Declare Your Independence: "The Essence Of A Democratic Fundraising System"
June 30, 2008
Throughout the day, supporters have been sharing their stories on why they support Barack and why they are declaring their independence from a broken system. Almost 142,000 have pledged their support, helping the campaign to reach the goal of 150,000 supporters by July 4th.
Here are a few of the supporters who are declaring independence…
Lindsey in Illinois:
My husband and I are 26, and for the first time, we have voted, donated money, and used (and are using) our voices to support a presidential nominee. This particular donation was the most difficult financially, with our looming student loan debt, and living on one salary for 2 of us, and the rising gas and grocery prices, but we wanted to give what we could…
As we celebrate the nation’s Independence Day we wanted to make sure the campaign had a little extra money, even if it is really little.
This is the first time we have felt this electrified about politics, and we thank you Barack Obama. For the first time, we feel by donating and supporting, we are making a difference and making changes to our country.
Russ in Texas:
We need someone who inspires – who compels greater numbers of people to be more than who they are. Barack largely had me hooked early on with his simple phrase, "It’s time to turn the page." Seriously, it is and has been.
We need more people to feel – and generate – the energy that a functional democracy requires. A too-passive electorate deserves the government it gets. And while, as Obama says, change comes from the bottom up, there needs to be a compelling force near the top to motivate people to engage differently. Obama provides that more than any candidate I’ve seen before in my lifetime.
Jed in Connecticut:
Obama simply strikes me as genuine, authentic, and real. He’s not “pretending” as so many politicians do.
So many hopes are on Obama to take on our entrenched system and fix it. Much of one’s success is being open to dissenting opinions, and surrounding oneself with capable advisors. With Obama’s background in law, community organizing, and education, this approach comes naturally to him – so I think many new and positive changes will be possible under his leadership and administration.
Obama’s mechanism of fundraising fits with my hectic life – it’s web-based with feedback and connection through email, the web, and texting. Being a part of a movement with hundreds of thousands of people giving in relatively small amounts (~$50) seemed the essence of a more democratic fundraising system.
After joining these thousands of supporters, tell us why you’re declaring your independence in the comment section below.
Barack in Downtown Independence
June 30, 2008
After concluding his speech this morning, Barack took a short walk through Independence, Missouri to visit the Truman House. Walking down Truman Road, he shook hands with supporters and well-wishers, before touring President Harry Truman’s turn-of-the-century white Victorian home, once known as the "Summer White House."
Counting On You
June 30, 2008
Tonight’s the deadline for June fundraising. And in order to take on John McCain and the Republican National Committee, we need the support of everyday Americans. Because this campaign is going to do it without contributions from Washington lobbyists and special interest PACs that have held too much power for far too long in this country.
Here are some comments from supporters who know that their donations – no matter the size – make a difference.
Elizabeth from Oregon:
Being on a limited budget, donating is something of a challenge. I checked my bank account this morning and challenged myself to donate another $30.00.
…I’m tired of pinching pennies and feeling stressed about where the next dollar is coming from. …I’m so tired of being lied to by politicians who don’t have a clue about what it’s like to make ends meet.
I challenge all of you to look into your hearts, check your resources, and if you can manage at least a $25.00 donation today…DONATE. How can you afford not to?
Robert from Florida:
I coughed up my ‘big’ (actually only $25.00 since i’m still tapped out from the primaries) donation this morning and IT FEELS GOOD!!!!!!!!!!
Kathy From Florida:
Gave another donation this morning … second one for June. Small but all I can afford. Gave it in my daughter’s name.
Ben from North Carolina:
I donated two days ago. We all need to donate. Obama is the people’s candidate and let’s support him. Now is the time to donate. YES WE CAN!!!
Julie from Colorado:
Come on folks, if you can afford it, donate! i donated from the link on the email i got from the campaign to bump up our june numbers. hope we see lots more.
GoooObama!
Tiffany from Iowa:
Let’s break the record! Donate!!!
Marcus from California:
Just made a donation of $30. This is our opportunity to keep Obama’s "Bank Account" full so that we can compete in all 50 States!!!!
Please donate what you can.
Barack is counting on his supporters to help build this movement. To help bring change for every American who hopes to see a brighter future for their country.
"Dignity"
June 30, 2008
Our campaign announced the release of its second television advertisement for the general election today. This ad, entitled "Dignity," will begin airing in eighteen states across the country underscoring Senator Obama’s commitment to being an advocate for workers and children.
The ad highlights Senator Obama’s decision to bypass big money jobs and help lift neighborhoods stung by job loss. It illustrates Senator Obama’s record of working hard to move people from welfare to work, passing tax cuts for workers and providing healthcare for children.
Watch the ad here…
Here is the script of the ad…
I’m Barack Obama, and I approve this message.
Announcer: He worked his way through college and Harvard Law.
Turned down big money offers, and helped lift neighborhoods stung by job loss. Fought for workers’ rights.
He passed a law to move people from welfare to work, slashed the rolls by eighty percent. Passed tax cuts for workers; health care for kids.
As president, he’ll end tax breaks for companies that export jobs, reward those that create jobs in America.
And never forget the dignity that comes from work.
Barack in Independence: "The America We Love"
June 30, 2008
At the beginning of the July 4th holiday week, with the country in the midst of ongoing war in Iraq and Afghanistan and at the beginning of a campaign to elect a new president, Barack spoke today in Independence, Missouri, on the what patriotism means to him.
For a young man of mixed race, without firm anchor in any particular community, without even a father’s steadying hand, it is this essential American idea – that we are not constrained by the accident of birth but can make of our lives what we will – that has defined my life, just as it has defined the life of so many other Americans.
That is why, for me, patriotism is always more than just loyalty to a place on a map or a certain kind of people. Instead, it is also loyalty to America’s ideals – ideals for which anyone can sacrifice, or defend, or give their last full measure of devotion. I believe it is this loyalty that allows a country teeming with different races and ethnicities, religions and customs, to come together as one.
Barack also addressed directly the attempts by some to use patriotism as a wedge to score cheap political points, adding:
I will never question the patriotism of others in this campaign. And I will not stand idly by when I hear others question mine.
Read the full remarks, as prepared for delivery . . .
Declare Your Independence: Your Stories
June 30, 2008
As July 4th approaches, supporters everywhere are declaring their independence from a broken system.
Over 140,000 people have joined Barack in changing old politics in Washington. Here just a few of the stories people have shared…
Joey from California:
I am 38-year-old daddy to be. I have been donating and supporting Obama since the 3rd or 4th debate into the democratic season.
I am supporting Obama for many reasons. This seems to be a pivotal moment in human history; in that the opportunity to unite a divided social structure is crucial to the longevity and sustainability of democracy and the human race.
I believe Obama has is the right vision, not just for this country, but also for what is morally and socially right. His constitutional law background combined with his great sense of morality makes me feel confident in his ability to restore the legislative foundation of this country. A foundation that has been eroded by the greed and fear of the current administration and its religious and corporate financiers.
Lucianne from Michigan:
Some of the main reasons I support Obama include his honesty and ability to tell it how it is. I particularly appreciated his speech on racial issues/tensions in Philadelphia, and his speech in Flint, which touched on a lot of discrepancies in our educational system.
I really think that for the first time in my life there is actually a politician that really gets what’s happening in this country and is willing to put everything on the line in order to do something about that.
I am supporting Barack more than any other candidate I have voted for in the past. I think history is in the making and I am just honored and privileged to be, in some way, a part of that.
I donated to his campaign when I did because I … wanted to make sure he got through the primary successfully. I am planning on donating again but I have to wait for a few more pay checks to come in.
Sam from California:
I like his message of national unity and restoring America’s image abroad. I think he has the best solutions to our mess of a foreign policy, will be a steward of the environment, and even though I come from an upper-class family, I feel that something needs to be done to make sure all Americans have their basic needs met (even if that means people like my family must contribute more).
So far, I have just donated money to the campaign and been vocal among my friends. I decided to donate to Obama during the primary, because … I thought Obama’s ideas were better thought out and seemed more feasible.
After joining these thousands of supporters, tell us why you’re declaring your independence in the comment section below.
Live Stream: Barack in Independence, Missouri
June 30, 2008
Barack will be speaking in Independence, Missouri shortly. You can watch a live stream of the speech below:
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