SC HQ

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: