Amazing.
As an American, a person descended from African slaves, and an Ohioan if you are not amazed by the way (newly minted) Democratic Presidential candidate Barack Obama performed before a crowd of 84,000+ dissecting the GOP, John McCain, and the Bush administration you're dead or blind. I dozed off for a bit only to wake up by Gretta Van Something or another from Faux News have some lady who was a "democratic consultant" blather about how this speech didn't hit the mark.
As soon as I'm done here my sweetie is going to get a wet willey!
Seriously, the man looked like Muhammad Ali coming back after taking blow after blow from his challenger picking him apart till he's ready to crumple. He embodied everything we wanted in a Democratic candidate and more.
And now, the serious work begins.
WE THE PEOPLE have 9 weeks to get the word out to every neighbor, every co-worker, every family member, every American about why Barack Obama is the choice to lead our country back to greatness again. But if you are thinking you can't do it, that you don't have thousands to plunk down or think you don't have the time to give to get the word out I got three words for you: YES YOU CAN!!
I have some examples--some personal, some obvious--which I hope will help anyone reading this to make the right choice and help Obama/Biden get into the White House and help take the coattail of progressive Dems with them into the Capitol.
*Donate!
Any amount to this campaign is a welcomed amount on any level. You don't have to be a million dollar plate donor or someone who is a high profile big wig. All you need to be is you: an American who loves their country and knows a good candidate when you see one. $1, $5, $10, $15, do I hear $20? Those amounts are as welcomed as the $100 ones because every penny counts. John McCain may have the GOP's fat cat money machine behind him; this campaign is fueled mostly by WE THE PEOPLE and any amount you can give will be welcomed in the Obama/Biden camp.
* Volunteer to canvass the streets or phone in your support.
Whether you can do an hour or more of this the good volunteers of the Obama/Biden camp appreciates every step and breath you take. Make a commitment now! Make a promise to yourself now! You will take the time and give five hours to do either one or both of these things. Five is too much? How about three hours? Two? One? Even one hour is better than nothing at all. And don't worry, even if you haven't done anything like this before the Obama folks do a wonderful job paring you with someone who have done this a number or two times. You'd be amaze how for some supporters it is their first time being involved in politics period.
*Call the campaign offices in your area and find out if they have a "wish list" of supplies they need.
I stopped by at the Dayton, Ohio office to see if I can get another lawn sign since some pranksters took mine and put it in my neighbor's lawn (I'll tell more about it in one of my next diary). When I found out the new signs won't come for about a week or two I saw a placard with a list of things they need in their office: Bottled Water, Computer Paper, Food, etc. So simple, and it can be shared to help the great volunteers who donate their time and money because they believe in this campaign to their dying breath. What my sweetie, Brenda, did was go to the dollar store and get a couple of reams of computer paper. Now a note: If you do buy something to give to the campaign you will need to sign a sheet stating your donation to the campaign. This way there is nothing illegal according to election laws about accepting private gifts. Have your receipt with you and show them as you fill out the necessary paperwork and you are good to go.
*Write on blogs and newspapers about your support for Obama/Biden.
Whether it is a personal story about how the Obama/Biden camp motivates you to campaign for the first time or a particular issue you want to clarify to the public your voice via written text or on line posting is a great way to support Obama.
*Open your home.
We plan to open our home if not for a get together than for possibly serving up breakfast to canvassing supporters to get them on the right tract and energy in speaking with their neighbors and friends for the campaign. We did this before during the Ohio campaign and trust me even if a couple of people show up it is good to know you are wanting to bring like minded supporters together for the greater good. Contact the Obama campaign office in your area (they are in cities and small towns by the way) to find out how you can open your home and be a place of refuge for the cause.
*If he speaks near you...come!
We plan to be in Columbus, Ohio Saturday to see the newly minted Obama/Biden ticket. Last time I saw a new team make the rounds was when Kerry/Edwards came to Dayton shortly after naming Edwards his running mate. It was the first rally I've ever been to and it really pumped me up big time. If you do get the chance to see Obama in your area make the necessary arrangements and make the trek. It is a once in a lifetime experience and trust me when the energy from the meetings flow off on you you'd be ready to put neon signs of Obama/Biden on your rooftop if you could.
*Talk to your neighbors, friends, and family members.
Most inexpensive way to get the word out! The impact of you engaging your family or friends about politics and who you will vote for is a great way to find supporters up close or look for ways to seal the deal with them about why it is important to elect Obama/Biden into the White House. The change is lasting; the amazement will last you for years.
These are a few options you can do in order to make sure this ticket gets voted in on Election Day. I know that many Americans like myself have gotten off their duffs and made a commitment to support this campaign on various levels. Again, talk to the Obama rep to find out what they need as well too along with all the suggestions I've mentioned above. But with less than 9 weeks before election day we got to get the word forth to everyone we know.
With a speech like the one we heard last night you'd have to be dead to not want to do SOMETHING.