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 »

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

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

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

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

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.

2-26-09: Famed Etch A Sketch(R) Artist Unveils Barack Obama Masterpiece Honoring Black History Month.

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)

Remarks of President Barack Obama -- Address to Joint Session of Congress

Tuesday, February 24th, 2009 at 9:01 pm
http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/Remarks-of-President-Barack-Obama-Address-to-Joint-Session-of-Congress

Remarks of President Barack Obama – As Prepared for Delivery
Address to Joint Session of Congress
Tuesday, February 24th, 2009

Madame Speaker, Mr. Vice President, Members of Congress, and the First Lady of the United States:

I’ve come here tonight not only to address the distinguished men and women in this great chamber, but to speak frankly and directly to the men and women who sent us here.

I know that for many Americans watching right now, the state of our economy is a concern that rises above all others.  And rightly so.  If you haven’t been personally affected by this recession, you probably know someone who has – a friend; a neighbor; a member of your family.  You don’t need to hear another list of statistics to know that our economy is in crisis, because you live it every day.  It’s the worry you wake up with and the source of sleepless nights.  It’s the job you thought you’d retire from but now have lost; the business you built your dreams upon that’s now hanging by a thread; the college acceptance letter your child had to put back in the envelope.  The impact of this recession is real, and it is everywhere.    

But while our economy may be weakened and our confidence shaken; though we are living through difficult and uncertain times, tonight I want every American to know this:

We will rebuild, we will recover, and the United States of America will emerge stronger than before.

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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Recovery.gov is a website that lets you, the taxpayer, figure out where the money from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is going. There are going to be a few different ways to search for information. The money is being distributed by Federal agencies, and soon you'll be able to see where it's going -- to which states, to which congressional districts, even to which Federal contractors. As soon as we are able to, we'll display that information visually in maps, charts, and graphics. 

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The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act will be carried out with full transparency and accountability -- and Recovery.gov is the centerpiece of that effort. In a short [1:22] video, President Obama describes the site and talks about how you'll be able to track the Recovery Act's progress every step of the way.

Working with Faith
By whitehouse
February 06, 2009; 4:01
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZayeDj5CX18

On Thursday, February 5, 2009, President Barack Obama delivered remarks at the National Prayer Breakfast then, he signed an executive order establishing the new White House Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships. In a short video, Executive Director Joshua DuBois explains how the office will operate and what role faith-based and community groups have to play in the economic recovery.  (This video is public domain)

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

GET TOGETHER IN COCONUT CREEK-ORGANIZING AMERICA
By DIANNE - Feb 7th, 2009 at 1:11 pm EST
http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/diannezeller/gGx2rC

Economic Recovery Plan - Discovery Fourm - Questions
By Sherri Naomi from Columbus, OH - Feb 7th, 2009 at 3:00 pm EST
http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/COLS/gGx2rZ

Economic Recovery in Rural Connecticut
By Ms N. - Feb 7th, 2009 at 4:27 pm EST
http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/nicolesnurkowski/gGx2cP

Economic Recovery Plan House Meeting
By Andrea - Feb 7th, 2009 at 5:09 pm EST
Portland, Oregon  02/07/09
http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/andreaschneider/gGx2Q7

Economic Recovery Meeting in Algonquin/LITH, Illinois
By Edward - Feb 7th, 2009 at 6:26 pm EST
http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/edwardrotchford/gGx23h

Stimulating House Party Minutes
By George - Feb 7th, 2009 at 8:30 pm EST
upstate New York: St Lawrence County
http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/georgemanos/gGx2Qv

Economic Recovery Meeting-2/7/09-Corvallis, Oregon
By Harold from Corvallis, OR - Feb 7th, 2009 at 9:01 pm EST
http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/jeanwood/gGx2Lx

Host/attend an Economic Recovery house meeting
http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/economicmeetings

Governor Tim Kaine Answers Economic Recovery Questions
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BP9ZOQ5gIYw
February 06, 2009; 13:07
Governor Tim Kaine answers questions sent in by Organizing For America members ahead of February 7th house parties.

President Obama addresses Economic Recovery House Meetings
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3HvC0IqNoBg
February 06, 2009; 4:36
President Barack Obama talks directly to the American people about the immediate need for action on the economy. Join your friends and neighbors at an Economic Recovery House Meeting in your community: http://my.barackobama.com/recoveryplan