Today, July 29th, 2015, over 100,000 people all across this vast and beautiful nation will gather in over 3,500 homes, farms, bars, restaurants, coffee shops, universities, meeting halls, inns, libraries, businesses, community centers, churches, apartment common rooms, galleries, even taco trucks, parking lots, rooftops and parks, to organize around a singular, common purpose: Elect Bernie Sanders to the office of President of the United States.
The first step is to win the nomination of the Democratic Party as their candidate.
To this end, Bernie 2016 has organized this nationwide event and 2 live streams with Bernie (and a prerecorded back-up), the first at about 7:30 EDT and again at 10:30 EDT, to ask for our help. USHomeopath explains in a comment from a diary yesterday:
The primary purpose of tomorrow's events is to give Bernie the opportunity to directly ask attendees to volunteer for his campaign. This is more important to him right now than donations...
When Bernie asks folks to sign up with their smart phones or use the link "volunteer for Bernie" to volunteer, can you promote that...?
Volunteer for Bernie: https://go.berniesanders.com/...
And this from gooderservice for Team Bernie:
Do you want to volunteer to work for Bernie Sanders' Campaign?
Then text the number 82623 and type in the word Work.
Go Bernie. Let's win this thing. It's that important.
And if you don't have a cell phone with texting capabilities, you can go to https://berniesanders.com/ and sign up to volunteer.
The live streams have ended but here's the backup video that was produced to run in place of the live streams, should they have failed for some meet-ups:
It's been a fun day hearing stories and and swapping tales. I'll be here a few more hours adding comments and keeping current but thanks to all who stopped by.
Here's a digest of the day's happenings:
VIDEO:
Bernie 2016 TV (YouTube) National House Party Live Event National House Party Live Event Coveraget Coverage
East Coast Live Stream on Bernie 2016: Bernie 2016 Organizing Kickoff (7:30 p.m. ET)
East Coast Live Stream on YouTube: Bernie 2016 Organizing Kickoff Live Stream (7:30 p.m. ET)
West Coast Live Stream on Bernie 2016: Bernie 2016 Organizing Kickoff Live Stream (7:30 p.m. PT)
West Coast Live Stream on YouTube: Bernie 2016 Organizing Kickoff Live Stream (7:30 p.m. PT)
Prerecorded Backup on Bernie 2016: Bernie 2016 July 29 Backup
Prerecorded Backup on YouTube: Bernie 2016 July 29 Backup
Bernie TV 2016 YouTube Channel
PHOTOS:
Here's a link from smiley7 again, this time with LOTS of photos from #Bernie2016 on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/...
LINKS:
USA TODAY 6:40 p.m. EDT July 29, 2015 Sanders to launch massive volunteer effort from D.C. apartment
Manisha Sharma at first had trouble believing Sen. Bernie Sanders really planned to attend the gathering she had volunteered to host for his presidential campaign Wednesday night
Volunteer:
Sign up to volunteer for our campaign
Donate: Stand with Bernie
Bernie News Roundup
Team Bernie
REPORTS FROM EVENTS:
Somehow, this didn't get posted earlier but it's one of the best, so I'll put it first:
Los latinos con Bernie! (30+ / 0-)
Do my eyes deceive me? It can't be! Kos and The Inevitable Brigade told me only white males support Bernie.
And yet here we are, dozens of latinos and latinas, asians and african americans, white women and men, together at this meet-up cheering for Bernie!
Damn my lyin' eyes! I believe Kos! /snark
by El American on Wed Jul 29, 2015 at 03:08:46 PM AKDT
* [new]
300some in Asheville. Eagerly awaiting the livestream.....listening to our City Councilman Cecil Bothwell
by DawnN on Wed Jul 29, 2015 at 03:23:32 PM AKDT
* [new]
24 So far
Very intersting group of people.
Charlotte NC.
2 more people showed up
by eeff on Wed Jul 29, 2015 at 03:10:48 PM AKDT
* [new] I just got home from an event
with about 35 people in a lovely home in an upscale suburb of Albany, NY. (Found it by zipcode.) Lots of excited long term activists at this location. We spent a lot of time talking about the need to sign people up as Democrats in NYS if they want to vote for Bernie in the primaries. Like me, many registered & regular voters who usually vote for Democratic candidates are not registered with the Democratic Party. Some, like me, are what we used to call GDI's (G*d-D*amned Independents, not to be confused with the Independent Party. Other"s are registered with the WFP or the Green Party. I'm going to bite the bullet & register myself as a Democrat, at least for this election.
by Katio on Wed Jul 29, 2015 at 04:38:13 PM AKDT
I was at an event and I thought it was great
that he was speaking from an actual event in someone's apartment. We clapped and cheered as if we were there and I felt it made us feel more a part of it.
by Katio on Wed Jul 29, 2015 at 04:28:36 PM AKDT
smiley7 posts this report:
* [new] SE Michigan...
The Southeast Michigan wants Bernie party has been a huge success! #Bernie2016 #SummerOfSanders #FeelTheBern http://t.co/....
— SE Michigan BERNers (@SEMichBERNers) July 30, 2015
Love and love again.
by smiley7 on Wed Jul 29, 2015 at 04:45:06 PM AKDT
and here's the video!
.
Southeast Michigan wants Bernie! #Bernie2016
* [new] Just got home from event in San Marcos
at the library. Great group of people. We made a face book page to stay in touch. one young man made it right there and started signing us up.
So inspiring to meet other Texans for Bernie.
I decided that when Bernie does this again, I'm going to host a small group in my little apartment and see if I could get some of my neighbors to attend.
This is great stuff for people to meet face to face.
God spare me the Heart to fight them... I'll fight the Pirates forever. -Mother Jones
by JayRaye on Wed Jul 29, 2015 at 05:01:13 PM AKDT
On finding out about
Sanders to launch massive volunteer effort from D.C. apartment, roonie replied:
* [new] whaaa!!!
I picked the "wrong" location in SW DC tonight!! I was blocks away!!
Oh well,, huge turn out in a bar on Conneticut Ave.
I'm over pols trying to have it both way and wanting me to think that they can take millions from MY OPPONENTS and still be fighting for me/the 99%.
by roonie on Wed Jul 29, 2015 at 05:10:49 PM AKDT
* [new] Thanks for the diary!
I just got back from a Bernie event in Green Bay, WI at the Democratic Party of Brown County. There were about 65 people there, and many of them were super pumped up!
All age groups represented, equal male to female ratio, and only one person of color. :( I was bummed about that last part, although GB is pretty damn whitebread.
I offered to volunteer and a little group of us stayed after Bernie's live video to chat about the best times to meet and stuff. I guess I will be contacted soon.
All in all, a success and it'll even be on the evening news here tonight! Woo hoo! (I was right in front of the camera shot and, honestly, not exactly thrilled about that.)
by Colorado is the Shiznit on Wed Jul 29, 2015 at 05:21:33 PM AKDT
* [new] About 90 people at the event I attended in
south St. Pete and there were many events in town and around the region (about 45 in a 100 mile area). Of that, about 9 were POC. I admit I found that disappointing given the area has a high black population. The good news was that the merchants there in the old mall, and the little restaurant it was in were black and watched intently...and that restaurant made a bundle too, so that's good.
JOB 1 for Bernie's campaign is broadening his message. He's plenty legit and POC should be receptive, but being an old, white male from a white state he DOES have a "who the heck is Bernie" problem.
His staffers need to take the advice, at least, of my "Modest Suggestion" diary re engagement.
Losing is one thing, but losing for the wrong reasons would be really painful.
"The price of apathy towards public affairs is to be ruled by evil men." - Plato
by pajoly on Wed Jul 29, 2015 at 05:24:54 PM AKDT
nokomis posted this:
just got home from a meeting in suburban St. Paul
about 50 people met in the library. After Bernies video (which I enjoyed) the group started introducing themselves. Partway through the introductions I left as I was reminded that I don't really like political activists that much (no offense intended to the many activists here.)
Anyway, I enjoyed the event less than I expected and haven't decided if I will volunteer or what I would do ( I really don't like doorknocking). I think I will just do my usual of give a little money, which I haven't gotten around to doing yet.
by nokomis on Wed Jul 29, 2015 at 05:18:42 PM AKDT
Followed by this:
I guess I was inspired more than I thought
because after checking out the Bernie group on reddit I texted the number and filled out the volunteer form.
by nokomis on Wed Jul 29, 2015 at 05:46:15 PM AKDT
Our event for Bernie tonight was a success.
* [new] 80 where I was 160 where my husband was!
Very diverse group of people. A local Native American organizer from the Menomonee tribe was there too! My group was small and lots of discussions and some organizing - we organized a presence for the pride rally this weekend.
My husband's was larger and there was excitement in the air (according to him).
I invited people from the other side of the restaurant to come and view the video too. A woman jumped up and said 'Really? My daughter's been talking about that guy!' and came to watch.
Union busting???? That's disgusting!!!
by invisiblewoman on Wed Jul 29, 2015 at 06:06:20 PM AKDT
* [new] We were 35 in an upper class neighborhood north
of Boston. Ages ranged from 17 (eligible to vote Nov '16) to 77. One woman was leaning toward Hillary but wanted to hear what Bernie was all about. We had a facilitator from Bernie's campaign.
It was interesting listening to everyone's story. We had two teachers and two retired teachers, one self-proclaimed blue collar workers. One attendee was from the Seattle area. He was working in a nearby town and signed up so he wouldn't miss it.
It was interesting hearing what spoke to each person about Bernie's policy proposals. Interestingly we all had something different that made us want to participate.
"We know too much to go back and pretend" - Helen Reddy (humble cosmos shaker)
by ditsylilg on Wed Jul 29, 2015 at 06:13:46 PM AKDT
* [new] Bernie tonite
I was at a well-attended Bernie gathering this evening, but wish that the Sanders staff had done a better job presenting the event. Poor audio / visual quality, and a general lack of professionalism. It came across to me as a half-ass effort by some very sincere and nice folks who probably aren't capable of taking this campaign to the White House. If I had been someone who wasn't already on board with the Bernie message, the production tonite would not have left me excited and fired up.
"They aren't coming for your guns, they are coming for your Social Security."
by Eagleye on Wed Jul 29, 2015 at 06:14:41 PM AKDT
* [new] Everyone just left
I live in the tiny little town of Brooklyn, only posted my event a couple days ago (wasn't sure if I wanted to host until the last minute), and did nothing to promote it. Four other people joined baspringer and me, one of whom drove down from Oregon because the 200-limit event there was filled.
We had different priorities - I want to overturn Citizens United, another guy doesn't care about it but wants action on climate change, another was primarily interested in jobs - but what we agreed on is that Bernie is someone we can trust, and his policies are better than those of anyone else running.
by wmspringer on Wed Jul 29, 2015 at 06:31:26 PM AKDT
7-29-15 WED Bernie Meetup-OKLA CITY, 28 people, includes demos and a poll
Bernie, short, sweet, and done!
Well, I'm stoked :) (0+ / 0-)
The hosts at their business office were gracious, generous (they had on tap FREE craft beer). Well attended but not as many (they had on tap FREE craft beer)!!!
Everyone applauded. The livestream video was sweet & kind. I loved the introduction, I loved that the after the speech the young lady was a bit enamored in the honor of speaking. I loved Larry Cohen past President of CWA, Communication Workers of America, who tired repeatedly to get Hillary to oppose FAST TRACK AUTHORITY and then ask WHY? He then joined Bernie's campaign. He's genuine, Bernie's campaign is genuine, WE supporters are genuine.
The hosts had contacted Bernie's campaign early, there was a small priority mailed box with campaign "swag," if you will :) I & most everyone got a free bumper sticker. HURRAY (with a bunch of exclamation points!) I so wanted a bumper sticker, I'm so stoked!
MOST of ALL, there was no phony pressure. Text or go to the website. What grass roots is, I WANT to volunteer. I got to meet a bunch of people with happy mmm type of smiles and simple excitement, somethin's a brewin and I don't even drink. A wet your whistle if you will.
I look forward to a Saturday meet up. As someone mentioned above, debate parties. Just getting together with other good folk and realizing, Hell yeah!
If this diary and others don't satisfy all you Clinton wannabes, Well excuse the hell outta us 12 weeks into the campaign. Like just where is the damn "Scooby Doo" van? I heard someone saw Elvis driving the "Scooby Doo" van away... all over the map it seems :)
March AGAINST monsatanOHagentorange 3/25/13 a time warp
by 3rock on Wed Jul 29, 2015 at 09:05:37 PM AKDT
* [new] Unfortunately was unable to attend my local event (1+ / 0-)
... but according to the organizers' Facebook page and a linked local news report, there were at least 220 people attending in Mobile, AL, at a local university student center. The TV station reported about 300; the Facebook posting said 220 actually signed in, but other attendees think there were more than that and that some didn't bother to sign in. Close to 300 RSVP'd. One poster on either the Facebook or Twitter page said she registered 25 people to vote.
https://www.facebook.com/...
https://twitter.com/
https://instagram.com/...
by Val on Wed Jul 29, 2015 at 09:40:18 PM AKDT
TOP COMMENTS:
To a comment about the poor quality of the video and sound of the live stream (YES: It was poor and it's not the first time it's been amateur hour in the A/V department) and what can be done about it, BvueDem had this VERY helpful reply:
Agreed, tks 4 ur comment; will you help them?
I agree with your comment. Their message is great; their presentation was mediocre. E.g., the music-stand was in the way of the picture, blocking the face of Kemi Morgan (sp?) much of the time, which was distracting. Basic planning ahead ad some trial filming (a day in advance) would have solved that.
That said, this is a grassroots campaign -- it is in our hands. :-)
There are various ways to contact the campaign; I do not know which is best. A little gentle persistence and letting them know of your video skills and your willingness to volunteer a little bit of time will help get the message to the right people. It may take a little time, because they are flooded, but they really need skilled people like you, so please push yourself forward. :-)
You can:
Send an SMS to 82623 that says: work
And sign up on the Volunteer page, it has a checklist of things to do and also a blank field "How else can you help?" where you can write in: "High-end video production" (etc): https://go.berniesanders.com/...
And sign up at: https://berniesanders.com (click on Join)
You could try a message at: https://www.facebook.com/...
And send a tweet to: https://twitter.com/...
And write a postcard to: BERNIE 2016, PO BOX 905, BURLINGTON, VT 05402 (postcards are better than letters, because your message gets read quickly)
And ask around if there is already a field-campaign in your state, then contact them.
Again, thank you for speaking up. And many many thanks if you can volunteer some time, even in a small way.
by BvueDem on Wed Jul 29, 2015 at 04:20:40 PM AKDT
...and an update from BvueDem:
* [new] here's an even better URL, for volunteering: (0+ / 0-)
https://go.berniesanders.com/...
by BvueDem on Wed Jul 29, 2015 at 08:23:56 PM AKDT
And, Christy1947, in a reply to gooderservice's quip, "
What is impressive is everyone getting together all over the country, strangers meeting strangers, all either engaged in volunteering for Bernie or wanting to learn more about him," encapsulates so meaningfully what is undeniably powerful about grassroots activism.
The strangers meeting one another and figuring
out what they can work on and how they can work together and telling one another war stories of political and other past lives, and about their kids is what the power of this really is.
The video from Bernie is an instigation but the work is done at the meetings by people face to face, some in work clothes from varieties of work, some hauling the kids so they can see, and get burgers or chicken or pizza on the way home, who know their own communities and what makes them hurt and what makes them fight, and what makes them cooperate on things needing it.
Even if Bernie had been at all of these meetings, that would still not have been where the genuine strength is. Something most of the Rs don't have and . . . a few others are too controlled to try for. And in a way having Bernie at your meeting in person would distract by celebrity power from those essential "How do we do this together now" conversations with people you may know a little or not at all at first, which is where movements begin to coalesce and rise.
This is in the most powerful way a helluva opening move for Bernie, way bigger and better than what people who see Bernie as a little old guy from Vermont might even imagine. I wish his competition also had this much faith in the regular folk.
by Christy1947 on Wed Jul 29, 2015 at 07:03:08 PM AKDT
OTHER (select) BERNIE DIARIES ACTIVE TODAY:
Bernie, short, sweet, and done!
7-29-15 WED Bernie Meetup-OKLA CITY, 28 people, includes demos and a poll
Bernie Sanders can win
Our event for Bernie tonight was a success.
Do you want to volunteer to work for Bernie Sanders' Campaign?
Why this Latino supports Bernie Sanders and not Hillary Clinton
Bernie Sanders: July 29, 2015 House Parties; 3,344 Events, 100,000 RSVP's
July 29th: The day Bernie Sanders Organized 100k+
Over 50 Bernie events in Virginia tonight!
The Best Sanders Support Video You Will See All Day
Bernie is the candidate for the 99%
Bernie News Roundup - 'Bernie Is On A Mission' & Maddow: "Sanders Defies Expectations"
Please Attend Bernie's Historic, Nationwide Grassroots Organizing Event Tonight!
MISCELLANEOUS:
I will not be "live-blogging" the live stream as I am a hunt and peck typist and far to slow to attempt such a feat. I encourage anyone who wishes to please, do so. Many of us really appreciate it and some have bandwidth restrictions that make video more difficult. Kudos to those who try! I will try to keep up and respond as I'm able.
If you are at an event, drop a comment or photo and let us know where you are and how it's going!
If you just got home from an event, post a short video or photo and let us know where you are and how it went!
Just hangin' at DK? Let us know where you are, what you know and how this thread is going!
If you have photos, video, info, corrections or other items you would like to add to the diary, I will try to accommodate as many requests as is reasonable and possible. Send me a private message, post in the comments section with links, photos, video, reports, etc., or yell very loudly!
Join us below for a day of organization, community, brainstorming and discussion with friends old and new.
And most of all, have a great time!
Bernie 2016!
11:35 PM PT: Thanks to everyone who stopped by!
I'm OUT...