Blog of Mike W, Tulsa+

OFA Listening Tour continues in 10 states

Mike W, Tulsa+ — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 16:39:21 EDT

The Organizing For America [OFA] Listening Tour is continuing in 10 states
http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=74881147445

Events now listed in Colorado, Wisconsin, Texas, New Mexico, Indiana, Missouri, Iowa; Georgia, Michigan, Ohio.

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If you are in one of these 10 states, please attend if you are able. And be sure to contact those you know in these 10 states to be certain they know about these events!
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California, Florida, Montana, Nebraska, West Virginia and more later

See 125 UPCOMING events now listed at

http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/search_results?orderby=day&event_type[0]=240

OFA Listening Tour events by state
http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/search_results?orderby=day&event_type[0]=240&state=IN
[edit for your state code]

OFA Listening Tour survey
http://my.barackobama.com/page/s/ltsurvey

Presidential online town hall on the economy; Thursday 3-26-09 11:30 am EDT

Mike W, Tulsa+ — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 19:22:46 EDT

Presidential online town hall on the economy Thursday 3-26-09 11:30 am EDT

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BACKGROUND
Open for Questions: President Obama to Answer Your Questions on Thursday
http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/09/03/24/Open-for-Questions-President-Obama-to-Answer-Your-Questions-on-Thursday

Tuesday, March 24th, 2009 at 6:45 pm
"Open for Questions" is a new experiment for WhiteHouse.gov, the President’s latest effort to open up the White House and give Americans from around the country a direct line to the Administration.

This first round will deal with a chief concern for all of us: the economy. We’ve created a few categories to better organize the questions, and encourage you to search for a specific question before you submit your own in case it already exists.

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ASK/VOTE
Your Questions on the Economy
http://www.whitehouse.gov/OpenForQuestions

Deadline to submit questions and voting is Thursday 3-26-09 9:30 am EDT.

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VIDEO
The White House is Open for Questions
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hjJm_Hzc6Yg

1:27 video by whitehouse; March 23, 2009
The President introduces a new tool on WhiteHouse.gov, "Open for Questions," which will allow you to submit your questions on the economy and vote on those submitted by others. The President pledges to answer some of these questions during an online town hall on Thursday, March 26, 2009.

AP: Obama claims gains in fight against economic woes

Mike W, Tulsa+ — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 23:00:52 EDT

AP: Obama claims gains in fight against economic woes
By AP White House Correspondent Jennifer Loven
3-24-09 7:46 pm EDT
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090325/ap_on_go_pr_wh/obama

WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama claimed early progress Tuesday night in his aggressive campaign to lead the nation out of economic chaos and declared that despite obstacles ahead, "we're moving in the right direction." At the second prime-time news conference of his presidency, Obama also toned down his criticism of bonuses to executives at bailed-out AIG, and shot back at Republican critics of his budget.

In office for 64 tumultuous days, Obama cast his budget — now under review in Congress — as essential if the economy is to recover. The tax and spending plan "is inseparable from this recovery because it is what lays the foundation for a secure and lasting prosperity," he said.

The president also defended the U.S. dollar in the wake of China's suggestion for a universal currency, saying: "The dollar is extraordinarily strong right now," and "I don't believe that there is a need for a global currency."

The news conference, lasting 55 minutes, came at a pivotal, early moment in Obama's young presidency. Democrats in Congress are readying budget proposals that will largely determine how much of his first-term agenda will be passed, Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner is churning out near-daily proposals to solve the nation's economic crisis and the administration is struggling with public and congressional outrage over bonuses paid to executives of bailed-out AIG. Additionally, Obama departs next week for his first European trip as commander in chief, with the global economy a major focus.

Happy St. Patrick's Day from O'Bama!

Mike W, Tulsa+ — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 15:32:29 EDT

Happy St. Patrick's Day from O'Bama!

Help us keep spam off this message board [2]

Mike W, Tulsa+ — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 03:26:28 EDT

You may have to enlarge the type size in order to get to and give their spam 1-star ratings.

Pew research: Obama, advisers are still vetting D.C. churches

Mike W, Tulsa+ — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 14:22:47 EDT

Pew research: Obama, advisers are still vetting D.C. churches
By Margaret Talev, McClatchy Newspapers
Fri Mar 13, 2:55 pm ET
http://news.yahoo.com/s/mcclatchy/20090313/pl_mcclatchy/3188040

WASHINGTON — Nearly a year after a painful break from his Chicago church, President Barack Obama and his family are considering joining several churches of various denominations in the nation's capital but have yet to settle on one, and aides said that they're unlikely to decide before Easter.

The delay reflects how the economic crisis has crowded out some personal considerations since Obama's inauguration in January, but it also underscores the complexities of this personal decision by a public man.

Past presidents have grappled with how and where to worship, but Obama's pick is especially guaranteed to provoke interest and scrutiny.

His former pastor the Rev. Jeremiah Wright's controversial sermons on institutional racism and American foreign policy imperiled Obama's presidential campaign last year and finally forced Obama's break with Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago. Even as the church controversy roiled, a small percentage of Americans continued to believe falsely that Obama was Muslim because of his late, estranged Kenyan father and his childhood in Indonesia.

OFA Pledge Project Canvass, 3-21-09 [2]

Mike W, Tulsa+ — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 05:12:10 EDT

Take the next step: OFA Pledge Project Canvass
Thursday, March 12, 2009
http://my.barackobama.com/pledgecanvass

On Monday, we announced an ambitious new effort called the Organizing for America [OFA] Pledge Project.

We hope you took part and signed your name to this national display of support as we identify and mobilize supporters of President Obama's economic plan across the country. But now, we need you to take the next step.

On Saturday, March 21st, thousands of people across the country are organizing our first national day of action by hosting Pledge Project Canvasses, where they'll talk to their neighbors and ask them to pledge support for this bold plan to restore our economy.

Host a Pledge Project canvass in your neighborhood and build support for President Obama's economic plan.
http://my.barackobama.com/pledgecanvass

We can't let this plan be debated behind closed doors by special interests or an establishment that doesn't welcome change.

Change has to come from us. We have to show that ordinary Americans are opening their doors to each other, discussing the need for action and demanding this new direction.

For everyone who questions why the President has offered this plan, these pledges will be the answer: because the American people demanded it.

Join our first national day of action now and host a canvass:
http://my.barackobama.com/pledgecanvass

Thanks,

Jeremy

Jeremy Bird
Deputy Director
Organizing for America

OFA Pledge Project Canvass, 3-21-09

Mike W, Tulsa+ — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 21:39:03 EDT

Thanks,

Jeremy

Jeremy Bird
Deputy Director
Organizing for America

The winning [Rush] billboard

Mike W, Tulsa+ — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 18:45:15 EDT

The winning billboard
Thursday, March 12, 2009
http://www.democrats.org/rushbillboard

We gave you the opportunity to respond directly to Rush Limbaugh's desire to see President Obama fail, and you responded overwhelmingly.

The votes are in for the billboard you'd like Rush to see.

Find out which billboard we'll put in Rush's home town and make a donation to help send Rush the message:

See the winning billboard
http://www.democrats.org/rushbillboard

The winning slogan, submitted by William C. of Camden, New Jersey, will let Rush -- and the Republicans who've decided to follow his lead -- know that Americans aren't hoping for failure.

They voted for a new direction in November, and they're ready to leave behind the failed partisan attack politics of the past.

See the winning billboard now and help us get out the message:
http://www.democrats.org/rushbillboard

Thanks,

Jen

Jen O'Malley Dillon
Executive Director
Democratic National Committee

Time, Newsweek cover Rash Windbag

Mike W, Tulsa+ — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 12:28:48 EDT

Time: Why Rush Limbaugh Is Good for the Republicans
By Ramesh Ponnuru – Wed Mar 11, 2:20 pm ET
http://news.yahoo.com/s/time/20090311/us_time/08599188428900

Obama aides Rahm Emanuel and Robert Gibbs knew what they were doing when they declared Rush Limbaugh the leader of the Republican opposition. They were putting Republican politicians in a trap. Repudiating Limbaugh would mean alienating millions of conservatives and declaring Limbaugh's plainspoken conservatism - which many of those politicians share - outside the lines of the national debate. But neither could Republicans allow the insinuation that they take orders from a radio host stand. If voters got that impression, they would look weak. Worse, the polls show more people dislike Limbaugh than like him. ...

Some conservatives have always winced at Limbaugh's in-your-face style. But the debate today has a special charge because, like the similar debate over Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin a few months ago, it is tied up with questions about the future of the Republican party.

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complete copyrighted story at link above

Help us keep spam off this message board

Mike W, Tulsa+ — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 11:41:48 EDT

You may have to enlarge the type size in order to get to and give their spam 1-star ratings.

Help us choose our [Rush] billboard slogan

Mike W, Tulsa+ — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 12:26:28 EDT

Help us choose our [Rush] billboard slogan
http://www.democrats.org/page/s/rushvote

We asked you to submit a slogan to put on our billboard in Rush Limbaugh's home town and we received thousands of responses. After reading through everything you wanted to tell Rush, we narrowed down the results to what we think are the top five. Now it's up to you to decide which one Rush gets to see.

Vote for your favorite slogan:
http://www.democrats.org/page/s/rushvote

Organizing For America: The Pledge Project

Mike W, Tulsa+ — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 15:50:02 EDT

Organizing For America: The Pledge Project
Barack Obama | Change We Need
3-9-09
http://my.barackobama.com/pledgeproject

I support President Obama's bold approach for renewing America's economy

I will ask friends, family, and neighbors to pledge their support for this plan

Related 2:28 YouTube video:
Mitch Stewart's Organizing Update - March 9, 2009
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xImpUMQuPUA

Obama Weekly Address: Toward a Better Day

Mike W, Tulsa+ — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 14:42:30 EST

Weekly Address: Toward a Better Day
Saturday, March 7th, 2009 at 6:00 am EST
http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/09/03/06/Toward-a-Better-Day

In his March 7th weekly address, the President capped off a busy week in Washington remarking on new lending guidelines aimed at lowering mortgage payments; an initiative to generate funds for small business and college loans; the release of his administration's first budget which includes $2T in deficit reduction, and the start of long overdue health care reform.

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Transcript of 3-7-09 WEEKLY ADDRESS: President Obama Presses the Case for Bold Action to Address the Economic Crisis
http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/WEEKLY-ADDRESS-President-Obama-Presses-the-Case-for-Bold-Action-to-Address-the-Economic-Crisis

3-8-09: International Women's Day

Mike W, Tulsa+ — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 20:29:13 EST

International Women's Day
http://www.internationalwomensday.com

International Women's Day (IWD) 8 March is a day of global celebration for women's advancement. Thousands of events occur each year to honour the women of the past, to celebrate the women of today, and to prepare for our daughters of tomorrow.

White House Cheat Sheet: Democrats Ca$h in on Rush

Mike W, Tulsa+ — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 19:03:00 EST

White House Cheat Sheet: Democrats Ca$h in on Rush
By Chris Cillizza | March 6, 2009; 5:55 AM ET
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/thefix/2009/03/white_house_cheat_sheet_democr.html

A number of Democratic candidates and committees are using the controversial remarks made by conservative-talk radio host Rush Limbaugh about President Obama to raise money and recruit volunteers to their causes.

In an email sent to supporters late Thursday and entitled "Kowtow," Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee executive director J.B Poersch writes, "when Rush says jump, congressional Republicans say how high?" and urges recipients to sign a petition condemning Limbaugh's behavior and calling on Senate GOPers to "declare their independence" from him.

A similar missive came out of the Democratic Governors Association as well. "Did you hear what Rush said?" writes DGA executive director Nathan Daschle, adding that Limbaugh and his acolytes will do everything they can to block the implementation of Obama's economic stimulus plan. The best way to stop Rush? Why, send money to the DGA of course.

And, the Democratic National Committee is raising money to sponsor a billboard in Limbaugh's hometown to "send him a message", according to an email sent by DNC executive director Jen O'Malley Dillon.

The appeals by the DNC, DSCC and DGA are the latest but far from the only evidence of how Democrats are seeking to use Limbaugh's comments as a cudgel against Republicans...

Your billboard for Rush

Mike W, Tulsa+ — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 17:47:58 EST

If you're anything like me, then you've had the urge to talk back to a right-wing talk radio host more than a few times. Now you can.

Rush Limbaugh has made waves lately about his desire to see President Obama fail. And he's unapologetic, even though Americans voted in November for the very kind of change the President is bringing to Washington. As even Limbaugh must know, if the President fails, America fails.

Incredibly, Republican leaders have yet to condemn Limbaugh for his destructive comments. In fact, Republicans like Congressman Eric Cantor, a leader in the House, have adopted the Limbaugh strategy, telling the Washington Post recently that their strategy on the President's jobs plan was "just saying no."

The only Republican leader to challenge Limbaugh -- the chairman of the Republican National Committee -- even called Rush to apologize just a few days later.

But we have no apologies for Rush, just a message. We need you to come up with a slogan, in ten words or less, that we'll put on a billboard where he can't miss it -- in his hometown of West Palm Beach, Florida.

Can you help us come up with a message for Rush that we'll place on a billboard right in his hometown?

We'll go through all the slogans we get, and the winner will have his or her message appear on the billboard -- and receive a free T-shirt featuring the winning slogan.

If Republican leaders aren't willing to tell Rush, then we will. Americans want President Obama to succeed. Our country's future depends on it. Rooting for the President's failure is rooting for our country to fail.

To get America back on a path to prosperity, we'll need to leave behind the failed partisan attack politics of the past. Americans voted for a new direction in November. Choosing Rush Limbaugh to be the voice of their party -- as Republican leaders have done -- is not the answer.

Send in your suggestion of ten words or less for a billboard and we'll choose the best one to put in Rush's own "backyard":

http://www.democrats.org/rushbillboard

Thanks,

Jen

Jen O'Malley Dillon
Executive Director
Democratic National Committee

White House Cheat Sheet: Democrats Ca$h in on Rush

Mike W, Tulsa+ — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 12:46:35 EST

White House Cheat Sheet: Democrats Ca$h in on Rush
By Chris Cillizza | March 6, 2009; 5:55 AM ET
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/thefix/2009/03/white_house_cheat_sheet_democr.html

The appeals by the DNC, DSCC and DGA are the latest but far from the only evidence of how Democrats are seeking to use Limbaugh's comments as a cudgel against Republicans. Former Democratic National Committee Chairman Terry McAuliffe, who is running for governor in Virginia, sent a letter to state Attorney General Bob McDonnell, the GOP nominee, calling on him to renounce Rush, and followed that up with an email petition drive aimed at pressuring McDonnell to "prove" his bipartisan credential by casting Limbaugh off the Republican island.

Obama Keeps Campaign Promise, To Sign Spending Bill

Mike W, Tulsa+ — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 04:29:03 EST

White House Director of the Office of Management and Budget, Peter Orszag, said yesterday that President Obama will sign the $410 billion omnibus spending bill expected to be passed next week in the Democratic controlled Congress. The bill contains some earmarks, spending items inserted by individual Congressmen of both political parties for pet projects in their districts. When he signs the bill, Obama keeps the promise he made on the campaign trail to reduce the number of earmarks, or pork projects, in legislation.

Highest Rated Posts

Mike W, Tulsa+ — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 22:56:47 EST

Here's a first for me; all five of the Highest Rated Posts right now are mine. This is actually because there are so few others here now by real Democrats, but that is changing!

Highest Rated Posts

1. Your billboard for Rush [yet another re-post]
      by Mike W, Tulsa+

2. Limbaugh-Steele Feud a Republican-Generated Faux Pas
      by Mike W, Tulsa+

3. Redux: Your billboard for Rush
      by Mike W, Tulsa+

4. Your billboard for Rush
      by Mike W, Tulsa+

5. US Dept. of Transportation: High-Speed Rail Corridor Designations
      by Mike W, Tulsa+