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Video: Strategy Update from David Plouffe
Obama for America Blog - Tue, 09/07/2010 - 15:14
David Plouffe sat down at OFA headquarters recently and recorded a special Vote 2010 campaign strategy update for supporters.
In his video, Plouffe lays out where we are now and what’s in store for the next 56 days before November 2nd.
Watch:
In an email just sent out to supporters, Plouffe writes:
Republicans believe they have a lot of reasons to feel optimistic this fall.
They have made it clear what their goal is -- take control of the Senate and the House of Representatives, and roll back everything we've accomplished so far. Of the hundreds of races, control of both chambers could come down to just a few key contests decided by a handful of votes.
That's where you come in. Barack Obama was only elected president because of the work that you did -- and we'll only be able to keep moving America forward if we work together to do it again.
To fund this ambitious effort, we're going to need everyone to chip in what they can to help move our country forward this November. Watch David Plouffe's update and donate $5 or more to help fund Vote 2010.
DFL Video: The Wait Continues
Minnesota DFL News - Tue, 09/07/2010 - 13:00
Tom Emmer continues to stall, refuses to provide details about plans for Minnesota
ST. PAUL (September 7, 2010) - After months of waiting for any evidence of a plan from Tom Emmer, Minnesotans are still waiting. Yesterday, the GOP candidate for governor called a press conference to discuss his "jobs agenda," but provided no details. Instead, Emmer said he'd release more information later, but then once again refused to provide a hard timeline.
"And so the wait continues. Minnesotans still don't have a plan from Tom Emmer, all they have is his promise to cut taxes for his corporate donors and add another $626 million to the budget deficit," said DFL spokesperson Donald McFarland. "We won't let up until Tom Emmer has said exactly what he's going to do to Minnesota. The voters deserve to know."
The DFL Party released this web video taking Minnesotans through the long wait for Tom Emmer's plans:
Related to: Tom Emmer Political District Tags Statewide office: Governor
The Fight for America’s Workers
Obama for America Blog - Tue, 09/07/2010 - 11:52
President Obama visited Milwaukee yesterday, where he spoke to some of the hard-working men and women of the labor movement, folks who helped build "America into the greatest force of prosperity and opportunity and freedom that the world has ever known," as the President said.
Working men and women secured so much of what we take for granted today, the President explained—the 40-hour work week, the minimum wage, family leave, health insurance, Social Security, Medicare, retirement plans.
And while these folks are no strangers to a fight, today working families are facing a number of serious challenges and have had to work even harder to stay above board.
The President told the crowd that he is more committed than ever to turning our economy around and putting folks back to work.
“I am going to keep fighting every single day, every single hour, every single minute, to turn this economy around and put people back to work and renew the American Dream, not just for your family, not just for all our families, but for future generations. That I can guarantee you.”
The President also used his speech to announce a new plan to create jobs by rebuilding America’s roads, rails, and airport runways:
“Over the next six years, we are going to rebuild 150,000 miles of our roads -– that’s enough to circle the world six times. That’s a lot of road. We’re going to lay and maintain 4,000 miles of our railways –- enough to stretch coast to coast. We’re going to restore 150 miles of runways....
This will not only create jobs immediately, it’s also going to make our economy hum over the long haul. It’s a plan that history tells us can and should attract bipartisan support. It’s a plan that says even in the aftermath of the worst recession in our lifetimes, America can still shape our own destiny. We can still move this country forward. We can still leave our children something better. We can still leave them something that lasts.
So these are the things we’ve been working for. These are some of the victories you guys have helped us achieve. And we’re not finished. We’ve got a lot more progress to make. And I’m confident we will.
But even as the President and Democrats in Congress fight to create jobs, some Republicans in Washington have said ‘no’ at every turn:
“When it comes to just about everything we’ve done to strengthen our middle class, to rebuild our economy, almost every Republican in Congress says no. Even on things we usually agree on, they say no. If I said the sky was blue, they say no. If I said fish live in the sea, they’d say no. They just think it’s better to score political points before an election than to solve problems. So they said no to help for small businesses, even when the small businesses said we desperately need this. This used to be their key constituency, they said. They said no. No to middle-class tax cuts. They say they’re for tax cuts; I say, okay, let’s give tax cuts to the middle class. No. No to clean energy jobs. No to making college more affordable. No to reforming Wall Street. They’re saying right now, no to cutting more taxes for small business owners and helping them get financing.
You know, I heard -- somebody out here was yelling “Yes we can.” Remember that was our slogan? Their slogan is “No we can’t.” No, no, no, no.
AUDIENCE: Yes we can! Yes we can! Yes we can!
THE PRESIDENT: I mean, I personally think “Yes we can” is more inspiring than “No we can’t.” To steal a line from our old friend Ted Kennedy: What is it about working men and women that they find so offensive?
President Obama closed by letting everyone know that from now until November, he is going to continue making the case that we need to keep working together to keep making progress: In Milwaukee, that means supporting candidates like Tom Barrett, Gwen Moore, Russ Feingold, and Herb Kohl—or around the country, local Democrats fighting to make sure the economy works for all Americans. Connect with Organizing for America in your state to find out how to get involved in the next two months before Election Day.
Vote 2010 News: "Elections are comparisons"
Obama for America Blog - Tue, 09/07/2010 - 10:15
With Labor Day marking the traditional beginning of fall campaign season, more and more folks are tuning in to this year's competitive races. Tomorrow DNC Chairman Tim Kaine will speak in Philadelphia on the choice voters face at the polls this November and how OFA and grassroots Democrats can help make the difference in close races around the country. To preview his speech, the Philadelphia Inquirer highlighted OFA’s door-to-door push in the state's top-tier campaigns this year:
"Elections are comparisons," Democratic National Committee chairman Tim Kaine said in an interview. The former Virginia governor plans to visit Philadelphia on Wednesday for an event launching the party's fall campaign, in a state that features seven competitive House contests and wide-open races for senator and governor.
Kaine argued that tea party activists have pulled the GOP too far to the right in some cases, with some Republican-nominated candidates in favor of privatizing Social Security, ruling unemployment benefits unconstitutional, and seeking to eliminate corporate taxes.
"There are some extreme candidates on the Republican side," Kaine said. "That gives us great opportunities, race by race."...
Organizing for America, the Obama campaign arm, has been running for more than three years, establishing personal connections that move turnout. Its volunteers have made multiple trips to the same houses in districts across the country, reminding Obama supporters of the importance of voting in 2010.
"We really believe in field politics," Kaine said.
On a recent Saturday, a group of Democratic canvassers, including Sixth District House candidate Manan Trivedi, knocked on Eric Gooden's door on Walnut Street in Ardmore.
Gooden, 24, voted for the first time in 2008, for Obama, and the campaigners told him his vote was needed now more than ever - for Trivedi and the party's candidates for senator and governor. Gooden took their offered literature and said he probably would go to the polls.
"I haven't really been paying attention," said Gooden, a restaurant worker. "I'm too busy to think about politics when I'm working every day."
If the Democrats' plan works as designed, a volunteer is sure to be back to remind him.
When Chairman Kaine speaks tomorrow on November's elections, you can watch live online at 12:30 p.m. Eastern Time. RSVP here.
Emmer Fails to Deliver…Again
Minnesota DFL News - Mon, 09/06/2010 - 14:53
Tom Emmer tries to buy more time with vague proposal to cut taxes for corporations and add more than $600 million to budget deficit
St. Paul (September 6, 2010) - This afternoon, after stalling for months, Tom Emmer held a press conference discuss his "jobs agenda." But the GOP candidate for governor provided no details, said he'd release more information later, and then refused to provide a timeline.
"Once again, it's all smoke and mirrors with Tom Emmer and Minnesotans still don't have a tangible plan from this out of touch candidate," said DFL spokesperson Kristin Sosanie. "All Tom Emmer did today was propose more tax cuts for corporations and add another $626 million to the state budget deficit."
"This so-called ‘jobs agenda' had no specifics on how much would be saved by his cuts, no indication of how Emmer would address the looming budget deficit and no explanation of how Tom Emmer would actually create jobs in Minnesota," Sosanie said. "This press conference was just another effort by Tom Emmer to buy himself time because he has no real plan to move Minnesota forward. So, the wait continues."
Emmer held the press conference with Permac Industries, a Burnsville based company who was aided by the Recovery Act funding that Emmer has vehemently opposed.
Related to: Tom Emmer Political District Tags Statewide office: Governor
Labor Day
Obama for America Blog - Mon, 09/06/2010 - 10:21
This Labor Day, as we spend time with family and friends and enjoy barbeques and a day off of work, it’s important to remember the holiday we are commemorating.
Labor Day grew out of the 1800s labor movement and is dedicated to honoring the achievements of America’s working men and women.
First organized by the Central Labor Union and comprised of a demonstration and picnic, the original Labor Day was celebrated in New York on Tuesday, September 5, 1882. By 1884 the first Monday in September had been designated the holiday, and the Central Labor Union encouraged similar organizations across the country to join New York in celebrating a "workingmen's holiday" on that date. The idea spread with the growth of labor organizations, and in 1885 Labor Day was celebrated in many industrial centers in the United States.
Within 10 years, more than 20 states had adopted the holiday to honor workers, and on June 28, 1894, Congress made the first Monday in September a holiday in the District of Columbia and the territories.
This year, 128 years after the first Labor Day, let’s take a moment to consider a few of the recent steps that President Obama and Democrats in Congress have taken on behalf of America’s workers—and for those who are currently out of work:
- The administration took important steps to fight gender discrimination in the workplace by signing the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act into law.
- According to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, once the Affordable Care Act is fully implemented, 95 percent of American workers will have health insurance through their jobs—an increase of 10 percent from current rates.
- President Obama created the cabinet-level White House Task Force on Middle Class—chaired by the Vice President—to improve the living standards of those families. (You can learn more about the task force and administration proposals and achievements here (PDF).
- The Recovery Act included tax relief for working people and invested in job creation, education, health care, and infrastructure across the country.
In his Labor Day presidential proclamation, President Obama highlighted the progress made by and on behalf of American workers—even in the face of economic challenges:
“To rebuild our economy, my administration is focusing on job training and investing in industries that cannot be outsourced. By focusing on recovery at home, we are saving or creating millions of jobs in America and supporting the working men and women who will drive our 21st-century economy. More remains to be done, but we have taken important steps forward toward recovery.
“American workers have always been ready to roll up their sleeves, clock in, and earn an honest living. That steady determination is why I have confidence in the American economy and confidence that we can overcome the challenges we face. There is no greater example of our country's resolve and resilience than that of our workers. As we celebrate Labor Day, we honor those who have advanced our nation's strength and prosperity—American workers.”
Honoring Our Nation’s Workers
Minnesota DFL News - Mon, 09/06/2010 - 09:34
ST. PAUL (September 6, 2010) - Today, the DFL Party praised the men and women of organized Labor and celebrated the Labor movement, which has helped people of every economic status and every walk of life. State Chair Brian Melendez released this statement:
"Each year on Labor Day, we honor our nation's workers and their contribution to our country. For decades, the Labor movement has fought for fairness in the workplace and served those we depend on - our workers. Especially during these difficult economic times, organized labor is an important part of rebuilding our economy.
"The Labor movement is responsible for things that most people take for granted: eight-hour workdays, occupational-safety standards, retirement security, the minimum wage - all accomplishments that have made our nation a better place for working families and helped so many realize the American dream. The DFL Party is proud to stand with the men and women of organized labor. On the Party's behalf, I honor and thank the men and women of organized Labor and their unions."
Spoiler Alert: Tom Emmer to Hold Press Conference at Company Saved by the Recovery Act Funding He Opposes
Minnesota DFL News - Mon, 09/06/2010 - 09:18
ST. PAUL (September 6, 2010) - This afternoon, Tom Emmer will hold a press conference to discuss his "Jobs Agenda" at Permac Industries in Burnsville, Minnesota. There's just one problem - if Tom Emmer had had his way, there wouldn't be many workers left at Permac Industries.
Permac Industries makes precision-machined parts and experienced significant losses during the economic slowdown, losing 40 percent in sales in 2009. According to news reports, the business owners did not want to lay off their workers, but could not afford to keep them on. That is until they received funding from the federal Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which Tom Emmer has vehemently opposed.
With the Recovery Act funding, Permac Industries was able to keep its employees on and actually hire new workers during the economic downturn. Now, their business has recovered and the demand for their parts has returned. But if Tom Emmer had had his way, Permac Industries would not have received the necessary funding, could not have created jobs, and would not be a success story today.
Background:
Tom Emmer has been an outspoken opponent of federal funding, especially the Recovery Act, which created and saved jobs at Permac Industries.
"Putting out a bunch of empty buckets in hopes of catching dollars raining down from Washington; that isn't leadership, that's desperation because you have no new ideas of your own." [Emmer State House office press release, 01/22/2009]
"Our citizens, our taxpayers and especially our business owners deserve better..." [Emmer State House office press release, 01/22/2009]
"We will ask them how government hinders their efforts, and how government can help. Not through phony ‘stimulus,' but through enabling them where we can, and getting out of the way when we must." [Emmer press release, 07/05/10]
Permac Industries was struggling in 2009 until they received the Federal stimulus funding and were able to keep their workers employed.
"The move by manufacturers to do more work in-house has hurt some businesses that have been suppliers. Permac Industries, a Burnsville-based company that makes precision-machined parts for a variety of industries, saw its sales fall about 40 percent in 2009 partly because customers were doing more of that work themselves, said CEO Darlene Miller. She said she knows of other precision parts makers that experienced the same drop-off in business. At Permac it occurred mostly with customers that previously ordered parts for hydraulic systems used in construction and off-road equipment, she said." [Star Tribune, 08/07/10]
"Miller's customers told her they were taking the work in-house to keep their employees occupied at a time when the overall level of manufacturing activity was down. "They figured [the recession] would be short-term, and they didn't want to lay off people," she said. Much of that business has since come back to Permac, she said. So far this year Permac's sales are up about 30 percent from 2009." [Star Tribune, 08/07/10]
Because of Recovery Act funding, Permac Industries was able to keep its workers and actually hire additional employees.
"The subsidized jobs program has provided us with a wonderful way to identify dedicated and dependable workers like Royal," said Permac Industries President Darlene Miller. Permac Industries has hired five employees through the jobs program, expanding Miller's business while training candidates for unsubsidized positions. These employees, in turn, are developing the experience needed to increase their financial independence." [Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, 09/02/10]
"Based on positive reviews from his manager, Bissonette was offered another subsidized position at Permac Industries, a precision manufacturing company in Burnsville. Through participation in the subsidized transitional work program, Bissonette gained valuable job skills, paving the way to a more permanent position at Permac Industries." [Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, 09/02/10]
"Without additional funding, employers like Permac Industries will lose the support that has made hiring workers like Bissonette possible in the midst of a difficult economic climate." [Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, 09/02/10]
Weekly Address: Honoring the American Worker
Obama for America Blog - Sat, 09/04/2010 - 08:43
"On Monday, we celebrate Labor Day. It’s a chance to get together with family and friends, to throw some food on the grill, and have a good time. But it’s also a day to honor the American worker – to reaffirm our commitment to the great American middle class that has, for generations, made our economy the envy of the world.
...This Labor Day, we are reminded that we didn’t become the most prosperous country in the world by rewarding greed and recklessness. We did it by rewarding hard work and responsibility. We did it by recognizing that we rise or we fall together as one nation – one people – all of us vested in one another. That is how we have succeeded in the past. And that is how we will not only rebuild this economy, but rebuild it stronger than ever before."
Doing What's Best for Small Businesses
Obama for America Blog - Fri, 09/03/2010 - 12:47
"This piece of legislation is good for workers, it's good for small business people, it's good for our economy. And yet, Republicans in the Senate have blocked this bill -- a needless delay that has led small business owners across the country to put off hiring, put off expanding and put off plans that will make our economy stronger." – President Obama
Today the President called on members of Congress to immediately pass a small business bill that has been held up by Senate Republicans.
New jobs numbers released this morning show that while we’re continuing to make progress on the economy—adding 67,000 private sector jobs in the 8th consecutive month of growth—businesses and workers are still hurting.
Loans for small businesses under the Recovery Act have successfully helped create jobs, but funds ran out in May. The Small Business Jobs Act would mean that more than 1,000 small businesses waiting for loans would be able to receive them.
Small Business Administrator Karen Mills explained on the White House blog:
Not only will the bill immediately help thousands of small business owners get access to capital, but it will also raise the limit on SBA loans from $2 million to $5 million, helping high-growth small firms who are ready to expand, franchisees who want to open a new location, and exporters who need to ramp up to meet a big order from abroad.
And on top of that, the bill has $12 billion in tax cuts for small businesses, including accelerated depreciation, eliminating capital gains on small business investments, and doubling the deduction for start-ups. It’s fully paid for and both the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the National Federation of Independent Businesses have praised the legislation.
In other words, this is a strong bill. It has broad support. It will give taxpayers a big bang for their buck. And, it will benefit thousands of entrepreneurs and small business owners across the country, including the more than 1,000 who are right now waiting to get an SBA Recovery loan.
“This is too important”
Obama for America Blog - Fri, 09/03/2010 - 10:19
For OFA volunteers, this year's elections are just too important--and there's too much at stake--not to get involved. During last week's Moving America Forward Day of Action, thousands of supporters came out and knocked on more than 200,000 doors, talking with voters about the choices they'll face this November.
Pima Community College student Joseu woke up at 4:00 a.m. for cross country practice and still made time to reach out to first-time 2008 voters, saying he wanted “to be a part of the change Arizona needs”
“One volunteer, Kathy, hosted a canvass for the first time. ‘You know I've always been saying 'I don't have time, I don't have time,' but today, we're here together because this agenda is too important. It's time we all step up and do our part and I'm happy to have you over today to do just that.’
Another canvasser, Gale, walked door to door and reminisced of her last foray in political organizing: marching on Washington in the 1960's in support of women's rights and the Civil Rights Act.”
And folks in Missouri came out across the state:
“In Springfield, newly returning students to Missouri State canvassed neighborhoods surrounding the college to talk to folks about the importance of voting in November. In Columbia, US Senate candidate Robin Carnahan stopped by to fire up the crowd before going out to talk to neighbors on a beautiful and breezy Saturday afternoon. Sarah S. in Kansas City kept with tradition and held her weekly canvass and phonebank. Twelve excited volunteers showed up to walk in and around midtown Kansas City to talk about the importance of voting and getting engaged for this year’s midterm elections. In North St. Louis County, eight volunteers showed up ready to talk to neighbors, and upon their return, the owner of the shop had a cake waiting decorated with the ‘Hope’ logo on it. Who knew cake went so well with bottled water?”
You don’t have to wait for the next day of action to get involved—there are events happening each day all over the country. Find one near you and join in to help keep moving our country forward this November.
Technology to Change the World
Obama for America Blog - Thu, 09/02/2010 - 13:42
I’m an iPhone developer. It can be an exciting job: there are always puzzles to solve, you meet a lot of clever people, you’re always working late and shipping yesterday—but it can quickly start to feel like a grind. How many interactive corporate brochures can a person make before starting to wonder whether technology really has the power to change the world?
That’s why I’m so excited about the project I just finished working on: today’s update to the Organizing for America iPhone app, which gives volunteers everything they need to go door to door talking with people about what’s important to them.
The app takes the usual unwieldy accouterments of canvassing—the pen and paper, clipboards, and lists of voters—and puts them all on your mobile phone. It lets you connect with real people wherever you are and whenever you want. It gets rid of the time-consuming process of assembling lists of houses and entering data, and makes it easier for people on the ground to focus on the things that matter: the one-on-one conversations with your neighbors. (And it makes for a pretty exciting video, too.)
For me, this is exciting in a way software seldom is: it’s technology that affects the real world, that can change the lives of the people who use it and those around them. This is why I’m a programmer.
Most importantly, I think it could have the ability to bring a little spark back to the lives of those who have become jaded by the current political scene. Too many people have become disenchanted with the idea that politics can change the world for the better. In a time when moving forward can seem too difficult to bother, this old-fashioned activity—talking to neighbors about their hopes and concerns—might help remind us that change and connection can still happen. OFA volunteers are already out there knocking on doors—more than 200,000 just last weekend—and now it’s easier than ever to join in.
My favorite Obama slogan was always “We are the change we have been waiting for.” We all still are. Get out there. Talk to your friends, to your neighbors, to strangers. That change and energy is still all around us, even if it can be sometimes a little hard to see. But you’ll never find it if you don’t look.
If a simple iPhone app can help even one person to realize that, it’s worth all the e-brochures in the world.
Download the OFA iPhone app, get today’s canvassing update, or learn more here.
Vote 2010 News: Highlighting What's at Stake This November
Obama for America Blog - Thu, 09/02/2010 - 12:36
With two months until November’s midterm elections, Democrats are kicking off an aggressive fall campaign next week starting with appearances by DNC Chair Tim Kaine on the Daily Show and Vice President Biden on The Colbert Report. Next Wednesday, Chairman Kaine will also give a major address to highlight how Republicans would roll back all the progress we've made if they were to be put in charge this November.
The nation’s Democrats next Wednesday will kick off their fall campaign with a media blitz that will include back-to-back appearances by Democratic National Committee Chairman Tim Kaine on Jon Stewart’s “The Daily Show” and Vice President Joe Biden on “The Colbert Report.”
As workers reengage after Labor Day, Kaine will go on morning shows Wednesday to preview a major speech he plans to deliver at lunchtime in the Hall of Flags at the University of Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia.
An aide said Kaine plans “the sharpest contrast that he has made to date on the direction the country would go if Republicans got back in charge.”...
The audience for Kaine's national kickoff address will include students, activists and labor leaders.
“He’ll make a strong case for what Democrats and President Obama have done, and make an analogy to how often Americans have turned to Democrats for heavy lifting in tough times,” the aide said.
"A promise kept"
Obama for America Blog - Wed, 09/01/2010 - 14:00
OFA Director Mitch Stewart just emailed supporters to share a video of the President's Oval Office address last night:
Last night President Obama marked the end of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
As the President said, the struggle for peace is not over, but the progress we've made is undeniable.
This moment also represents a promise kept. As a candidate, President Obama laid out a vision for this country -- and bringing our troops home from Iraq was a defining part of that vision. It was one of the reasons that all of us knocked on doors, made phone calls, and voted.
Keeping that promise is important, not only for our brave women and men in uniform, but also for their loved ones, and for all Americans who have hoped and prayed for a resolution to this war.
Please take a moment to watch the President's speech if you missed it last night:
Watch the President's Oval Office address:
http://my.barackobama.com/IraqAddress
Thanks,
Mitch Stewart
Director
Organizing for America
Good Economic News: Agriculture Going Strong
Obama for America Blog - Wed, 09/01/2010 - 13:35
With millions of Americans still struggling to find work, the pace of our country’s economic recovery has been slower than anyone would like. But there are some bright spots as the Obama Administration works each day to get the economy back on track—like yesterday’s good news that agriculture is thriving thanks to increased exports.
The New York Times highlighted new estimates out yesterday that represent good news for farmers and other rural Americans:
Even as the broader economy falters amid signs of a weakening recovery, the nation’s agriculture sector is going strong, bolstered in part by a surge in exports, according to federal estimates of farm trade and income released on Tuesday.
The estimates confirm what economists have been saying for months: agriculture, which was generally not hit as hard by the recession as many other segments of the economy, remains a small bright spot going forward.
“We’re just having a robust rebound in the agricultural sector and promises of more growth,” Jason R. Henderson, vice president and economist at the Omaha branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, said in a recent interview.
The estimates show that American farmers will ship $107.5 billion in agricultural products abroad in the fiscal year that ends Sept. 30. That is the second-highest amount ever, behind the record $115.3 billion in exports logged in 2008, when commodity prices soared as the global demand for agricultural products was helped by fast-growing economies in the developing world....
“The better the demand, the higher the price, and it’s going to put another 10, 15, possibly 20 cents in the price of a bushel of corn,” said Bill Horan, a corn farmer in Iowa. Corn is about $4 a bushel, which is about 50 cents higher than last year. “It means my wife can go out and buy a new sofa, and I can put new tires on the pickup.”
An End to the War—and a Campaign Promise Kept
Obama for America Blog - Wed, 09/01/2010 - 12:39
“Tonight, I am announcing that the American combat mission in Iraq has ended.” — President Barack ObamaIn 2008, many volunteers were first drawn to Barack Obama as a candidate for President because of his firm promise to end the was in Iraq.
Last night, the President made good on that campaign pledge, and spoke to the nation to mark the end of our combat mission in Iraq.
In just his second Oval Office address, President Obama thanked the millions of Americans who put their lives on the line, including the 4,400 who gave their lives in this war.
We’ve now been through nearly a decade of war. We’ve endured a long and painful recession. And sometimes in the midst of these storms, the future that we’re trying to build for our nation -- a future of lasting peace and long-term prosperity -- may seem beyond our reach.
But this milestone should serve as a reminder to all Americans that the future is ours to shape if we move forward with confidence and commitment. It should also serve as a message to the world that the United States of America intends to sustain and strengthen our leadership in this young century.
From this desk, seven and a half years ago, President Bush announced the beginning of military operations in Iraq. Much has changed since that night. A war to disarm a state became a fight against an insurgency. Terrorism and sectarian warfare threatened to tear Iraq apart. Thousands of Americans gave their lives; tens of thousands have been wounded. Our relations abroad were strained. Our unity at home was tested.
These are the rough waters encountered during the course of one of America’s longest wars. Yet there has been one constant amidst these shifting tides. At every turn, America’s men and women in uniform have served with courage and resolve. As Commander-in-Chief, I am incredibly proud of their service. And like all Americans, I’m awed by their sacrifice, and by the sacrifices of their families.
The Americans who have served in Iraq completed every mission they were given. They defeated a regime that had terrorized its people. Together with Iraqis and coalition partners who made huge sacrifices of their own, our troops fought block by block to help Iraq seize the chance for a better future. They shifted tactics to protect the Iraqi people, trained Iraqi Security Forces, and took out terrorist leaders. Because of our troops and civilians -- and because of the resilience of the Iraqi people -- Iraq has the opportunity to embrace a new destiny, even though many challenges remain.
So tonight, I am announcing that the American combat mission in Iraq has ended. Operation Iraqi Freedom is over, and the Iraqi people now have lead responsibility for the security of their country.
This was my pledge to the American people as a candidate for this office.
The President also emphasized his steadfast commitment to taking care of our troops once they return home as veterans:
Part of that responsibility is making sure that we honor our commitments to those who have served our country with such valor. As long as I am President, we will maintain the finest fighting force that the world has ever known, and we will do whatever it takes to serve our veterans as well as they have served us. This is a sacred trust. That’s why we’ve already made one of the largest increases in funding for veterans in decades. We’re treating the signature wounds of today’s wars -- post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury -- while providing the health care and benefits that all of our veterans have earned. And we’re funding a Post-9/11 GI Bill that helps our veterans and their families pursue the dream of a college education. Just as the GI Bill helped those who fought World War II -- including my grandfather -- become the backbone of our middle class, so today’s servicemen and women must have the chance to apply their gifts to expand the American economy. Because part of ending a war responsibly is standing by those who have fought it.
Last night we witnessed a historic milestone in our nation’s history. You can join in and mark this moment by welcoming our troops home—send our men and women in uniform your personal message of thanks.
A Message from the President: "The end of our combat mission in Iraq"
Obama for America Blog - Tue, 08/31/2010 - 20:46
President Barack Obama just sent a message to supporters following his Oval Office address on Iraq:
Tonight marks the end of the American combat mission in Iraq.
As a candidate for this office, I pledged to end this war responsibly. And, as President, that is what I am doing.
Since I became Commander-in-Chief, we've brought home nearly 100,000 U.S. troops. We've closed or turned over to Iraq hundreds of our bases.
As Operation Iraqi Freedom ends, our commitment to a sovereign, stable, and self-reliant Iraq continues. Under Operation New Dawn, a transitional force of U.S. troops will remain to advise and assist Iraqi forces, protect our civilians on the ground, and pursue targeted counterterrorism efforts.
By the end of next year, consistent with our agreement with the Iraqi government, these men and women, too, will come home.
Ending this war is not only in Iraq's interest -- it is in our own. Our nation has paid a huge price to put Iraq's future in the hands of its people. We have sent our men and women in uniform to make enormous sacrifices. We have spent vast resources abroad in the face of several years of recession at home.
We have met our responsibility through the courage and resolve of our women and men in uniform.
In seven years, they confronted a mission as challenging and as complex as any our military has ever been asked to face.
Nearly 1.5 million Americans put their lives on the line. Many returned for multiple tours of duty, far from their loved ones who bore a heroic burden of their own. And most painfully, more than 4,400 Americans have given their lives, fighting for people they never knew, for values that have defined our people for more than two centuries.
What their country asked of them was not small. And what they sacrificed was not easy.
For that, each and every American owes them our heartfelt thanks.
Our promise to them -- to each woman or man who has donned our colors -- is that our country will serve them as faithfully as they have served us. We have already made the largest increase in funding for veterans in decades. So long as I am President, I will do whatever it takes to fulfill that sacred trust.
Tonight, we mark a milestone in our nation's history. Even at a time of great uncertainty for so many Americans, this day and our brave troops remind us that our future is in our own hands and that our best days lie ahead.
Thank you,
President Barack Obama
200,000 Doors in 48 Hours
Obama for America Blog - Tue, 08/31/2010 - 18:56
Over the weekend, thousands of OFA supporters and grassroots Democrats came together to reach out to voters in support of candidates who are fighting to move America forward.
Before our Moving America Forward Day of Action, Organizing for America set an ambitious goal of 200,000 doors knocked in 48 hours. Volunteers across the country stepped up—not only hitting that goal by knocking on 200,893 doors, but also making 168,330 phone calls to voters.
Check out some of the press coverage of the events and take a look at photo highlights from the weekend.
CNN - “Dems Launch Get Out the Vote Campaign”
Two major Democratic committees jointly launched their first nationwide get out the vote initiative of the fall campaign season on Saturday. The Democratic National Committee and the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee set a goal of knocking on 400,000 doors (200,000 for each committee) in 75 congressional districts as part of their "National Day of Action." "This level of voter contact this early is unprecedented," DCCC chairman Chris Van Hollen said in a statement. "We will continue to meet with voters face to face and spread the message about moving the country forward."
Virginia’s NBC 29 News - “Mark Warner surprises Organizing for America”
Democrats brought in some national star power to help pound the pavement Saturday afternoon. Senator Mark Warner offered some words of advice to about 40 canvassers before they hit the streets of Charlottesville. Organizing for America teamed up with Tom Perriello's campaign to try and rally votes for the incumbent. Senator Warner told the party faithful that face-to-face time with voters is important for success in November.
Pennsylvania’s Scranton Times Tribune - “Casey rallies area Dems as party preps for midterm races”
When Democratic volunteers and activists gathered to campaign for the 2010 midterm elections Saturday, U.S. Sen.Bob Casey Jr. told them Democrats can prevail in the fall elections. "We're going to win this year, but I know we have a lot of work to do," he told the canvassers gathered in downtown Scranton, with cell phones for phone-bank calls and clipboards for door-to-door campaigning stacked on a table a few feet away. The gathering Saturday was part of a national campaign effort on behalf of Democrats over the weekend. Sixty events were planned in Pennsylvania.
See more highlights and photos from this weekend’s Moving America Forward Day of Action.
Pushing The Economy Forward Each Day
Obama for America Blog - Tue, 08/31/2010 - 15:24
With Congress preparing to return to session, President Obama spoke yesterday about what his Administration is doing to move our economy forward. The President also called on Republicans to stop blocking a bill that would cut taxes and increase loans for small businesses.
As the President explained, it took a decade to dig us into this hole, and it’s going to take a continued push to get us out of it. Folks are still struggling, and the Obama Administration is focused “On pushing this economy forward, repairing the damage that’s been done to the middle class over the past decade, and promoting the growth we need to get our people back to work.”
The President asked Republicans in Congress to put aside their obstruction and work together to pass the jobs bill up for consideration.
“There’s currently a jobs bill before Congress that would do two big things for small business owners: cut more taxes and make available more loans. It would help them get the credit they need, and eliminate capital gains taxes on key investments so they have more incentive to invest right now. And it would accelerate $55 billion of tax relief to encourage American businesses, small and large, to expand their investments over the next 14 months.
“Unfortunately, this bill has been languishing in the Senate for months, held up by a partisan minority that won’t even allow it to go to a vote. That makes no sense. This bill is fully paid for. It will not add to the deficit. And there is no reason to block it besides pure partisan politics.”
Watch Tonight: President Obama on Ending the War in Iraq
Obama for America Blog - Tue, 08/31/2010 - 12:14
After more than seven years, today we end our country’s combat mission in Iraq. As the President wrote yesterday, “We are at a truly historic moment in our nation’s history.”
To mark this important day, at 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time tonight the President will speak to our country from the Oval Office—the second Oval Office address of his Presidency. You can watch live at WhiteHouse.gov/live or on any major television network.
President Obama has also invited all Americans to join him in sending a message to our troops thanking them for their service to our country. You can send in your salute through Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, or Flickr—and check out all the messages at WhiteHouse.gov/Salute.
