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Travis County Dems Issues/Policy Meet-Up, Mon., June 30th, 6:00pm-8:00pm

CleanAir — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 06:54:53 GMT

Travis County Democratic Issues/Policy Meet-Up

What: We'll network, present, frame, and market the issues and policies important to Travis County, important to TX, including Barack Obama's policy.

When: Mon., June 30th, 6:00pm-8:00pm (changed to EVERY MONDAY)

Where: Travis County Democratic Party Headquarters, 1107 N. I 35 (next door to CVS, in old Safeway Building at 12th and I-35)

Who: Anyone interested in networking with fun, cool, energizing, connected, like-minded people, and learning about the policies and issues important to our city, our state, and our nation heading into the November TX elections.

Cost: FREE

You're welcome to bring food/drinks to share and bring your laptop (Laptop not mandatory).

PS: This meet-up has been changed from previously announced twice-a-month to now EVERY MONDAY, based on popular demand!

Best,
David Kobierowski
Travis County Democratic Party Issues Committee Chair
512-413-0286
Cleanair999@yahoo.com

Scott McClellan Airs on TruthAustin, Mon., June 30th, 9:00pm, Channel 10

CleanAir — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 21:01:06 GMT

What: I'm airing a 3-part series of Scott McClellan speaking about Washington's "Culture of Deception" and answering audience and press questions at Austin's BookPeople, Sat., June 21st. (Scott's new book is called "What Happened: Inside the Bush White House and Washington's Culture of Deception").

When: Monday, June 30th, 9:00pm-9:30pm, Cable Access Channel 10 (Time Warner or Grande Communications)

See it 1st hand and unfiltered! Complete coverage of Scott's presentation and answer session in a 3-part series on Public Access Community TV, starting Mon., June 30th, 9;00pm, Channel 10. (Part II and part III will air July 7th, 14th, 9pm, Ch. 10).

Topics and quotes from Scott's presentation include:

- Washington's Culture of Deception

"I was lied to by two of my Senior Staff Colleagues"

"This administration has been very secretive"

- "I put a lot of responsibility at my own doorstep"

- "What happened to all the 'Statesman' in politics"

- When asked about some of his favorite authors, Scott referenced Bob Woodward.

- Lack of Candor in the Bush Administration

- Restoring Civility to the Government

- Minimizing Partisanship

- How Lamar Smith "tried to trivialize portions of Scott's book" (Scott's new book is titled What Happened).

"The Media is not responsible for the culture of deception in Washington, but the media can become an enabler"

"The President has lost so much of the public's trust"

- "Bush said the same stuff in 2000 that Barack is saying now" (regarding working in a bi-partisan process with both sides of the isle)

- "Once you get in there (into the Washington inside) it's very difficult to change things from the inside...you've got to constantly work at it before and during if you want to affect real change".

See it 1st hand and unfiltered! Complete coverage of Scott's presentation and answer session in a 3-part series on Public Access Community TV, starting Mon., June 30th, 9;00pm-9:30pm, Channel 10.

* Also, stay tuned for the date/time when Scott McClellan and Scott's mother, Carol Strayhorn will be coming onto KOOP 91.7FM Austin Community Radio for a live interview...both Scott and Carol have agreed to the interview. We expect to have the day/time nailed down shortly...The interview will be airing on TX Politics Today, hosted by David Kobierowski and Deece Eckstein.

What you think about Scott McClellan? Is Scott and/or his mother going to run for office? Will they run as Democrats? Post your comments about Scott, Carol, and his book.

Also, if you have any great questions you'd like me to ask Scott and Carol during my upcoming interview of them on KOOP Radio, please post them!!

Best,
David Kobierowski
TruthAustin Producer
Monday's 9:00pm, Ch. 10
Cleanair999@yahoo.com
512-413-0286

Obama Volunteers Needed in Austin!

kath25 — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 00:27:18 GMT

Obama needs you to help register voters here in Austin this summer. Please sign up for one of the upcoming Vote for Change registration drives and make more Obama voters. Each person you register helps close the gap on McCain!

We start each event at the Travis County Democratic Party Coordinated Campaign office, at 1107 N IH-35. There's plenty of parking available! We'll train you, answer any questions you have, then give you everything you need to make more Obama voters. Soon, we'll even have Vote for Change stickers, and who doesn't love an Obama sticker?!

Dates and times below. Sign up for an event today! Barack Obama needs your efforts, the sooner the better.
Upcoming Austin Vote for Change Registration Events:

Wednesday June 25, 2 p.m. - 6 p.m. -- http://my.barackobama.com/page...

Wednesday June 25, 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. -- http://my.barackobama.com/page...

Sunday June 29, 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. -- http://my.barackobama.com/page...

Wednesday July 2, 2 p.m. - 6 p.m. -- http://my.barackobama.com/page...

Wednesday July 2, 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. -- http://my.barackobama.com/page...

Saturday July 5, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. -- http://my.barackobama.com/page...

Saturday July 5, 12 p.m. - 4 p.m. -- http://my.barackobama.com/page...

Wednesday July 9, 2 p.m. - 6 p.m. -- http://my.barackobama.com/page...

Wednesday July 9, 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. -- http://my.barackobama.com/page...

Hope to see you at one or more of these events!

Unite for Change, Turning Corpus Blue

Sylviaforbarack — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 03:05:01 GMT

Unite for Change
Turning Corpus Blue

When:
June 28, 2008

Where:
Collier Pool Park
3801 Harris

Time:
4:00 pm till 7:00 p.m.

Hot Dogs provided,
Bring your own lawn chair

Call Sylvia Samaniego
Precinct Chair 87
361-854-4272

What is your precinct number?
Can provide your calling list of Democrats in your neighborhood.

"Democracy requires participation"

Bowling event - success

nolilo — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 22:12:51 GMT

Check out the full blog at www.myspace.com/bowlingforobama.

We had between 100 - 130 people come out. We raised nearly $800!

It was so much fun and a few folks asked if we could do it again!

Issues/Policy Meet-Up, EVERY MONDAY! 6:00pm-8:00pm, Travis County Dem Party HQ

CleanAir — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 19:14:59 GMT

Ann Kitchen, Former TX House District 48 Rep, Speaking on Health Care, Travis County Democratic Issues/Policy Meet-Up, Mon., July 7th, 6:00pm-8:00pm

What: We'll network and present the issues and policies important to Travis County, important to TX, including Barack Obama's policy. We'll share, learn, frame the issues, and market them. 1st hour is Health Care, 2nd hour is "Democratic Citizen Communication" where you present your issues important to you as a Democrat!

When: Mon., July 7th, 6:00pm-8:00pm

Where: Travis County Democratic Party Headquarters, 1107 N. I 35 (next door to CVS, in old Safeway Building at 12th and I-35)

Who: Anyone interested in networking with fun, cool, energizing, like-minded people, and learning about the policies and issues important to our city, our state, and our nation heading into the November TX elections. 2nd hour is a "Democratic Town Hall Meeting".

Cost: FREE

You're welcome to bring food/drinks to share and bring your laptop (Laptop not mandatory).

Best,
David Kobierowski
Travis County Democratic Party Issues Committee Chair
512-413-0286
Cleanair999@yahoo.com

Why I Support Obama

jeannieg76 — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 22:53:49 GMT

My husband and I literally began following Obama the night he gave the keynote address at the 2004 DNC. As time went on we began to learn more and more about him. Our family has been plagued by medical expense after medical expense since the birth of our twin boys in 2004 - and we have always had health insurance through either of our employers. One day after I registered my e-mail address on barackobama.com I received an e-mail entitled something like "This is not who we are"...this e-mail told the story of families who were just like us...college educated young families who were in so much debt resulting from student loans, medical expenses, etc. These people were filing bankruptcy, foreclosing on their homes, and it was basically our story. He went on to say that America is not and should not be a place where people who work hard and have health insurance are losing their homes and are not able to support their families. We have thousands of dollars in medical bills and we continue to add onto our medical expenses to this day and we have insurance! By the time I finished reading this e-mail from Barack Obama, I had tears running down my face and i really felt like this was someone...a different kind of politician, who cared about the type of stuff our family was going through. The things I had been saying all along like "why are we being punished for getting an education and working hard to support our family and take care of our sick children? How can we be in so much medical debt while we HAVE insurance? Why are we losing our home? Why am I receiving a $500 bill from the ambulance because my 18 month old baby had to be taken to the children's hospital??" Barack Obama said the same thing in this e-mail and that very day, I ordered my Barack Obama 2008 t-shirt and have given time and again whatever we can...it may be $10, it may be $25, but we give when we can give because this movement is so important to us and to the millions of people in America who are going through the same thing. Next year, I have a nephew who will be graduating from West Point. My prayer is that Barack Obama will be elected on November 4th so that this exceptional young man who is getting married the following June will not be sent to war...

Obama's first general election ad

Barack Obama Video — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 16:38:49 GMT

In "Country I Love," Barack speaks to voters about the core values this nation was founded on and how they have guided him to work hard for his education, to bypass jobs on Wall Street to work as a community organizer, and to lead the fight for America's families and veterans as an Illinois and United States Senator. Airing throughout the country.

An Open Letter to Obama about the Arts

cion — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 16:38:48 GMT

Thank you for all the work you and the Obama team are putting in to help change the direction of debate and dialogue in our country and beyond. My name is Ian Cion and I am writing from Austin, TX. Professionally, I am an artist working on large scale public works that invite the communities and populations I work with the participate in shaping their environment, so your message of "Yes We Can" strikes home as one of the most important messages coming from the realm of politics in years.

It is only through participating in civic life and in collectively and collaboratively rebuilding our communities that we will succeed in transformation. I am not waiting for a president who is going to singlehandedly solve our nations problems, but look forward to a presidency built around a belief in the intelligence, compassion, and problem solving capacities of the American People, and also to a president who sees beyond the dualism of the age old us vs. them rhetoric.

From a design perspective, you are doing a fabulous job, but I am writing with a suggestion that I hope you can use (and which I would be happy to help you with). Although I love the Obama graphics package and the head shot HOPE and Our Moment is Now posters, and do think that in this age of celebrity, a head shot is a resonant image, I would like to see more educational information being distributed in communities that don't readily have a variety of diverse media options.

There is a postering tradition called "Broadsides", a more literary poster, in which graphics are coupled with political or creative writing. Perhaps a poster campaign of broadsides which cleanly and effectively outlined the fundamental differences between Barack and McCain would be helpful in spreading awareness about the true significance of the choice we are facing.

Even on the web when I look for compare and contrast type sites as a way to help develop these posters, the McCain enthusiasts are popping up with their versions of these compare and contrast infomation sites first, all with very neutral and formal sounding names.

I appreciate that in some sense, it may be better to continue to establish Barack's positive message and worry less about the smear, there is value in clearly, quickly, and effectively demonstrating the heart of Obama's messages at streetcorners, busstops, coffee shop walls, etc.

Another reason I open up this idea is that our country needs to re-examine opportunities to involve working artists. Artists are an underutilized and underemployed demographic, but also a highly educated and motivated one. I suggest putting together an Arts Action Network for civic projects, but also, in the initial stages (the campaign and early presidency), the Arts Action Network could be grassroots information distribution and motivation towards implementing a wide range of civic engagement.

Please feel free to have someone contact me to discuss these ideas further if you feel they may be of service to your efforts.

All my best,

Ian Cion
Austin, TX

Obama opts out of Public Financing

mariochampion — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 15:10:48 GMT

Barack Obama announced today he will not opt into the 'broken' public financing of presidential campaigns, as it exists today.

The short version is that he we have built a coalition of online, small and traditional donors, broader than any candidate in history at this stage and only promising to swell as the General Election heats up. This system, without money from federal lobbyists or PACs, offers the support to compete with 'masters at gaming [the] broken system' which limits candidates resources, and therefore limits the states in which they may compete.

Put another way, the 50-state strategy -- the path to Change -- is not feasible with the resources allocated by the current Public Financing system.
Now, I support public financing as a vision, and I think it is important to be practical on our way there, and to a continued committment to building that vision. This movement of ordinary people giving time and money to change Washington can bring about the needed fixes to a Public Financing system, so that it works for all candidates and the people they hope to represent.

Here is Obama's message:

Hi, this is Barack Obama.
I have an important announcement and I wanted all of you - the people who built this movement from the bottom-up - to hear it first. We've made the decision not to participate in the public-financing system for the general election. This means we'll be forgoing more than $80 million in public funds during the final months of this election.
It's not an easy decision, and especially because I support a robust system of public financing of elections. But the public financing of presidential elections as it exists today is broken, and we face opponents who've become masters at gaming this broken system. John McCain's campaign and the Republican National Committee are fueled by contributions from Washington lobbyists and special interest PACs. And we've already seen that he's not going to stop the smears and attacks from his allies running so-called 527 groups, who will spend millions and millions of dollars in unlimited donations.
From the very beginning of this campaign, I have asked my supporters to avoid that kind of unregulated activity and join us in building a new kind of politics - and you have. Instead of forcing us to rely on millions from Washington lobbyists and special interest PACs, you've fueled this campaign with donations of $5, $10, $20, whatever you can afford. And because you did, we've built a grassroots movement of over 1.5 million Americans. We've won the Democratic nomination by relying on ordinary people coming together to achieve extraordinary things.
You've already changed the way campaigns are funded because you know that's the only way we can truly change how Washington works. And that's the path we will continue in this general election. I'm asking you to try to do something that's never been done before. Declare our independence from a broken system, and run the type of campaign that reflects the grassroots values that have already changed our politics and brought us this far.
If we don't stand together, the broken system we have now, a system where special interests drown out the voices of the American people will continue to erode our politics and prevent the possibility of real change. That's why we must act. The stakes are higher than ever, and people are counting on us.
Every American who is desperate for a fair economy and affordable healthcare, who wants to bring our troops back from Iraq. Who hopes for a better education and future for his or her child, these people are relying on us. You and me. This is our moment and our country is depending on us. So join me, and declare your independence from this broken system and let's build the first general election campaign that's truly funded by the American people. With this decision this campaign is in your hands in a way that no campaign has ever been before. Now is the time to act. Thank you so much.

Lake Travis Democrats June 27-th Unity Event with Jim Hightower

hillsforobama — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 13:39:26 GMT

START YOUR JULY 4TH CELEBRATION EARLY!!
COME TO THE LAKE TRAVIS DEMOCRATS UNITY EVENT

Who: Jim Hightower, America's #1 populist, speaking on his latest book, Swim against the current: even a dead fish can go with the flow.

What: Pre-July 4th Democratic Unity Picnic

Where: Lakeway Activity Center, 105 Cross Creek Dr.

When: Friday, June 27, 2008; food begins at 5:30 p.m., speaker at 6:30 p.m.

Directions: 620 to Lohmans Crossing Rd, past Lakeway Blvd, left onto Cross Creek, Activity Center is up the hill on the right.

Why: It's time for a Democratic family reunion

RSVP: Jo Ann Richmond, jr9657@yahoo.com
Yes, there are Democrats in Lakeway, and all over western Travis County!! You are invited to join the Lake Travis Democrats for a picnic and evening of unity and conviviality, highlighted by the always provocative observations of Jim Hightower. His books will be available for purchase and autograph. The event, and the food are FREE, but donations to help defray expenses will be welcomed.

Texas: The Next Battleground State?

kath25 — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 20:09:39 GMT

Last week, Texas was graced with a three-city swing by David Axelrod, chief strategist for Barack Obama's campaign. Residents in Dallas, Austin and Houston opened their homes to a fundraiser for Obama, at which Axelrod spoke at length and answered questions.

It was the last question asked in Austin that should perk up the ears of Texas Democrats -- a guest asked if the Obama for America campaign would pay attention to Texas, or just "use it as an ATM." A fair question to ask, given the history of Democratic campaigns taking Texans' money but not working as hard for their votes.

While Axelrod did not give an unequivocal answer, he did seem impressed by the impassioned support in all three cities. Local volunteers Ian Davis and Ken Flippin presented Axelrod with a "Texans for Obama" bumpersticker and a "Turn Texas Blue" t-shirt. The strategist received the gifts warmly, and the following night in Houston pledged fifteen paid Obama staff members to Texas.

Coming on the heels of the campaign announcement that Obama will send staff to all fifty states, it looks like neither Democrats nor Republicans can assume Texas' "red" status will remain unchallenged.

Crossposted at Turn Texas Blue.

Moving Forward, Working Smart

azulita360 — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 01:57:55 GMT

There are many ways to capture market share.

Politics is not really as different as Dole or Toyota. I can see many of you gasping right now. You're thinking it's about ideas and the leadership of our country. Well you are right. However, for the sake of winning this upcoming election, let's position Obama as our brand and look out into the universe of voters and likely voters and establish our demographics.

We have a solid urban base with younger voters, African-American voters, and the educated cultural elite. I love these groups. These are the people I want to hang out with anyway.

However, where are the other low hanging branches...meaning where else can we pick off people with the least amount of work? Obviously, Democrats who supported Clinton are a possibility. They do agree with us on the issues, they were just so enthralled with Senator Clinton that some of them may not be able to make the switch. Also, let's be honest. Some working class, possibly bitter Democrats are clearly racist. Someone who is racist will probably not vote for a bi-racial candidate.

There are plenty of educated, liberal Republicans who care about the environment and are anti-war who might vote for Senator Obama. There are also lots of first time and previously disenfranchised people who will vote if we continue to press the case that our country cannot afford four more years of the same.

So, rather than beating ourselves up over demographics that may not be right for our brand...let's first reach out to that low hanging fruit and make our fruit cocktail. (But let's leave out the sour grapes for now.)

Wes Clark and the Veepstakes

mariochampion — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 13:43:38 GMT

So, let's join the veepstakes fun.

Wes Clark has been near the top of my list for a while for reasons both conceptual and political. Conceptually, it is important to me to not fly in the face of a Change idea by bringing in folks too tied to the current broken system in Washington, but i wouldnt like a total outsider newbie because there is value in the knowledge and understanding that can only come from experiencing what you are setting out to change. That said, it is hard to see how change comes about from the same people (from the same families), so i prefer a balance of enough experience to know what to change, but not so much time in the system as to have gained too much personally.

Conceptually it is also important to find the smartest, most disciplined people we can find for leadership positions. Specifically, Wes Clark can confront and overtake McCains oft-unchallenged National Security leadership credentials, as different from McCain undoubted war-time experiences. Wes Clark is, as you probably recall, a life-ling military man, Vietnam combat Veteran rising to the rank of 4-star general and NATO Allied Supreme Commander in a war where America actually built and maintained an international coalition.

Politically, a strong smart Clinton supporter, who doesnt come with wildcard of Bill Clinton also in the White House, makes sense. Wes Clark did only so-so in his run for the presidency last cycle, and showed himself perhaps not to be the best politician -- and this may be an advantage -- but he has shown himself to be an excellent leader, and this is an important distinction. (see Howard Dean for reference.)

Take a look at this video (pinched from openleft.com)

what do you think?

feel free to post a comment below. or post a full diary and i will front-page i for you.

Al Gore to endorse Obama

mariochampion — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 20:23:15 GMT

Well, it is finally here. Al Gore will tonight in Detroit endorse Barack Obama, and pledge to "do whatever I can to make sure he is elected President of the United States."

Over the next four years, we are going to face many difficult challenges -- including bringing our troops home from Iraq, fixing our economy, and solving the climate crisis. Barack Obama is clearly the candidate best able to solve these problems and bring change to America.
This moment and this election are too important to let pass without taking action.
That's why I am asking you to join me in showing your support by making a contribution to this campaign today:
https://donate.barackobama.com/gore

This is good news. Gore is a highly respected, hard-working Democrat who actually has gone beyond pure partisanship in his attempts to combat climate change and make the planet a better place.

Thanks for joining us, Al!