Home > Political notes > Archives > 2008 > April
April 2008
Local politicians endorse Clinton
A handful of local politicians were among 60 from North Carolina who endorsed Sen. Hillary Clinton today.
The Democratic presidential candidate received endorsements from former state Sen. Tom Taft, along with Pitt County Commissioners Beth Ward and Eugene James.
Other locals who announced their support for Clinton were Grimesland Mayor Gerald Whitley and Ayden Mayor Stephen Tripp.
Tripp’s endorsement comes as a bit of surprise. He had previously endorsed Sen. Barack Obama, Clinton’s rival for Democratic nomination. The mayor also voted for Obama on April 24 in an effort to promote early voting, campaign officials said.
Permalink | Comments (1) | Post your comment |
John McCain coming to NC Tuesday
John McCain returns to North Carolina to talk about the courts and give a speech on the future of the Judiciary to be held at Wake Forest University.
Doors to he event, held in the Wait Chapel on Tuesday, will open at 8 a.m.
The event will also include Sen. Richard Burr, Sen. Fred Thompson, Sen. Sam Brownback and former solicitor general of the United States Ted Olson.
To RSVP, click here or send an e-mail to northcarolina@johnmccain.com.
Click here for a map to the Wait Chapel.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment |
Dyson campaign for Hillary in Greenville today
Actress Erika Alexander and Rev. Marcia Dyson will meet and greet volunteers and supporters at the Greenville for Hillary Headquarters, 2502 S. Charles Blvd., at 7:30 p.m. today.
The women will share their reasons for supporting the Senator, including her 35 years of experience making real change for Americans and her ability to lead on day one in the White House.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment |
Obama repudiates Wright’s latest comments
While he was on the campaign trail in North Carolina today, Barack Obama discussed comments Rev. Jeremiah Wright broadcast yesterday.
“I have been a member of Trinity United Church of Christ since 1992,” Obama said. “I’ve known Rev. Wright for almost 20 years. The person I saw yesterday was not the person that I met 20 years ago. His comments were not only divisive and destructive but I believe that they end up giving comfort to those who prey on hate and I believe that they do not portray accurately the perspective of the black church. They certainly don’t portray accurately my values and beliefs.
“And if Rev. Wright thinks that that’s political posturing, as he put it, then he doesn’t know me very well, and based on his remarks yesterday, I may not know him as well as I thought either.”
Watch the rest of the discussion below:
Permalink | Comments (2) | Post your comment |
Greenville Women for Hillary holding phone bank tonight
Tonight, Greenville for Hillary volunteers, supporters and staff will hold a phone bank at their headquarters at 2502 Charles Blvd. from 6-8p.m. tonight.
This event, which is free and open to the public, is part of the campaigns effort to mobilize support leading up to the Tar Heel State’s primary election on Tuesday, May 6.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment |
Easley endorses Hillary Clinton
North Carolina Gov. Mike Easley endorsed Sen. Hillary Clinton this morning.
Easley’s support boosts Clinton’s presidential bid one week before the state’s May 6 primary.
Appearing on stage with Clinton at North Carolina State University, Easley said she “gets it,” and she is “ready to deliver.”
Easley is the second North Carolina superdelegate to endorse Clinton. Sen. Barack Obama, Clinton’s rival for the Democratic nomination, has the support of six of the state’s 17 superdelegates.
Permalink | Comments (1) | Post your comment |
Clinton’s Charlotte appearance changes location
Today, Hillary and Chelsea Clinton will be in Charlotte for a Club 44 event (to make Clinton our 44th president), but the location has changed.
Now, they will be at the Time Warner Cable Arena, 333 East Trade St., but doors will still open at 4 p.m.
General admission is free, but special ticket prices for VIP seatings range from $20-$250.
Click here for more information
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment |
Obama to visit N.C. next week
Sen. Barack Obama’s campaign announced this afternoon the Democratic presidential candidate will be making another appearance in North Carolina next week.
Obama will host town hall meetings in Wilmington and Wilson on Monday before attending events in the Triad area and Hickory on Tuesday.
The focus of his trip will be the needs of hardworking families, the campaign said.
Obama will appear in the Wilson Beddingfield High School gymnasium at 6 p.m. Monday. Doors open at 4 p.m. for the the event, and admission is free. Tickets are required, however.
Tickets for the Wilson events are available until 7 p.m. today and from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday at the Obama for America Table, 102 N. Douglas Street, Wilson and the Obama for America Wilson office, 211 Tarboro Street.
Details about the other appearances have not been released.
Permalink | Comments (6) | Post your comment |
McCain condemns NC ad
Today, John McCain spoke more on the ad NC Republicans are running against the Democrats. Here’s what he had to say:
The ad focuses on the relationship between Barack Obama and Jeremiah Wright, and criticizes democrats Beverly Perdue and Richard Moore for endorsing the presidential candidate. McCain wrote the NC Republicans an e-mail yesterday requesting that the ad be removed.
Permalink | Comments (1) | Post your comment |
Vote for your favorite Obama ad
The entries for MoveOn.org’s “Obama in 30 seconds” competition are in and it’s time to vote.
People across the nation submitted more than 1,000 videos in hopes that their ad will be aired on national TV. The finalists, decided by your votes, will be seen by a panel of top film professionals, artists, and netroots heroes for the final decision.
Click here to start voting.
Final judges include Ben Affleck, Steve Buscemi, Matt Damon, Congresswoman Donna Edwards, musician/activist Michael Franti, Adrian Grenier, producer Ted Hope, Rev. Jesse Jackson, John Legend, President of Focus Features James Schamus, Russell Simmons, Oliver Stone and Eddie Vedder.
Here are some examples of what you’ll be voting for:
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment |
Clinton wants you to ask for a NC debate
Senator Hillary Clinton wants her supporters to sign a new online petition demanding another debate between the Democratic presidential candidates to be held in North Carolina.
Originally, Clinton and Senator Barack Obama were supposed to have a debate in the state on April 27, but he canceled it saying “It’s not clear that another debate is going to be the best use of our time.”
If you want to see another debate between the candidates, click here and submit your information.
Permalink | Comments (5) | Post your comment |
Obama’s backstage message
Before taking the stage at the rally held in Minges Coliseum April 17, Barack Obama had a special message to NC voters.
Permalink | Comments (1) | Post your comment |
Ron Paul’s still in the game
Ron Paul posted a new message to supporters (or just those not supporting McCain) that addresses the Pennsylvania primary and his intentions to keep running for president until the convention.
Watch below:
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment |
Arcade Fire tickets now available
Tickets for Arcade Fire and Superchunk’s early-voting concerts, tagged “Change Rocks,” in North Carolina are now available.
Tickets can be picked up in Forsythe, Guilford, Randolph, Almanace, Orange, Durham, and Wake Counties during early voting hours starting today.
“This is a defining moment for this country,” said Win Butler of Arcade Fire. “We want to encourage people to get up, get out, and go vote.”
“People are incredibly excited about this election and this primary,” said Mac McCaughan of Superchunk. “Our music is a unique way to get people involved and participating.”
The Change Rocks concerts will be held May 1 at Greensboro Coliseum Complex Pavilion Parking Lot, 1921 W Lee St. (gates open at 1 p.m.) and May 2 on the Carrboro Town Commons, 301 W. Main St. (gates also open at 1 p.m.).
Tickets are required. Tickets are free, but only one ticket may be picked up person. Space is limited and admission is on a first come, first serve basis. The show is for all ages.
TICKET PICK-UP INFORMATION:
For May 1 show Greensboro:
Obama for America Office
8 West 3rd Street
Winston-Salem, NC 28401
Monday-Friday: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Greensboro Coliseum
* Beginning Saturday
Northside of Pavilion Parking Lot
1921 W. Lee Street
Greensboro, NC 27403
Hours: Monday-Friday: 10 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Obama table outside Shaw Building
158 Worth Street
Asheboro, NC 27203
Hours: Monday-Friday: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Obama table outside Board of Elections office
505 E. Green Drive
High Point, NC 27260
Hours: Monday-Friday: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Youth Services Building
201 West Elm Street
Graham, NC 27253
Hours: Monday-Friday: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Obama table outside Courthouse
301 W. Market Street
Greensboro, NC 27401
Hours: Monday-Friday: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
For May 2 show in Carrboro:
Obama table outside UNC-Chapel Hill Planetarium
250 E. Franklin Street
Chapel Hill, NC 27599
Hours: Monday-Friday: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Balloons and Tunes
208 W. Main Street
Carrboro, NC 27510
Hours: Monday-Friday: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Morning Times Café
10 E. Hargett Street
Raleigh, NC 27601
Hours: Monday-Friday: 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Obama table outside of the Old Durham Ball Park
Corporation and Morris
Durham, NC
Hours: Monday-Saturday: 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m
Pullen Art Center
* Beginning Saturday
105 Pullen Road
Raleigh, NC 27607
Hours: Monday-Friday: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Saturday: Noon-5 p.m.
Sunday: 1 p.m.-5 p.m.
Additional ticketing locations will be announced here
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment |
Jenna Bush may vote for a Democrat
Last night, First Lady Laura Bush and her daughter Jenna appeared on CNN’s “Larry King Live” to promote their new children’s book, “Read All About It!”
But their discussion got a little more interesting after King asked the Bush’s about the presidential nominees. Laura said her favorite was “the Republican,” while Jenna said she was open to other candidates.
“I mean, who isn’t open to learning about the candidates and I’m sure that everybody’s like that,” she said.
Click here to read more about it
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment |
Municipal leaders vote today for Obama
Ayden’s Mayor Steve Tripp is among 43 municipal leaders in North Carolina who have endorsed the presidential campaign of Democratic Sen. Barack Obama.
Obama’s campaign today announced that Tripp would be casting his ballot for Obama at 1 p.m. today during early voting in Pitt County.
Forty-two more mayors and mayor pro-tems also are expected to vote at 1 today, Obama’s campaign announced, including Greenville Mayor Pro-Tem Mildred Council.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment |
Neal back in Greenville for endorsement
U.S. Senate candidate Jim Neal will visit Greenville on Thursday when he expects to receive an endorsement from a city council person.
Neal, an investment banker from Greensboro, is among six Democrats vying to take on Republican U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Dole. The event is at 7:30 p.m. at Acasia’s Tipsy Teapot, 409-B Evans St.
This is a return visit for Neal, who visited here in March and watched the Final Four at Buffalo Wild Wings.
“I want you to join me. I want you to believe in this change we are witnessing, and to support this campaign,” Neal said in a news release announcing the event.
“Don’t just hope for the change; join the millions of students and young workers making that change come about. Give of yourself, and make a difference with my campaign.”
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment |
Women for Obama meeting
The Pitt County Women for Obama has scheduled an informational meeting to be held at noon Friday at the Obama campaign headquarters in Greenville.
Minerva Freeman writes, “You are invited to come out to hear strategies and to commit to working for NC victory for Obama … Our theme is: Each One Reach One!”
The meeting will last about an hour and lunch will be served. Call Freeman at 258-3522.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment |
Clinton tour updates
Hillary Clinton’s trip to Jacksonville has been moved from Thursday to Friday.
Doors to the Jacksonville Fire Department Station 4, 100 Firehouse Lane, open at 7 a.m. and the event, a “Solutions for America” event, is scheduled to begin at 8:30 a.m.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment |
McCain asking NC republicans to remove ad against Obama, Perdue and Moore
John McCain took time away from his Time For Action Tour to send an e-mail to the North Carolina Republican Party to remove an ad critical of Barack Obama’s relationship with his former pastor, Jeremiah Wright
Steve Holland of Reuters reports that McCain was on his campaign bus in Kentucky when he spoke about the video.
“We asked them not to run it,” McCain said. “I’m sending them an e-mail as we speak asking them to take it down. I don’t know why they do it. Obviously, I don’t control them. But I’m making it very clear that there’s no place for that” in his campaign.
The ad takes aim at Democratic candidates Beverly Perdue and Richard Moore and criticizes their endorsements of Obama. The ad states that Obama’s relationship with Wright shows he is “too extreme for North Carolina.”
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment |
Arcade Fire playing for Obama
The Canada-based indie/alternative band Arcade Fire has scheduled two outdoor shows in North Carolina in support of Barack Obama.
Frontman Win Butler posted a new message in his online scrapbook saying they wanted to play with fellow indie rockers Superchunk.
So, in celebration of early voting, they will play at rallies on May 1 at the Greensboro’s Coliseum Complex Coliseum Complex Pavilion parking lot and May 2 at Carrboro’s Town Commons. Both shows begin at 2 p.m. and free tickets are required.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment |
Clinton making her way back to NC
The Clinton campaign today announced new details of Hillary Clinton’s return to the Tar Heel State Thursday and Monday.
On Thursday, her campaign has scheduled events in Jacksonville, Fayetteville, and Asheville, and she will be joined by former chairman of the Joint Chiefs, General Hugh Shelton, Ret.
All of Thursday’s events are free and open to the public. No tickets are required.
Additional details on the Jacksonville event have not yet been released, but in Fayetteville, Clinton will be at the Riddle Center at Methodist University, 5400 Ramsey St. Doors open at 2:15 p.m. and the event starts at 4:15 p.m. In Asheville, Doors open to the Asheville Civic Center, 87 Haywood St., at 6 p.m. and the event begins at 8 p.m.
On Monday, Clinton will appear with her daughter Chelsea in Uptown Charlotte at The Square at the intersection of Trade and Tryon. Doors open at 4 p.m.
General admission is free, but ticket prices for reserved sections range from $20-$250.
Click here for more information
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment |
Warren and Jenkins endorse Obama
Two Pitt County legislators have endorsed Sen. Barack Obama for the Democratic presidential nomination.
Sen. Clark Jenkins and Rep. Edith Warren announced Tuesday they are supporting the Illinois senator, along with 27 other lawmakers from around the state.
Following is a complete list of the endorsements Obama received Tuesday:
N.C. Senate: Tony Rand, Senate Majority Leader, Cumberland Doug Berger, Franklin Charlie Dannelly, Mecklenburg Katie Dorsett, Guilford Anthony Foriest, Alamance Linda Garrou, Forsyth Malcolm Graham, Mecklenburg Clark Jenkins, Edgecombe Edward Jones, Halifax, Perquimans Eleanor Kinnaird, Orange Vernon Malone, Wake Floyd McKissick, Durham
N.C. House of Representatives:
Dan Blue, Wake
Alma Adams, Guilford
Angela Bryant, Nash
Jean Farmer-Butterfield, Wilson
Becky Carney, Mecklenburg
Bill Faison, Orange
Richard Glazier, Cumberland
Larry Hall, Durham
Ty Harrell, Wake
Pricey Harrison, Guilford
Sandra Hughes, New Hanover
Marvin Lucas, Cumberland
Grier Martin, Wake
Annie Mobley, Bertie
Henry Michaux, Jr., Durham
Edith Warren, Pitt
Michael Wray, Warren
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment |
Time for Action Tour: Day 1
Republican presidential nominee John McCain was in Alabama Monday for the first day of his “It’s Time for Action” tour.
In Gee’s Bend, a town isolated by the nearby river, he came to discuss racial tensions and economic difficulties its residents face (and he spent most of his time there with a group of older, singing women).
Watch the video below for highlights:
McCain will be in Ohio today, Kentucky on Wednesday, Louisiana on Thursday and Arkansas on Friday.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment |
Michael Moore endorses Obama
The day before the Pennsylvania primaries were to be held, famed director Michael Moore publicly endorsed Senator Barack Obama for president and asked Pennsylvanians to do the same — as a favor to him.
On Monday, Moore posted a blog entitled “My Vote’s for Obama (if I could vote),” and asks kindly for Pennsylvanians to vote for Obama in their primary since he and his fellow Michigan residents cannot.
“I haven’t spoken publicly ’til now as to who I would vote for, primarily for two reasons: 1) Who cares?; and 2) I (and most people I know) don’t give a rat’s (expletive) whose name is on the ballot in November, as long as there’s a picture of JFK and FDR riding a donkey at the top of the ballot, and the word “Democratic” next to the candidate’s name,” he writes.
But on a more serious note, he first criticizes Clinton and her campaign: “Over the past two months, the actions and words of Hillary Clinton have gone from being merely disappointing to downright disgusting.
“I guess the debate last week was the final straw. I’ve watched Senator Clinton and her husband play this game of appealing to the worst side of white people, but last Wednesday, when she hurled the name ‘Farrakhan’ out of nowhere, well that’s when the silly season came to an early end for me.”
And on his endorsement: “What we are witnessing is not just a candidate but a profound, massive public movement for change,” Moore writes. “My endorsement is more for Obama The Movement than it is for Obama the candidate.”
Click here to read the entire endorsement
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment |
Events offer chance to meet candidates
Candidates meet conservatives today
Judge John Tyson, candidate for re-election to the North Carolina Court of Appeals, and Joe Johnson, candidate for state superintendent of schools, will speak at the Conservatives, Arise! meeting.
The event is at 6:30 p.m. today at the Golden Corral, 504 S.W. Greenville Blvd. Dinner will begin at 6:30 p.m., followed by the meeting at 7 p.m.
No reservations are required. For more information, call 321-8838 or visit www.downeastrepublican.com.
Candidate meets Republican club
The Down East Republican Club will meet Thursday at Frank’s Pizza, U.S. 264, Washington.
Eric Smith, candidate for North Carolina Superintendent of Public Instruction, and a representative of the Purpose of God Outreach Center will speak on the relationship between education, crime and economic development.
Dinner begins at 6 p.m. The meeting starts at 6:45 p.m. Call Al Klemm at 944-5068 for more information.
Pitt Republicans plan meeting Pitt County Republican Party will meet at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at McAlister’s Deli. Local candidates will speak.
Senate 5 candidates gather
The six candidates in the District 5 Democratic state Senate race are scheduled to participate in a forum on Monday in Farmville.
Don Davis, Charles Johnson, Tony Moore, Chuck Stone, Kathy Taft and Ed Wilson are set to take part in the event sponsored by the Ayden-Grifton Times-Leader, The Farmville Enterprise and the Standard Laconic of Snow Hill.
The event will be held in the town hall at Farmville and begins at 6:30 p.m.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment |
District conventions schedule
This Saturday, North Carolinians will have a chance to attend the remaining Congressional District Conventions throughout the state, and John McCain wants you help by becoming a delegate to the Republican National Convention for him.
Click here if you do not know the district in which you are registered to vote
The remaining North Carolina Congressional District Conventions are as follows:
Congressional District: 2nd
Time: 9 a.m.
Contact: Joseph Avery, (919) 938-2533, javery1406@aol.com
Congressional District: 3rd
Time: 10 a.m.
Where: Havelock Tourist and Event Center, 201 Tourist Center Dr., Havelock
Contact: Jack Millis, (252) 646-6911, wmillis@ec.rr.com, www.3rdncgop.com
Congressional District: 4th
Time: 9 a.m.
Contact: Martha Jenkins, (919) 932-2256, marthajenkins@gmail.com
Congressional District: 10th
Time: 10 a.m.
Where: Citizen’s Center, 115 West Main Street, Lincolnton
Convention Chair: Neil Moore
Contact: Laurie Moody, Secretary 10th District, www.ncgopdistrict10.com/index.html
Congressional District: 11th
Time: Noon
Where: Haywood Community College
Contact: Stephen G. Duncan, (828) 777-5718
Congressional District: 13th
Time: 1:30 p.m.
Where: North Carolina Republican Party Headquarters (downstairs), 1506 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh
Contact: Bill Peaslee, (919) 481-1992
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment |
Plans for N.C. debate squashed
There will be no debate between Democratic presidential candidates Sen. Barack Obama and Sen. Hillary Clinton.
In a release today, the N.C. Democratic Party announced the proposed debate scheduled for April 27 has been canceled due to “time constraints and logistical issues associated with such a large, national event.”
The party said there were also growing concerns about what another debate would do to party unity.
Clinton accepted an invitation for the debate earlier this month. Obama never agreed to participate.
Both candidates have committed to attending the Democrats’ Jefferson-Jackson Dinner May 2 in Raleigh. Tickets are available by signing up online at www.ncdp.org.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment |
Clinton renews call for NC debate
Today, NC State director for the Hillary Clinton campaign, Ace Smith, issued a statement after Senator Barack Obama declined having a debate in North Carolina:
“It is unfortunate that Senator Obama has chosen to brush off the people of North Carolina by flatly refusing to debate. But we are willing to move forward with another time and location for the debate so that he has no excuse for not participating. Unfortunately, it is becoming clear that Senator Obama simply does not believe that North Carolinians deserve the opportunity to hear directly from the candidates about how they will fix our economy, bring our troops home and provide quality health care for every American.
“Hillary Clinton is committed to debating the issues facing the Tar Heel State. We hope Sen. Obama will make the same commitment.”
Permalink | Comments (1) | Post your comment |
MoveOn creates Facebook petition against ABC
Did the questions Charles Gibson and George Stephanopoulos asked democratic presidential nominees during Wednesday’s debate seem, well, a little questionable to you?
It certainly bothered MoveOn.org.
The Web site’s Political Action team has sent an e-mail to their members requesting that they join a new Facebook group and sign a petition asking ABC and other media outlets to stick to important topics.
“Over 250,000 people have signed our petition to ABC so far in reaction to last Wednesday’s debate,” the e-mail says. “This week, we’ll buy an ad to increase pressure on ABC—and it will include the total number of signatures. You can help this number grow.”
Click here to sign the petition
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment |
Sean Astin crossing NC for Clinton
Actor, director and producer Sean Astin will meet with voters across North Carolina this week in support of Senator Hillary Clinton.
Astin, star of the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy and “Rudy,” will visit with students, volunteers and undecided voters during a three-day tour today-Wednesday.
He began the tour at 8:30 a.m. today in Albemarle for an event called, “Breakfast with Sean Astin and Albemarle Voters.” He then passed through Troy at 11 a.m., Wadesboro at 2 p.m. and will hold more open-press events in Monore at 3:45 p.m., Waxhaw at 5 p.m. and Monroe at 6:45 p.m.
Tomorrow, he’ll hit Pinehurst first, at 9:45 a.m. at 3395 Airport Road. Then it’s off to Lillington at 1:30 p.m.; Raleigh at 3 p.m. in NC State’s Caldwell Lounge; Chapel Hill at 4:45 p.m. at the Class of 2000 Lounge on Airport Drive; and Roxboro at 6:45 p.m. in the Person County Office Building, 304 S. Morgan St.
The tour ends Wednesday after a 10 a.m. appearance at the University of North Carolina School of Arts, 1533 S. Main St., Winston-Salem, and an 11:45 a.m. lunch, also in Winston-Salem.
During President Clinton’s first term, Astin was appointed in 1995 by then Secretary of the Army Togo D. West Jr., as his Civilian Aid from Central California and Los Angeles. Astin served five full two-year terms, completing a rewarding 10-year association with the Army in 2005. Sean Astin was also appointed by George Bush to the Bi-Partisan/Non-Partisan Presidents Council on Service and Civic Participation. The mission of the council is to “Promote a Culture of Volunteerism and Civic Engagement.”
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment |
Calls for Clinton event scheduled for Saturday
Michael Trujillo, North Carolina field director for the Clinton campaign, sent out an e-mail to residents asking for their help in making Hillary the next president.
“Please join us and other Hillary supporters across North Carolina as we make 100,000 calls to our neighbors and fellow voters and remind them why Hillary is ready to lead this nation,” the e-mail reads.
“She is ready to deliver universal health care, invest in alternative energies, and bring our troops home from Iraq. So come to your North Carolina for Hillary office in Greenville tomorrow and help us make history by delivering North Carolina to Hillary.”
This calling event will be held from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday at the Greenville headquarters, 2502 S. Charles St.
Click here to let them know you’re coming
Click here if you would rather call from home
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment |
Volunteer: Barack the Vote one of the ‘best I’ve seen’
ECU Students for Obama and other volunteers held a registration and voting event called “Barack the Vote” today from 11a.m.-3p.m. at the bottom of College Hill.
In the summer-like weather, students tossed footballs and Frisbees, ate free pizza and listened to music provided by a DJ while volunteers drove people to early-voting sites every 30 minutes.
Nadia Shazly, ECU student and volunteer with ECU Students for Obama, said she thought they had a good showing.
“This is one of the best (turnouts) I’ve seen on this campus,” 18-year-old Shazly said. She also told The Reflector that they had been registering young voters the last couple of weeks.
“This is a way to see there is more to politics than what George Bush has to offer.”
Early voting will be available to North Carolinians through May 3.
During Barack the Vote, the 2008 Pitt County Democratic Party held their convention (from 1-3 p.m.) in Superior Court No. 1 at the Pitt County Courthouse.
Delegates to the first and third congressional district convention and the N.C. Democratic Party State Convention were elected.
Permalink | Comments (1) | Post your comment |
ECU students appear with Obama on ‘Colbert Report’
Last night, after Williams Arena at Minges Coliseum had mostly cleared out, Students for Obama interns and some East Carolina University students were asked to stick around and help Barack Obama tape a segment for “The Colbert Report.”
The segment, which aired last night, repeated today at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. and will air again tonight at 8:30 p.m. on Comedy Central, showed Obama standing in front of the students as he joked with Colbert about political distractions and put them officially “on notice.”
“Stephen,” Obama said, “I would go so far as to say I want to put these political distractions on notice.
“Boys, bring out the ‘On Notice’ board.”
After fumbling around a box for the “distractions” card, Colbert asked Obama which issue should be taken off of the board.
“Well, it can’t be grizzly bears,” Obama said. “They are the number one threat to America.”
Obama decided to remove James Brady from the board, citing, “He’s a good guy.”
The episode also featured Senator Hillary Clinton fixing Colbert’s main screen and Senator John Edwards giving the night’s “Word,” which was renamed the “Ed-Words.”
Because the “Report” does not air new shows on Fridays, the episode featuring Obama, Clinton and Edwards will also probably air throughout the weekend and Monday.
Watch what happened below:
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment |
“Signed, Sealed, Delivered”
Closing music brings an end to the rally.
He stands on the stage with Price, Butterfield and Watt. Cheers all around, signs dance in the air, and the press takes the stage to shoot photos, lower microphones and get the best vantage point of Obama as he moves through the crowd.
Clearly the folks here were moved by his speech, cheering at times, lapsing into respectful silence when Obama began to discuss the needs of disabled veterans, single-parent families and others.
Those who are not filing to the doors are milling around, hoping, it seems to get another glance of him as he works the crowd. He did not head for the door, but dove into the herd of students to meet, greet and sign autographs.
They are moving in waves, trying to get ahead of the group, craning and leaning to see him, cell phones in the air to get even a chance of a photo.
He is leaving now for a gathering of Democratic VIP supporters who paid for thie privilege of dining with Obama.
As he exits the arena, supporters send up one more cheer, then head for the exits themselves.
Permalink | Comments (1) | Post your comment |
That’s what hope is
“…imagining, and then fighting for what didn’t seem possible before.
There is a moment in the life of every generation when the spirit and the light come through…
This is our moment. This is our time.”
“You and I together, we will transform this country, we will transform the world.”
Permalink | Comments (1) | Post your comment |
“My job as Commander in Chief is to keep you safe”
It means training soldiers properly, and treating the properly when they come home, but also means using our military wisely.
“The war in Iraq is unwise. It distracted us from going after Bin Ladin … fanned the flames of anti-American sentiment around the world.”
“I was opposed to this war in 2002; I will bring this war to an end in 2009.”
“I don’t just want to end the war; I want to end the fever of fear that has gripped our foreign policy.”
“I will meet not just with our friends, but with our enemies. Some people said, “You can’t do that, and I said, yes I can. Watch me.”
Says we will lead in shutting down nuclear arsenals, battling hunger and the murder in Darfur. Adds that he wants to see the restoration of civil rights.
On the Democratic party:
“We are going to bring this party together. Whatever the differences between myself and Sen. Clinton, they pale in comparison to my differences with John McCain,” who, he says is a respected American and war veteran, but basically running for a continuation of George Bush’s administration.
“We don’t want to be the party of yesterday; we want to be the party of tomorrow.”
That’s why I’m running for president and that’s why you are here today. So let me close by saying, “Oh, Obama, you said people were angry and people were bitter. I may not have phrased things exactly perfectly, but I was absolutely certain about what I meant and what I said.”
“People are angry, people are frustrated.”
“This campaign started because we wanted to transform that frustration into hope.”
“The reason I talk about hope is because, if you think about it, there is no reason for me to be standing here today.”
Says he was raised by a single parent who gave him two things: education and hope.
“The idea was, if you talk about hope, you’re naive somehow. Hope is not blind optimism…I know how hard it will be to change this country … good intentions are not enough. But I also know that nothing in this country, except somebody, somewhere was willing to hope.”
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment |
Building new infrastructure, discussing education
“If we’re spending $10 million a month in Iraq, we can afford to spend $10 a month in America” building infrastructure that will give all areas access to the Internet, to good roads, water and sewer.
Millions of jobs we can create in a green economy … training our workers for green jobs of the future, increasing fuel efficiency of cars …
… all of this we can do if we have a president who has a sense of urgency, that every child in America has the best education this country has to offer. If we invest in early childhood education, we can give youngsters a head start.
Wants to reward teachers with incentives.
Criticizes No Child Left Behind. “I don’t want teachers teaching to a test. I want our students to learn art and music and civics…”
“And (big cheer) I believe it is time to make college affordable for every American.”
“…. young people, you’ll have to give something back in return. Community service. We’ll invest in you, you invest in America, and together we will move this country forward.”
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment |
“We’ve got to change”
… how business is done.”
“The American people through $25 donations, $75 donations and $5 donations have funded this campaign. You have shown it can be done.”
“We have registered 78,000 new voters. I met a man backstage who said he had taken a week off his vacation time to go and register voters … said it was the best vacation he had ever had, because he’s feeling ready to bring about change.”
“So there is something in the air in this election.”
“We can tell those lobbyists that this is over, because they have not funded my campaign, they cannot run the White House… when we have a Congress answerable to you, we can do something about it.”
Outlines his health plan by saying Congress will enact subsidies for those who do have insurance and provide opportunities for those who don’t.
“If you’re ready for change, we can make an economy that is fairer.”
“CEO is making more in a day than a worker makes in a year … if the company goes belly-up, the CEO goes away with a golden parachute, and the worker loses his pension.”
Tax breaks not to companies who go overseas, but those who invest in Greenville.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment |
“When we come together”
“There is no challenge we cannot meet, no destiny we cannot fulfill.”
“I am here to report, after 15 months…. I am here to report … my faith in the American people has been vindicated. Because everywhere I go, we are ready for change, we are ready for something new ….”
Applause, cheers drown him out, but he continues nonetheless.
“Young people have been getting involved like never before. But those of us who are young at heart have been getting involved, too.”
“…because when we go to the polling places in November, the name George W. Bush will not be on the ballot. The name of my cousin, Dick Cheney, will not be on the ballot.”
…”That was really embarrassing. If we have a family reunion, I won’t be going with the hunting party.”
“…We come together tonight not just to be against something, but we want to be for something. We’ve got big problems to solve in America. People wnat to know how they can pay the rent, how they can pay the medical bills…How many people used to work in a plant, and the plant gets up and goes overseas … they don’t just lose their jobs, they have to compete with their kids for a job at Wal-mart for $7 and hour.”
“The biggest problem we have is not how we solve the energy crisis or the problems of heath care. That’s not our biggest challenge. Our biggest challenge is that our politics don’t work…the partisanship and bitterness is so deep… that it’s hard for people to get out of it.”
“The status quo resists change.”
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment |
“I’ve been running for 15 months now”
Why did he start so long ago?
He says he’s running because of what Dr. King called, “The fierce urgency of now,” because, “I believe there is something wrong with being too late.”
“We are at a defining moment in our history. Here at home, our economy is in shambles. George Bush just figured this out. Wall Street just figured this out, but people on Main Street have known it for a long time.”
“Because people are working harder and harder just to get by, paying higher prices for gas, health care … and now, suddenly the housing market has collapsed.
“Goes to show you that, under George Bush, pain has trickled up.”
“We can’t afford to wait. … we cannot wait to end global warming…. to bring this war in Iraq to a close… and that is why I am running for President of the United States of America.”
Part of the reason I decided to run because I believed the scope of our challenges had oustripped the scope of our political systems to overcome.”
Pause. From the audience, as he points out someone who needs EMT help, “I love you Barack!”
And he answered, “I love you to.”
“Politics is not about tearing each other down, but about lifting the country up.”
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment |
He looks taller on TV
He’s here. To the tune of “The Rising” by Bruce Springsteen
Noise is deafening, but he’s pausing to greet and sign autographs.
Wow, it’s loud in here, like bottling a Pirates football game, compressing it and releasing it in a phone booth.
He’s on the stage. I swear, he looks like he is 18 years old.
If noise could elect a candidate…
He waves and tells folks to sit down and thanks Gurganus for his introduction, the students, faculty and staff of ECU (loud cheer), Chancellor Steve Ballard, Mayor Pro-Tem Mildred Council, Reps. G.K.Butterfield, Mel Watt and David Price.
One last order of business, he says, is early voting. Wants every person here to vote tomorrow. One-Stop-Shopping here in North Carolina, he says. You can go, register and vote at the same time. “How much easier can we make it for you?”
Whoops. Tries to give his early voting phone number, 1-800-NC-EARLY, and stumbles over spelling early (says he almost pulled a Dan Quayle).
Now for the speech.
Permalink | Comments (1) | Post your comment |
Warmup Act III
NOW he’s in the tunnel.
HEeeeere he comes! I think.
Maybe.
Um.
OK. Never mind.
Must be now. Here comes the national press, filing in with their cameras to a niche next to the stage.
Goldsboro man, Franklin Gray, is speaking now, saying he is a reformed Republican who is a Barack Obama supporter.
SURELY, he’ll be here soon. Whoa. Here come the suits with earpieces. Surely, with all of this security around…
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment |
O, Barack …
“Yes we can! Yes we can!”
Music rocks the area; cheers go up … and we wait.
… but not for long. He obviously has been spotted. Like the football team waiting in the tunnel, he is churning enthusiasm before he even emerges…
The crowd reacts to the slightest provocation. “Change We Can Believe In” signs have been distributed and are being waved in time to the music.
Does he have a theme song? Should we wait for “Purple Haze?” Wait. Wow. They are bumping the whole joint with the bass line.
OK. So maybe he wasn’t in the tunnel after all.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment |
Warmup Act II
The chant goes up: “O-Ba-Ma!, O-Ba-Ma!”
Nathan Lean, president of ECU’s students for Obama group, leads us in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Ivy Simmons of Greenville speaks, too, saying we are excited to have him here. Other staffers talk about early voting, encouraging folks to take advantage of the opportunity.
Barack the Vote event tomorrow, 11-3 at the bottom of college hill. Fun, food, games and rides to the early voting polling places. AND, for seniors, from 11-3 there’ll be Barack the Vote at the county senior center, and one for famil