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

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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
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.   Read More »

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.

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

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
   Read More »

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
   Read More »

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

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...

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
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. 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.

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

DemocracyForAmerica.com Blog: Howard Dean is BACK!
http://www.democracyforamerica.com/blog_posts/27900-howard-dean-is-back

Written by: Charles Chamberlain on Mar 2, 2009 2:20 PM EST
Linked to groups: Blog For America

You may have heard by now that Gov. Howard Dean is coming back to Democracy for America. Today we made the official announcement. Here's some of what the good Doctor sent to DFA members today:

    I'm returning to DFA and I have to admit, it'll be nice to work out of my old office in Burlington. I'll also be hitting the road with you, stumping for grassroots candidates and advocating for the issues that matter most to you and me. For one, I think you know that healthcare for all is an important issue to me. I look forward to working with you to pass meaningful reform that makes sure that every American has the care they need.

Democrats' leader hammers both parties
By RANDY KREHBIEL World Staff Writer
Published: 3/1/2009  2:33 AM
Last Modified: 3/1/2009  3:36 AM
http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/article.aspx?subjectid=11&articleid=20090301_16_A17_StateD346449
or
http://tinyurl.com/Holmes20090301

State Democratic Party Chairman Ivan Holmes has a Ph.D. in communications and he's not afraid to use it. Friday he hammered the Republican Legislature and tight-fisted Democrats about the head and shoulders for an hour at the Democratic Luncheon Club in downtown Tulsa.

"There is no democracy going on at the Capitol in Oklahoma City," Holmes said. "Our House and Senate people are getting so beaten down, the Republicans are almost dictatorial. They're blatant about it and they don't care."

The GOP, he said, is "ruthless, organized and they've got money."

But Holmes was also critical of fellow Democrats.

He said that two years ago, when he became chairman, only 17 individuals gave as much as $1,000 a year to the party. That's up to 150 now, but isn't nearly enough to compete with the Republicans or to compensate for the money the state received from the national party under former national chairman Howard Dean.

"Our party has no money," he said, noting that the Democratic Senate caucus' political action committee ended the last election cycle $25,000 in debt and the House PAC is almost broke, too.

And, he said, the trial lawyers say they'll no longer contribute to the legislative PACs because of last year's poor election results.

"We have to raise $750,000 by 2010 to be viable," Holmes said. "You can't run a party like we have."

Holmes said President Obama's organization appears to be concentrating national party resources on "target states" -
which Oklahoma, after giving Obama only 34 percent of the vote, is not.

"What we've got to do is convince the Obama people we ought to be targeted," Holmes said

Holmes is not seeking a second two-year term but said he will continue to work for the state party as a volunteer.

2/28/09: Your Weekly Address [President Obama]
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sTbT3LzNmDA

By whitehouse
February 27, 2009
4:53
President Obama explains how the budget he sent to Congress will fulfill the promises he made as a candidate, and assures special interests that he is ready for the fight. (this video is public domain)

DNC Announces Clyde Williams as New Political Director

Democratic National Committee
For Immediate Release
February 20, 2009

Washington, DC – The Democratic National Committee today announced the appointment of Clyde Williams as DNC political director.  Williams -- who previously served as a senior policy advisor at the Clinton Foundation, Vice President of State and Local Government Affairs at the Center for American Progress, and deputy chief of staff at the U.S. Department of Agriculture -- brings a unique combination of policy and political background to the position.

"We’re thrilled that someone with Clyde’s immense skill and unique combination of experience with domestic policy issues and grassroots political organizing will be joining the DNC’s leadership team," said DNC Executive Director Jen O’Malley Dillon.  "Governor Kaine has stated his goals of helping advance the President’s agenda and promoting broader participation in the civic dialogue.  Having Clyde serve as our political director is an important part of our effort to engage more Americans in our effort to implement practical solutions to the challenges facing our country."

"I look forward to a great opportunity to work with Governor Kaine, Jen O’Malley Dillon, and of course the White House to advance the President’s agenda and continue to strengthen our Party," said Williams.  "These challenging times demand real leadership from Washington and a renewed commitment to truly engaging the American people in the effort to move our country forward. I am honored by the opportunity to help Governor Kaine with this historic effort."

Clyde Williams, Democratic National Committee Political Director

Clyde Williams joins the DNC after four years as founder and president of his own business development firm, Certus Advisors based in New York City.  Williams served as a top domestic policy advisor at the Clinton Foundation from 2001 to 2005, advising President Clinton on the development of programs targeting underserved communities.  Williams also served as Vice President of State and Local Government Affairs at the Center for American Progress and as deputy chief of staff at the U.S. Department of Agriculture during the second term of the Clinton Administration.  Prior to entering national politics, Williams worked for District of Columbia City Council Chairman John A. Wilson.

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Obama grassroots network meets over stimulus
By Matthew Bigg
[Sun Feb 8, 2009 10:15 pm EST]
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20090209/pl_nm/us_obama_grassroots

ATLANTA (Reuters) – Thousands of groups of ardent fans of U.S. President Barack Obama met across the country during the weekend in hopes of converting the grassroots energy that fueled his election campaign into a durable movement.

The meetings were the first test of Organizing for America, a body that wants the army of 13 million people who signed up for Obama's record-shattering campaign to be harnessed to his presidential agenda.   Read More »

Democrats take control of Obama's ‘Web.org’
DNC aims to nourish Internet-based organization that helped elect him
By Tom Curry
National affairs writer
msnbc.com
updated 10:40 p.m. CT, Sat., Feb. 7, 2009
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29069515

RENTON, Wash. - The gathering Friday night in Daryl Berry’s house in this suburban city 20 miles south of Seattle was both a dozen people sitting around talking in a den and a history-making political event.

The talkfest, one of some 3,000 taking place this weekend at houses, churches and coffee shops across the country, marked the first time that the Democratic National Committee has summoned the supporters of President Barack Obama using the Web-based tactics that got him elected.

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complete copyrighted story at above link