Jen O'Malley Dillon, BarackObama.com
to me
Donna --
Thank you so much for your generous support of this campaign and for
strengthening our grassroots organization.
I want to make sure you know how crucial your support has been in the fight to
re-elect Barack Obama. So here's a special update on some of the most important
things happening as we head into the final days of this election.
I think you'll be proud of what you are helping make happen around the
country.
1. Thousands of people across all 50 states are canvassing, phone
banking, and getting out the vote.
As you read this, voters are planning their day at the polls with our new online
tools. They're committing to vote early in certain states --
and supporting our efforts further by canvassing, traveling to battleground
states, phone banking at local offices, and reaching out to their neighbors from
home with our online call tool. On Election Day, a qualified team of voter
protection volunteers will be standing ready to ensure every vote is cast.
Thanks to supporters like you, this is an unprecedented get-out-the-vote effort
on the ground and online. We're getting ready.
2. While Ohioans celebrate their 100th office opening, local offices are
sprouting up in battleground states across the country.
This is incredible: Passionate folks ready to drive this thing home for
President Obama gathered to celebrate our 100th field office in the state of Ohio. To put
this in perspective -- there are 18 congressional districts in Ohio, and that
means we're building a grassroots network in every single one of them. This is
how you build an effective ground game -- and ours is unmatched. Check out our field blog for some great photos and
stories; I think you'll find them as inspiring as I do.
3. The Truth Team stands ready at a moment's notice, and responds to
Romney's "47 percent" video.
Mitt Romney, in a leaked video from a closed-door fundraiser, dismissed half of
the American people as "dependent upon government" who believe
"government has a responsibility to care for them." Our Truth Team-made
site showed voters how Romney views 47 percent of America, and our video team captured some reactions to Romney's
words. Definitely worth watching.
4. Not just for some of us, "For all" -- thousands are showing their
support on the Obama for America photo blog.
Unlike our opponent, we have a candidate who's working for all Americans. We
launched a For All photo project on Instagram to allow voters, particularly
young voters, to creatively express which issues they care about the most.
Whether it's education, equal rights, or affordable health care -- you can get
out your black marker, write the issue on your hand, and share it online with
the tag #ForAll. This project has inspired new supporters to get involved and
get registered to vote. There are already thousands of submissions,
so check out these great photos from supporters
(and a few celebrities) and then add your own.
5. The Repeal of DADT: One year later.
"Don't Ask, Don't Tell" (DADT) is history, gone. On Thursday, one year after the
repeal of DADT, the President said: "Gay and lesbian Americans now no longer
need to hide who they love in order to serve the country they love. It is a
testament to the professionalism of our men and women in uniform that this
change was implemented in an orderly manner, preserving unit cohesion,
recruitment, retention and military effectiveness." Check out these great, supportive e-cards that
supporters have been sending to a servicemember or veteran that they care about.
This was a proud, defining moment for the LGBT community -- and that is worth
celebrating and getting the message out.
6. Watch parties in every neighborhood: Folks are gearing up for the
first debate.
These are a blast. When Barack Obama and Joe Biden proudly accepted our party's
nomination, people gathered at over 5,000 watch parties across the country in
solidarity for the President. Now, as Barack Obama and Mitt Romney prepare to go
head to head for the first time, folks are already planning their watch parties
for the October 3rd presidential debate. Not only is this a fun way to watch,
but local events like these can really spark folks into action. It's an easy,
low-barrier way to get involved. And I know I won't be watching alone!
7. Early voting in Iowa starts in 4 days.
Here's the reality, right here: Pay no attention to the countdown clocks to
November 6th -- this election has started in early voting and absentee states
across the country. And in Iowa, it begins Thursday. That's the way we need to
look at this. Election Day isn't some far-off goal, it's now. That's why
we're busy getting the word out -- online and out in the field -- so that people
in early vote states know exactly when and where they can cast their ballots
ahead of Election Day.
Thanks so much for your continued support and commitment to this campaign. I'm
inspired by the great work of this team as we mobilize across the country in
support of Barack Obama. Yes, this was quite a week -- but this election is far
from over.
This race will stay close until the very end, and we have to stay
focused.
I'll be in touch,
Jen
Jen O'Malley Dillon
Deputy Campaign Manager
Obama for America
