residents of Philadelpia, Pennsylvania this morning. He held four mini-rallies throughout the city to talk about the kind of change he will bring to Washington.

But here’s the thing.  They can run misleading ads, and pursue the politics of anything goes, and try to change the subject.  They can do that – but it’s not going to work.  Not this time.

The times are too serious.  The challenges are too great.  The American people aren’t looking for someone who can divide this country – they’re looking for someone who will lead it.

We simply cannot afford four more years of the economic theory that says we should give more to those with the most and hope prosperity trickles down to everyone else.

It is time to turn the page on eight years of economic policies that put Wall Street before Main Street but end up hurting both.  We need policies that grow our economy from the bottom-up, so that every American, everywhere has the chance to get ahead.  Not just corporate CEOs, but their secretaries too.  Not just the person who owns the factory, but the men and women who work on its floor.

These are the Americans I’m standing with.  These are the folks I’m fighting for.  That’s the kind of leadership I’m offering.  That’s what I mean when I talk about change.

Read Barack's full remarks, as prepared for delivery...

This Monday, October 13th, please join Joe Biden in Rochester, where he will talk about Barack's vision for creating the kind of change we need.

Community Gathering with Joe Biden

The American Legion Hall

94 Eastern Ave

Rochester

Doors Open: 8:00 a.m.

 

Get Your Tickets HERE

[UPDATE] This event has ended. Check back for more coverage from our road team. 

North Korea’s agreement to these verification measures is a modest step forward in dismantling its nuclear weapons programs. President Bush’s decision to remove North Korea from the list of state sponsors of terrorism is an appropriate response, as long as there is a clear understanding that if North Korea fails to follow through there will be immediate consequences. It is now essential that North Korea halt all efforts to reassemble its nuclear facilities, place them back under IAEA supervision, and cooperate fully with the international community to complete the disablement of the Yongbyon facilities and to implement a robust verification mechanism to confirm the accuracy of its nuclear declaration.

The last eight years have demonstrated the necessity of confronting the threat from North Korea through aggressive, sustained, and direct bilateral and multilateral diplomacy. Too often, there has been a failure to effectively engage our partners throughout this effort. We must dramatically improve coordination with our allies Japan and South Korea, as well as with China and Russia, particularly as we ensure that any agreement reached on verification is fully implemented.

If North Korea refuses to permit robust verification, we should lead all members of the Six Party talks in suspending energy assistance, re-imposing sanctions that have recently been waived, and considering new restrictions. Our objective remains the complete and verifiable elimination of North Korea's nuclear weapons programs. This must include getting clarity on North Korea’s efforts to enrich uranium and its proliferation of nuclear technology abroad.

Looking ahead, North Korea must also resolve all questions about the abduction of Japanese and South Korean citizens, and of the Reverend Kim Dong-Shik. I urge the Bush Administration to continue to use our diplomatic and economic leverage to press North Korea to cooperate fully with Tokyo, Seoul and Washington on these matters.

The Six Party Talks offer North Korea a clear choice.  If North Korea abandons its nuclear weapons programs, there will be meaningful incentives.  If it refuses, it faces a future of political and economic isolation.

The Early Vote for Change RV continued its tour of Iowa yesterday, with stops in Cresco, Davenport, and New Hampton.  Along the way, the riders in the bus encouraged our supporters to Vote Early for Barack.  Right now, all across Iowa, early voting locations are opening up so that you can vote for change right now.

It’s the easiest way to vote this year, and if you haven’t taken advantage of this opportunity yet, visit www.voteforchange.com and find the early voting location near you!

If you have already voted early, we need you to encourage your friends, family, or neighbors to visit www.voteforchange.com, use our new online  neighbor to neighbor call tool, or visit one of our offices across the state--- we have over 40  open offices right now!

There is an extremely short amount of time before this election--- just 24 days--- and we need your help today!  Call or come into your local office right now!

Nine Days before the Feb. 5 presidential primaries in Missouri and Illinois, this editorial page endorsed Barack Obama and John McCain in their respective races.

We did so enthusiastically. We wrote that either Mr. Obama’s message of hope or Mr. McCain’s independence and integrity offered America “the chance to turn the page on 28 years of contentious, greed-driven politics and move into a new era of possibility.”

Over the past nine months, Mr. Obama, the junior senator from Illinois, has emerged as the only truly transformative candidate in the race. In the crucible that is a presidential campaign, his intellect, his temperament and equanimity under pressure consistently have been impressive. He has surrounded himself with smart, capable advisers who have helped him refine thorough, nuanced policy positions.

In a word, Mr. Obama has been presidential.

...In making political endorsements, this editorial page is guided first by the principles espoused by Joseph Pulitzer in The Post-Dispatch Platform printed daily at the top of this page. Then we consider questions of character, life experience and intellect, as well as specific policy and issue positions. Each member of the editorial board weighs in.

On all counts, the consensus was clear: Barack Obama of Illinois should be the next president of the United States.

We didn’t know nine months ago that before Election Day, America would face its greatest economic challenge since the Great Depression. The crisis on Wall Street is devastating, but it has offered voters a useful preview of how the two presidential candidates would respond to a crisis.

Very early on, Mr. Obama reached out to his impressive corps of economic advisers and developed a comprehensive set of recommendations for addressing the problems. He set them forth calmly and explained them carefully.

...Mr. McCain first was elected to Congress in 1982 when Mr. Obama was in his senior year at Columbia University. Yet the younger man’s intellectual curiosity and capacity — and, yes, also the skills he developed as a community organizer and his instincts as a political conciliator — more than compensate for his lack of more traditional Washington experience.

A presidency is defined less by what happens in the Oval Office than by what is done by the more than 3,000 men and women the president appoints to government office. Only 600 of them are subject to Senate approval. The rest serve at the pleasure of the president.

We have little doubt that Mr. Obama’s appointees would bring a level of competence, compassion and intellectual achievement to the executive branch that hasn’t been seen since the New Frontier. He has energized a new generation of Americans who would put the concept of service back in “public service.”

...The idea that 3,000 bright, dedicated and accomplished Americans would be joining the Obama administration to serve the public — as opposed to padding their resumés or shilling for the corporate interests they’re sworn to oversee — is reassuring. That they would be serving a president who actually would listen to them is staggering.

And the fact that Mr. Obama can explain his thoughts and policies in language that can instruct and inspire is exciting. Eloquence isn’t everything in a president, but it is not nothing, either.

...He sees the complicated world as it is today, not as a binary division between us and them, but as a kaleidoscope of shifting alliances and interests. As he often notes, he is the son of a Kenyan father and a mother from Kansas, an internationalist who yet acknowledges that America is the only nation in the world in which someone of his distinctly modest background could rise as far as his talent, intellect and hard work would take him.

Given the damage that has been done to America’s moral standing in the world in the last eight years...Mr. Obama’s election would help America reclaim the moral high ground.

It also must be said that Mr. Obama is right on the issues. He was right on the war in Iraq. He is right that all Americans deserve access to health care and right in his pragmatic approach to meeting that goal. He is right on tax policy, infrastructure investment, energy policy and environmental issues. He is right on American ideals.

He was right when he said in his remarkable speech in March in Philadelphia that “In the end, then, what is called for is nothing more, and nothing less, than what all the world’s great religions demand: that we do unto others as we would have them do unto us. Let us be our brother’s keeper, Scripture tells us. Let us be our sister’s keeper. Let us find that common stake we all have in one another, and let our politics reflect that spirit as well.”

'We have seen our share of hard times. The American story has never been about things coming easy,' Mr. Obama said. 'We remember that some of the most famous words ever spoken by an American came from a President who took office in a time of turmoil — ‘The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.'?'

...Yesterday, Mr. Obama wrapped up a two-day bus trip that took him to Dayton, Cincinnati, Portsmouth, Chillicothe, and Columbus, speaking to a total of more than 50,000.

...In his remarks, Mr. Obama seemed to allude to the attacks coming from the campaign of Republican nominee Sen. John McCain...

...'It's easy to rile up a crowd by stoking anger and division. The American people aren't looking for someone who can divide this country — they're looking for someone who can lead this country,' Mr. Obama said.

...Mr. Obama unveiled what he called a 'small business rescue plan' to offer disaster-style loans through the Small Business Administration and to offer tax incentives immediately to encourage new investments.

Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland, a native of southern Ohio who previously represented the area in Congress, urged listeners not to be deceived in the heat of the campaign.

'Unfortunately, there are those who have tried to spread untruths about Barack Obama. Barack Obama is a good, Christian family man. The McCain-Palin campaign and unfortunately some of their followers would want you to be afraid of Barack Obama,' Mr. Strickland said.

Mr. Strickland also tried to assure sportsmen and hunters that Mr. Obama supports their Second Amendment right to own weapons.

After the speech in Columbus's Genoa Park, Mr. Obama paid an unannounced visit to a meeting of 700 Obama volunteers, who erupted in prolonged cheers when Mr. Obama suddenly burst into the Greater Columbus Convention Center.

In Chillicothe, Mandy MacLachlan, 30, said she wants Mr. Obama elected to 'make sure my kids have health insurance and my grandkids have health insurance. I don't want the rich to keep getting richer with no concern for the middle class.'

From the Associated Press:

Democratic vice presidential candidate Joe Biden said Friday that Republican John McCain is trying to "take the lowest road to the highest office in America," with ads and rhetoric questioning Barack Obama's character and judgment.

"Every single false charge, every single baseless accusation is an attempt to stop you from paying attention to what is affecting your daily lives, to what is happening at your kitchen table," Biden said at a campaign rally in Springfield, a traditional Republican stronghold in the swing state of Missouri.

The nation's financial problems have been felt in Missouri, where the unemployment rate is at its highest mark in 17 years. Many of those lost jobs have been in the manufacturing sector.

Biden spoke on a sunny but windy day from a temporary stage erected in a city park near a minor league baseball stadium. The speech ended Biden's two-day swing through four Missouri cities, located in counties that supported President Bush in 2004. Springfield is the home of GOP Gov. Matt Blunt, and the southwest corner of the state has historically been Republican territory.

From the Wall Street Journal:

Sen. Obama, campaigning in Chillicothe, Ohio, unveiled a plan to temporarily provide low-interest loans to struggling businesses by using existing structures already in place through the Small Business Administration.

...Obama campaign officials said the Democratic nominee's proposal wasn't intended to be a dramatic response to collapsing credit markets or to Sen. McCain's recent housing-policy proposal. "It's just another tool in the toolbox," Obama spokeswoman Jen Psaki said.

...Sen. Obama's lending plan for small businesses was cobbled from similar legislation pending in the Senate. In late September, Sen. John Kerry, chairman of the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee, introduced a bill that would treat the financial crisis like a federal disaster, thereby allowing the Small Business Administration to guarantee private low-interest loans to small businesses.

Like Sen. Kerry's bill, Sen. Obama's proposal would temporarily waive closing fees associated with these loans. The Kerry bill seeks $715 million in appropriations, which Sen. Kerry said would generate $25 billion in loan guarantees. Sen. Kerry's bill was shelved while Congress worked on passing the $700 billion rescue plan last week.

On Friday, the Obama campaign issued a statement..."Barack Obama supports allowing senior citizens to delay withdrawals from 401(k)s and believes we don't have to wait for Congress to act to provide seniors with these protections," spokesman Bill Burton said. He called on Sen. McCain to support Sen. Obama's small-business policies.

Dallas Salisbury, president of the Employee Benefit Research Institute, a Washington nonprofit group, said Sen. McCain's retirement-account proposal would likely benefit mostly wealthy retirees who could afford to leave their stock investments untouched. He said Congress has made similar proposals in the past, but they have died because they would benefit only a narrow slice of retirees...

From the Boston Globe:

U.S. presidential candidate Barack Obama on Friday welcomed a plan by Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson to buy equity in financial institutions if necessary to halt market turmoil.

"There are many causes of this economic crisis, and it's critical that we respond using all the tools that we currently have," Obama said in a statement.

"That's why I support Secretary Paulson's latest initiative to use the authority we gave him in the financial rescue plan to provide more capital to our financial institutions so that they have money to lend to families and businesses," the Illinois Democratic senator added.

Paulson said the program aims to encourage the raising of new private capital to complement the public capital injections. It would use authority created by the $700 billion financial rescue package that Congress passed last week.

... Obama said the Paulson plan should be implemented "quickly, aggressively, and ensure that it protects taxpayers, does not reward CEOs, and is limited in duration."

The Democratic White House contender said that as market conditions evolve, the government should be ready to take further steps to boost investor confidence, such as extending guarantees.

"And the United States must step up its efforts to work with the G-7 (Group of Seven) and our other allies to ensure a globally coordinated solution," he said.

From Reuters:

White House Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama said on Friday that U.S. policymakers have the tools they need to address the deepening financial crisis but it is crucial that they use them right away.

"What they need to do is use the tools that they've got immediately," Obama told Reuters during a stop in Columbus, Ohio to visit campaign volunteers.

"We've given them authority to capitalize the banks, we've given them the authority to buy up assets, we've given them the authority even to apply guarantees. The Fed is already using its authority on the commercial paper markets."

But Obama said more needs to be done to communicate to the markets the steps that will be carried out to address the turmoil.

"The problem is that there's been a lack of coordination, a lack of marketing of what's being done, clarity -- so that the market understands these clear signals," he said.

"My hope is over the weekend that package is being put together in a way that can really start making a difference."

The U.S. Congress last week approved a $700 billion rescue package that gives that would allow the government buy up troubled assets.

[UPDATE] This event has ended. Check back for more coverage from our road team. 

Polls open in 24 days . . .

John McCain keeps asking this question at his rallies -- then he gives answers that are shockingly false and negative.

That's why it's vital that you sign up to volunteer for at least one day during the final days of this election. Voters won't know the truth about Barack unless supporters like you reach out to them.

I also wanted to share a video of personal moments from behind the scenes at the Democratic National Convention in Denver, so you can see Barack and Michelle as they are -- decent, warm, and kind people with a loving family.

Watch the video and get to know the Obamas a little better. Then sign up to volunteer on a crucial day before the Election:

Our opponents try to stir up doubt and fear by questioning who Barack really is -- as if after more than a decade in public office, more than 20 months on the campaign trail, dozens of debates, two books written by him and dozens more about him, people still don't have enough information to decide for themselves who should lead our country.

Millions of Americans have gotten to know Barack Obama as an American who's devoted his life to things bigger than himself -- his community, his country, and ordinary citizens looking for a voice.

Our challenge now is to do the same -- to devote these last weeks to a cause bigger than ourselves.

These tough economic times make our cause more urgent and the stakes even higher. Barack needs your help to win this election and bring the change we need to Washington.

Can you give a day of your time during the last four days of the election?

Watch the video, share it with others, and get involved.

Only 24 days remain until Election Day. Won't you commit at least one to ensure our victory?

David

David Plouffe
Campaign Manager
Obama for America

P.S. -- You don't have to wait till the four days before Election Day to get involved. Visit your state page to find events happening near you. 

 

Joe Biden held a rally in Springfield, Missouri today. The event was a great success, capping off a four-stop tour through the state. From the sheer numbers of enthusiastic people who turned out at these events to see Joe, things are looking good for the Obama-Biden ticket in Missouri.

Joe will return on Sunday to campaign with his wife Jill alongside Bill and Hillary Clinton at an event in his hometown of Scranton, Pennsylvania.

In the meantime, enjoy the day in pictures:

Peter Rubi
October 10, 2008
Wilmington, Delaware

"The American people aren't looking for someone to divide the country -- they want someone to lead it." - Barack Obama

Barack Obama spoke those words today on the banks of the Scioto river, in view of the Columbus skyline. He continued to draw large crowds on the second day of his Ohio bus tour: 5,000 in Chillicothe according to Glenda Cornett, the City Fire Inspector and 12,000 in Columbus as counted by Lieutenant Mark L. McMurray, Columbus Department of Public Safety, Division of Fire.

The day started in front of the Chillicothe court house in Ross County, which was the first state house of Ohio. In this small town, struggling from the effects of the current financial crisis, Barack unveiled his new Small Business Rescue Plan. Small businesses are the powerhouse of our economy, where most of this nation's jobs are created. Unfortunately they are also often the hardest hit when times are tough. Even with the current federal government rescue plan there is a long way to go. We've all got a lot of work to do.

With this in mind, the end of the day was just as fitting as the beginning. Barack stopped by a meeting of Obama for America field organizers in Columbus, young people determined to make a difference in this election, determined to help bring change to America. He told them about his experiences as an organizer in the South Side of Chicago, helping rebuild communities that had been devastated by the closing of local steel plants. Like Barack back then, these folks are the ones who hit the streets, who knock on doors, who listen to people tell their stories and explain their problems. Sometimes it can be hard to get the specific answers from a TV commercial or at a rally. Who better to make the choice we have in this election clear than friends and neighbors? Find out how you can get involved in Barack's campaign in your state, or in neighboring states, and enjoy the day in pictures:

Arun Chaudhary
October 10th, 2008
Philadelphia, PA

Michelle Obama spoke at the Women's Leadership Forum on October 10, 2008, in Chicago, Illinois.

Author: BarackObamadotcom
Keywords: barack obama economy women health care election president 2008
Added: October 10, 2008

The campaign is currently focusing on calling voters in battleground states. People are already casting early ballots in a number of states, which is why it's especially important that our supporters call these voters now. You can make a big difference in states where the race is neck-and-neck by sharing crucial information about early and absentee voting.

With just 25 days left before the election, time is running out to make direct personal contact with potential supporters.

And there is no more powerful way to sway an undecided voter than a one-on-one conversation with a supporter like you. 

As the McCain campaign tries to smear Barack's character and distract voters from the issues that matter, your phone calls are more important than ever. It's going to come down to what supporters like you do -- or don't do -- right now.

Sign on to your my.barackobama.com account right now and use Neighbor-to-Neighbor.

There are many causes of this economic crisis, and it’s critical that we respond using all the tools that we currently have.  That’s why I support Secretary Paulson’s latest initiative to use the authority we gave him in the financial rescue plan to provide more capital to our financial institutions so that they have money to lend to families and businesses.  He should implement this plan quickly, aggressively, and ensure that it protects taxpayers, does not reward CEOs, and is limited in duration.  As financial conditions evolve, the government should be prepared to take all additional action necessary to maintain market confidence, including extending broader guarantees in the financial system. And the United States must step up its efforts to work with the G-7 and our other allies to ensure a globally coordinated solution.
 
This is not a time for ideology, but a time for common sense and pragmatism. The test of any idea must not be whether it is liberal or conservative, but whether it works for the American people.  That’s what we should all be focused on in the days ahead to restore strength and prosperity to our economy.

On the air...

Author: BarackObamadotcom
Keywords: Barack Obama Lose Ad
Added: October 10, 2008

Richardson highlighted Obama's strong support for the Dream Act, which provides a route to citizenship for young people who attend college or serve in the armed forces. He also discussed Obama's plan to provide $4,000 in tuition aid in return for 100 hours of community service. Speaking directly to issues facing the Latino community, he emphasized the urgent need to increase high school graduation rates among Hispanics and outlined Obama's policy proposals to achieve this goal, including increased teacher pay, preschool education, and improving No Child Left Behind.

Local Assemblymen Mo Denis and Ruben Kihuen also spoke to the high schoolers. Kihuen asked for a show of hands to see how many of them had volunteered for the Obama campaign. A sprinkling of hands rose up. He reminded them that none of Obama's educational priorities would come to pass unless he is elected, and urged them to volunteer, noting that there were only three weeks left in the campaign. "Take a few hours and phone bank, or talk to your neighbors and get out the vote," he said.

Click Here to Continue Reading...

Richardson highlighted Obama's strong support for the Dream Act, which provides a route to citizenship for young people who attend college or serve in the armed forces. He also discussed Obama's plan to provide $4,000 in tuition aid in return for 100 hours of community service. Speaking directly to issues facing the Latino community, he emphasized the urgent need to increase high school graduation rates among Hispanics and outlined Obama's policy proposals to achieve this goal, including increased teacher pay, preschool education, and improving No Child Left Behind.

Local Assemblymen Mo Denis and Ruben Kihuen also spoke to the high schoolers. Kihuen asked for a show of hands to see how many of them had volunteered for the Obama campaign. A sprinkling of hands rose up. He reminded them that none of Obama's educational priorities would come to pass unless he is elected, and urged them to volunteer, noting that there were only three weeks left in the campaign. "Take a few hours and phone bank, or talk to your neighbors and get out the vote," he said.

Click Here to Continue Reading...

The Hillary Hotline is a weekly newsletter sent to Hillary’s supporters with updates on her whereabouts, the issues she is fighting for, and her efforts on behalf of Senators Obama and Biden and other Democrats in races across the country.

Barnstorming the Keystone State: Hillary Clinton kicks off a two-day swing through Pennsylvania this Sunday, October 12. First stop: "Obama for America" rally in Scranton, PA with President Clinton and Senator Joe and Jill Biden. Monday, Hillary hosts a "Conversation with Working Families" with congressional candidate Allyson Schwartz followed by another rally for Obama-Biden in Philadelphia.

As of this week, Hillary has headlined more than 50 events and has raised more than $10 million dollars for Obama-Biden.

On a call today with Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter and NY Assemblywoman Ro Ann Destito, Hillary invited her supporters to sign up for Hillary Sent Me! (HSM) in the Keystone State this weekend.

For those interested in joining HSM in Pennsylvania this weekend, email hillarysentme@paforchange.com.

To learn more about HSM in the coming weeks, please go to: www.hillpac.com.

Honoring the Legacy of Eleanor Roosevelt: On Monday, Hillary spoke at the 8th Annual Eleanor Roosevelt Legacy Committee Luncheon:

"I am absolutely positive with every fiber of my being that we must elect Barack Obama and Joe Biden to be our President and Vice President on November 4...The biggest risk for America is four more years of the last eight years. The last thing I want - and I hope you agree - is to put mavericks in charge of the United States economy at this moment of need. Mavericks in Washington and on Wall Street got us into this mess. Let’s have some adult supervision again and pull ourselves out of it." Watch and read excerpts.

The Economic Rescue Package Was the First Step; We Have to Do More: At a press conference on Monday, Hillary told reporters:

"The rescue package passed last week was a crucial first step to prevent the economic troubles from deepening, but now we need to focus on helping Americans who are feeling the crunch of this economic crisis and get our economy back on the right track."

This week, Hillary continued promoting specific initiatives to ease the credit crunch and prevent additional job losses and other economic challenges from hitting Main Street:

* An E-Trust program protecting taxpayers by making transactions transparent

* Homeowners Mortgage Enterprise (HOME), modeled after the Great Depression-era Homeowners Loan Corporation (HOLC), to rewrite mortgages and reset terms so that creditworthy families would be able to keep their homes and make affordable payments

* The Emergency Stabilization Fund to make emergency loans and establish temporary lines of credit for small businesses, schools, and to help stabilize municipal bonds.

* Pressure on the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) to approve a grant to allow New York State to assess the impact of the ongoing economic crisis on jobs in the region and plan a strategic response.

In recent days, McCain has "inaccurately compar[ed] his mortgage buy-up plan to the one proposed earlier this year by" HRC: "It's wrong to suggest the new McCain plan is what Senator Clinton proposed ," said Clinton spokesperson Kathleen Strand. "She and Senator Obama are focused on helping struggling homeowners and holding bank lenders responsible. . . Senator McCain's new plan calls for bailing out and rewarding irresponsible bank and mortgage lenders, while sticking taxpayers with the bill." Read more.

"Clinton Urges Women Not To Vote For Palin:" Clinton responds directly to a Westchester Journal News’ inquiry about Governor Sarah Palin as VP. Read more.

"I think that there are people who are excited by the fact that the Republicans have a woman on the ticket. I think that's a legitimate reason to be excited...The Democrats did it in 1984, Republicans got around to doing it in 2008. And there's reason for people to see that as a real milestone.

"But that's not a reason to vote for the McCain-Palin ticket. You have to ask yourself, who is going to be better for you and your family? And in New York it's not even close. We will have such a better future if we have Democratic leadership back in the White House."

HRC at HRC: Filling in for Senator Biden Saturday, Hillary spoke at the Human Rights Campaign dinner where she "called McCain a 'mimic' of Bush, not a maverick." Read the AP story.

USA Today Must Read: Clinton goes to bat for Obama and party. Read more.

Hitting the Battleground Airwaves: On Thursday, Hillary hit the airwaves for a round of early vote interviews for Senator Obama and U.S. Senate candidate Kay Hagan in the battleground state North Carolina.

Mark Woodson (WECU, Greenville, NC): Senator Clinton, I know you have been crisscrossing the country campaigning for Senator Obama and other Democrats. Why is this election so important?

Hillary Clinton: This is such a turning point election. It is historic, unprecedented, it would have been in any event - but the recent downturn in the economy has brought it home to everyone.

You can’t turn away and ignore what is happening to jobs and incomes and home ownership and your bank accounts and your retirement accounts. It’s so important that we elect leadership that will be able to solve these problems. And that’s why I’m working so hard for Senator Obama - because he will bring the kind of leadership of competence and confidence and optimism that we desperately desperately need in our country. Full transcript here.

In the HillPAC spotlight this week: "Valuable Allies" - Eric Massa, Rick Noriega and John Boccieri

HillPAC released an email today from Hillary:

"John, Eric, and Rick aren't just great friends -- they're great leaders. They are honored veterans who will be valuable allies to Barack Obama and Joe Biden in Congress."

Visit www.hillpac.com for more information

West Virginia & Arkansas: Today, Hillary traveled to Charleston, WV where she endorsed Anne Barth at a rally. Later in the afternoon, Hillary held a rally for Obama-Biden and the Arkansas Democratic Party on the Capitol Steps in Little Rock.

Terry Unplugged...in Virginia: This Monday, over 300 students, activists, and organizers gathered in HillPAC's Virginia headquarters to join Terry McAuliffe, Maria Cardona and Minyon Moore for "Terry Unplugged: A Campaign 2008 Update." Read more and see photos here.

“There is no way to rebuild this economy without rebuilding the middle class.” – Joe Biden

Joe Biden held a rally in Springfield, Missouri this morning, his fourth event in two days in the Show Me State. Three thousand enthusiastic folks gathered in the sunshine at Jordan Valley Park to hear Joe speak.

In this clip, Joe talks about some of the fundamental differences on economic policy between the candidates:

Peter Rubi
October 10, 2008
Springfield, Missouri

Michelle Obama will be speaking at the DNC Women's Leadership Forum and the Women for Obama Issues Conference tonight. The event will be livestreamed on the Women for Obama blog at 6:40pm EST.

Michelle Obama will be speaking at the DNC Women's Leadership Forum and the Women for Obama Issues Conference tonight. The event will be livestreamed on the Women for Obama blog at 6:40pm EST.

This Monday, October 13th, please join Joe Biden in Manchester, where he will talk about Barack's vision for creating the kind of change we need.

Community Gathering with Joe Biden
Southern New Hampshire University Athletics & Recreation Complex Field House

2500 N. River Road
Manchester, NH

Monday, October 13th
Doors Open: 11:30 a.m. Program Begins: 1:30 p.m.

Get Your Tickets HERE

This Monday, October 13th, please join Joe Biden in Manchester, where he will talk about Barack's vision for creating the kind of change we need.

Community Gathering with Joe Biden
Southern New Hampshire University Athletics & Recreation Complex Field House

2500 N. River Road
Manchester, NH

Monday, October 13th
Doors Open: 11:30 a.m. Program Begins: 1:30 p.m.

Get Your Tickets HERE

The Campaign for Change just released the following statement:

Manchester, New Hampshire

Former Vermont Governor and current Chairman of the Democratic National Committee, Howard Dean, will return to New Hampshire this Monday for a voter registration drive at Keene State College, a community event with students at Dartmouth College and a Democratic Coordinated Campaign phone bank in Concord.

“Governor Dean will speak to students, faculty, and Keene community members about the importance of registering to vote this election year” said Sandra Abrevaya, New Hampshire Communications Director. “The stakes in this election are too high for young voters to sit this one out. Whether the issue is reviving our faltering economy, decreasing our dependence on foreign oil, or making higher education affordable to all, Senator Obama and Senator Biden will deliver the change New Hampshire needs.”

“Governor Dean will lay out the very clear choice that New Hampshire students and families have this November between six more years of the failed economic polices of the Bush-Sununu years, or a new direction with Jeanne Shaheen and Barack Obama,” said Kate Bedingfield, communications director for Jeanne Shaheen for Senate. “In addition to talking with students, he will also visit a Democratic Coordinated Campaign phone bank in Concord to join people who are on the phones with New Hampshire voters spreading the message of change on behalf of Barack Obama, Jeanne Shaheen and Democrats up and down the ticket. On November 4th, people across New Hampshire will have the opportunity to stand up, make their voices heard and demand real change.”

The New Hampshire Campaign for Change is engaging students and young voters across New Hampshire and will continue to do so in the remaining weeks. Granite Staters interested in doing their part to elect Sen. Obama, Sen. Biden, Jeanne Shaheen and Democrats up and down the ticket can visit nh.barackobama.com and www.jeanneshaheen.org to find their local office and get involved.

Sign up now to volunteer at http://MN.barackobama.com

Author: BarackObamadotcom
Keywords: barack obama grassroots volunteer canvassing
Added: October 10, 2008

Dear Anne Marie,

My name is John Hutson. I'm a retired United States Navy rear admiral. Until recently, I was a lifelong Republican. This year, I'm voting as a Democrat and supporting Barack Obama for President.

Now I need your help. I need you to send this video to five undecided voters right now:

The Republican Party I once knew is long gone -- replaced by John McCain's negative campaign, with its Karl Rove smear tactics and the failed politics of fear that John McCain decried in the 2000 Republican primary. These politics disgusted me then, and I'm disgusted now.

Barack Obama has proven to me that he's the only candidate who can unite this country and solve our challenges based not on one party's affiliation or ideology, but on common principles.

It's time to cast aside the politics and divisiveness of the past and elect someone who won't tax our health care benefits, who will address the economic crisis with good judgment, and who will restore our standing in the world.

http://NH.BarackObama.com/HutsonVideo

New Hampshire has always led the way in bringing change to America -- by supporting leaders who show good judgment and independent thinking.

In this election, Barack Obama is that leader. Let's lead the way again.

Thanks,

Here are some design's that supporters have sent us to showcase VoteforChange.com.

Some states have already passed the date where you can register to vote, but other states still have deadlines coming up or no deadlines at all. Which means there is still time to register. 

And if your state already had their deadline, you can use VoteforChange.com to look up your early vote location or print out your absentee ballot. You can use VoteforChange.com every day between now and election day. Visit the site today and make sure everyone you know uses it.

Barack Obama supports allowing senior citizens to delay withdrawals from 401(k)s, and believes we don’t have to wait for Congress to act to provide seniors with these protections. He’s calling on the Treasury Secretary to temporarily suspend Treasury regulations and allow seniors to delay these withdrawals. He also hopes that Senator McCain will reconsider his ill-advised support for Social Security privatization, which suffers from the very same problem he is now trying to solve since it would potentially force seniors to retire when the market is down and their retirement accounts have disappeared. Senator Obama also calls on Senator McCain to support his new small business rescue plan that will extend badly-needed credit and tax relief to the men and women who are creating jobs in this troubled economy.

Here are the details:

"Last Chance for Change" Rally and Canvass Kickoff
with Justin Timberlake
Clark County Amphitheater
500 South Grand Central Parkway
Las Vegas, NV

Saturday, October 11th
Doors open: 10:00 a.m.

Click here to RSVP for the Justin Timberlake rally and canvass kickoff.

Don't miss out on one of your last chances to register to vote.There are only a few days left before the deadline, so bring your friends and get registered at the rally.

Following the rally, volunteers will be going door-to-door to talk to voters. Canvass packets may be picked up at regularly scheduled events or at the rally.

Amanda --

In Tuesday night's debate, John McCain blasted off another round of half-baked schemes to fix the current financial crisis.

It comes as no surprise that his latest erratic solution -- his third in as many weeks -- would bury middle-class homeowners.

The shocking part is how wildly the proposal changed overnight. After editing, a plan to help homeowners became a plan to give handouts to irresponsible lenders.

Lip service like this won't help homeowners keep their investments, and it won't change the policies that helped create the current crisis.

Watch our latest ad now and tell everyone you know how dangerous McCain's plans are for homeowners:

Under McCain's plan, the government would buy up deeply devalued mortgages at full face value -- essentially guaranteeing a loss of billions for taxpayers. Even worse, it puts Americans at risk of losing even more money if home values don't rapidly recover.

The only winners in McCain's mess are lenders who have gotten fat off of the unscrupulous and predatory business practices that are sinking middle-class families.

John McCain won't tell homeowners the truth about his risky proposals. Watch our ad, then share it with other homeowners who would be hurt by McCain's erratic plans.

Barack Obama firmly opposes McCain's scheme because it hurts homeowners -- the very people any solution must be focused on helping.

In these uncertain times, American families can't afford to gamble on unsteady leadership.

Keep fighting the good fight,

Obama Action Wire

The Obama Action Wire is a grassroots rapid response group for supporters to fight smears, spread the truth, push back on misleading media, and take positive action. Sign up for the Obama Action Wire now.

Joe Biden talks about McCain lurching from one position to another on the economy. In Springfield, Missouri, October 8, 2008.

Author: BarackObamadotcom
Keywords: Joe Biden Springfield Missouri
Added: October 10, 2008

Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton is a remarkable person who has lived life large as an intelligent, strong and caring person.

I decided that I would simply enjoy the experience of being in a political bubble for a day, stress free because I would not have to be on game like everyone else. As a supporter, I did not want to act like a fan, but then I decided it was OK to exhibit fan-like behavior (pictures and an autograph of her book), so that I could show my grandchildren. I want them to grow up knowing Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton’s story because, for one, I think she represents the highest level of feminism of our generation.
Her staff was very attentive, but I was really surprised when she went out of her way to engage my son and me in conversations during her very active day. It was a very long day for her, and yet, after the fundraising dinner, she took us into a private den area and talked with my son and me alone.

Senator Clinton is truly amazing on so many levels and I can’t help but believe that she will achieve even more greatness as she continues her journey, wherever it takes her. I was so lucky to have won this opportunity to spend some time with her and will always remember how splendid she was, whether thanking her Hispanic supporters, speaking at a high powered fundraising dinner or making space and time to know my son and myself on a more personal level.

 

Not only did Leslie and Chris get to meet Hillary, but also Senator John Kerry!

Last Thursday Colorado State Director Ray Rivera, Senator Ken Salazar, Senator Amy Klobuchar and former Colorado Governor Roy Romer spoke on a special conference call with Neighbor to Neigbhor users about the importance that these conversations can have in battleground states. 

Former Governor Roy Roymer explained:

"I know Colorado real well. We can win this state. But right now, we need to reach everybody that we can, and that's why your calls are so critical... Colorado is the kind of state that can go either way. A sincere call from somebody out of state will be very effective. Your help is critical... Colorado could be the difference in this election."

If you ever the doubted the importance of each and every call, listen to this clip below from Thursday's conference call:

In a race this close, every conversation matters. The way we win is by engaging more people in real conversations about the issues and letting them know about Barack’s message of change. It’s as simple as that.

So pick up the phone and make your voice heard.

You can amplify your impact by hosting a phonebank party from your house. It's easy to do -- our online host guide has all the information and tips that you'll need.

Voters are hungry for change and they want to know what the candidates plan to do about the issues that affect them most – like healthcare, the economy and the price of gas. You can be the one to let them know about Barack's plans, and the difference this election can make in their lives.

NEW PROPOSAL: While the financial market rescue plan is designed to unfreeze credit which will indirectly benefit small businesses, Obama recognizes that small businesses need direct and immediate access to capital now. Today he is calling for a Small Business Rescue Plan to help small firms get the loans the need to conduct day-to-day operating expenses, undertake short-term investments, and meet payrolls. The plan will use the tools we have available through the Small Business Administration to aggressively extend credit to struggling firms, while providing tax cuts for small businesses to encourage job creation. With small businesses responsible for more than two-thirds of new job creation, this plan is vital to stemming job losses and turning our economy around. 

Obama’s small business plan includes:

• A Nationwide Emergency Lending Facility for Small Businesses
• Expanding Small Business Administration Guarantees to Encourage Private Lending to Small Businesses
• Temporary tax incentives to encourage small businesses to invest in jobs

In addition, Senator Obama has previously proposed:

• Zero capital gains rate for investment in small businesses
• Cut Taxes for the Vast Majority of Small Businesses
• Create New Small Business Health Tax Credit

Read the full press release outlining Senator Obama's plan in detail . . .

"We meet at a moment of great uncertainty for America" - Sen. Barack Obama

Throughout his current bus tour through Ohio, Barack has been joined by Governor Ted Strickland and Senator Sherrod Brown. When you travel the country as frequently as Barack it's nice to see familiar faces, and very often these folks who know Barack so well introduce him at events. But today after the Senator and Governor spoke, a young man from Chillicothe took the stage. Not a politician, just an average American trying to make it through these tough economic times. His name was Matt Kendall.

In Chillicothe, like many places in Ohio, the economy has been struggling for a long time. Matt has been laid off several times since 2001 and is currently looking for a job. He lost his job at the Mead paper plant alongside a lot of other folks. He was let go from the Kenworth truck company when they hit a financial rough spot. Kenworth was able to help Matt attend nursing school, but 10 weeks before he graduated he took another job, badly needing the income. The mortgage and other bills piling up just became too much. It is hard to do the things you know you need to do to get ahead, when daily life becomes so demanding. People like Matt know this all too well. They aren't looking for a handout but they are looking for help up.

After Matt's introduction, it was Barack's turn. He laid out his plans to help America recover from this crisis and prosper again.

Watch this clip of the speech and remember to make sure you are registered to vote on November 4th:

Arun Chaudhary
October 10th 2008
Chillicothe, OH

Barack Obama spoke about the economy in Chillicothe, Ohio on October 10, 2008.

Author: BarackObamadotcom
Keywords: Barack Obama Economy Chillicothe Ohio
Added: October 10, 2008

Nadia of South Florida is a single parent who was recently laid off when her company needed to start downsizing.  Even with two college degrees, she has had difficulty trying to get a job.

For Nadia, Barack’s message of change has been inspiring her to keep going and work hard for a better future for her 8 year old daughter, Ramya.

I’ve followed his campaign closely every day.  He’s visited twice close to my home here in South Florida, and I had the privilege to go to both.  You get a renewed sense of hope seeing all these people coming together.  I took my daughter, and to have her see this part of history is so wonderful.  …I waited an hour and a half last time in the hot sun, but it was worth it.  What really got me was this older woman, she said ‘I’m so inspired,’ and for her to believe that we can still turn this country around really meant a lot to me.

Nadia sees the struggling economy as a clear reason why we need to bring real change in the way we approach some fundamental issues.

I’m unemployed, so Barack is definitely geared toward the things I worry about - creating jobs, improving health care and education.  With this economic crisis, it affects me personally, because my company had to scale back.  So, you learn how to make due with the little that you have, but I believe that yes we can make things better.  Once Barack is the President, we can stand up again, and be as strong as we were before.

The Obama-Biden plan will create new federal policies, and expand existing ones, that have been proven to create new American jobs. Obama and Biden will create a federal Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) that will require 25 percent of American electricity be derived from renewable sources by 2025, which has the potential to create hundreds of thousands of new jobs on its own. Obama and Biden will also extend the Production Tax Credit, a credit used successfully by American farmers and investors to increase renewable energy production and create new local jobs.

Nadia has been doing what she can to help the campaign, such as getting everyone in her family registered to vote and setting up a personal fundraising page.

I do send money, even if it’s 10 or 15 dollars.  It’s my small part of helping out the overall goal.  I have a personal fundraising page too, and I check it periodically.  I’ve raised 65 dollars so far, with a target of 150 dollars.

Find out how you can get involved today and join this grassroots movement for change.  Sign up to use our Neighbor to Neighbor tool, set up a personal fundraising page, and remember to register to vote before the deadline in your state.  We need everyone to do their part to help bring real change to America and elect Barack Obama the next President.

At the birthplace of the Republican Party in Ripon Wisconsin, Dr. Robert Newton talks about why he's voting Democrat this year. Visit http://WI.barackobama.com to get involved in Wisconsin today.

Author: BarackObamadotcom
Keywords: barack obama republican switcher economy health care john mccain
Added: October 10, 2008

At the birthplace of the Republican Party in Ripon Wisconsin, Dr. Robert Newton talks about why he's voting Democrat this year. Visit http://WI.barackobama.com to get involved in Wisconsin today.

Author: BarackObamadotcom
Keywords: barack obama republican switcher economy health care john mccain
Added: October 10, 2008

This week our Vote Early RV hit the road to stop off on campus’ and other locations across the state and we’ve already talked to hundreds of Iowans about the ways that they can spread the word and get more early votes for Barack.

One of the best ways to make a difference is to encourage more people to vote early—and it’s more effective if your friends, family, and neighbors hear from you.  Encourage them to visit www.voteforchange.com – it’s  a quick one-stop resource to find an early voting location near you.

If you have already encouraged people you know to visit www.voteforchange.com, you can start making calls to neighbors who you haven’t met yet with our new neighbor to neighbor tool. We provide the scripts and the names and numbers to call—you can even report your results online.  Click here to start making calls right now—every single person you talk to can be another vote for Barack.

And of course… if you haven’t voted early for change yet--- FIND YOUR EARLY VOTE LOCATION RIGHT NOW!

This Thursday, October 16th, at 7:30pm EDT, South Carolina supporters are encouraged to join an official conference call with campaign staffers to learn more about Neighbor to Neighbor and how they can make a huge impact for Barack in this historic election.

In addition to learning the basics of Neighbor to Neighbor, you wil hear from special guests who will talk about our ground game in the battleground states you'll be calling into.

We'll be doing a conference call and a webinar (an online seminar), so you can follow along with the training on your own computer and ask questions. Don't worry though if you're not able to join the webinar - you can still listen in on the conference call!

Here are the details:

Phone Number: 718-709-0655

Access Code:   691-398-977


If you can join us for the webinar, RSVP now:

http://my.barackobama.com/webinar13



I hope you can join us!

If you can't make this special conference call, learn more about Neighbor to Neighbor by watching these training videos. Then, make sure you are signed up so you can start making calls as soon as possible. Every call plays a part in this campaign and puts us one step closer to our goal in November.

Barack continued his American Jobs Tour in Ohio today with a rally in Chillicothe. He spoke to the attendees about the economic crisis and encouraged them that if we work together we can get through this tough time.

I know these are difficult times. I know folks are worried. But I believe that we can steer ourselves out of this crisis because I believe in this country. Because this is the United States of America.  This is a nation that has faced down war and depression; great challenges and great threats.  And at each and every moment, we have risen to meet these challenges – not as Democrats, not as Republicans, but as Americans.  With resolve.  With courage. 

We have seen our share of hard times. The American story has never been about things coming easy – it’s been about rising to the moment when the moment is hard; about rejecting panicked division for purposeful unity; about seeing a mountaintop from the deepest valley. That’s why we remember that some of the most famous words ever spoken by an American came from a President who took office in a time of turmoil – “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.”

Now is not the time for fear. Now is not the time for panic. Now is the time for resolve and steady leadership. We can meet this moment. We can come together to restore confidence in the American economy. We can renew that fundamental belief – that in America, our destiny is not written for us, but by us.  That’s who we are, and that’s the country we need to be right now.
 
America still has the most talented, most productive workers of any country on Earth. You know this, Ohio. We’re home to the workers who have built the largest middle class in history. We’re home to workers who work two jobs or three jobs and take the last b