This is part of an interactive roadtrip criss-crossing the heartland from Indiana to Michigan, through Ohio, then into Pennsylvania for the ten days preceding Election day. Volunteers with the Obama campaign invite people to participate in the large scale projections, and have been successful in signing up more volunteers to help out with getting out the vote and issue awareness.
Campaign for Change Road Blogger Paul Notzold wrote this post.
Lebanon ValleyWe held an amazing and beautiful rally in the on-campus chapel with a crowd of close to 200. The serenity of the chapel reinforced the significance of this event and this campaign.The Governor got a tremendous introduction from Pat Walter, who talked of her and her family’s commitment to LVC. She explained that for the college and the community to move forward; an Obama/Biden Administration is what is neededGot a chance to meet a great and active Democrat; Pat Stephens She has great story to tell about her long history of support the party in Southeast PA and Philadelphia. After moving near LVC she is ready to help this ticket and this party move ahead. Her enthusiasm was tremendous
It is clear that people are very engaged with the issues of the campaign. It was great to talk with young people who understand the importance of protecting Social Security and Medicaid/Medicare.
ScrantonA beautiful day and a tremendous rally. Thanks to the UFCW 1776 for their great shirts and their enthusiasm. It was good to see so many of our friends in organized labor. We had a great meeting with Field Organizer Matthew McCabe and Regional Field Director Bill Rubin. It was clear from the success of the event that they have a strong team.
Back on the road and headed south the Bethlehem. The search for candy corn continues...
Lebanon ValleyWe held an amazing and beautiful rally in the on-campus chapel with a crowd of close to 200. The serenity of the chapel reinforced the significance of this event and this campaign.The Governor got a tremendous introduction from Pat Walter, who talked of her family’s commitment to LVC. She explained that for the college and the community to move forward an Obama/Biden Administration is what is needed.We also had a chance to meet a great and active Democrat; Pat Stephens. She has great story to tell about her long history of supporting the party in Southeast PA and Philadelphia. After moving to Lebanon she is ready to help this ticket and this party move ahead. Her enthusiasm was tremendous.
A few more photos from Day 2 of the tour:
This post is the latest in a series chronicling Governor Rendell's Road to Change Bus Tour.
Beating the sun and on the road again, Gettysburg College is our destintation.We walk into an early morning rally of 300 full of all ages and races. A beautiful sight to see.The story of Susan Eisenhower, grandduaghter to President Eisenhower, and her reasoning for supporting Barack Obama, speaks volumes to where this campaign is going. We are bringing people of all political backgrounds onboard. Ms. Eisenhower goes on to say how excited she is to see a candidate and campaign "transcend the racial and cultural divide"The Governor's energy at these campaign stops is a site to see, espeically with a schedule as aggressive as his, so we all follow his lead and power on through.Some really hearty cheers for the calls for "renewable and alternative energy to be a key part of our economy", especially in light of the sucesses that already are occuring in PA with wind energySeeing the children of so many volunteers and supporters is a tremenouds reminder of the long term importance of this election. Young Andrew (11) of Gettysburg gets his placard signed and gets a picture with the Governor and then says "this is most historic election ever and it is great to have a candidate we can be proud of..."
-"Out of the mouth of babes, out of the mouth of babes"
Campaign for Change Road Blogger Abass Kamara wrote this post.
Day 1 of the Road for Change tour concluded with rallies in New Castle, Monaca and Beaver. All of our events today took place in a cold, driving rain. Under most circumstances the conditions would have made it a day to forget, but with only a week left until the election, the tough weather actually served to accentuate the passion and the commitment behind this campaign. Abass submits these words to end the day:
I was able to meet some of the great volunteers of this region. Their work really helped pull of a great event and will drive this camapign to victory. Doing all these events, sometimes we forget how powerful it is for citizens to meet their politcal leaders and make that personal connection with their government- the enthusiam these folks had for this event is so infectious. That so many folks would come out during late hours and in cold weather is a tremendous energizer....I wish I could bottle it up.
The Road to Change Bus Tour is currently crawling through the sleet in Western Pennsylvania, which gives us an opportunity to upload some photos and set the scene for the rest of the tour. In the slideshow below you'll find pictures from this morning's event in Erie as well as shots of some of the people accompanying us on the journey. We have the Governor of course. You'll also see pictures of Abass, our fearless road blogger (he's standing next to the cardboard cutout of Barack) and Fred, who miraculously doubles as both bus driver and Road Tour Chef. Those meatballs in the crock pot are the ones I mentioned earlier. It's safe to say at this point that they have all been eaten!
Thanks for checking out the Road Blog. We look forward to sharing the next 7 days of the trip with you.
Barack spoke to a packed house this evening at the Mellon Arena in Pittsburgh. We'll have an extended shortly, but for now, enjoy these photos from our western Pennsylvania correspondent Anne Batchelder:
With the campaign entering its final stage, newspaper editorial boards around Pennsylvania have been meeting to decide which candidate to endorse for President and in an overwhelming number of cases, their answers have been the same: Barack Obama.
The Campaign for Change is fighting for every last undecided vote and these endorsements can be a useful resource for voters who are still trying to make up their minds. If you know anyone who is still on the fence, please send them some of the links listed here:
Newspapers that Backed George W. Bush and Made the SwitchErie Times-News (Endorsed George W. Bush in 2000 and 2004) - “Our pick: Barack Obama for president”: Because of his steady hand, his demonstrated intelligence and his promise to listen to a range of views on domestic and international issues, the Erie Times-News Editorial Board endorses U.S. Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., for president… In Sen. Obama, we see a president who will inspire Americans to work together to address the current financial crisis and to repair our international relationships.
The York Daily Record (Endorsed George W. Bush in 2000 and 2004) - “Barack Obama for president” [Obama's] campaign exudes optimism -- much like Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton did at times in our recent history when our nation suffered from crises of confidence Ultimately, though, Barack Obama, standing on the doorstep of history as the first black man with a realistic chance to become president, is the best hope for a nation that is searching for inspiration and whose highest ideals hold that all men are created equal.
Easton Express-Times (Endorsed George W. Bush in 2000 and 2004) - “The Express-Times endorses Barack Obama for president over John McCain”: A riddle for our times: Most Americans agree we are confronted with a historic choice in this election, one that will determine whether we continue climbing the mountain or fall off the precipice, with dire consequences. Obama does not win this by default. He wins The Express-Times' endorsement because of his platform, because he has demonstrated a cool head in troubled times, because he inspires confidence and because he is conducting an above-board campaign.
Scranton Times Tribune (Endorsed George W. Bush in 2000) - “Barack Obama for president”: Change of course requires new leadership Pressing economic and security conditions, separately, are massive issues. Together, they point to the overarching requirement for the man who will be elected president: the leadership ability to inspire Americans to a new era of greatness. As this campaign has progressed, it has become clearer with time that Barack Obama is well-suited to the awesome tasks ahead. The Times-Tribune endorses him for president… America's problems call for new leadership. In that regard, Mr. Obama has the potential to be a truly transformational figure.
Harrisburg Patriot-News (Endorsed George W. Bush in 2000) - “Democrat shows temperament, judgment to be a good president”: It's this approach to the office and its challenges that we believe sets Obama apart from his Re publican rival. His cool and thoughtful analysis, his willingness to consider alternatives and his promise to seek pragmatic, rather than ideologically pure solutions suits him especially well. Where McCain, the self-described "maverick," is inclined to go it alone when he believes he's right, Obama is much more likely to seek counsel from those offering a different perspective. It is such "intellectual curiosity" and "intellectual vigor," to use Gen. Colin Powell's terms, that this nation clearly needs in its leaders in this troubled time.
Big City and Small Town Papers Alike Make the Call for the Change We NeedPocono Record - “Obama can inspire us to be 'United' States again”: Obama continues to reach out to all Americans, in small towns and big cities, rich and poor, Christian and non-Christian. He has focused his stump speeches and public statements on the issues and acquitted himself with calm and intelligence during three televised debates. His spirit of inclusiveness has drawn large crowds to campaign events across the nation, including the Midwest where his mother and grandparents are from and where he has put down roots. His campaign fundraising arm boasts of some 3 million contributors, most of them small donors. In a recent endorsement, former Secretary of State Colin Powell, a Republican, referred to Obama as "transformational figure" who represents a new generation of Americans on the world stage. Our divided nation badly needs this kind of leader.
Sunbury Daily Item - “Our pick: Barack Obama”: These are trying times. We are in a war with no clear path to victory. Our dependence on foreign oil has been crippling and the economy has gone from sour to outright putrid. Increasing numbers of financial experts have called the current economic situation the most perilous facing this nation since the Great Depression. Which of the two candidates for president, then, seems most reminiscent of FDR and his thoughtful, inspiring style of leadership? The answer seems clear. That is why The Daily Item is endorsing Barack Obama for president.
Beaver County Times - “Common ground: Obama has shown the qualities our next president will need”: The next president of the United States doesn’t necessarily have to be a uniter. He does, however, have to be a leader who can convince Americans to start pulling in the same direction. For that reason, our editorial board endorses Democrat Barack Obama for president. We start with a basic premise: Neither candidate will be able to fulfill the promises he is making. In addition to working with a dysfunctional Congress, the next president will be limited by the economic meltdown. Therefore, what matters most is that the next president has the temperament to be a steady, focused leader who can communicate with his fellow Americans.
Pottstown Mercury: “Sen. Barack Obama is best choice to lead forward through change”: Former Secretary of State Colin Powell last week endorsed Sen. Barack Obama for president, offering a perspective on the system that has brought the nation to this point, as well as on the candidates who will lead us forward from it. Powell spoke of the polarization that has overtaken much of the political thinking in 2008, and he chastised the Republican platform and Sen. John McCain's campaign for taking things too far. This newspaper's choice is Sen. Barack Obama. We believe he has demonstrated, particularly through how he has conducted this campaign, the ability to lead through differences and inspire unity.
Wilkes-Barre Times Leader - “Barack Obama”: Sen. Barack Obama exudes a cool confidence during debates and other high-pressure situations that, even many of his detractors will admit, makes him appear composed, somewhat soothing and, yes, even presidential. But Obama’s composure – combined with his intelligence, ideas, communication skills and capacity to rally people to a cause – gave our endorsement board the evidence it needed to reach a decision: Democrat Barack Obama is the man for the job... the 47-year-old Obama has shown, especially during the recent Wall Street calamity, that he will react quickly to a crisis, consult with trusted experts and draw up an appropriate response – without appearing flustered. His opponent, by contrast, looked at times during the market collapse much as he did during the second presidential debate – adrift. His election would help to salve some of the country’s longest-festering wounds and energize a population inspired by the notion that Obama first raised at the 2004 Democratic Convention. He said this is not a nation of red states and blue states, but rather the United States.
Delaware County Times - “Daily Times endorses Obama for president”: Change. It is the single word that has dominated the political landscape for months. On Jan. 20, 2009, change will indeed arrive. Both Democratic Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois and Republican Sen. John McCain of Arizona have made change a hallmark of their campaigns. There is another reason to believe Obama would be the more effective leader. He has proven he is more than an eloquent orator. Throughout the course of the campaign, he has appeared unflappable, even in the face of ugly accusations and mud-slinging. Instead, he appears thoughtful, cool and not prone to rash action. On the other hand, McCain’s temperament and actions continue to sow doubt. The Daily Times endorses Democratic Sen. Barack Obama for president.
Philadelphia Daily News - “BARACK OBAMA FOR PRESIDENT” At this point, maybe no one has the solutions to the country's problems, but Barack Obama has the best chance, by far, of finding them...He is big enough for the moment. As he has throughout his career as a community organizer, a law student, a state legislator and a U.S. senator, he will apply an intellectually rigorous approach to making decisions, crafting policy and bringing people together. But it is his core temperament - and the movement that he has built, and that has been built around him - that will allow him to lead Americans into a challenging future with confidence.
Philadelphia Inquirer - “For President”: The situation facing the next American president may be the most dire since Franklin Roosevelt took over the job in 1933. With the Great Depression holding the nation by its throat and as talk of another war in Europe lurched toward reality, FDR offered this country something better than money or guns - hope. Both major candidates are trying to avoid association with Bush's failed policies. But only one does so successfully. On every issue important to America, Barack Obama offers a plan that would pull this nation from the precipice built by bad Bush decisions. The Inquirer endorses BARACK OBAMA for president.
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette - “It's Obama: We need a president who will break with the past”: American exceptionalism -- the idea that this nation by virtue of its history, political beliefs and the blessings of divine providence has a favored place in the world community -- is easy to believe in this year of a presidential election that is in every way exceptional. In three weeks, Americans will be called upon to make an exceptional judgment worthy of the times. The forces of history appear to invite boldness and the Post-Gazette believes they should be heeded by voting for the only authentic, fresh agent of change in this race, Barack Obama.
This afternoon we announced some exciting news. Barack is going to make two stops in Pennsylvania early next week. Here are the details: Monday, October 27th Doors Open: 3:00 p.m.
Mellon Arena 66 Mario Lemieux Place Pittsburgh, PA 15219
RSVP Tuesday, October 28th Doors Open: 8:00 a.m. Program Begins: 10:00 a.m.
Widener University Main Quad One University Place Chester, PA 19013
Public Entrance off of E 17th St.
After nearly two years of campaigning and countless volunteer shifts, our final Get Out the Vote (GOTV) push is now just a week away. The Campaign for Change has put together the most extensive Get Out the Vote operation in Pennsylvania presidential election history and the Campaign for Change field staffers took it out for a test drive today. Even with rain in some corners of the state, we had volunteers lining up out the door to get canvass packets in all 81 Campaign for Change offices. Here is the scene in Scranton at 10am, just before the first wave of canvassers headed out:
The Campaign for Change is actively recruiting volunteers for our four day Get Out the Vote operation (11/1-11/4). It is not too late to get involved in this historic campaign. When this election is all over you are going to want to be able to tell your kids, and your grandkids that you knocked doors for Barack. Signup here to get involved.
Barack's run for the presidency has energized young voters in a way we have not seen in more than a generation. Young people have been foundational in this campaign from the start, providing energy at rallies, boots on the ground in our local field offices, and multimedia creativity over the Internet. Only one question remains. Will they get out to vote?
The Youth Vote Project is a collection of high school seniors which aims to ensure that this year, the answer is yes. To that end, they put together this video:
if you're like me, you read yesterday's post about the Hope Field in Shickshinny and wondered, "How'd they do that?" Well, the answer arrives today. Consider this slideshow your own step-by-step tutorial for how to paint a 7000 square foot picture of Barack!
With the help of artists across northeastern Pennsylvania, Hilary and Jim Lennox chose to put a field on their property to good artistic use this election season. Expressing their hope for change in the coming months, the artists involved painted a 100 by 70 foot mural of Barack. Then they climbed up a nearby tree to take this picture (for a sense of the scale, note the person walking by the P in HOPE):
New Media Correspondent Patrick Furey wrote this post.
“Everywhere I've gone since the beginning of this campaign,” he said during one of his stops, “this turnout of people and this kind of activity and intensity, I've never seen it.” Over the course of his tour, Senator Casey made his way to Pottsville, Carbondale, Honesdale, Stroudsburg, Lehighton, Jim Thorpe, Jessup, Duryea, Montrose, and Scranton.
In the coming weeks, other “Road to Change” bus tours will be travelling across Pennsylvania. Click here to find an upcoming stop near you.
Last Thursday Michelle Obama was in Pittsburgh to talk about the economic stakes in this election and to explain why her husband has the judgment and the temperament to lead the country during these difficult economic times. Talking about rising prices and stagnant wages, Michelle asked a crowd of more than 2,000 at the Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall and Museum, "Don't we deserve some new solutions? Don't we deserve a new approach?"
Enjoy these pictures from the event:
On the same Sunday morning that General Colin Powell appeared on Meet the Press to announce that he will be voting for Barack Obama on November 4th, the Editorial Board of the Philadelphia Inquirer published an editorialendorsing Barack for President of the United States. Here is the full text:
Obama will lead The situation facing the next American president may be the most dire since Franklin Roosevelt took over the job in 1933. With the Great Depression holding the nation by its throat and as talk of another war in Europe lurched toward reality, FDR offered this country something better than money or guns - hope. It's a commodity not to be discounted when a recession, if not another Depression, is knocking on our door. People need hope when their country is caught up in an unpopular war, and they know more soldiers must be sent to another theater. But hope is not enough. If America is going to fight its way out of a worldwide economic crisis that has people fearful of losing not only their homes but also their jobs, fearful of unending war, then it must have better leadership than it has had the last eight years. There are those who say this election should not be a referendum on the incumbent. But the presidency of George W. Bush colors everything about America today. His mistakes must not be repeated. Both major candidates are trying to avoid association with Bush's failed policies. But only one does so successfully. On every issue important to America, Barack Obama offers a plan that would pull this nation from the precipice built by bad Bush decisions. The Inquirer endorses BARACK OBAMA for president. While John McCain also promises "change," it's hard to believe that's possible from someone who, by his own admission, has voted with Bush 90 percent of the time. On key issues such as campaign finance, pork-barrel spending, and humane interrogation of terrorism suspects, McCain has indeed been a "maverick." But mostly, he and Bush have been on the same page. More troubling was McCain's selection of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as his running mate. This blatant overture to women voters and evangelical Christians who share her views on abortion backfired when Palin in interviews proved she is not prepared to be a heartbeat away from the presidency. Over the last four months, this Editorial Board has compared the candidates' positions. In almost every case, Obama has a superior proposal for this nation. Consider: Give McCain credit for supporting the successful "surge" of additional U.S. troops to Iraq. But McCain opposes a timetable for leaving Iraq, something even the Iraqi government wants. Obama wants a reasonable timetable for withdrawal, coordinated to protect U.S. troops, that would allow our focus to shift to the Afghanistan/Pakistan border area, where Osama bin Laden is holed up. One of the most persistent deceptions in this campaign is McCain's claim that Obama proposes "painful tax increases on working American families." Obama would raise income taxes on households earning more than $250,000 per year. Most households - 81 percent - would receive a tax cut. The nonpartisan Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center has calculated that households earning between $37,595 and $66,354 a year would save $1,118 on their taxes annually under Obama's plan. McCain's proposal would save those same families, on average, $325. On energy, both McCain and Obama favor alternatives such as wind, solar and biofuels to reduce our dependence on foreign oil. But McCain wrongly emphasizes offshore drilling, which will have minimal impact, and building more nuclear plants, which will take decades. Obama would provide health insurance to more Americans. He would subsidize premiums for the working poor, mostly paid for by repealing the Bush tax cuts but also by requiring businesses that don't provide medical benefits to contribute. McCain's idea to provide medical tax credits of $2,500 per person and $5,000 for families would come at a hefty cost, ending the tax break given workers whose health care is paid for them at work. Presidents can have their deepest and most lasting impact on American society through their appointments to the federal courts, especially the U.S. Supreme Court. Justices John Paul Stevens, 88, and Ruth Bader Ginsburg, 75, two of the more liberal justices, could retire soon. McCain has promised to nominate justices in the mold of John G. Roberts Jr. and Samuel Alito, both Bush appointees. That would shift the court to the far right, possibly threatening the Roe v. Wade decision. Obama appointments to replace the liberal justices would keep the court balanced. McCain says he's committed to public education, but all he offers is more charter and voucher programs, saying competition is the best way to improve failing schools. Obama wisely wants $18 billion for an ambitious pre-K-to-12th agenda that includes more funding for early childhood education. He also would give tax credits to college students who in return would perform 100 hours of community service a year. There's another reason to vote for Obama. It would tell the world that the melting-pot America of legend has finally become a reality - electing a biracial president whose black father was born in Kenya and white mother hailed from Kansas. With his eloquent oratory, Obama has already taken big steps to bridge America's racial divide. In his gentle but resolute demeanor, people also see a man who can restore their faith in a national government that's been trapped in a tar pit of partisan sniping. These times demand steady, focused leadership. Leadership that takes America far from the policies that have created so much fear. Leadership that says it's OK to hope, because hope properly directed yields results. Barack Obama is ready to provide that leadership.
Obama will lead
Roaring approval for Barack Obama’s Campaign for Change, over one hundred and fifty motorcyclists participated in a 60-mile ‘Bikers for Obama’ ride around Pittsburgh today. The gathering revved up at Highland Park in Northeast Pittsburgh, as friends, families, and supporters rallied at the park before the ride. After the rally, the bikers mounted and took to the streets, raising visibility and support for the campaign of Senators Obama and Biden in neighborhoods across Pittsburgh.
The citizens of Pittsburgh have become accustomed to civic-minded bikers making noise for Barack. This event was the second motorcycle ride in support of Barack that has taken place in Pittsburgh, the first being back in April during the Pennsylvania primary.
This second song is a 45 second radio jingle by Jerry Lawson, the lead singer of the group The Persuasions. It uses a gospel style to exhort, "Everybody, let's Get Out and Vote."
