Friday morning mishmash

Hi guys,

West Wing Week full of eye candies. 🙂 Don’t miss that lovely bromance moment between PBO and VPB in the end.

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What a great choice by PBO to keep Bob Gates around:

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More videos from the last couple of days:

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$850 in less than 24 hours? Are you guys kidding me?! 🙂

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Here’s something sweet for the weekend: 

Why We’re In

Hi guys,

Last night I spent some time over at the new OFA blogs and it lifted my spirit in a real tangible way. Many many good and positive comments by people who are clearly not the usual political blogosphere junkies. Just a lot of regular people, proving that there are many like us out there. So I collected just a sample from the comments to give us all a nice start to the day.

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Voted Dem the first time in my life, and do not regret it, thank you Mr. President for your speech in Cairo which inspired the Arab world to not pick up a sword but to stand for democracy, this is in my opinion your greatest accomplishment. We as volenteers need to speak of the “life” and positives that you have contributed to the world, not just our country. We as Americans should be proud of our president and his ability to “fight” for democracy, inspire others to change their lives and their countries, through positive non violent demonstrations. Martin Luther would be so proud, and God Bless America. Its not all about money and what we have in .. we are free..

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 I’m in because, contrary to popular belief, our President has done much of what he said he would. He has yet to disappoint me and I choose to believe in the man and what he says. It would be so easy for him to constantly debate and bicker with his naysayers, but he has never failed to take the high road and just deal with the issues at hand. Our country needs and deserves a leader who is intelligent, level headed, and strong. Plus his exhibition of class has been unparalleled since he began his initial run for the Presidency.

 
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 I am in because I believe President Obama has done much of what he promised and really cares about all people and not just the ones at the top. With so much intolerance and hate going on in this country we cannot afford to go backwards. Not now!

 
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 In my mind, there is no question. Firstly, to be effective and make any real and lasting changes, a President needs to be in for two terms – unless he is a big loser. Obama is a winner not a loser. I love his devotion to finding a middle ground, elminating devisive discussions and limiting his representation to a specific segment. He represents the United States, not a race, not a political party but what is best for all. But some might say a view such as this would be paralizing, but I don’t believe so in Obama’s case. He makes his point, stands his ground and I believe success will come to those that wait. He’s a winner

 
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 I am in because we managed to pass Health Care Reform and Repeal Don’t ask Don’t tell. I am in because the Tea Party and conservatives in this country want to take our country “back” and our President has against all odds managed to inch it forward.

 
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 I’m in because he’s articulate, follows through with a great deal of what he says and is able to change his plans if something disastrous happens. He makes efforts that really are aimed at helping the American people and creating change for the better. I initially was against him in 2008, but since then have seen what he has done and believe in him and his cabinet to help this nation.

 
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 I am in, because the work that Pres Obama started could not be accomplished in 4 years, he needs 8 years but with the full support of all. I believe in him, his goals and objectives for this country as well as his word ; to make this country better.

 
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 I support President Obama 100%, you can’t create a new America in just 4 years, he needs more time ! Thanks to President Obama’s Homes Made Affordable Program, we are currently trying to prevent our home from going into foreclosure. I trust in him, and fully support what he is doing, therefore I am backing him for re-election in 2012.
Thank You President Obama for believing in America and for giving us hope !

 

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 Barack Obama may not have been the “messiah” some had sought, but he has done his best under some amazingly difficult conditions, some that would have defeated others. In many instances, he didn’t act as quickly as some demanded, but rather took his time, viewed his options, and waited for the right moment. I like a President who isn’t reactive, but takes time to do things right. I also am scared when I think of the competition. Michele Bachman? Newt Gingrich

 
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 I am definitely in!….President Obama has weathered the storms produced in four turbulent years of constant ridicule and political beratement. The Naysayers don’t understand him and therefore appear threatened. They have tried every mean trick in the book to discredit him. However inspite of it all, he has maintained a presidential demeanor that not many people can claim. He has not wavered from his pledge to be the Peoples President. I campaigned for him in 2008 and I will GLADLY do it again for 2012!!

 
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 While I may not always agree with every decision he makes I believe that President Obama has consistently followed through on the plans that he had when he campaigned and has been willing to deviate from those plans when he thought it was necessary. The President isn’t an ideologue and we should be grateful for that. He is a man of substance, common sense, hard work and compassion. Over the last few years I have began to see some significant and positive changes that I support while seeing others that I think were wrong. Yet I think Barack Obama deserves another term in the White House. There will never be a public official who I will agree with one hundred percent of the time yet Barack Obama has honored the office he has been entrusted with.

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 President Obama has faced a series of mind numbing crisis with a calm balanced intelligence that is awe inspiring. Some people want more fire works. I’m more interested in someone who provides a way of dealing with problems. Let someone else provide the entertainment.

 
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 I am in because despite all the criticism of every and anything our President attempts to do, I am thankful and blessed enough to see the truth. The truth is I may disagree on our President’s decisions at times, but I am in complete agreement with his head and heart in reflection of the vision he has for our great country. I have seen the elements of those that try to divide us as a country and as people….but as President Obama oftens say we are and has always been greater than all the odds against us throughout our history. Therefore, I am in with President Barack Obama, to continue to uphold and make better the Greatest America we can possibility be. Barack Obama is a man of character, respect and compassion for the world, and our world needs that right now.

 
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 I was born during WWII and I’m in because watching Presidents since Truman, not since Kennedy have we felt such inspiration throughout our country and the world. President Obama brings honor to his office and to our country. He is capable of taking us out of recession and moving us forward and upward. He needs support to counter the incessant attacks from those who would destroy the momentum we have going. I will do what I can to promote and support this great President to be re-elected. I’m in

 
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I, too, was born during WWII. I saw in Obama great intelligence, a calm and even temperment, a “long” head, high energy, and goodness to the core. In other words, absolutely every attribute it takes to make a great president. And he has not disappointed me. I shudder to think of anyone else sitting in the oval office at this juncture in our history. I will do everything I can to make sure that doesn’t happen.

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 I’m in because the stimulus worked; the global economy didn’t collapse; the auto industry was saved; and healthcare, financial and education reforms were all signed into law. I’m in because 1.6M jobs have been created in the past 13 months, the unemployment rate has declined to 8.8%, taxes have been cut for 95% of working families, and the DOW has rebounded from a low of 6500 to over 12,300… in 2 short years!

I’m in because the swine-flu pandemic, BP oil spill, and numerous terror plots were handled successfully. I’m in because all troops will be out of Iraq by the end of this year, and we will start withdrawing from Afghanistan this summer. I’m in because we stopped Qadhafi from slaughtering thousands in Libya while insisting the rest of the world pull its weight. I’m also in because President Obama is the Most Admired Leader in the world – with the right leadership skills and temperament to help us through the CHANGE that is sweeping the Middle East.Last but not least, I’m in because President Obama and First Lady Michelle have earned my trust! They are good people, with strong values, who believe in public service. I’m in because they are in!!! No more… no less.

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I’m in because I believe in the changes that have taken place thus far. They have been for the greater good and since the 2008 election I’ve never felt more like my voice has mattered. I’m in because Obama keeps me informed. Whether it is through Facebook, Twitter, his website, or email I feel like I know what is going on, what he expects from the American people, and what I can do to help! I’M IN!!!!

 

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Our opinions of the President are so easily shaped by reporters and opinon-news hosts on TV. At the end of the day when I look at the actual policy coming from the White House and how it shows up in our lives, my conclusion is that its generally smart, effective and consistent with shaping the future I want to see for our country. Thats good enough for me. I’m in.

 
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I am in because President Obama has done what he campaigned on doing. In spite of almost solid opposition from the GOP he worked hard to get positive change for the American people.

He worked hard to prevent a major depression.He work hard to save the Auto Industry and those auto related manufacturing jobs in the US.He worked hard to get Affordable Care Act passed into law.He worked hard to wind down one war, as he promised and focused on another war inorder to wind it down responsibly as he said he would and is working on doing.He worked to give the individual a tax break, which he did.I could go on and on. The link to the Promises kept page is not working, but google it to see how many promises were kept.I am in because the President Obama has done all I expected him to do and more.My hope is in 2012, with a newly elected majority in the House and an overwhelming majority in the Senate, we can get more done to move this country forward.

 
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When Barack won in 2008 we all knew that the world had been changed. And it has! It is wonderful to know every day that our president is a thoughtful, intelligent person who is working to make the future better for all Americans – and our neighbors around the world. We have made so much progress, against opposition who thinks nothing about spreading lies and divisiveness, but the job has only begun. We need to stay the course on an economic plan that is now bearing fruit, continue to make progress on health care reform, institute viable, long-term energy policies, and to invest in the future of America by educating our children and renewing our national infrastructure so our country can continue to be a world-leader in a 21st-century economy. Count me in!

 

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I’m in because I was “in” the first time around. I’m in this time because he has done a great job with what he has had to work with! The 2nd time around might give him an opportunity to do some of the things that he wanted to do versus cleaning up behind the poor administration that he took over from. I’m in because I am now a senior citizen and and want changes that he will bring for my adult children and grand children. He is a wonderful leader, man and he’s got “swagger”. I will push everyone like I did in the last election from my children to the church folk. By the time voting comes around again he will have one more vote that he didn’t have the first time for sure…my granddaughter who will turn 18 by then! Yes we can! Yes we did! and Yes we will again!

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 I am in because I believe the president will lead this country with honesty and integrity that was not seen in the previous administration and this country cannot afford to return to that brand of leadership. I also know that no matter what the oposition claims, they are flawed and misinformed in many areas of importatance to this country and its future. Many of the opositions complaints are in fact problems of thier own making and their attempts to transfer responsibility to the Obama administration are decietful and reflect the very type of misdirection they would bring to their leadership and should be fought with all the strength we Democrats can muster!

 
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I am in for my wife my mother my sister my brother my father my grandfather. All educators. All of their jobs and limited benefits under attack. Educators create all other professions and yet now our Republican leaders are treating them as “bottom feeders.” Make Republicans pay for this unAmerican position in 2012. America stand up for yourself and what this country was truly founded upon. I’m in because plain and simple democracy of the people by the people and for the people must be run by the people and not perish from our earth due to the greed of a few…

 
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 As a college student, I am forced to enter the job market at a time when mistakes made by politicians in the past have riddled our economy with instability. I am forced to make important life decisions such as choosing a job, a place to live, a spouse, and when to have children in a system that doesn’t value its people; their health, their housing, their jobs, or their education. In other words, the system I live in does not value my future or the future of my children. I refuse to vote for someone who insists on cutting funds from fundamental educational programs. I refuse to vote for someone who upholds governmental authority over the power of the people. Further, I refuse to vote for someone who believes that they can take away from my future in order to patch up their own shortcomings. Obama might not be perfect, but he believes in the power of the people he is currently serving. He believes in helping the world not in the pursuit of power or justice, but to help those who cannot help themselves. He believes in investing in America. He believes in investing in ME. Let’s take back our future. I’m In.

 
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It was February of 2007 when I watched then-Senator Barack Obama announce his bid for the Presidency. I was unsure then, since Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton made her bid a month earlier. I was then 18 years old and ready to graduate high school. So, I thought little about it until my freshman year, when he had won Iowa, pitting Senator Clinton in third place. Then, he won my state of Georgia, a state that President Clinton won in 1992 in the primary and general elections. I then knew that this was the guy who was to be our next president and was a force to be reckoned with. At 20 years old that November,in my first presidential election, I enthusiastically voted for Barack Obama as President and Joe Biden as Vice President.

These two years have been eye opening for me. The attacks from the Republican Party as well as his own have left him looking more regal, more confident, and more stable than all of his detractors and second guessers combined. He has shown unyielding determination and resolve and even when I disagree with him on an issue, I am most assured that he is the best person for this job. With the change I have seen as well as how he and Vice President Biden have handled the ebbs end flows of the world, I hope to make my second Presidential choice as a 24 year old college graduate for President Barack Obama!!!! Yes we can yet again!!!

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 I’m in because over the past 2 ½ years I have watched as President Obama methodically worked to bring about the change he talked about in his 2008 campaign. When I consider that on day one of his presidency he was faced with a national economy on the brink of collapse and a national deficit that far exceeded what any of us could have ever imagined (because it was hidden) and how he straight way assembled a team of economic and financial gurus to study and define the country’s fiscal state; within weeks, there were proposed solutions, policies written and implemented. President Obama acted with decisiveness and saved us from an economic depression that would have made the 1930’s look like a walk in the park.

During the 2008 Campaign, then Senator Obama repeatedly told his constituents that if we put him in the white house he would work to restore our faith in the government and do the hard work that his predecessors had conveniently side stepped. He said tough choices had to be made, that for a time things would be difficult and uncomfortable, but that in time, our nation would be better for it.President Obama has taken on some of the most difficult and defining issues of our day and has accomplished far more than most thought he would; such as increasing minimum wage earnings, health care reform, promoting innovative education initiatives, financial reform, implementing aggressive economic stimulus policy, putting forth clean and renewable energy proposals and calling for greater U.S. accountability with respect to environmental stewardship, withdrawing combatant troops from Iraq, bridging international gaps by committing to open, honest dialogue with foreign leaders and forging new alliances globally and re-opening peace negotiations in the middle-east.Mind you, Mr. President has done ALL this while suffering constant attacks on his character, integrity, intelligence and ability to lead. He has done ALL this with NO help from the Republican Party and at times members of his OWN party worried more about being re-elected than getting the job done!With all the opposition and unfortunate turn of world events, the President, our president has remained focused, diligent and genuine as he works tirelessly to help build a better, stronger, more brilliant America.I’m in because President Obama has only chipped away at the tip of the iceberg of change; there is much more work to be done and we all deserve a better, more productive, more inclusive America.

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 And my fave:

 I’m only 16 right now but I’ll be 18 by the time of the 2012 elections, and Mr. Obama will be the first President I vote for. I’m in because I know Mr. Obama is creating a better future for me and millions upon millions of other teenagers my age, and I cannot wait until I vote for him because I know I will be voting for the successful future of America.

Here we go!

May the force be with this great man (And by “force” I mean US!).

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The mail PBO sent this morning:

Friend —

Today, we are filing papers to launch our 2012 campaign.

We’re doing this now because the politics we believe in does not start with expensive TV ads or extravaganzas, but with you — with people organizing block-by-block, talking to neighbors, co-workers, and friends. And that kind of campaign takes time to build.

So even though I’m focused on the job you elected me to do, and the race may not reach full speed for a year or more, the work of laying the foundation for our campaign must start today.

We’ve always known that lasting change wouldn’t come quickly or easily. It never does. But as my administration and folks across the country fight to protect the progress we’ve made — and make more — we also need to begin mobilizing for 2012, long before the time comes for me to begin campaigning in earnest.

As we take this step, I’d like to share a video that features some folks like you who are helping to lead the way on this journey. Please take a moment to watch:

In the coming days, supporters like you will begin forging a new organization that we’ll build together in cities and towns across the country. And I’ll need you to help shape our plan as we create a campaign that’s farther reaching, more focused, and more innovative than anything we’ve built before.

We’ll start by doing something unprecedented: coordinating millions of one-on-one conversations between supporters across every single state, reconnecting old friends, inspiring new ones to join the cause, and readying ourselves for next year’s fight.

This will be my final campaign, at least as a candidate. But the cause of making a lasting difference for our families, our communities, and our country has never been about one person. And it will succeed only if we work together.

There will be much more to come as the race unfolds. Today, simply let us know you’re in to help us begin, and then spread the word:

http://my.barackobama.com/2012

Thank you,

Barack

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More details HERE!

Yes, We Can. Again.

Hi everyone,

President Obama will launch his re-election campaign next week, and it’s time for us to put our game face on. I don’t expect PBO to really start campaigning for at least another year, so it will be up to us to do the grinding work of spreading the truth about his achievements and the stakes.

To kick things off I’m sticking this open thread, with one and only one purpose: Brainstorming. As proud as I am in what we’ve created here, obviously we are still a very small community, so I think we should focus on how to reach people who are not as junkies ;), people who don’t spend that much time on the Internet, people who might be on the fence, and the poor souls who are simply uninformed. Use the blogroll here and on other similar spaces, use the backlog of information over at OFA of course, and remember: There are no stupid ideas.

P.S. At this point, I’m still reluctant to involve money with this blog, but I am open to hear ideas about how we can help raise money that will go straight into PBO’s campaign. With that, let’s get this party started.