SC HQ

The Next Step: Attend a Change is Coming House Meeting Dec. 13-14

Christopher Hass — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 19:03:55 EST

Today David Plouffe sent out the following message to supporters, inviting them to attend one the many grassroots house meetings taking place throughout the country later this month:

Exactly one month ago, you made history by giving all Americans a real opportunity for change.

Now it's time to start preparing and working for change in our communities.

On December 13th and 14th, supporters are coming together in every part of the country to reflect on what we've accomplished and plan the future of this movement. Your ideas and feedback will be collected and used to guide this movement in the months and years ahead.

Join your friends and neighbors -- sign up to host or attend a Change is Coming house meeting near you.

Since the election, the challenges we face -- and our responsibility to take action -- have only gotten more urgent.

You can connect with fellow supporters, make progress on the issues you care about, and help shape the future of your community and our country.

Learn what you can do now to support President-elect Obama's agenda for change and continue to make a difference in your community.

Take the first important step by hosting or attending a Change is Coming house meeting. Sign up right now.

To get our country back on track, it will take all of us working together.

Barack and Joe have a clear agenda and an unprecedented opportunity for change. But they can't do it alone.

Will you join us at a house meeting and help plan the next steps for this movement?

Thanks,

David

David Plouffe
Campaign Manager
Obama for America

Thank You, South Carolina

Christopher Hass — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 17:56:05 EST

Video: Election Night Speech in Grant Park

Christopher Hass — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 11:06:36 EST

"I will never forget who this victory truly belongs to – it belongs to you." - Barack Obama, Election Night 2008

Read the full speech, as prepared for delivery . . .

South Carolina: You can still make calls to Western States to GOTV

Christopher Hass — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 20:56:25 EST

Polls in South Carolina are closed now (although if you are in line, you will be allowed to vote), but there's one last thing you can do to help this historic campaign: call states where the polls are still open to help Get Out The Vote. Even if you've never made calls before, this is your chance to participate -- a chance to be part of an historic grassroots field operation.

The map below shows the battleground states where polls are still open and where we still need help reaching our voters. Just click select the state and you will be given a list of voters to call and a brief script. In 2004, the election was decided by approximately 9 votes per precinct in Ohio. Even at this late hour, your help can still make a difference.

GOTV Calling Update

Christopher Hass — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 13:24:15 EST

Right now, while volunteers work to Get Out The Vote in key states, thousands of grassroots supporters across the country are helping out from home by using our online voter contact tools to call voters.

Our target today is to make 1,000,000 calls to voters in battleground states before the close of polls tonight. As of 1:00 PM Eastern, we've made 214,187 calls. However, our staff on the ground are telling us that we need to reach the 500,000 call mark by 3:00 PM Eastern Time.

These calls provide our supporters with information about when, where and how to vote today, and by helping identify which voters have already cast a ballot, we can dramatically reduce the number of houses our volunteers on the ground need to reach before polls close.

If you have even thirty minutes to spare in the next three hours, when can use your help. Simply select the state you want to call from the map below, and we'll provide you with an easy to use script and a targeted list of voters to call.

The largest voter contact operation ever attempted is underway right now. This is your chance to be part of it.

South Carolina: Polls Open 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Erik Weber — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 08:03:19 EST

In South Carolina, polls are open today from 7:00 AM until 7:00 PM. Anyone who is in line by 7:00 PM will be allowed to vote. You can find your polling location now.

For additional information or for any issues you may have with voting visit our Voter Information Center or call 1-877-US-4-OBAMA (877-874-6226). Answers to some of the most common voting questions are below:

Do I need to bring ID with me when I go vote?

Voters must show one of the following forms of ID at the polls: Voter registration card, Driver’s License, or Picture ID card issued by Department of Motor Vehicles.

If you registered to vote by mail after January 1, 2004, you are required to submit a form of identification with your voter registration application, including a copy of a valid photo ID or a copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, paycheck or other government document that shows your name and address in your county.

If you did not submit a form of ID with your mail-in voter registration application, you will be required to show ID and your voter registration card at the polls. This ID could include one of the following:

Your driver’s license
A picture ID card issued by the department of motor vehicles

What time will the polls be open on November 4?

Polls in South Carolina will be open from 7:00 am – 7:00 pm.

What about voters with disabilities?

Assistance in marking a ballot is allowed only if the voter is blind, illiterate or physically handicapped. A voter entitled to receive assistance may choose anyone to assist except his employer, and agent of his employer, or an officer or agent of his union. Any voter who, because of physical handicap or age (65 or older), cannot enter the polling place in which he is registered to vote, or is unable to stand in line to vote, may vote outside that polling place in the closest available parking area utilizing the vehicle in which he has driven or has been driven to the polls.

"I've learned that this election is about the heart of America"

Kevin Flynn — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 15:30:24 EST

Jonathan Curley is a banker. He voted for George H.W. Bush twice and George W. Bush once. Here's an excerpt from his story on canvassing for the Obama campaign in North Carolina, from the Christian Science Monitor:

There has been a lot of speculation that Barack Obama might win the election due to his better "ground game" and superior campaign organization.

I had the chance to view that organization up close this month when I canvassed for him. I'm not sure I learned much about his chances, but I learned a lot about myself and about this election.
Let me make it clear: I'm pretty conservative. I grew up in the suburbs. I voted for George H.W. Bush twice, and his son once. I was disappointed when Bill Clinton won, and disappointed he couldn't run again.
...So you can imagine my surprise when my wife suggested we spend a Saturday morning canvassing for Obama. I have never canvassed for any candidate. But I did, of course, what most middle-aged married men do: what I was told.
At the Obama headquarters, we stood in a group to receive our instructions. I wasn't the oldest, but close, and the youngest was maybe in high school. I watched a campaign organizer match up a young black man who looked to be college age with a white guy about my age to canvas together. It should not have been a big thing, but the beauty of the image did not escape me.

Instead of walking the tree-lined streets near our home, my wife and I were instructed to canvass a housing project. A middle-aged white couple with clipboards could not look more out of place in this predominantly black neighborhood.
We knocked on doors and voices from behind carefully locked doors shouted, "Who is it?"
"We're from the Obama campaign," we'd answer. And just like that doors opened and folks with wide smiles came out on the porch to talk.

Grandmothers kept one hand on their grandchildren and made sure they had all the information they needed for their son or daughter to vote for the first time.
...We knocked on every door we could find and checked off every name on our list. We did our job, but Obama may not have been the one who got the most out of the day's work.
I learned in just those three hours that this election is not about what we think of as the "big things."

... I've learned that this election is about the heart of America. It's about the young people who are losing hope and the old people who have been forgotten. It's about those who have worked all their lives and never fully realized the promise of America, but see that promise for their grandchildren in Barack Obama. The poor see a chance, when they often have few. I saw hope in the eyes and faces in those doorways.
My wife and I went out last weekend to knock on more doors. But this time, not because it was her idea. I don't know what it's going to do for the Obama campaign, but it's doing a lot for me.

It's not too late to volunteer. Click here to make a difference in the last few days.

Time to GOTV - Find a place to help make change

Kevin Flynn — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 13:39:25 EDT

We've reached the most important days of this entire campaign.

All of the voters we've registered, phone calls we've made, doors we've knocked on, friends and neighbors we spread the word to over the course of this campaign have brought us to where we are today: making Barack Obama very compettive in the race for the presidency of the United States.

Now we have to make sure all of that time and effort doesn't go to waste. It's time to once again take change into our own hands and get out the vote (GOTV).

As Barack explained in Nevada this morning:

Don’t believe for a second this election is over. Don’t think for a minute that power concedes. We have to work like our future depends on it in these last few days, because it does.

Join millions of Americans all over the country by volunteering in the last four days of this campaign. Everything we have worked for over the past 20 months will come down to what we do -- or don't do -- to help get out the vote.

Miss Laura from the DailyKos offered these words of wisdom from a veteran volunteer:

Before you hit your first door, or dial your first number...think about why you're doing it. Maybe it's your loved one in Iraq. Maybe it's wanting a Supreme Court that will preserve your right to control your own body. Maybe it's the healthcare you need and can't afford.
Take a piece of paper and a pen and write your reason down. Keep it in your pocket, and if you have a hard conversation or string of them, take that piece of paper out of your pocket and read it. Remind yourself that this is not an empty chore, it's a way to something really, really important. Carry that knowledge with you to each door or each dial.

So what can you do? Find a volunteer event near you and sign up to help between now and Election Day.

"Let's get to work"

Erik Weber — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 12:29:12 EDT

After two years of hard work and dedication, we have three days left before America chooses the next president. We've come too far to let up now. Real change will not come easy, so we need everyone to pull together and get involved in our Get Out The Vote efforts happening all across the country.

In a speech on Monday in Ohio, Barack clearly defined what's at stake in this election, and asked all of us to stand and fight with him during these final days.

Don't believe for a second this election is over. Don't think for a minute that power concedes. We have a lot of work to do. We have to work like our future depends on it in this last week, because it does depend on it this week.

In one weeks time, we can choose an economy that rewards work and creates new jobs and fuels prosperity from the bottom up. In one week, we can choose to invest in health care for our families and education for our kids, and renewable energy for our future. In one week, we can choose hope over fear, and unity over division, the promise of change over the power of the status quo. In one week, we can come together as one nation and one people and once more choose our better history.

That's what's at stake. That's what we're fighting for. And if in this last week you'll knock on some doors for me, and make some calls for me, and talk to your neighbors and convince your friends, if you'll stand with me and fight with me and give me your vote, then I promise you, we will not just win Ohio. We will win this general election and together we'll change this country and we will change the world. God bless you. God bless the United States of America. Let's get to work.

Barack needs our help in order to bring about the change we need. So, sign up now to make calls from home, attend a phonebanking event near you, or travel to a battleground state.

The Plan: Get Out The Vote in North Carolina

Erik Weber — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 18:18:07 EDT

North Carolina's State Director, Marc Farinella, has laid out an ambitious Get Out The Vote strategy for the last four days of the election. North Carolina has identified a large number of Obama supporters that we need to contact to make sure they actually get out and vote, but they can't do this without your help.

In order to reach all of these voters, Marc's plan will require an additional 26,000 volunteers to help log over 200,000 hours of work from Nov. 1st through Nov. 4th, which is why South Carolina can play a huge role in reaching this goal and ultimately winning North Carolina's crucial 15 electoral votes.

If you can give a day or more to help Barack win North Carolina, please sign up now and a staff member will contact you shortly to help plan your trip. After two years of fighting for change, this historic election will be decided by the work we put in over the last four days. We can't afford to let up now. Sign up to Drive for Change, and help decide what direction this country will take over the next four years.

South Carolina to North Carolina: "The way to win"

Erik Weber — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 15:41:19 EDT

South Carolina's State Director, Trav Robertson, Jr., just sent the following email urging South Carolinians to travel to North Carolina and help get out the vote in their sister state:

Rarely in our history have South Carolinians been able to swing a close general election and choose the next President. However, Barack Obama is changing the map, and this November those of us in the Palmetto State are back in the heart of the action.

Our sister state, North Carolina, is in one of the closet races in the entire country, and Barack Obama is counting on South Carolina to lend a hand. These last few days are the most important of the whole campaign.

Every North Carolinian we help get to the polls could cast the vote that delivers this crucial state -- and maybe even wins the White House.

Can you travel to North Carolina this week and help win this election? South Carolinians like you have done so much for this campaign, and I know we have so much more to give. Please sign up right away.

Barack knows this campaign would not be where it is today without the amazing work you all did last January that put us on the path to the nomination. Now it's time to finish up in North Carolina what we started right here down in South Carolina.

I am proud to be working with the finest team of supporters in the country. I know how much this election means to every one of you, and how hard you've worked to get us this far. So let's prove one last time what we can do.

With deepest thanks,

Trav

Trav Robertson, Jr.
South Carolina State Director
Obama for America

Tonight: Last Call for Change

Amanda Scott — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 14:02:24 EDT

If you live in a non-battleground state you can play an important role in deciding this election in key battleground states. Especially tonight.

The campaign will be airing a 30-minute special tonight called Barack Obama: American Promises from 8-8:30pm EDT.

Tonight supporters are gathering at Last Call for Change phonebanks across the country, calling voters in swing states to tell them where their polling location is.

There are only 6 days left to bring the change we need.

Barack is counting on your incredibly important phone calls. You can make sure Obama supporters know where to vote on Tuesday. Their polling location may have changed, or they may have never voted before.

No experience is required. You'll have a script to work from, and our staff will help you every step of the way.

Get together with fellow supporters in your community and attend a Last Call for Change phonebank near you tonight.

South Carolina: Time to call North Carolina

Erik Weber — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 14:59:55 EDT

On a special conference call last night, we challenged the South Carolina Call Team to make 5,300 calls in seven days to help get out the vote in North Carolina, where early voting has already begun.

Your calls from out of state allow in-state staff and volunteers to focus on face-to-face, door-to-door voter contact. If everyone can find even an hour each night to make calls, South Carolina could help make the difference in this historic election.

On Monday night's conference call, North Carolina's Field Director Chris Lewis talked about how you can help Barack win North Carolina using Neighbor to Neighbor to make phone calls from home. Also, one of our top callers from Tennessee, Nneka Gordon, offered some tips and advice on making calls and explained why Neighbor to Neighbor is so convenient. You can listen to the call below:

...It has been in my heart to get get down and help out, but just between the logistics of being a mom and homework and, you know, life if just so crazy that I wasn't able to be as active as I wanted to. And then I went to my.barackobama.com and it has been phenomenal. I mean, you just print out the lists, they're very easy, read the script, and then go back and enter in the calls. ...Doing what I can, when I can, it feels like I'm making a difference and it's so convenient. I recommend to everybody to just give a little bit.

Sign on today to help South Carolina reach their goal. The work we do in this final week will decide what direction we take this country in the next four years. We have seven days left to make a difference.

Monday: Join in a Conference Call with Campaign Staffers

Erik Weber — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 23:03:24 EDT

This Monday, October 27th, 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: 718-709-0659

Access Code: 343-258-095

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

http://my.barackobama.com/webinar22

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.

Come to North Carolina to Volunteer

Erik Weber — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 18:24:41 EDT

North Carolina is urgently seeking help from it's neighboring state of South Carolina. North Carolina is one of the tightly contested battleground states in this election, and with your help, Barack Obama could be the first Democratic candidate in 32 years to win its 15 electoral votes.

Sign up today to volunteer in North Carolina and Drive for Change in this historic election. Join other dedicated supporters from border states like South Carolina and Tennessee who are pouring in to lend an extra hand.

If you've already signed up and you need a ride, or if you can offer someone else a ride, find more information at the North Carolina Ride Share page.

Jill Biden Wants You to Make Calls

Erik Weber — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 17:22:57 EDT

Last week, Jill Biden stopped by the Obama-Biden Headquarters in Chicago to make calls using our Neighbor to Neighbor online tool.

After contacting voters in Pennsylvania, Jill urged everyone to sign up for Neighbor to Neighbor and make calls into key battleground states.

These calls will play an essential role here in these final two weeks, as they provide important information to field organizers and volunteer team leaders on the ground in battleground states.

To help you encourage your friends and family to get involved, click here for information on how to host your very own phonebank event. You can find links to training videos, as well as plenty of other tips to help you host a successful event. Making calls with others is a fun and effective way to maximize your impact.

With just two weeks left until Election Day, we need everyone to get involved and start calling voters and make sure people get out and vote for change this November.

Neighbor to Neighbor: Reach Out and Make a Difference

Erik Weber — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 11:13:34 EDT

Barack Obama believes that real change must happen from the bottom up, as ordinary people stand together to do extraordinary things. In this election, simple voter to voter contact will make the biggest difference in helping elect the next president.

The most effective way to spread Barack's message of change is through ordinary people reaching out to their neighbors and talking one on one about the issues we face in America. Our Neighbor to Neighbor tool makes it easy to get in touch with voters in crucial battleground states:

No matter where you live, you can make a huge impact in this election. If you can make calls anytime between now and Election Day, sign up now and make a commitment to join this grassroots movement for change.

Voices for Change: Ginger and Todd in South Carolina

Molly Claflin — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 17:06:34 EDT

Ginger and Todd of Columbia, South Carolina, have never donated to a political campaign before. But they’ve already written two checks to the Obama campaign, and plan on writing a few more before the election is over.

Todd and Ginger often vote Republican – and voted twice for President Bush – but are now solidly behind Barack Obama.

Ginger says:

I just love Obama’s message and the way he appeals to ordinary people to contribute. I haven’t given much, but it’s just nice to feel like you’re really a part of something.

I admire Barack -- the way he personally came from a disadvantaged background and made something of himself. He seems like a real person. He has a kinder, gentler, philosophy of dealing with people.

Ginger and Todd, both 6th grade teachers, are especially concerned about healthcare, as the see the impact it has on the students in their classrooms every day.

Ginger says:

A lot of my students don’t have healthcare, and it’s just not fair. Insurance companies get rich off people who can’t afford it, and then when you need their help it’s hard to get it. I have a lot of students from low-income families. They have enough money for food, but not enough to get regular checkups and dental care. Their parents don’t have health insurance, so they wait too long to go to the doctor, often ending up in the emergency room.
Sometimes those kids come to school every day – even when they’re sick – because school is the brightest part of their lives.

Todd, who also volunteers as a youth minister, is especially concerned about helping some of his lower-income students succeed.

Todd says:

Obama’s policies on healthcare and tax cuts for lower income people are very good. We need to help people who have low income be able to get ahead. Obama’s idea of giving a tax credit for tuition and requiring students to pay it back to the community is also great. Kids should be able to go to college if they want to and are willing to work for it.

Todd has done some phonebanking for the campaign and plans to do more before November. Todd says, “It’s important to me to get Obama elected. For years I’ve been tired of politicians running negative campaigns, and for once I heard someone telling us what we can do, instead of what we can’t.”

Ginger notes:

I hope people in South Carolina turn out the way they did in the primary. If they do, I think we’ve got South Carolina won.

Barack has already shown us what we can accomplish together. But we still need your help. Join our nationwide network of grassroots supporters. Please make a contribution today.

Voices for Change is a series featuring profiles of Barack Obama's grassroots supporters from across the nation. The people who make up this movement come from all different backgrounds, but they share a common goal of helping bring about fundamental change in Washington.

Final Debate Watch Parties

Erik Weber — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 14:27:26 EDT

Jon Carson, the National Field Director, is urging supporters across the country to get together for the final presidential debate this Wednesday. Sign up today to host a Debate Watch Party - or attend one near you.

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.

And it will be the final time before election night to come together in this way with your friends, family, and fellow supporters.

Make the most of this opportunity by signing up to host a Debate Watch Party -- or attend one near you.

If you've joined us for an event before, you know how powerful they can be to help build support and grow our movement. If you haven't, it's a terrific way to connect with fellow supporters and folks who may just be making up their minds.

If you can host an event, we'll make sure you have everything you need to make it a success. We're having a special conference call for Debate Watch Party hosts on Tuesday, when 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 strengthening this campaign and encourage undecided voters to cast their votes for change.

Sign up to host or attend a Debate Watch Party now:

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

Thanks,

Jon

Jon Carson
National Field Director
Obama for America

Thursday: Join in a Conference Call with Campaign Staffers

Kevin Flynn — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 11:54:35 EDT

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.

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!

Drive for Change: David Plouffe Wants You to Volunteer

Erik Weber — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 13:12:12 EDT

The work being done in battleground states is more important than ever, and David Plouffe is asking for your help.

With only weeks to go before November 4th, supporters in South Carolina have the opportunity to help us win North Carolina -- a key battleground state. Sign up today for a Drive for Change trip and help to turn Montana blue on Election Day.

If you can't make the trip, join our Neighbor to Neighbor phonebanking campaign and make phone calls to undecided voters. Every call, no matter the outcome, helps our field organizers do their job more effectively and brings us one step closer to our goal.

Work for Change in North Carolina

Erik Weber — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 19:09:32 EDT

Chris Lewis, the North Carolina Field Director, just sent the following email to South Carolina supporters asking for help in the critical battleground state with a Drive for Change canvassing trip.

Next door in North Carolina, the race for President is neck and neck. In previous presidential elections, it's been a solidly Republican state -- but not this year. In 2008, John McCain is struggling to hold on.

This is a major development in this campaign and we don't have much time to take advantage of this opportunity.

North Carolina's 15 electoral votes could literally put Barack over the top in this election and that's why we're asking Obama supporters in South Carolina to take a short trip to make a big difference.

The election in North Carolina will be extremely close, and every single vote could make the difference.

You can make a major impact by traveling to North Carolina. Will you take a trip to work for change?

With the fallout from the financial crisis, it's never been more important to work for change.

But there's not much time left to reach undecided voters in North Carolina. As the McCain campaign has watched their lead slip down to nothing, they are ramping up their efforts, recruiting volunteers to travel from as far away as Mississippi. We can win in North Carolina, but we must match their efforts.

Last weekend, volunteers all over the state knocked on over 100,000 doors -- but we still have tens of thousands more voters to reach, and help from the Palmetto State will make all the difference.

Today, there are 33 days left before our country chooses the next president. Take a trip to work for change in the state that could decide this election for the entire country:

http://nc.barackobama.com/CometoNC

Thanks,

Chris

Chris Lewis
Field Director
North Carolina Campaign for Change

If you can't make it up to North Carolina, sign up to make phone calls sometime between now and the Election through our Neighbor to Neighbor phonebank tool. The information we gain from these calls plays a crucial role in helping field organizers on the ground. Every call, no matter what the outcome, brings us one step closer to our goal.

Saturday, October 4th: Deadline to Register in South Carolina

Erik Weber — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 12:13:35 EDT

South Carolinians must be registered to vote by this Saturday, October 4th in order to cast a ballot on Election Day. Here is a video of Barack urging supporters to make sure they are registered. Then, he calls on each one of us to reach out to our friends and family and register at least one new voter:

South Carolina: Register before it's too late

Erik Weber — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 15:13:42 EDT

Barack is reminding South Carolina supporters to make sure they're registered to vote before the October 6th deadline.

The last day to register to vote in South Carolina is Saturday, October 4th.

Are you registered? Are your friends and family?

If you only forward one email to your friends, family, and neighbors today -- make it this one.

Each and every vote in South Carolina is absolutely crucial to victory on Election Day.

Visit VoteForChange.com, our one-stop voter registration website, and register before the South Carolina deadline.

Supporters like you have built the biggest grassroots movement in the history of American politics.

But in just six days, the time for bringing new voices into the political process will be over.

You need to be certain that you, your friends, and your family are registered by the deadline -- it's a small step that will have a huge impact on our Election Day results.

This election is too important to leave anything to chance. Make sure your voice is heard -- and forward this email to all the South Carolinians you know.

Thanks,

Barack

If you have friends or family who support Barack but might not be registered, you can use our online email importer to send them a message about VoteForChange.com. Don't worry -- we won't hold on to any of the email addresses you share. It only takes a minute, and for your friends and family it could mean the difference between participating and sitting on the sidelines come November.

Voter Registration: Pawleys Island for Obama

Erik Weber — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 18:42:17 EDT

Every Saturday since July, the grassroots group Pawleys Island for Obama has been setting up a tent on the corner of Waverly and Petigru in Pawleys Island, SC. Here, they hold up signs, cheer to passing drivers, sell Obama t-shirts, bumper stickers and buttons, and register as many new voters as they can.

Elizabeth, one of the group administrators, said, "On our very first day, we ran out of our 100 bumper stickers in less than two hours!" She said the group plans to continue staffing the tent every Saturday through the election to boost voter registration and help bring change to America.

For Mary, her work on the ground has provided a lasting experience that she is proud to stand by.

This is the time to step up and take action on behalf of our country. Getting involved in the Obama campaign has been such a wonderful experience. For the first time in my life, I feel that I'm fighting for my country in a meaningful way... I want my children to look back and say, our mother fought for this in the neighborhoods, on the streets. She stepped up. They'll do the same one day.

Joan is looking forward to continuing this grassroots network for change even after the election.

When we first started our tent, I wasn't sure how much support we would get. What a great surprise when we got so many thumbs up and horn honks. South Carolina is turning Blue for Obama! We have formed such a wonderful group of people at Pawleys Island for Obama that will last not only through the election but to help Obama and Biden govern come January 20th.

The deadline for voter registration in South Carlonia is October 5th, so be sure to use our Vote for Change online tool to make sure you are registered. Then, go to the Voter Registration Action Center to help register other folks in your community.

The Debate and What's Next

Christopher Hass — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 15:19:44 EDT

There was news this morning that tonight's presidential debate will proceed as planned, with both candidates in attendance. Last night, National Field Director Jon Carson sent out a message inviting supporters to attend debate parties, and explaining what comes next for the campaign . . .

The election is less than 40 days away, and the American people deserve to hear directly from the candidates about how they intend to lead our country.

You're invited to join a Debate Watch Party in your community and discuss the issues that are most important to you and your family, friends, and neighbors.

Find a Debate Watch Party in your area and RSVP today.

These parties will allow you to to get to know folks in your community, and continue building this campaign from the bottom up by reaching out to even more supporters using our Neighbor to Neighbor tool.

If you can't attend a party, you can still use our Neighbor to Neighbor tool to reach out to swing voters in a crucial battleground state who need to hear from you.

It's an extremely powerful way to build support for Barack.

Whether you can attend a Debate Watch Party or not, it's a great way to connect with fellow voters.

Get your list of potential supporters right now and start making phone calls today.

Neighbor to Neighbor gives you everything you need to get started.

As Barack prepares for the presidential debate, we'll be preparing, too -- by laying the groundwork for victory on Election Day.

Let's get to work.

Thanks,

Jon

Jon Carson
National Field Director
Obama for America

Voter Registration in South Carolina: Register before October 5th

Erik Weber — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 16:14:39 EDT

Last weekend, Lowcountry Obama supporters braved the sweltering South Carolina heat to register over 400 voters on street corners and at community events, grocery stores, barber shops and beauty salons. They hope to register as many people as possible before the upcoming deadline on October 5th, as evidenced by these dedicated teams of volunteers working for change in November.

Veteran volunteers Karen, Gwen, and Sarah hosted their weekly Obama table at the corner of East Montague Drive and Railroad Ave. in North Charleston's Liberty Hill District. The Liberty Hill team has registered hundreds of voters here.

Kristin and fellow volunteers at the Sea Island Cultural Arts Festival on Johns Island:

On Saturday, Obama volunteers, both veterans and those new to the campaign, participated in a Voter Registration Drive and outreach at the Sea Island Cultural Arts Festival on Johns Island. We spent the day registering new voters, talking about the absentee voting process in South Carolina, and enjoyed watching our SC for Change Field Director Abe Jenkins sing and dance!

From Harriet and Charlie at the City of Charleston Recreation Department Football Jamboree:

Families gathered in South Carolina on Saturday, celebrating the opening of football season and the opportunity for children to participate in one of the nation's favorite sports at a Football Jamboree. Cheering in support of this family event were Obama volunteers hosting a Voter Registration Drive for those attending... It was a hot, hot day but we had a great time and we registered quite a few voters, and we added some great new volunteers to our group.

On Saturday morning, dozens of volunteers met at the Obama tent erected in a supporter's front yard on Congress Street, across the street from Johnson Hagood Stadium. They picked up voter registration forms and supporter cards and spent the day registering 100 football fans at the Lowcountry Classic. On Saturday evening, the group assembled outside the Charleston Coliseum to register new voters at the Mary J. Blige concert.

For more information about voter registration and upcoming events, check out the Voter Registration Action Center to see what you can do to help give everyone in a voice this November. You can also make sure that you are registered to vote using our online Vote for Change tool.

Message from David Plouffe: How we're going to win

Amanda Scott — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 19:27:27 EDT

Campaign Manager David Plouffe just sent out this email...

Amanda --

Want a look inside our strategy to win the battleground states?

I recorded a video on my laptop yesterday to brief you on the plan -- including details that haven't been shared publicly before.

Our fight in the battleground states is going to be tougher than a lot of you may think. Take Florida, where George Bush won by just 381,000 votes in 2004. The campaign we're running there is going to cost more than $39 million.

That can only come from supporters like you -- unlike John McCain, we don't take money from Washington lobbyists or special interest PACs.

To reach our goal, we need 50,000 new donors by Friday at midnight.

You can inspire a fellow supporter to make their first donation -- and make your donation go twice as far.

Will you watch the video and double your impact with a donation today?

This race has come down to a matter of weeks, and it could pivot on a few tremendously important swing states.

Supporters like you are strengthening this campaign in amazing ways -- voter registration efforts, organizing in your communities, and bringing folks into the political process like never before.

Barack and Joe can't win this without you.

Make a donation of $25 or more right now to provide the resources we'll need to make victory a reality:

https://donate.barackobama.com/promise

This campaign is committed to winning in every state we can. But it's the support of folks like you that will decide this election.

Thanks for everything you're doing,

David

David Plouffe
Campaign Manager
Obama for America

Women Back Obama-Biden on the Issues

Amanda Scott — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 14:32:56 EDT

While John McCain has been distracting from the issues at hand with the sleaziest campaign Americans have ever seen, Barack Obama and Joe Biden are traveling the country discussing the issues that women and families care about, such as ensuring women are paid the same as men for equal work, the right for women to make their own family planning choices, reforming our health care system, and rebuilding an economy that strengthens the middle class.

This week the Obama campaign is highlighting the stark differences between McCain-Palin and Obama-Biden on the issues women and families care about with events across the country and new advertising. A new ad - called “Burden” - highlights John McCain’s failure to stand up for equal pay for women at a time when more and more families depend on the income earned by working women.

Watch “Burden” below....
The ad will air in key battleground states on Tuesday and DC/Northern VA markets. The ad will run during programming with large female audiences, including morning shows, soap operas, daytime TV, cable channels like Lifetime, Oxygen, E!, HGTV, and Bravo and during the fall premieres of several prime time shows. There will be a companion radio spot that goes up on Tuesday that will be in similar markets and a web ad appearing on sites that women frequent such as iVillage and magazine sites.

To kick-off the week of activities, the Obama campaign announced an impressive list of national women leaders who stand with the Obama–Biden ticket because of their record of fighting for women and families and the change they will bring to all Americans. On Tuesday the National Organization for Women and Feminist Majority endorsed the Obama-Biden ticket for the change women need.

On Wednesday, the Obama-Biden campaign received the endorsement of Lilly Lebetter at an event with Michelle Obama and Jill Biden in Virginia. On Wednesday night, Joe Biden and Hillary Clinton will participate in one of the largest women’s web forums, reaching tens of thousands of women in their living rooms.

On Friday, Barack Obama, Joe Biden & Jill Biden will hold women’s rallies in battleground states and over the weekend women leaders will be joining with Obama supporters to hold Women for the Change We Need events in all 50 states.

There’s a reason why 53% of women voters believe that Obama-Biden better understands the issues and concerns important to women, compared to 35% for McCain-Palin, according to a September poll for Emily’s List. While Obama and Biden have a record of fighting to strengthen families and provide women with the rights and support they deserve, John McCain and Sarah Palin offer just more of the same.

Continue reading to see where Barack and McCain stand on women's issues...

Obama Directly Addresses America in Two-Minute Ad: Plan for Change

Sam Graham-Felsen — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 08:35:26 EDT

CHICAGO, IL – The Obama campaign today released a two-minute advertisement in which Senator Obama will speak directly to the nation on his view of the state of the economy and what he would do to fix it if he is elected president. The ad will begin today nationally and in battleground states around the country.

Watch the ad...

Visit BarackObama.com/plan to read Obama's plan for the economy now.

Please donate now to help put this ad on the air and help deliver this important message to voters across America.

Continue reading for the script of the ad...

Kick Off the Campaign in South Carolina

Erik Weber — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 16:56:00 EDT

Trav Robertson, the South Carolina State Director, sent out the following invitation to Obama supporters to celebrate the General Election Kickoff this week. Sign up today to find an event happening near you.

My name is Trav Robertson, and I am the South Carolina State Director for the Obama campaign.

I'm excited to announce that the South Carolina Campaign for Change is on the ground and, starting this Thursday, September 18th, the campaign is hosting Office Opening and General Election Kickoff Parties throughout the state -- with the state headquarters opening in Columbia on Saturday, September 20th, at 10:00 a.m.

The grassroots efforts by South Carolinians during the primary season were crucial in helping Barack start this movement for change. Now Barack needs your help again to ensure that the change we need comes to Washington.

With fewer than 50 days until Election Day, November 4th, this campaign needs you to help drive the movement, beginning on Thursday, by attending an Office Opening and General Election Kickoff Party.

This is a great opportunity to find out how you can help elect Barack in November, meet campaign staff and fellow supporters, and learn the strategy for November.

Find an event near you and join us this week.

At the Republican Convention, John McCain and his surrogates attacked Barack Obama and mocked the power of community organizing. You can help prove their cynicism wrong by demonstrating the strength of this grassroots movement.

Supporters like you are building a powerful organization in South Carolina that has already brought an unprecedented number of new voices into the political process.

Turn your enthusiasm for Barack into action and sign up to attend an Office Opening and General Election Kickoff Party:

http://sc.barackobama.com/SCkickoff

No experience is required. Campaign staff will provide you with all the support you need to help Barack this November.

Thank you for all that you do,

Trav

Trav Robertson
South Carolina State Director
Obama for America

P.S. -- If you can't make it to a Kickoff Party, check out My.BarackObama.com to find an event near you, join a group, and get involved in our movement for change.

Vote For Change

Christopher Hass — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 22:44:23 EDT

As we gear up for an historic election, we've launched a new website designed to simply the voting process and make it easy for voters across the country to participate. VoteforChange.com is a new voter registration tool that allows you to verify your registration status, register to vote for the first time, or get the relevant absentee voting information for your state – all online.

As deputy campaign manager Steve Hildebrand told the Boston Globe:

We think the turnout will be beyond record turnout, and if we're effective, we will have done two additional things -- brought in millions of new people who are registered to vote and we will increase the percentage of registered voters who will turn out.

This race is too close and too important to stay home on Election Day. Often the reason that people don't vote is because they don't understand how easy it is to register to vote. VoteforChange.com simplifies the process. It allows voters to register, check registration status, or find a polling location – all at the click of a button.

Voices for Change: Al in Fountain Inn, South Carolina

Molly Claflin — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 13:15:10 EDT

At 47 years old, Al had never voted before. But this time, he’ll be one of the first to the polls on Election Day.

"Other years, I just never felt like I needed to vote or wanted to. This is the first time I’ve ever got excited. This time, I see a difference. I see a person who cares about people… who cares about people like me," Al said.

Al’s making sure others are going to get to the voting booth as well. A licensed barber, Al keeps a stack of voter registration forms in his barbershop that he gives to his customers.

We make sure everyone who walks in has an opportunity to register to vote. I try to make it easier for folks. We even provide them with the stamps to send them in. I’ve already registered a few people and I’m counting on more.

As a first-time voter, Al is excited about getting others involved for the first time as well.

You’d be surprised how many people aren’t registered to vote! I let them know that they need to register early – at least 30 days before the election. It’s important.

He says he hears about a lot of issues affecting people in South Carolina from his customers. “Fifty times a day I hear different stories about what’s affecting people or how they feel about Barack.” He says most of his customers are concerned about oil prices, and jobs are also a big concern. “We need to make sure jobs don’t leave this country. A lot of people I know are losing their jobs as the factories are moved overseas.”

With four kids, Al is also concerned about education.

I want my kids to get a god education. I have a son going to college in two years, and I’m concerned about paying for that. And I don’t want him to have to go fight a war. We need to make sure our children don’t have to fight this war.

Al’s already donated once to the campaign, and plans to make another donation when he can.

I believe in him. I want to do all I can to help him win. It’s not a big donation, but it’s the least I can do.

Message from Barack: The Next Vice President

Amanda Scott — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 10:17:55 EDT

Barack sent out this email this morning...

Amanda --

I have some important news that I want to make official.

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

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

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

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

http://my.barackobama.com/welcomejoe

Thanks for your support,

Barack

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

Obama Campaign announces South Carolina Staff

Anna Kim — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 20:34:33 EDT

Columbia, SC -- Senator Barack Obama’s Campaign announced today that Trav Robertson will be the state director for the campaign in South Carolina. Robertson, a veteran organizer with experience at the national, state, and local levels, will oversee field, political and communications staff throughout the state. In addition, the Obama campaign announced today that Clay Middleton will serve as political director in South Carolina.

"I'm ready to get to work building a great team in South Carolina to put Barack Obama in the White House," Robertson said. "Obama supporters in South Carolina are ready to roll up their sleeves and begin the sprint to November because they know America cannot afford another four years of George Bush's failed economic policies that John McCain is offering. With the right organization we will be ready for the tough fight ahead so we can elect Barack Obama and bring the change South Carolina’s families deserve."

"Trav and Clay bring the expertise of state and national campaigns, in addition to years of organizing experience," Obama campaign manager David Plouffe said. "They will bring an unprecedented general election campaign organization to all corners of South Carolina that will involve volunteers and supporters to be a part of changing the way Washington works. We are inviting South Carolinians to join Trav and Clay in the effort to work for every vote in the Palmetto State between now and November."

Trav Robertson is a South Carolina native who resides in Columbia. Before joining Obama for America, Robertson served as Iowa Regional Field Director and South Carolina Field Coordinator for Gov. Bill Richardson’s presidential campaign. Robertson has served as a campaign advisor and director for a number of local, state and congressional campaigns in South Carolina. He has a B.A. from the University of South Carolina.

Clay N. Middleton is a Charleston native. In 2008, he ran for the SC House of Representative narrowly losing in the runoff. He is a graduate of The Citadel and an Iraq War Veteran. During his tour of duty, he earned the Bronze Star Medal. Middleton has also worked as a Regional Field Organizer for the SC Democratic Party in a partnership with the DNC. Before joining Obama for America, he was the Lowcountry Coordinator for Congressman James E. Clyburn House Majority Whip and a Captain in the SC Army National Guard.

    ###

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    Thursday, August 14, 2008
    Contact: Obama Press Office, (312) 819-2423

South Carolina Superdelegate Endorses Obama

Sam Graham-Felsen — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 11:18:58 EST

Chicago, IL – South Carolina Democratic Party Chair Carol Fowler endorsed Barack Obama for president, citing ability his electability and his lifetime of advocating for middle class families and workers.

“I am proud to announce my support of Barack Obama today.

“South Carolina Democrats have told me repeatedly that their greatest concern is that we nominate a candidate who can win in November, and who will help us build the Democratic Party across our state. I have observed the presidential campaigns for more than a year, and there is no doubt in my mind that the Obama campaign has what it takes to bring us a Democratic president. Senator Obama and his team have already made significant organizational contributions to the SC Democratic Party, and I expect their good work to continue through the fall campaign and into his administration.

“Senator Obama has proven, through a lifetime of advocating for middle class families and workers, his unique ability to create change that matters in the lives of Americans. He has proven his ability to win in the so-called "red states" like this one, and has brought countless new voters into the process. The people of South Carolina chose change by a decisive margin on January 26th, and I'm proud to stand with voters across the country who have backed Barack Obama to win in November and to lead our country in a new direction.”

Josh Stroman reflects on South Carolina

Sam Graham-Felsen — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 18:21:39 EST

Many of you were moved by this video of Josh Stroman, the Benedict College student who volunteered for the Obama campaign...

I asked Josh to reflect on last night's victory and he sent over these thoughts...

We knew that we were going to have to be committed to the vision of what America could be, if we got involved and worked to bring it to life. The last day was incredible. We ran throughout the city of Columbia, posting signs, increasing visibility, knocking on doors, walking with people to the actual polling places. Whatever we had to do to ensure Senator Obama's victory, we were committed to doing it.

...His victory is vindication for so many of us who believe in what this country can be. It is also an indication that the American people can stand against the power of the establishment in order to usher in a new attitude and approach to uplifting the greater good.

I have invested, and I believe we all have, such an enormous amount of personal energy. We embraced Senator Obama's vision... in which each of us are empowered to be innovative in creating solutions that match the common challenges that we all face...

Lastly, I want to tell Senator Obama, that WE are so very proud of him, for having enough confidence and faith in the American people to launch this historic journey to restore the American presidency to its highest mantle.
This will not be easy, but it is very important that each American citizen, who believes that America can truly be a nation for the people and of the people, to get out and canvass, caucus, make phone calls, post signs, be patient with those who do not fully grasp the significance of the opportunity and it is important for us, to work with positive and encouraging spirits when speaking of the vision that we each share of a brighter and more promising America.

Being a part of Senator Obama’s campaign has meant so much to me. My friends and I plan on driving to Georgia, we may go to Maryland, Virginia and many more places if need be. I know that my story has inspired so many, but understand, that it is indeed, Senator Barack Obama, who has inspired me to dream dreams that I never thought could be possible. As I am empowered, I am allowed to empower others and in South Carolina, unity brought victory. I will forever be grateful for how this campaign has transformed my life and pray that each of us get involved in our own unique way, to reclaim the hope and the future of this nation. Thank you Senator Obama for allowing the American people, as diverse as we may be, to stand together as one people, and both collectively and individually contribute our talents and gifts to a cause much greater than ourselves.

Thank you, Josh. You are a vital part of this movement.

In the News: Obama's Historic SC Victory

Sarah Ramey — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 10:43:18 EST

New York Times

"Obama Carries South Carolina by Wide margin"
COLUMBIA, S.C. — Senator Barack Obama won a commanding victory over Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton in the South Carolina Democratic primary on Saturday...
...“Tonight, the cynics who believed that what began in the snows of Iowa was just an illusion were told a different story by the good people of South Carolina,” Mr. Obama told a euphoric crowd here after the results came in. “After four great contests in every corner of this country, we have the most votes, the most delegates and the most diverse coalition of Americans we’ve seen in a long, long time.”

MSNBC

"Why Obama won and what his win gets him"
There were two true stunners Saturday night: the size of Sen. Barack Obama’s margin of victory over Sen. Hillary Clinton — 28 percentage points — but just as significant this number: Total turnout for Democrats in their primary was greater than the turnout for the Republican primary in this state, which is one of the most loyally Republican in the nation.
Four years ago about 293,000 Democrats voted in the state’s primary: Saturday Obama alone got more than that number of votes.
Why did Obama win South Carolina and what does this triumph portend for future contests?
One short answer: He and his campaign staffers worked.
Thus Obama vindicated Sen. Hillary Clinton’s own New Hampshire campaign slogan when she said, “Some believe you can get change by hoping for it. I believe you get change by working hard.”
Democratic activists here in South Carolina said that the Obama campaign had perhaps the most extensive field operation ever seen in this state...

Washington Post

"Obama Is Big Winner In S.C. Primary"
CHARLESTON, S.C., Jan. 26 -- Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois won the South Carolina primary in a landslide Saturday, attracting a biracial coalition that gave his candidacy a much-needed boost as the Democratic presidential race moves toward a 22-state showdown on Feb. 5.
Obama trounced Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton of New York in the first Southern primary of the 2008 campaign, winning 55 percent of the vote to Clinton's 27 percent. Former senator John Edwards of North Carolina was third with 18 percent.
...he told supporters they are facing a formidable challenge, and then, alluding to controversies that erupted with the Clintons last week, said, "This is our chance to end it once and for all."
...The exit polls in South Carolina showed Obama winning a majority of both men and women, and winning most categories of voters.
...South Carolina political veterans said Obama's ground organization was one of the best they had seen, consisting of 9,000 volunteers and nearly 150 voting-day staging areas...
Most significantly, Obama virtually swept the African American vote despite rejecting typical tactics deployed in the South...

Washington Post

"A Margin That Will Be Hard to Marginalize"
Across South Carolina last week, African American voters came in droves to see Sen. Barack Obama. They came, they said in interviews, not just for a glimpse of the first black candidate with a serious chance at winning the White House but because they were drawn by his message of bringing Americans of all backgrounds together.
"He speaks of things that touch the heart of everyday people. We all collectively as a society have to hold onto our hope together," said Beverly Newsome, a teacher in North Charleston. "How else are we going to make it if we don't join together to create a better society for everyone?"
Voters loved it. After a rally in Kingstree on Thursday, Harrison McKnight, the county coroner, said the only thing that came close to it was when the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. visited the town for a speech at the high school football field in 1966. "It's wonderful. It's something new that wasn't here before," McKnight said.

Associated Press

"Obama wins big victory in SC primary"
"Economy tops list for U.S. concerns..."
COLUMBIA, S.C. - Barack Obama routed Hillary Rodham Clinton in the racially charged South Carolina primary Saturday night, regaining campaign momentum in the prelude to a Feb. 5 coast-to-coast competition for more than 1,600 Democratic National Convention delegates.
"The choice in this election is not about regions or religions or genders," Obama said at a boisterous victory rally. "It's not about rich versus poor, young versus old and it's not about black versus white. It's about the past versus the future."
The audience chanted "Race doesn't matter" as it awaited Obama to make his appearance after rolling up 55 percent of the vote in a three-way race...

New York Times

"Obama Weathers a Test of Mettle"
COLUMBIA, S.C. — Senator Barack Obama proved in South Carolina on Saturday that he could not only endure everything the Clinton campaign threw at him in the most confrontational week of the presidential contest so far but also draw votes across racial lines even in a Southern state.
...“The criticism of Obama ended up really helping him going forward, I think,” said Congressman James E. Clyburn of South Carolina, an influential black Democrat who remained neutral in the primary. “If he ends up winning the nomination, he will definitely face an onslaught of attacks this fall, and he may look back on South Carolina as the place that toughened him up.”
In his victory speech Saturday night, Mr. Obama indeed sounded like a candidate with a cause, saying that the fight for South Carolina produced not only a personal victory but also progress over the divisive politics of the past...
...his victory Saturday may stir fresh excitement among voters there and in his home state, Illinois, as well as in other places where he is building support, like California and even Mrs. Clinton’s political base in New York.
He also has bragging rights about a new coalition of support. About as many South Carolina white men voted for Mr. Obama as for Mrs. Clinton, and about 70 percent of white voters said they would be satisfied if Mr. Obama won the Democratic nomination, according to exit polls was conducted by Edison/Mitofsky for the National Election Pool of television networks and the Associated Press.

New York Daily News

"Obama in S. Carolina landslide"
COLUMBIA, S.C. - Barack Obama won the South Carolina primary in a jaw-dropping landslide Saturday, handing a humiliating defeat to two Clintons - Hillary and Bill.
Obama won 55% of the vote, Clinton 27% and John Edwards 18% in nearly complete returns.
...Obama's lopsided win was by far the biggest of the 2008 primary season. Iowa, which went for Obama, and New Hampshire and Nevada, where Clinton prevailed, were all decided by 8 percentage points or less.

Associated Press

...Barack Obama said his overwhelming win in South Carolina disproved notions that Democratic voters are deeply divided along racial lines.
''We have the most votes, the most delegates, and the most diverse coalition of Americans we've seen in a long, long time,'' the Illinois senator told joyful supporters at a rally. ''They are young and old; rich and poor. They are black and white; Latino and Asian.''
...his supporters chanted ''Race doesn't matter'' before Obama took the stage in Columbia, and again as he spoke for 20 minutes.
'We're looking to fundamentally change the status quo in Washington,'' Obama said. ''And right now, that status quo is fighting back with everything it's got; with the same old tactics that divide and distract us from solving the problems people face.''
''We are up against the idea that it's acceptable to say anything and do anything to win an election,'' Obama said. ''We know that this is exactly what's wrong with our politics. This is why people don't believe what their leaders say anymore. This is why they tune out. And this election is our chance to give the American people a reason to believe again.''
The crowd repeatedly chanted, ''Yes we can!''
With wins in heavily white Iowa and in South Carolina, where about half of Saturday's voters were black, Obama said he has proven he can win in any region.
He said he wants to disprove ''the assumption that young people are apathetic'' and ''the assumption that African-Americans can't support the white candidate; whites can't support the African-American candidate; blacks and Latinos can't come together.''

Associated Press

"Obama Captures Most Delegates in SC"
Sen. Barack Obama won 25 delegates in South Carolina's Democratic primary, narrowing Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton's lead in the race for the nomination.
...Obama has won the most delegates at stake in the primaries and caucuses held so far.

Politico

"The exit polls: why Obama won"
...exit polls conducted by The Associated Press and the television networks reveal that Obama’s success in South Carolina may have been because of blacks but it was not limited to them.

He won eight in 10 African Americans. But he also won independents, moderates, youth — and 27 percent of white men and 22 percent of white women.
... Obama also benefited from a lack of gender gap between black men and black women, with both backing him equally. Clinton had hoped that her outsized strength among white women might translate to their black counterparts.

...Obama won every level of income and education and beat Clinton handily among voters who named Iraq, the economy and health care as their most important concerns.

In Nevada a week ago, Clinton and Obama split voters who prioritized the economy and Iraq; Clinton won those who said health care.

In South Carolina, Obama won on all three issues by 20 to 30 points.
...Only the young transcended racial lines. Obama won more than 65 percent of voters under 29 years old. He did it in large part because he won half of the white youth vote. In fact, white youth were twice as likely to support Obama as were whites between 30 and 59 years of age.

Boston Globe

"Obama cruises to SC victory"
COLUMBIA, S.C.—Senator Barack Obama cruised to a huge victory today in South Carolina's Democratic primary, injecting...momentum into his campaign and capping a bitter contest here with Senator Hillary Clinton that touched on race, honesty, and the proper role of an ex-president in the election.
...Obama's triumph, though expected, represents a big win, and it sets the stage for a high-stakes showdown between he and Clinton on Feb. 5, when nearly two dozen states hold primaries or caucuses...

Washington Post

"Black Vote was Vital But Not The Whole Story"
Overwhelming support from African American voters fueled Sen. Barack Obama's big win in yesterday's South Carolina Democratic primary, but he also continued to demonstrate broad appeal across racial lines...
...And as in Iowa, New Hampshire and Nevada, Obama also excelled among those voters seeking a change-oriented candidate. Eight in 10 whites who voted for Obama said bringing about "needed change" was the most important candidate quality. More than half of all voters said change was the top attribute.

Wall Street Journal

"Obama scores South Carolina Win, Defeating Clinton by Wide Margin"
COLUMBIA, S.C. -- After a heated campaign, Illinois Sen. Barack Obama transcended racial lines to prevail in the first southern state to hold a Democratic primary. The decisive South Carolina victory changes the shape of the Democratic race and returns Mr. Obama to co-front-runner status.
...The results give the Obama campaign new momentum as it moves into the nearly two dozen states that go to the polls on Feb. 5 or "Super Tuesday."
...With this wave of momentum, Mr. Obama moves to the coast-to-coast competition for more than 1,600 delegates. South Carolina shows that Mr. Obama couldn't only make a strong finish in largely black states like Georgia and Alabama but also in important states with dominantly white electorates like Illinois, California and Mrs. Clinton's home state, New York.
..."The choice in this election is not between regions or religions or genders…and it is not about black versus white," Mr. Obama said in his speech. "It's about whether we settle for the same divisions and distractions and drama that passes for politics today, or whether we reach for a politics of common sense and innovation."
Marquita Daniels, a musician from Columbia, said she was undecided for a while but locked in on Mr. Obama recently. "I think this is a historic moment, a great change," Mrs. Daniels said.
South Carolina Rep. Jim Clyburn, a prominent Democratic leader in the state, said turn out could reach as high as 500,000 voters -- a large figure by any estimation. "This is really a testament to the reemergence of the South Carolina Democratic Party," he said in an interview.
...[Bill Clinton's] approach didn't work in Mrs. Clinton's favor and may have even turned off voters in the states that will hold primaries or caucuses on Feb. 5. Exit polls showed that nearly six in 10 voters said the former president's efforts for his wife was important to their choice, and among them, slightly more favored Mr. Obama than the former first lady.

Los Angeles Times

"A Vote For Obama, And For Something Larger"
ORANGEBURG, S.C. --
...after voting for Barack Obama on a chilly winter Saturday, in a town with a history of racial unrest, many African Americans couldn't help but let themselves feel that they were taking part in something larger.
...On Saturday, African American schoolteachers talked about how an Obama in the White House would motivate students who complain that the deck is stacked against them. Parents hoped it would help them keep distracted sons on the straight and narrow. One woman felt it might even push those Confederate flags into the shadows.

Earthalee Brown, 85, cast her ballot around noon in the gymnasium at South Carolina State University, then allowed herself to imagine what it would be like to see Obama taking the oath of office next January in front of the Capitol dome.
...[A] semiretired truck driver and other Obama voters took pains to explain that their candidate was more than simply their color. They cited his election to the Senate, his intelligence and his reputation for being able to strike compromises with those who hold different views.

"You don't get in because of the color of your skin. It's the person that you are," said George Favors, after casting his Obama ballot. "That's what Martin Luther King said."

Los Angeles Times

"Obama easily wins heated SC Primary"
...The win, the most lopsided of the campaign, gives the Illinois senator a big lift heading into the coast-to-coast balloting Feb. 5. He once more demonstrated strong support among young and change-minded voters, who helped set another record turnout.
... Obama made significant inroads with one group of white voters: He carried half those younger than 30.

He also fared well on issues. Half of voters cited the economy as the major problem facing the country; Obama was that bloc's clear favorite. He enjoyed an even bigger edge among voters naming healthcare or the war in Iraq as the country's biggest problem.
..."It tells me that people and times are changing," said Sarah Favors, who has taught for 25 years at historically black South Carolina State University. "And to see it happening here in South Carolina tells me that things are really changing, because people here like things to stay the same."

Newsday

...Barack Obama scored a major victory in the Palmetto State primary Saturday, giving him a burst of momentum he'll need to overcome Hillary Rodham Clinton's advantage in a Super Tuesday showdown in 22 states including New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts and California.

...Obama trounced Clinton, 55 percent to 27 percent, with 96 percent of precincts reporting. South Carolina native John Edwards finished third with 18 percent.

Obama's 28-point margin of victory was by far the greatest enjoyed by any Democratic candidate this year and provided him with a much-needed boost after defeats in New Hampshire and Nevada.

"We are up against the idea that it's acceptable to say anything and do anything to win an election," he told a crowd of chanting supporters. "We know that this is exactly what's wrong with our politics."

Financial Times

Barack Obama won a sweeping victory over Hillary Clinton in the South Carolina Democratic primary on Saturday, propelled by overwhelming support from African-American voters.
Mr Obama’s strong win throws the Democratic race wide open again with less than ten days before almost half of the party’s delegates are chosen in the ”Super Tuesday” primary polls on February 5.
...”In nine short days, nearly half the nation will have the chance to join us in saying that we are tired of business-as-usual in Washington. We are hungry for change, and we are ready to believe again,” he added, to deafening chants of “Yes we can” by supporters.
...The Illinois senator also gained an endorsement from Caroline Kennedy, who likened Mr Obama to her late father, President John F. Kennedy.
”I have never had a president who inspired me the way people tell me that my father inspired them,” she wrote in the New York Times. ”But for the first time, I believe I have found a man who could be that president - and not just for me, but for a new generation of Americans.”

UPDATED: OBAMA WINS SOUTH CAROLINA

Sam Graham-Felsen — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 22:02:05 EST

NBC news projects that Barack Obama has won the South Carolina primary "by a substantial margin."

Politico's Ben Smith says Obama's win is "the most dominant win of the cycle so far."

It's worth noting that Obama was down by as much as 24 points in polls before December. What a comeback.

According to exit polls, Americans are turned off by attack-dog style campaigning and want something new.

Here's video of three networks calling the race for Obama...

The AP writes... "Obama Regains Momentum in S.C."

Here's the Huffington Post's front page...

CNN's exit poll results are now available... some notable data...

Obama wins 68% of 18-29 year olds
Obama wins 62% of 30-44 year olds
Obama wins 55% of 45-59 year olds
Obama wins 63% of people who have never voted before
Obama wins 54% of of non-college educated voters
Obama wins 52% of college educated voters
Obama wins 55% of people who make less than $100,000
Obama wins 57% of people who make less than $50,000
Obama wins 52% of people who said the economy was the most important issue

Tim Russert calls it a "huge win"...

Check out this graphic of county-by-county breakdown...

LIVE from South Carolina Victory Rally

T. Neil Sroka — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 20:14:52 EST

This room is just starting to fill and the electricity and excitement is almost unbearable.

The line outside the convention center stretched the length of the convention center and then some. The mood out in the cold? Nothing short of elation!

We didn't just win tonight, we changed the way the game can be won by almost every measure. South Carolina will never be the same again.

And the best part? We did it because people said, "Yes, we can!"

This is our night and in a few short minutes we'll hear from the man who help us do it.

Here's some video from the victory party...

Getting out the vote in South Carolina

Sam Graham-Felsen — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 18:50:40 EST

Folks are fired up in the Palmetto State. Here are some University of South Carolina students getting out the vote on the big day...

And here's Cindy, a mother and teacher in Columbia, SC, talking about why she cast her vote for Barack Obama.

Barack Stops By Bethlehem Baptist Church in Columbia, SC

T. Neil Sroka — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 13:50:29 EST

Earlier this morning, Barack stopped by Bethlehem Baptist Church in Columbia, SC to speak and pray with a group of congregates.

Barack also thanked the group for their support and encouraged them to get their friends, family, and fellow church members out to the polls. "Every vote counts," he said. "That's why it so crucial that we turn out every voter we can."

Do you know someone who might not have made it out to the polls just yet? Give them a call and ask them to come vote with you. Even if you can't take them to the polls yourself, sometimes it just takes one call to turn friend or family member into an agent of change.

Whatever you do, make sure you double check your polling place before you head out the door and call the SC voter assistance hotline at 877-622-6228 if you or the person you're bringing out to hte polls has any questions about voting.

Video: Barack Fires Up Florence, SC

T. Neil Sroka — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 10:30:26 EST

Immediately prior to last night's amazing pre-primary rally in Columbia, Barack was in Florence, SC, getting the Pee Dee fired up and ready to vote today.

Take a look at the crowd and the energy...

Did you fight off fear and doubt and already vote for hope and change in South Carolina this morning? If so, make check in on friends, family, and neighbors and make sure they've gone out and cast their vote for Barack. They can find their polling place online here.

Know someone who might need a ride to their polling place? Tell them to call our toll-free, voter assistance hotline at 877-622-6228 and a campaign volunteer will answer any questions they might have about voting and arrange a ride to the polls if they need it.

Video: South Carolina's Time to Stand for Change

T. Neil Sroka — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 08:13:17 EST

Take a look at this unbelievable video from last night's rally in Columbia and you'll see just how fired up South Carolina is to work hard for every vote today and make sure that the Palmetto State pushes this nationwide movement forward.

Are you ready to stand up with Barack, too? Make sure you have the right polling place online before you head out the door and, if you need a ride to the polls or have any questions about voting, please don't hesitate to call our toll-free voter assistance hotline, 877-622-6228.

7:00 AM EST: Polls Just Opened in South Carolina

T. Neil Sroka — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 07:02:34 EST

South Carolina, our moment is now! Fired Up! Ready to go!

Double check your polling place before you head out the door. Some polling locations may have been changed for this election.

Capacity Crowd at Stand Up for Change Rally in Columbia, SC

T. Neil Sroka — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 02:37:12 EST

Just hours before South Carolinians begin casting their vote in the Democratic Primary, Barack rallied a capacity crowd at the Koger Center in downtown Columbia, SC.

The theater was massive and filled to the brim with screaming supporters when Michelle Obama hit the stage to introduce Barack and former SC Governor and Obama supporter, Jim Hodges.

Former Gov. Hodges really fired up the crowd by joking that, "Clemson was louder earlier today." The crowd, filled with SC Gamecocks, roared with disapproval and got even louder.

Already fired up, when Barack finally took to the stage, the crowd was probably one of the loudest I've ever heard. The Koger Center almost shook with the cheering.

Without a doubt, it was one of the best rallies this campaign has ever seen and a perfect way to kick-off the day all of us have been waiting for -- Primary Day!

Today is our day, South Carolina. This is our time.

With polls open in less than five hours, the time for action is now. Find your polling location online now and, in the morning, make sure you reach out to younger and older friends and neighbors and make sure that they're able to get to the polls, too.

Take a look at some of the other pictures from tonight's rally.

Stand for Change Rally in Columbia is Filling Up

T. Neil Sroka — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 22:35:26 EST

With just 20 minutes to go before Barack hits the stage for his final rally before tomorrow's South Carolina Democratic Primary, this place is really starting to fill up.

Take a look at some of the photos I took 30 minutes ago...

This is going to be one amazing rally. Are you ready, South Carolina?

We'll check back with you at the end of the rally, but, in the meantime, if you're here in South Carolina, take the time to double check your polling place online while you wait.

Barack Fires Up Over 5,000 in Clemson

T. Neil Sroka — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 22:15:36 EST

Barack fired up a huge, outdoor rally at Clemson University earlier this afternoon.

In fact, the crowd of students and supporters was so large that some had to join in from the balconies of surrounding buildings.

The best part of the rally was that everyone was feeding off the energy in the crowd, even Barack.

Clearly the Upstate is fired up and ready to vote for Barack tomorrow.

Check out the complete set of pictures below and check back for video from the event later this evening.

Are you ready to vote tomorrow? Double check your polling place online and remember that polls open from 7:00 AM through 7:00pm.

Live from Florence, SC: The Crowd is Building

Michael Pipe — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 20:19:46 EST

The crowd is building in the Florence City-County Civic Center for tonight's rally with Barack Obama. Take a look at the crowd:

Here's the same view 30 minutes later:

Check back for more video from Florence, South Carolina.

Tomorrow South Carolina has a chance to make history.

Click here to find your polling place.

Barack speaks at a roundtable with women in Columbia, SC

Sam Graham-Felsen — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 19:53:06 EST

Patricia Moseley is a South Carolina resident and a Republican, who switched her party to vote for Obama. The first time she ever voted was for the Reagan/Bush ticket in 1984, and she later campaigned for George H.W. Bush. Today, she feels the country needs change and that Barack is the best person to bring everyone together. Tomorrow, in addition to voting, she will be canvassing and reminding others to vote for Barack...

Video: Obama jokes with audience in North Charleston

Sam Graham-Felsen — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 13:47:27 EST

Senator Obama jokes about how he doesn't speak the "Washington" language in North Charleston, South Carolina...

Video: Obama thanks Heidi

Sam Graham-Felsen — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 12:44:19 EST

As many of you know, Barack Obama spent years as a community organizer in the South Side of Chicago. He understands the importance of organizing ordinary people to do extraordinary things, and that's why he takes the time to introduce his young, hard-working field organizers at events across the country.

In this video, Barack thanks Heidi Johnson-Young, a campaign field organizer in Beaufort, South Carolina...

Doing Something "Different" in South Carolina

T. Neil Sroka — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 11:51:19 EST

This morning's Charleston Post & Courier had this amazing story about the grassroots movement supporters all throughout the Palmetto State have created behind Barack Obama.

Obama, Clinton take different paths to win voters

Before Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama appeared to talk to a few thousand people earlier this month at the College of Charleston, a student asked those in the audience to send a text message to his campaign if they wanted a shot at a free T-shirt or better seats.

Dozens and dozens of students and others instantly whipped out their cell phones and began tapping the buttons.

This was no ordinary raffle.

In those few minutes, the campaign got a very long list of cell numbers of potential supporters, so it could text them back and make sure they get out to vote.

Political observers say that's just one of the innovative tactics the Illinois senator has used during the past year, tactics that have helped him catch and surpass Sen. Hillary Clinton in the polls here.

"His grass-roots movement here in South Carolina is unlike anything I've ever seen," said former state Superintendent of Education Inez Tenenbaum, an Obama supporter.

...

Steve Hildebrand, who has coordinated Obama's campaign strategy for early-voting states said the grass-roots approach used here is similar to the campaign's work in earlier states.

"The South Carolina twist was one of the most innovative. Jeremy Bird, our field director, came up with it," he said. "We would get a volunteer supporter to hold a house meeting and invite friends, neighbors, relatives, co-workers. About 15 to 20 people. We would get together and talk about Barack and educate people more about who he is. We would show a short video. At the end, we would ask, 'Are you ready to commit to Barack?' "

Those who said yes would be asked to hold their own house meetings.

"We held over 2,000 of those across South Carolina," Hildebrand said. "That's really where we built our volunteer base and our initial supporters."

The Obama campaign will be relying on this team Saturday.

See the full story here.

Barack will be relying on amazing team of volunteers tomorrow to get out the vote here in South Carolina, but can he rely on you for your vote? Find your polling place online now to make sure your a part of the wave of change that will sweep across the Palmetto State tomorrow.

Planning on being a part of that amazing team of volunteers tomorrow? Find your County Election Commission here and make sure you cast your absentee in-person vote today, so you can turn out even more voters tomorrow.

SC Black News Endorses Barack

T. Neil Sroka — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 00:40:45 EST

The SC Black News, the largest African American paper in South Carolina, joined The State, the Rock Hill Hearld, and the Greenville News in endorsing Barack for the Democratic Presidential nomination.

SC Black News endorses Barack Obama

South Carolina's largest African American newspaper announces their endorsement of Senator Barack Obama for the Democratic presidential nomination.

Senator Obama's message has remained consistent throughout this arduous process and throughout his career. His intent to hold the office of President appears to be genuinely selfless and not ego-driven, but driven by the need to bring this country, and the world together. We find him to be the most qualified to lift this country out of the despair and his approach to the political process refreshing and inspiring. Race has little to do with our endorsement. It is the content of the message and the character of the candidates that has moved us in this direction. Senator Clinton and Senator Edwards bring many fresh ideas to the table and we respect their candidacies, but neither brings the kind of hope and vision we feel necessary to navigate our country successfully through the perilous challenges that lie ahead.

While the differences in the democratic candidates' positions are really quite small, the tactics in which they have been delivered have undeniably influenced popular opinion. It may be impossible to negate the fact that when spokespeople are speaking off the cuff on your behalf, some less than diplomatic statements and responses may occur. However, Senator Clinton's camp has repeatedly employed questionable attacks on Senator Obama's character that have no place in the new political millennium as it relates to the racial divide.

In her eagerness to point out how white presidents can get things done, she in effect relegated Dr. King's sacrifice for racial equality to nothing more than a supportive role. And that came directly out of her mouth, not her husband's, a politico supporter's or a celebrity hired gun designed to reach out to the African American population. If indeed the barrage of attacks are unscripted and not part of a larger strategy to undermine Senator Obama, then they are at best indicative of a much larger problem. If she is unable to control and steer her campaign clear of divisive political disparages, how can she be expected to effectively run a country amid great partisan divide on varying critical issues? Senator Edwards has not availed himself to Black News after repeated attempts to establish a report. His message is strong in that he is for worker's rights, the less privileged, the unemployed and the underemployed, but his lack of effort to reach out to our readership has greatly influenced our position with his overall campaign.

Obama has proven himself to be unaffected by insider political maneuvering. He politically strives to bring constructive dialogue to a problem and is truly a man of vision and embodies the spirit of cooperation that has eluded us for the past seven years. In a speech given last fall, Obama said, "What we cannot continue to do is operate as if we are the weakest nation in the world instead of the strongest one, because that's not who we are and that's not what the US has been about, historically. It is starting to warp our domestic policies, as well. We haven't even talked about civil liberties and the impact of that politics of fear--what that has done to us, in terms of undermining basic civil liberties in this country, what it has done in terms of our reputation around the world." He has proven that through hard work, commitment and sound reason, we can come together as a nation to correct the evils that plague us, both domestically and abroad.

We feel his ability to work with both sides of the aisle far eclipses the other candidates' ability to effectively run a bi-partisan government and bring our country out of the darkness that now surrounds it. We believe Obama has the integrity and clarity needed to steer clear of such harmful digression and he will be able to affect change that can enrich us all. He has worked for civil rights, human rights and women's rights throughout his career in activism, law and politics. It is his commitment to equality for all Americans that resonates with us - and the country.

Senator Obama's record as a person who will work for change, champion those who need it most while maintaining an integral, innate sense of justice speaks for itself. Experience has been one of the most debated topics among the democrats. As a civil rights attorney and professor of constitutional law, Obama has a keen understanding and deep appreciation of our nation's core values and guiding principles. Obama will be a fierce defender of the fundamental American values of freedom and equality under law. He has very strong support in the African American community and speaks forthrightly about racial issues and has a great deal of history and experience in civil rights-oriented struggles. In many ways, he breaks that mold of the politician who softens his message in order to appeal to a wide range of voters.

Let's level the economic field for everyone, not just the rich and the privileged. Let's withdraw our troops from Iraq and begin the healing process we so desperately need. Let's make health care and medicines available to everyone who needs them, make housing affordable and keep our jobs in America. Let's educate our children and take care of our veterans and seniors. Despite decades of progress, women still make only 77 cents for every dollar men make. Obama believes the government needs to better enforce the Equal Pay Act, fight job discrimination, and improve child care options and family medical leave to give women equal footing in the workplace.

And last but not least, we have to consider electability in November. Clinton does not automatically enjoy the position as the most popular candidate. We feel she will be unable to sway the considerable number of moderate voters needed for a Democratic victory. In contrast, Obama is able to inspire all walks of people from different social-economic backgrounds and has single handedly rejuvenated the country's belief in a democracy that has the people's best interests at heart, not multi-nationals, defense contractors and special interest groups. He has awakened a cadre of young Americans to the philosophies of elective politics and inspired many to register for the first time in their lives. Obama is clearly the choice if we are to change the direction of this country from a selfish, greed-driven nation to one of peace and justice for all.

Barack Discusses Commitment to Veterans in Kingstree, SC

T. Neil Sroka — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 23:53:28 EST

One of the reasons Barack ran for Senate back in 2003 was to work for Veterans in his home state of Illinois. Today, with less than three days remaining before the South Carolina Democratic primary this Saturday, Barack talked with crowds throughout the Low Country about his plan to renew our trust with those who've served their country as President.

During a rally this morning in Kingstree, SC, when a Vietnam Veteran in the audience asked him a question about his plan to improve Veteran services, Barack had the opportunity to discuss his commitment to creating a twenty-first century Veterans Association that can work hand-in-hand with twenty-first century military.

Following the speech, that same Kingstree Vietnam Veteran explained why he decided to support Barack.

Ready to declare your support and vote for Barack this Saturday, too? Get ready by finding your polling location online right now.

Video: Building a Movement and Getting Out the Vote in South Carolina

T. Neil Sroka — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 23:28:23 EST

This Saturday, January, 26, 2008, after a nearly a year of preparation, the grassroots movement South Carolinians have been building behind Barack Obama will spring into action, stand up for change, and help get out the vote all across Palmetto State.

Take a look at the video below to see how this movement has grown and, most importantly, how we're going to win South Carolina for Barack Obama this Saturday, January 26.

Inspired? There's still time to play an active role in the movement that's going Get-Out-the-Vote and win South Carolina for Barack this Saturday, but you need to sign-up online now.

New radio ad in South Carolina

Sam Graham-Felsen — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 23:17:09 EST

As you all know, Senator Obama has increasingly come under attack from his opponents, and today Hillary Clinton launched a misleading radio attack ad on the air in South Carolina.

As Senator Obama says, "I want to campaign the same way I govern, which is to respond directly and forcefully with the truth."

Here is a new ad from the campaign that is airing on the radio in South Carolina...

Friday: Stand Up for Change in Columbia with Barack

T. Neil Sroka — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 20:40:36 EST

Just hours before the polls open for the South Carolina Democratic Primary, hundreds of supporters will be standing up and rallying behind Barack.

You will not want to miss this! Here are the details:

Stand for Change Rally with Barack Obama
Friday, January 25, 2008

Doors open at 8:45 PM
Program starts at 10:45pm

Koger Center for the Arts
University of South Carolina
1051 Greene St
Columbia, SC 29201
(Map It!)

RSVP: http://my.barackobama.com/columbia

It's going to be great way to kick off a world changing day. I can't wait to see everyone there.

The Greenville News Endorses Barack Obama for President

Sam Graham-Felsen — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 16:59:52 EST

Yet another South Carolina newspaper, The Greenville News, has endorsed Barack Obama...

The Greenville News endorses Barack Obama in Democratic primary
Obama could help nation face its challenges

Democrats in South Carolina go to the polls Saturday to pick their candidate in this state’s presidential primary, one that follows by a week the Republicans ' selection of John McCain in that party’s primary contest. The Iowa caucus and New Hampshire primary took their toll on some second-tier candidates, and the two viable candidates remaining on Saturday’s ticket are Sen. Hillary Clinton of New York and Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois.
Former North Carolina Sen. John Edwards could do reasonably well in South Carolina Saturday given this is his home state. But Edwards’ 2008 campaign lacks the vibrancy of his effort four years ago. He bitterly replays his 2004 theme of two Americas, one rich and one poor, and his campaign appears to be sputtering.
This Democratic race really boils down to a contest between the first woman with a real chance of capturing a major party’s nomination for president and the first African-American with an opportunity to do the same. The Greenville News endorses Barack Obama in Saturday’s primary.
In this race that’s ultimately about giving the Democratic Party its strongest candidate for the November general election, Barack Obama has emerged as one of the most attractive candidates on the political scene in decades. He has a refreshing lack of political guile, and he inspires with his words and with his life’s story. His father came from Kenya, his mother from Kansas, and Obama was born in Hawaii. He has moved easily between different cultures, and he has said before that his life built on diverse experiences has prepared him to be a political leader devoted to uniting people and seeking common solutions.
Obama brings characteristics to this primary that lift up many people and elevate their sense of hope. He is not a hardened ideologue. While he does not minimize his Democratic Party roots, he talks openly and encouragingly of wanting to get "Democrats, Republicans and independents to work constructively on problems instead of (trying) to score political points."

He could help Washington move past its stubborn and destructive partisan politics. As he said in an editorial board meeting at this newspaper, "The politics we have seen and grown accustomed to over the past 20 years have not been productive." That’s so true.

In the area of experience, Hillary Clinton has a slight edge over Obama given a lengthier resume that includes advocating for children’s issues, her proximity to power during her husband’s two terms as president, and her Senate career that began in 2001. Clinton is an exceptionally sharp politician, by all accounts a hard worker, and is a strong advocate for issues dear to the hearts of many Democrats.

All but Clinton’s harshest critics could see her ably fulfilling the duties of the president of the United States, and that includes her serving as the commander in chief during a national crisis.

But despite whatever positive attributes Clinton could bring to the White House, she would undeniably continue this country’s politics of division. A most telling point has emerged over the past week, when Clinton has roasted Obama — and twisted his words — for daring to state that Ronald Reagan was a transformational political figure who realigned this nation’s politics. Our country doesn’t need another four years, or eight years, of divide-and-conquer politics.

On the major issues facing the nation, the Democrats are remarkably close in their positions, and it must be added, many of these positions run counter to those often expressed by this newspaper on this opinion page. The major Democratic candidates want us out of Iraq, but with slightly different timetables. They want tax policies that reflect the Democratic Party’s agenda, and they want to stimulate a faltering economy by putting more money into the pockets of more Americans, especially low-income Americans who don’t pay income taxes. The Democratic candidates also want to provide health care for all Americans, although again with slightly different approaches.

In this race to capture to the Democratic Party’s nomination, Obama makes the most compelling case for his nomination when he describes the differences between himself and Sen. Clinton. She is more comfortable with the "Washington lobby culture," he told our editorial board, and as seen in the failed health-care campaign in 1993, she is comfortable operating behind closed doors and trying to demonize her opponents.

Obama’s approach to governing would be based on openness, inclusiveness and transparency. That approach would serve our country well.

The Rock Hill Herald (SC) Endorses Barack Obama

Sam Graham-Felsen — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 16:56:04 EST

The Rock Hill Herald (SC) has endorsed Barack Obama for President of the United States...

OPINION: Obama for Democratic nomination
Barack Obama, at 46, could have waited four or even eight years to run for the presidency, but decided that this year’s campaign was his moment.
We think he was right; his candidacy is ideally suited for this point in the nation’s history. Obama, more than any other candidate in either party, has based his campaign on the promise of positive change in Washington and an effort to heal the caustic partisan rift that divides not only the nation’s capital but also much of the nation.
The promise of change is nothing unique in the rhetoric of the stump. But we think Obama brings both a unique biography and an impressive set of skills to this campaign.
Obama, son of a black father from Kenya and a white mother from Kansas, is the first African-American to contend seriously for the presidency. As a child, he lived for four years in predominantly Muslim Indonesia before moving with his mother to Hawaii. And after graduating from Columbia University in 1983, he deferred the pursuit of a career to work as a community organizer for a church-based group in the poor neighborhoods of Chicago.
As he notes himself, he would bring a new face to the presidency, a new face representing the United States to the rest of the world. That, alone, is a significant recommendation for his candidacy.
But he also possesses considerable charisma and oratorical skills. He is coolly rational — perhaps to a fault. His deliberative responses to questions sometimes do not lend themselves to sound bites or serve him well in debates. But that thoughtfulness derives from an apparent depth of intelligence.
His experience has been questioned. But he claims foreign policy expertise — more, he says, than Ronald Reagan or Bill Clinton had when they first ran — as a member of the Senate foreign relations committee and as one who has traveled extensively and understands the world.
He also boasts political experience. In 1996, he won a seat in the Illinois Senate, where he served for eight years. In 2004, he was elected by a landslide to the U.S. Senate.
He concedes that he lacks administrative experience, but said that putting together a $100 million campaign says something about his organizational and leadership skills.
We trust that Obama’s chief Democratic opponent, Sen. Hillary Clinton of New York, would bring a wealth of experience to the White House. As she claims, she would be ready for the job “on day one.”
But we believe, because of her association with her husband’s two administrations, that she also would bring the baggage of polarization and bitter rhetoric that has dominated the political landscape for at least two decades.
Former N.C. Sen. John Edwards, a South Carolina native, has plied a populist message and concern for the nation’s downtrodden as the centerpiece of his campaign. But that message has failed to ignite the voters as Obama’s call for hope and change has.
Ideologically, Obama differs little from Clinton or Edwards. He plans to extricate the United States from Iraq, but cautiously. His catch-phrase is: “We need to be as careful in leaving Iraq as we were careless going in.”
While he stresses that the loss of life and the toll on the U.S. military have been the worst consequences of the war, he also believes the economic damage resulting from spending billions of dollars each month on the war is severe.
Obama has a comprehensive health-care reform plan whose goal is to make health insurance available and affordable to all.
He views global warming not only as an environmental threat but also a threat to the economy and, ultimately, U.S. security. He would offer incentives to promote efficiency, invest in research in clean technology and institute a system designed to reduce carbon emissions.
He would seek a tax cut for middle-class families, as well as a tax credit of up to $4,000 toward a college education. However, he would roll back President Bush’s tax breaks for the wealthiest Americans and raise the capital gains tax rate on those making more than $250,000 a year.
But the principle reason we endorse Obama in Saturday’s primary is because he appears to have the skills and the genuine desire to engender new hope, bring more people — especially younger voters — into the political process, bring the nation together and restore America’s image around the globe.

Hope Boat in South Carolina

Sarah Ramey — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 16:11:11 EST

After Hurricane Hugo hit Charleston, South Carolina in 1989, a boat washed up on shore.

It's been sitting there ever since -- though the paint job is, of course, new. In fact, a tradition has grown up around the boat -- it gets painted and re-painted every couple of days, sometimes even twice a day, by whoever has the time, a message and the paint.

This weekend, South Carolina volunteers Eileen, Lauren and Karen got together and all pitched in for some paint. The message part was easy:

So as the South Carolina primary draws near, people on their way to Folly Beach in Charleston can't miss the positive theme of this campaign: Yes We Can.

There's so much heart in this movement -- keep it up, creative campaigners!

If you don't have time to paint a Hope Boat, you can get involved right from where you're sitting: donate to the campaign, make a few calls to Feb 5th voters, spread the word to your friends, or sign up to volunteer in your area.

Be a part of this powerful movement for hope -- go to the Action Center and get involved!

Video: Kerry Washington, Usher, and Barack at SC State University

T. Neil Sroka — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 12:16:03 EST

Last night, Barack was joined by actress Kerry Washington and at a rally at South Carolina State University in Orangeburg, SC.

Everyone who was there said the event was pretty incredible. Check it out below...

Video: Getting Fired Up in Greenwood, SC with Barack Obama & Ms. Edith Childs

T. Neil Sroka — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 11:34:26 EST

Yesterday, Barack fired up a crowd in Greenwood, SC, the home of the now famous "Fired Up! Ready to Go!" chant.

Below, Barack tells the story of his last trip to Greenwood and leads the charge with the rallying cry's originator, Ms. Edith Childs.

Greenwood, SC is Fired Up and Ready to Vote

T. Neil Sroka — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 23:44:50 EST

This afternoon Barack returned to Greenwood, SC, the home of Ms. Edith Childs and the "Fired Up! Ready to Go!" cheer that Barack's taken around the country.

Even before Barack arrived, Lander University's gymnasium was exploding with energy, enthusiasm, excitement.

When Barack hit the stage, the crowd was clearly fired-up.

After telling the now famous story of his last trip to Greenwood, Barack finished his speech by bringing Ms. Childs up on stage and having her lead the crowd in the chant that's inspired a movement by "changing a room" almost a year ago.

Take a look:

Fact Check Action

Sam Graham-Felsen — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 21:43:20 EST

As the Democratic primary heats up, we're seeing a lot of politics-as-usual attacks online and in the media. Barack Obama stands for a new kind of politics -- a politics without partisan bickering and smear tactics.

You can help push back on the petty and divisive methods of our opponents.

Share Barack's story with your friends, family, and neighbors today.

Here's a video from Jane Fisler Hoffman, a minister at the United Church of Christ and a member of Barack's church, refuting the false stories about Obama's faith...

Click on the links below for more information...

FACTCHECK HOME:
http://factcheck.barackobama.com

FACTCHECK on Barack Obama's Faith:
http://my.barackobama.com/faithfacts

FACTCHECK on Barack Obama's Church:
http://my.barackobama.com/churchfacts

FACTCHECK on Barack Obama's Patriotism:
http://my.barackobama.com/patriotismfacts

FACTCHECK ACTION CENTER HOME:
http://action.barackobama.com/factcheckaction

FACTCHECK ACTION on Barack Obama's Faith:
http://action.barackobama.com/factcheckfaith

FACTCHECK ACTION on Barack Obama's Church:
http://action.barackobama.com/factcheckchurch

FACTCHECK ACTION on Barack Obama's Patriotism:
http://action.barackobama.com/factcheckpatriotism

'The State' Endorses Barack Obama for President

Sam Graham-Felsen — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 15:36:49 EST

The largest newspaper in South Carolina endorses Barack Obama for President of the United States...

Obama most likely Democrat to unify America
The State editorial board's Democratic presidential primary endorsement
THE DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY in South Carolina this year offers voters an unusual choice. Earlier votes have winnowed out the most experienced candidates, leaving a field with fewer accomplishments and differences on policy, but including two candidates who come with the promise to make history just because of who they are.
Looking at the remaining field: Rep. Dennis Kucinich offers a bold plan on health care, but his platform is unlikely to endear him to many in South Carolina. John Edwards has morphed away from the optimist who won South Carolina in 2004. The candidate who stayed mostly above the fray four years ago is angry now, and pushing hard to turn working-class angst into political opportunity. He also has tried to one-up the other top Democrats with the least prudent plan for withdrawing from Iraq.
On positions from Iraq to health care, the policy differences between Sen. Hillary Clinton and Sen. Barack Obama are minute. Much of the debate between them has involved making these molehills look mountainous or clashing over who-shifted-when.
The one most significant difference between them can be found in how they would approach the presidency - and how the nation might respond.
Hillary Clinton has been a policy wonk most of her life, a trait she has carried into the U.S. Senate. As her debate performances have shown, she has intelligence and a deep understanding of many issues. Her efforts in New York focused first on learning her adopted state’s issues in detail, and pursuing legislation that would not necessarily grab headlines.
But we also have a good idea what a Clinton presidency would look like. The restoration of the Clintons to the White House would trigger a new wave of all-out political warfare. That is not all Bill and Hillary’s fault - but it exists, whomever you blame, and cannot be ignored. Hillary Clinton doesn’t pretend that it won’t happen; she simply vows to persevere, in the hope that her side can win. Indeed, the Clintons’ joint career in public life seems oriented toward securing victory and personal vindication.
Sen. Obama’s campaign is an argument for a more unifying style of leadership. In a time of great partisanship, he is careful to talk about winning over independents and even Republicans. He is harsh on the failures of the current administration - and most of that critique well-deserved. But he doesn’t use his considerable rhetorical gifts to demonize Republicans. He’s not neglecting his core values; he defends his progressive vision with vigorous integrity. But for him, American unity - transcending party - is a core value in itself.
Can such unity be restored, in this poisonous political culture? Not unless that is a nominee’s goal from the outset. It will be a difficult challenge for any candidate; but we wait in the hope that someone really will try. There is no other hope for rescuing our republic from the mire.
Sen. Obama would also have the best chance to repair the damage to America’s global reputation. A leader with his biography - including his roots in Africa and his years spent growing up overseas - could transform the world’s view of America. He would seize that opportunity.
He would close the prison camp at Guantanamo Bay, which has damaged America’s moral standing, and strive to rebuild many diplomatic relationships.
Despite America’s bitter partisan divide, all sides should agree on this: In such an environment, little gets done. Congress has been largely useless under both Republican and Democratic leadership. Setting aside the ideological conflict for conflict’s sake to get anything worthwhile done has fallen severely out of fashion.
And America certainly has things to get done.
From terrorism and climate change to runaway federal entitlement spending, there are big challenges to be faced. Sen. Obama is the only Democrat who plausibly can say that he wants to work with Americans across the political spectrum to address such subjects - and he has the integrity and the skills of persuasion that make him the best-qualified among the remaining Democratic hopefuls to address these challenges.
He would be a groundbreaking nominee. More to the point, he makes a solid case that he is ready to lead the whole country. We see Sen. Barack Obama as the best choice in Saturday’s Democratic primary.

On-the-Ground Coverage from the South Carolina Debate: Kathie

Michael Pipe — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 12:26:27 EST

Last night we saw how important it is to elect a President we can trust. Barack Obama's commitment to fighting for working families, expanding health care to the uninsured, and taking on the lobbyists who shut out the voices of the American people hasn't changed with the politics of the moment, it's been the cause of his life.

Amid all the cheering and sign waving prior to tonight’s Democratic Presidential Debate in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, was Kathie R. – the very definition of someone who is hungry for change. Kathie braved the chilly weather to show her support for Barack. She hails from Little River, South Carolina where she works at CVS Caremark as a registered nurse. Kathie has three kids who are all supporting Barack Obama as well. She is looking forward to driving voters to the polls this Saturday.

Watch Kathie’s video below:

Here's some video from the pre-debate visibility:

Click here to watch Barack's speech at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s church and help Get Out The Vote in South Carolina.

To find your South Carolina polling place, click here.

Video: Barack Rallies at the Dome in Columbia, SC

T. Neil Sroka — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 23:43:14 EST

We promised you some video earlier today from Barack's speech at the South Carolina State House, so here it is.

Check it out...

Open Thread: Obama on MLK's legacy

Sam Graham-Felsen — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 22:19:24 EST

Obama discusses Martin Luther King's legacy of bottom-up change...

Marching for Change in SC: Barack Joins March to the MLK Rally at the State House

T. Neil Sroka — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 18:32:24 EST

This morning, along with a crowd of thousands, Barack marched from Mt. Zion Baptist church in downtown Columbia to the steps of the State House for the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Rally at the Dome.

The temperatures were pretty frigid here in Columbia, but the crowd was definitely fired up and ready to go.

Throughout the rally, prior to the Presidential candidates taking the stage, one of Barack's supporters in the audience would periodically begin cheering "Obama! Obama!" inspiring the rest of the frozen crowd to join in and a surge of electricity flow the somewhat frozen.

It really was an incredible event.

Video from the event is coming soon.

Video: Stand Together Rally in Columbia, SC with Barack

T. Neil Sroka — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 22:02:17 EST

Barack fired up a huge crowd in Columbia tonight at the same downtown venue that he launched his South Carolina campaign from over ten months ago.

Check it out...

Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick & Former Mississippi Gov. Ray Mabus Visit Charleston

T. Neil Sroka — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 22:28:41 EST

Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick and former Mississippi Gov. Ray Mabus joined former South Carolina Gov. Jim Hodges, who announced his support for Barack earlier this month, at a town hall meeting with supporters and undecided voters in downtown Charleston earlier this afternoon.

For former Gov. Mabus, who visited Greenville, SC last month, just having the town hall meeting said a lot about the kind of campaign Barack is running across the country.

You don't need me to tell you that Barack Obama brings people together... just look at us on this stage -- you've got the governor of a Northern, "blue" state like Massachusetts supporting the same candidate as two former Governor's of two of the "reddest" states in the country."

Because of that demonstrated ability to gain support from folks across the ideological spectrum, Mabus said, Barack would force Republicans to compete for every vote in all 50 states, rather than assuming that they already had traditionally conservative states like South Carolina or Mississippi locked up and only really competing in eight or nine so-called "swing states." "If they are made to do that," Mabus quipped, "We will win!"

Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick also tied his support to Barack's ability to unite a country that all too often is made to feel divided by its leaders.I

I want leadership that's going to help us see the stake we all have in each other again... I'm tired and you're tired of being told that the interests of the north are different from the interests of the south, that the interests of whites are different from the interests of blacks, that the poor and the rich have vastly different perspectives on what's in our national interest... The great moments [we've had] moving forward in this country have come when our leaders were able to invite us to come together, to articulate a vision and motivate us all to move forward.

Barack Obama is that kind of leader, Gov. Patrick said, because he's already built a movement of Democrats, Republicans, and Independents behind him that's centered on helping us achieve our own aspirations. And, he added, "If we vote our aspirations, Barack Obama will win and so will we."

Are you ready to get involved in this movement and help others here in South Carolina vote their aspirations too? If so, sign-up now to help us Get-Out-the-Vote in the Palmetto State over the next six days.

Fmr. Charirman of the SC Democratic Party Dick Harpootlian on MSNBC for Barack

T. Neil Sroka — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 23:12:00 EST

Dick Harpootlian, Former Chairman of the South Carolina Democratic Party & one of Barack's long-time supporters in the state, was on MSNBC's Morning Joe earlier today talking about the election.

Take a look:

Kal Penn & Tatyana Ali Rally Students & Young Supporters Throughout SC

T. Neil Sroka — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 14:57:19 EST

All throughout the Palmetto State, high school, college, graduate, and law students have spent countless hours making phone calls, knocking on doors, and talking to their friends about the grassroots movement they're helping build behind Barack in South Carolina.

On January 26th, those same young people are going to play a crucial role in helping us Get-Out-the-Vote in their schools and neighborhoods and ensuring Barack's success in South Carolina's Democratic Primary.

Yesterday, Actors and young Obama supporters Kal Penn & Tatyana Ali met up with hundreds of students at South Carolina State, Benedict College, USC, Columbia College, USC Aiken, and Lander University (they'll be at Presbyterian, Furman, and Clemson today) to talk about how the youth vote is changing the course of this election.

Speaking to the group at USC, Ali, who is probably best known for her role as Ashley Banks on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, noted that her decision to support Barack stems from his unique approach to solving problems as much as it does from her appreciation of his comprehensive plan for improving education, an issue she's particularly passionate about.

He's not about putting a policy in place over us, but brining us into the the process of developing solutions to the problems that plague our education system. He wants to develop a continuing conversation with parents, teachers, and communities, so we can all take part and have a say in what our education system looks like and values... and that commitment to a conversation, a dialogue, is very different from what we've seen in the past.

Penn, who starred in the hit Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle and now plays the role of Ahmed Amar on the television series House, told the same group, that while he feels passionately about Barack's plan for the environment ("It's one that I've heard a lot of my Republican and Independent friends say they could get behind."), what really made him a dedicated volunteer was the movement of students and young people that Barack has behind him.

In fact, inspired by kids who had taken time off of school or passed up lucrative post-collegiate jobs to volunteer for Barack, Penn turned a two-day trip to Iowa into a month long tour throughout the state to help students and young people Get-Out-the-Vote for Barack in December.

In the end, Penn said, students played a tremendous role in securing a win for Barack in Iowa.

All the cynics said students, young people just like us, wouldn't turn out. But we did and we proved the cynics wrong. Those same cynics are hopeful that you won't come out, that you won't make your voices heard, but on January 26th, you can prove them wrong once again.

And, if the numbers at the meetings Penn, Ali, and other young supporters are holding throughout the state are right -- 50 at USC, 90 at USC Aiken, nearly 200 at Lander University, and over 250 at Furman this afternoon -- young people and students in South Carolina are poised to surprise the skeptics once again on January 26.

As the video below shows, youth have been energizing this campaign across the country from the very beginning and, next Saturday, we'll show any doubters that South Carolina is no exception to that rule.

Sunday: Stand Together for Change with Barack in Columbia

T. Neil Sroka — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 17:12:01 EST

This Sunday, Barack returns to the Palmetto State to kick off the week leading up to the South Carolina Democratic Primary on Saturday, January 26 with a special event at Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center in downtown Columbia, SC -- the same spot where he launched his SC campaign last February.

Here are the details:

Stand Together for Change with Barack Obama
Sunday, January 20th
Doors open at 5:00 p.m.

Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center
1101 Lincoln Street
Columbia, SC
(Map it!)

RSVP now @ http://sc.barackobama.com/columbiarally

For security reasons, bags are not allowed inside the event. Please limit personal items. No signs or banners are permitted.

The event is free and open to the public and. However, tickets are required, so make sure you RSVP right now.

We can't wait to see you there!

Less than Ten Days

T. Neil Sroka — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 22:56:20 EST

South Carolina's Democratic Primary on January 26 is right around the corner and, as the eyes of the country turn towards the Palmetto State, the movement behind Barack is picking up speed and trying to speak to as many potential supporters as possible.

To aid in this effort, dozens of Barack's friends and supporters will be coming to South Carolina from now until Primary Day to help Get-Out-the-Vote and reach out to folks who haven't made the decision to support Barack just yet.

Here's who is coming tomorrow:

Kal Penn & Tatyana Ali College Tour
Columbia, SC; Aiken, SC; Greenwood, SC
Check Events for Times

A Conversation with Shelia Johnson
Orangeburg, SC
11:00am

And, that's just tomorrow!

Stay tuned to this site, SC.BarackObama.com, for the most up-to-date information about campaign connected events in the days ahead.

Obama Advisor Samantha Power Visits Rock Hill, SC

T. Neil Sroka — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 23:25:11 EST

It's not every day that a Pulitzer-Prize winning journalist and chief foreign policy advisor for the next President of the United Sates walks into your local coffee shop and starts talking world politics.

Nonetheless, that's exactly what happened this afternoon when one of Barack's closest advisors, Samantha Power, visited Cupps Cafe in Rock Hill to talk to supporters and patrons about Barack's plan to secure America and restore our standing in the world.

Having been in the Sudan when he gave his speech at the 2004 Democratic National Convention, Power said she didn't know too much about Barack when he first asked to meet with her almost immediately following his inauguration to the Senate in January 2005.

When Power finally had her one-hour meeting with the Senator a couple of months later, she was shocked.

"I was supposed to meet with him for an hour and it ended up being four hours and I don't think, in my life, I've ever been subjected to as intense of a policy discussion [as I was that night]. I was literally bled dry. I had nothing left by the end of the evening... And as the third hour gave rise to the fourth hour, perhaps because I had run out of steam, I heard myself saying, "How would you feel if I left my job at Harvard and came down to work as an intern in your office, or whatever, for a year?" ... It's just the combination of [talents he has], they just don't come in one person and I felt like I had to get involved."

The next morning, Power made good on her offer, asked the Dean of Harvard's Kennedy School of Government if she could take a leave of absence from her postion as the Anna Lindh Professor of Practice of Global Leadership and Public Policy and spent the next year, from early 2005 to 2006, advising Barack in the U.S. Senate.

The audience at Cupps asked Power a variety of questions ranging from Barack's stance on decreasing our dependence on foreign oil to his plan to fight global poverty.

Towards the end of the discussion, Power noted that it is Barack's unique ability to work with those who disagree with him and inspire individuals to action that makes him the candidate best equipped to help us confront global challenges, like climate change or the AIDS Pandemic, and return America to a place of prominence on the world stage.

"Only a leader who can pull the country together and inspire people to action is going to be able to confront the challenges ahead of us. We don't have time to waste -- with proliferating terrorists, with the rotten school and health care systems, with polar ice caps melting... People are ready to make sacrifices, they want to make sacrifices, but idea of sacrificing is often easier to adjust to than the reality of sacrificing... and that's why having a leader, like Barack, who doesn't polarize the country and that people respect and actually want to listen to is so important."

Michelle Obama Reunites with her Family in Georgetown, SC

T. Neil Sroka — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 21:13:49 EST

Michelle Obama (center), her brother Craig (left), and the extended Robinson family in Georgetown, SC this afternoon.

While she grew up on the South Side of Chicago, Michelle Obama's trip this afternoon to Georgetown, SC was really a homecoming. Michelle's grandfather, Fraser Robinson Sr., was originally from Georgetown and, while she was growing up, Michelle and her family regularly spent part of their summers visiting their extended relatives in the Low Country town.

Joined by her brother Craig, Michelle's afternoon in Georgetown started with a reunion and some sweet tea with her cousins Connie Jones, Dorthy Robinson, and Harolyn Siau at the Robinson family home near downtown Georgetown.

The meeting also provided Michelle and Craig with an opportunity to take a look at family photos Cousin Dorothy keeps on top of her piano.

After meeting with her cousins, Michelle went down the street to her grandfather's old church, Bethel A.M.E., in historic Georgetown, where she spoke to a packed house of South Carolina Obama supporters that included over thirty-one of her own family members from the area.

While he may not have the long Washington resume of other candidates, Michelle noted, with Barack's background as a community organizer in Chicago -- working right along side the people he sought to help -- and eight years as a State Senator (more years in the kind of government that's closest to each of us than anyone else in the race) in the rough and tumble world of Illinois politics, he clearly has the kind of experience that the country needs right now.

It's not that Barack isn't ready, Michelle said,

The challenge for us is to ask, "What are we ready for?" This one is on us -- see, we like to talk about change, but we don't really like change. We want easy change, we want change that will make us feel comfortable, but that's not how change happens, it's not something that's just going to come to you passively.

Things aren't gong to get better when you wish for it or you hope for it: Things get better when regular folks take action to make change happen from the bottom up. Every major, historical moment in our time it has been made by folks who said "Enough," and they banded together to move this country forward -- and now is one of those times.

How about you? Are you ready to answer Michelle's call to action and help Barack Obama win Palmetto State on Saturday, January 26? If so, sign-up right now to help Get-Out-the-Vote for Barack in the South Carolina and an organizer from the campaign will contact you shortly.

Monday: Michelle Obama in Florence & Georgetown

T. Neil Sroka — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 22:28:17 EST

Barack's wife, Michelle Obama, will be in Florence, SC and Georgetown, SC tomorrow discussing why her husband is the one candidate who can bring Democrats, Independents and Republicans together to solve the critical problems facing our nation.

Her trip to Georgetown should be particularly poignant, because Michelle's grandfather hails from Georgetown, and as a child, Michelle and her family spent parts of their summers there. Michelle's brother and Brown University Basketball coach, Craig Robinson, who visited the Low Country last summer, will also be joining her.

Interested in meeting Michelle tomorrow? Here are the details for the two community gatherings:

Florence Community Gathering with Michelle Obama
Francis Marion University
Smith Center Gym
4822 E. Palmetto
Florence, SC

Program begins 10:00AM
RSVP: http://sc.barackobama.com/moflorence

Georgetown Community Gathering with Michelle Obama
Bethel AME Church
417 Broad St.
Georgetown, SC

Doors open at 2:00 PM
Program begins at 3:00pm
RSVP: http://sc.barackobama.com/mogeorgetown

Whether you've heard Michelle speak before or not, these are definitely events you don't want to miss.

Actresses Tour South Carolina to Discuss Barack's Message of Change

T. Neil Sroka — Sat, 12 Jan 2008 23:34:26 EST

Actresses Jasmine Guy, Megalyn Echikunwoke, Tracee Ellis Ross and Alfre Woodard made their way through the Palmetto State today to talk to South Carolinians about why they believe Barack Obama is the one candidate capable of delivering change we can believe in.

During a breakfast with Seniors at the Greenview Community Center in Columbia this morning, Jasmine Guy, who visited the Low County this past summer and is best known for her role as Whitley Gilbert on A Different World, said she was behind Barack because:

He moves us closer to fulfilling the promise of what we want to be. He makes each of us want to be more... and that's especially powerful in a community that hasn't been truly engaged in a very long time.

Megalyn Echikunwoke, who currently stars in the sci-fi series 4400 and was making her first trip to South Carolina for Barack, noted during that same breakfast that the movement that has grown behind Barack has inspired her and many of her friends to get involved with politics for the very first time.

My friends and I wanted to get involved in this campaign because we wanted to be able to say, "I was a part of that movement. I played a role in making Barack Obama our President" and... for the first time we're realizing that just because we're young doesn't mean we can't be involved and taken seriously in this political process.

It is that message of empowerment, Alfre Woodard told to the audience, that makes the message of Barack's campaign particularly powerful in South Carolina.

Here in the Palmetto state, Woodard, who visited Beauty Salons in the Midlands for Barack back in October and has won four Emmy Awards for her performances in Hill Street Blues, L.A. Law, The Practice, and the television movie Miss Evers' Boys, reminded the crowd,

You have the chance to show off and show the rest of the country which way to go. [With your Primary on January 26], you have the power in your hands to set the country on a new course.

Tracee Ellis Ross, who is the daughter of legendary singer and actress Diana Ross and star of the hit CW show Girlfriends, decided to come back to South Carolina afterher visit to the Midlands and Pee Dee back in October for exactly that reason.

As Ross said to another group at an event later this evening in Hopkins, SC,

I'm back because I'm excited. I'm back because of Barack. But, most of all, I'm back because I want to cheer you on here in South Carolina... You have the chance to fundamentally change this country and, from what I can tell, you're on the cusp of doing just that.

More pictures from today's tour are in the slideshow below.

Video: John Kerry Endorses Barack in Charleston, SC

T. Neil Sroka — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 17:50:31 EST

Yesterday's rally in Charleston with John Kerry and Barack was pretty amazing. In fact, the Charleston Post & Courier said, with over 4,500 supporters present, it was "the largest political rally in Charleston in recent memory."

Check out the video of the historic rally below:

Barack & Sen. John Kerry Rally for Change in Charleston, SC

T. Neil Sroka — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 16:38:05 EST

Senator John Kerry joined and endorsed Barack this afternoon at a jam packed rally here in Charleston, SC.

Senator Kerry announced his endorsement of Barack noting that change has often been won by young Presidents and leaders with experience defined by more than years in Washington or terms in office.

"Today we still draw on the "truths" that we believe to be "self-evident"--but how easy it is to forget that Thomas Jefferson was just 33 when he wrote them into our Declaration of Independence. How easy it is to forget that Martin Luther King was just 26 when he led the Montgomery Bus Boycott, just 34 when he inspired America with a powerful dream.

My friends, when we choose a President, we are electing judgment and character, not years on this earth -- and it is the moral compass I see in Barack Obama that gives me confidence he will steer our country in the right direction. He was, after all, right about the war in Iraq from the very beginning!"

Following Senator Kerry's endorsement, Barack took the stage to huge cheers and thanked the former Democratic Presidential Nominee for his service and support.

"This is a man who knows how much people who love their country can change it... John Kerry is a man of courage; a man of conviction; and a man whose life story has given him an intimate understanding of the kind of change we need right now."

We need that kind of change, Barack said, to unite our country, heal partisan divisions, and discover hope again. But, as he reminded the diverse crowd of students, teachers, parents, and professionals,

"...we have been told we cannot do this by a chorus of cynics who will only grow louder and more dissonant in the weeks to come. We've been asked to pause for a reality check. We've been warned against offering the people of this nation false hope.

But in the unlikely story that is America, there has never been anything false about hope. For when we have faced down impossible odds; when we've been told that we're not ready, or that we shouldn't try, or that we can't, generations of Americans have responded with a simple creed that sums up the spirit of a people.

Yes we can."

Fired Up in Charleston

T. Neil Sroka — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 15:53:39 EST

Are you fired up and ready to go to tomorrow's rally in Charleston with Barack? If so, you might want to make sure you get your online ticket now.

Earlier this morning, one of Barack's supporters sent in this photo of the line for tickets outside the College of Charleston's Stern Center.

Now that's fired up!

Former SC State Rep. & Candidate for Lt. Governor Robert Barber Endorses Barack

T. Neil Sroka — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 14:58:28 EST

This afternoon, Robert Barber, South Carolina's Democratic nominee for Lieutenant Governor and the top Democratic vote-getter in 2006, endorsed Barack Obama and the historic grassroots campaign he's building across South Carolina.

In a press conference in the campaign's Low Country Field office in Charleston, Barber said that he supported Barack because,

"He has shown, as a leader, the ability and the willingness to work with people, whether of another political persuasion or not, on issues that are critical to the security and well-being of people all across our country...and there's not a lot of that that goes in the Senate ... [In Barack,] we've got someone who is exciting people across party lines and instilling confidence in people about the political process and, ultimately, that's something that will make our country stronger."

At the end of his announcement, a reporter asked Barber, what he planned to do for Barack over the next few weeks leading up to South Carolina Democratic Primary on January 26. His reply?

"I'll do some campaigning, sure, but I'm going to do whatever it takes to get Barack elected... I'm going to be a vigorous and enthusiastic volunteer."

Now that's the spirit! If you want to get involved like Mr. Barber and help us make South Carolina history on January 26, sign-up here to join our historic Get-Out-the-Vote effort.

Thursday: Rally for Change with Barack Obama in Charleston

T. Neil Sroka — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 10:14:35 EST

Dear T. Neil,

Join Barack Obama at a rally in Charleston this Thursday, January 10:

http://sc.barackobama.com/charlestonrally

Here are the details:

Rally with Barack Obama in Charleston
The Cistern
College of Charleston
Charleston, SC

Thursday, January 10, 2008
Gates open at 11:00 a.m.

RSVP now:
http://sc.barackobama.com/charlestonrally

For security reasons, do not bring bags. No signs or banners permitted.

Iowa was a great start, and with the South Carolina primary only weeks away, now's the time to build on the momentum of that victory.

Come join Barack and fellow supporters and show that our movement is generating support and excitement all across the country.

Sign up now:

http://sc.barackobama.com/charlestonrally

Hope to see you there!

Obama for America

Members of Congress & Performers Visit South Carolina to Support Obama

T. Neil Sroka — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 18:34:13 EST

With less than twenty days to go until the South Carolina Democratic Primary on January 26, supporters from all across the country are coming to the Palmetto State to talk to South Carolinians about Barack Obama.

On Thursday and Friday, Rep. Elijah Cummings (D - Maryland) spoke with a number of voters at meetings in Edgefield and Denmark, SC. In Edgefield, Rep. Cummings spoke about Barack's commitment to children & education.

"No child should be left behind, but it's not enough to say that, you have to believe it. I know that Barack Obama knows how to get there. He has the brilliance and the moral sense. He has been able to synchronize his conscience with his conduct."

On Saturday, Rep. Melissa Bean (D - Illinois) was in Florence at a Women's Empowerment Forum where, among other things, she talked about how having Barack Obama on the ticket would help Democrats facing difficult races in November.

The following day in Florence, Four-time Grammy award-winner Yolanda Adams graced a sold out crowd with songs of praise and spoke about her support of Barack Obama's historic campaign. As the Pee Dee's Channel 15 News described the event:

While it was [Adams'] fame that brought them there, it was the presidential candidate she's stumping for that had everybody fired up...

The auditorium was filled with energy and an overwhelming support for the senator and White House hopeful.

Early today, actor Boris Kodjoe visited Charleston, Orangeburg, and Columbia and talked to beauticians, barbers, and students about how Barack would change the way the world looks at the United States.

Born in Austria to a German psychologist and Ghanian physican, the multi-lingual Kodjoe knows, first hand, that Barack's election would tell rest of the world that America is back.

I recently spoke to my mother in Germany the other day and she told me just how excited everyone she talks to is about the prospect of working with Senator Obama... Whether it's the way he talks or the change in perspective he would represent, he excites people in the rest of the world in a way I could've never imagined.

Switching to Barack

T. Neil Sroka — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 19:59:50 EST

After the impressive showing in Iowa, lots of folks all across the country are giving some more thought to the idea of President Obama.

Take a look at this story that was in the New York Times and the State earlier today.

For Sadou Brown in a Los Angeles suburb, the decisive victory of Senator Barack Obama in Iowa was a moment to show his 14-year-old son what is possible.

For Mike Duncan in Maryland, it was a sign that Americans were moving beyond rigid thinking about race.

For Milton Washington in Harlem, it looked like the beginning of something he never thought that he would see. "It was like, 'Oh, my God, we're on the cusp of something big about to happen,' " Mr. Washington said...

"My goodness, has it ever happened before, a black man, in our life, in our country?" asked Edith Lambert, 60, a graduate student in theology who was having lunch at the Faneuil Hall Marketplace in Boston.

"It makes me feel proud that at a time when so many things are going wrong in the world that people can rise above past errors," added Ms. Lambert, who said she had not decided whom to vote for. "It shows that people aren't thinking small. They're thinking large, outside the box."

How about you? Did you or anyone you know switch your vote to Barack after seeing him win this past Thursday in Iowa?

Tell us about your decision at sc@barackobama.com or in the comments below.

SC Newspapers: Obama Movement Makes History in Iowa

T. Neil Sroka — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 16:54:23 EST

Not only is Barack's historic win in Iowa last night making news all around the country, it has made headlines all throughout South Carolina.

Take a look...

Iowa made history last night and, on Jan 26th, South Carolina will do the same. Sign up now to help Barack Get-Out-the-Vote for the SC Democratic Primary on January 26.

Scenes from a Victory

T. Neil Sroka — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 01:32:39 EST

In campaign offices all across the state tonight, South Carolinians watched Barack Obama defy the critics and win the Iowa caucuses.

Check out some of the photos from our caucus watching parties in the slideshow below:

While tonight was a huge step foward for our movement, it also means that, here in South Carolina, the work has just begun: Just twenty-two days remain until our own primary on January 26 and, if we're going to win this state for Barack, we need your help. Sign up now to get involved in our unprecedented Get-Out-the-Vote (GOTV) effort and become a part of this historic movement.

"Mother"

T. Neil Sroka — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 13:38:48 EST

Barack is up with a new ad here in South Carolina touting his plan to create a healthcare system that works for all Americans, one that will cut health care costs by $2,500 for a typical family, cover the uninsured, and take on the special interests that have stood in the way of health care reform.

You can see the ad on television stations throughout South Carolina and in the video player below.

South Carolina: Vote with Iowa TODAY!

T. Neil Sroka — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 11:15:42 EST

You might have gotten it yesterday, but today our State Director Stacey Brayboy sent out this email asking all of Barack's supporters here in South Carolina to stand with Iowa and vote for Barack Obama today at their local county election commission office.

Dear Neil,

This campaign has been an amazing adventure so far, but the action really starts tomorrow when Iowans head to their local precincts and caucus for Barack in the first contest of the 2008 Democratic nomination.

Here in South Carolina, we can feel the energy. And one of the great things about South Carolina is that you can vote with Iowa tomorrow by casting your in-person absentee ballot.

Voting early is simple and easy. Check out our interactive map to find out where you can cast your ballot tomorrow:

http://sc.barackobama.com/scearlyvote

Why vote with Iowans tomorrow?

Iowans are hungry for change, and just like South Carolinians, they're ready to stand up with Barack Obama and make history.

That's why, wherever you are in South Carolina, I'm asking you to visit your local county election commission.

Vote with Iowa tomorrow by casting your in-person absentee ballot:

http://sc.barackobama.com/scearlyvote

There are 23 days left until the South Carolina Democratic primary on January 26th. But by voting today, you can show your fellow Obama supporters in Iowa that South Carolina stands with them behind Barack.

The best part about voting absentee in-person today is that it's easy -- far easier than voting absentee by mail.

Just stop by your local county election commission office during business hours and tell the staff that you are interested in casting your absentee vote in person. It should only take a few minutes.

To find out where and how you can cast your vote for Barack today, visit:

http://sc.barackobama.com/scearlyvote

Voting today means you can make sure your voice is heard, and you can show your solidarity with Iowans who support Barack.

Thanks again for all you do,

Stacey

Stacey Brayboy
South Carolina State Director
Obama for America

Want more information about how you can vote with Iowa today? Visit our website on the program now.

Fmr. SC Governor Jim Hodges Endorses Barack Obama

T. Neil Sroka — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 15:50:08 EST

This afternoon Former South Carolina Governor Jim Hodges endorsed Barack Obama and become a national co-chair of his campaign. Hodges, who served from 1999 to 2003, is the only Democratic Governor the State of South Carolina has seen in last 25 years.

While in office, Gov. Hodges was a champion of public education, securing a $1 billion for new school construction in the state and establishing a statewide lottery which has sent hundresds of thousands of South Carolinians to college since 2000.

Gov. Hodges said that Barack Obama's strong commitment to public education and openness to working across party lines played a large role in his decision to endorse him.

"Barack Obama is not only a candidate that excites people all over the country, but I think he represents that spirit of working together across party lines... [of getting] Democrats, Independents, and Republicans to try to work together on common problems, like making education better or solving the problems in the middle east that we face right now, and moving America forward.

See Gov. Hodges full endorsement in the video below:

Border State Supporters Back Barack in South Carolina

T. Neil Sroka — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 14:50:04 EST

While thousands of South Carolinians have spent months building an unprecedented grassroots organization here, every week supporters from North Carolina, Georgia, Virginia, and Florida are joining Palmetto Staters to do everything they can to help Barack win our crucial primary.

Over the weekend I had an opportunity to canvass in Spartanburg, SC with a group of folks from the Asheville, NC.

Saturday morning was Tom's fourth trip to South Carolina for Barack, so he was able to show Kathy, a first-time canvasser, the ins and outs of canvassing. Now a pro at knocking on doors and talking to potential supporters, Tom had never canvassed before this past October.

I really like talking to people and I really feel passionately about Barack, so I suppose it's kind of a natural fit.

Kathy, who's originally from Massachusetts and Nova Scotia but spends her winters in Asheville, said that although she'd only volunteered on a few campaigns in the past, when she saw a blurb about the Western North Carolina (WNC) for Obama in the newspaper up in Asheville, she knew she had to get involved.

Later in the day, I met up with Paul, also from the Asheville area, who was canvassing a few blocks away. The founder of WNC for Obama, Paul got behind Barack back in February because he realized he was someone that could actually fix the broken system in Washington.

For Paul, saying he was supporting Barack wasn't enough. He knew it was going to take action to secure the nomination for Barack, so he started organizing WNC for Obama to help our efforts here in South Carolina. He's canvassed in the state more than seven times since September.

"There's nothing more satisfying than canvassing. Walking around, getting exhausted, but having that will power and that motivation to keep talking to people... and, when you do finally meet and talk to somebody who shares the same visions and dreams you have for the country, it makes it all worth it."

Interested in joining the South Carolina team in the next few weeks before our January 26 primary? Sign up now to help Get Out The Vote in South Carolina and join thousands of South Carolinians and hundreds of supporters from around the country -- folks like Tom, Kathy, and Paul -- in winning the Palmetto State for Barack.

Campaign Manager David Plouffe on Barack in SC

T. Neil Sroka — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 13:16:53 EST

This morning, Campaign Manager David Plouffe held a conference call with a number of reporters and discussed the State of Barack Obama's movement around the country.

The whole presentation contains a lot of really interesting facts about Barack's electability and growing national support despite the millions outside groups are spending on behalf of other candidates, but it also contains information about just how strong our campaign is right here in South Carolina.

Check out these slides:

Take a look at the full presentation here.

Sunday: Learn More about Barack's Healthcare Policy with Sr. Advisor Gregg Bloche

T. Neil Sroka — Sun, 30 Dec 2007 13:31:10 EST

Interested in learning a little more about Barack Obama's health care policy?

Dr. Gregg Bloche, a senior adviser to Senator Obama on health law and policy, will be speaking in Columbia, SC later this evening. Here are the details:

An Evening with Dr. Gregg Bloche
Senior Advisor to Senator Barack Obama

Sunday, December 30, 2007
6:00-8:00 PM

212 S Edisto Ave
Columbia, SC 29205
(Map it!)

Dr. Bloche is an expert on health law and policy. His work includes issues of efficiency in health care, the dual loyalties of physicians in managed health plans, the role of for-profit institutions in medicine, and market-driven regulations to contain medical costs. Dr. Bloche is a professor of law at Georgetown University and a nonresident senior fellow at the Brookings Institution in Washington, DC. He is also an adjunct professor at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in Baltimore, Maryland.

It should be an interesting evening for anyone seeking more information about Senat Obama's health care policies is encouraged to attend and RSVP with the event organizer at 803-381-4525.

Vote for Barack Today!

T. Neil Sroka — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 21:30:44 EST

You can cast your vote for Barack Obama right now!

Wherever you are in South Carolina, you can visit your local county election commission office and cast an in-person absentee ballot today.

Visit our new website on absentee in-person voting to learn more about the program and find your local election office.

http://sc.barackobama.com/scearlyvote

Perhaps you're planning on helping Barack by knocking on doors, making phone calls, or helping others get to the polls on South Carolina's January 26th Primary Day.

Or maybe you are afraid you might be out of town or have to work that Saturday and may miss your chance to cast your vote for Senator Obama.

The grassroots movement behind Barack is going to make history and change South Carolina politics on January 26th. By casting an in-person absentee ballot, you can make sure your vote counts and that Barack has your support when he needs it the most.

Video: Meet Mrs. Annie Bennett

T. Neil Sroka — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 20:37:28 EST

The best parts of the movement that's been growing behind Barack Obama here in South Carolina and across the country for the past ten months are the incredible individuals that power it, the regular people who are standing up with Barack and playing a part in transforming their country.

Mrs. Annie Bennett, who South Carolina Field Organizer Nicole Young introduced us to back in July and Sarah Ramey blogged about last week, was born in the segregated South and now, at the age of 85, is an Obama Team leader in Columbia, S.C.

Watch the video below to find out a little more about the life of this incredible woman and what inspired her to get behind Barack.

Video: Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. and Gov. Tim Kaine in Columbia

T. Neil Sroka — Sun, 23 Dec 2007 18:35:02 EST

Yesterday, Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. (D-IL) and Gov. Tim Kaine (D - Virginia) spoke together at a press event in Columbia, SC about why they support Barack.

While each message was a little different, both Jackson and Kaine gave phenomenal speeches that you don't want to miss. Check out the highlights in the video below:

Gov. Tim Kaine in SC: "Obama's the Most Electable"

T. Neil Sroka — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 23:30:42 EST

While a familial connection may have played a small roll in his early endorsement of Barack last February (both of their mothers come from the same small town of Eldorado, KS), Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine joked while he was in South Carolina today, it was really the Senator's ability to heal partisan divisions, pull people together, and win that convinced him.

Barack's ability to talk and find common ground with individuals who might not agree with him most of the time is, Kaine said early today in Columbia, a key skill we need in a President. Kaine explained his point by referring to his own experience as the Governor of a traditionally conservative state:

I'm a proud Democrat, but after election day I govern 100% of Virginians. I have to look for ways to sit around the table, even with folks who don't agree with me or I don't agree with 100%, and we've got to talk. I've got to say, "Here's what I believe..." and the other side has to say "Here's what I believe..." and we have to try and make them match up. America needs that right now. We're as divided as a nation as we've been in my fifty years and we've got to find someone who can pull us together.

Perhaps even more importantly, not only will Barack's ability to listen to the other side without demonizing them allow him to get things done once he's in the White House, as Kaine pointed out at a community meeting in Lancaster, SC later in the day, it is also attracting an unprecedented number of independents and moderate Republicans to his campaign.

knew when I endorsed Obama in February that that [Independents and moderate Republicans] would be excited about his campaign. I had a feeling in my gut that they would be excited and it's proven true... I've had fundraisers for him in Richmond and Charlottesville, rallies all around around Virginia, and I'm amazed who comes. Democrats come, people who don't traditionally get involved in politics -- young people or disenfranchised voters who typically think their vote doesn't matter -- come, and many of my Independent and moderate Republican friends come too. And they're not just out of curiosity; they're coming with excitement.

With the enthusiasm he's seeing the Senator generate amongst Democrats, independents, and moderate Republicans, Kaine says he has little doubt that Barack is both the most electable Presidential candidate in the field and the one most likely to turn Virginia "blue" for the first time since 1964.

Virginia -- as tough state as it is, as Red state as it is -- I've got a great feeling about this, that if he's the nominee, we're going to get electoral votes in the Democratic column. We've gotta change the map electorally to win in November and I've got a really great feeling about Barack being able to do that.

Saturday: Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. & Gov. Tim Kaine in South Carolina

T. Neil Sroka — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 20:38:46 EST

Saturday is going to be another history making day here in South Carolina as Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. & Gov. Tim Kaine of Virginia hold a series of events throughout the state to talk to South Carolinians and let them know why Barack Obama is the only candidate who can bring about change we can believe in.

Check out all these events and, if you can make it, let us know you're coming:

9:00 AM - Gov. Tim Kain at the Richland/Lexington County Democratic Party Annual Joint Breakfast (Columbia, SC)
12:00 PM - Canvassing with Jesse Jackson Jr. in Sumter
1:30 PM - Press Conference with Gov. Tim Kaine and Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. (Columbia, SC)
4:00 PM - Camden Town Hall with Gov. Tim Kaine
5:45 PM - Lancaster Community Meeting with Gov. Tim Kaine
6:00 PM - Darlington Town Hall Meeting with Jesse Jackson Jr.

Tomorrow is going to be another great day for our movement. I can't wait to catch you at one of these events.