Where in St. Louis is Barack Obama?

St. Louis Obama for America Office Opening

The St. Louis Obama for America campaign headquarters opened today.  Over 50 volunteers as well as local elected officials State Rep. Rodney Hubbard, former State Rep. Yaphett El-Amin, and President of the St. Louis Board of Alderman, Lewis Reed attended.  Volunteers started work immediately, making phone calls to supporters to attend Friday's rally at Union Station with Sen. Obama.  Purchase your tickets now!

Turn the Page Rally

130 Obama supporters gathered at the World's Fair Pavilion in Forest Park for a "Turn the Page in Iraq"  rally to mark the 5th anniversary of the speech Barack gave in 2002 voicing his opposition to going to war.  Obama is alone amongst the five major Democratic presidential candidates in opposing the war.  The prescient speech Obama gave in 2002, 11 days before Congress gave the President authorization to go to war, foretold a "U.S. occupation of undetermined length, at undetermined cost, with undetermined consequences."

Mrs. Barbara Eagleton began by expressing her support for Sen. Obama and why she is endorsing him.

Brendan Fahey, a two tour Iraqi war veteran re-read Obama's 2002 speech.

Jim Houston, retired Air Force of 25 years read a letter from Sen. Obama for today's rally.  Jim stated that his support of Obama hinged on his belief that America needs a strong military.

Announcements were made urging everyone to sign up to canvass in Iowa on 10/20 and 11/3.  Most exciting, a visit to St. Louis by Sen. Obama for a massive rally was announced for 10/26!

The event was finished off with a round of "Fired up!  Ready to go!"

Harkin Steak Fry - Fired Up! Ready to Go!

The 30th Annual Harkin Steak Fry in Indianola, Iowa was awash with Obama.  After a pre-event Obama rally, 3,000 supporters paraded onto the Steak Fry grounds led by Barack, in their blue Obama t-shirts, holding Obama logo signs and chanting "Fired up!  Ready to go!"  At the entrance, mouths dropped at the sight of Obama leading a parade of supporters that extended as far as the eye could see.  Bill Richardson's car got stuck at the end of the parade and he made his way through the Obama crowd onto the grounds.  While there were pockets of supporters for other candidates, the Obama contingent dominated the event with their shirts, stickers, logo signs, and excitement.

Barack spoke first, about the need for change, an "end to the game-playing," a return to respect for the constitution, an end to the war and renewed focus on diplomacy and domestic issues.  He ended with a story gaining familiarity amongst supporters about an inspirational trip to South Carolina and had the crowd chanting "Fired up! Ready to go!" as he left the podium.

Other candidates focused on narrower, specific issues and garnered applause.  It's clear that Iowans know the issues and are paying attention to every candidate.  Informing Iowans on Barack's message and positions is key.  Read this message from Iowa State Director Paul Tewes on the importance of Iowa and how to make a difference.

St. Louisans Patrick & Angela Green, Dan White and Jen Haro made the trek up for the event!  They'll cross the border again on October 20 for a mass canvass in Ottumwa.

 

A few light moments, including Chris Dodd posing with Mr. Potato Head.

Turning the Page in Iraq

Today, Barack gave a foreign policy speech that outlined an end to the war he has always opposed.  He has said repeatedly that there is no good option.  There are only bad options and worse options.  Admittedly, the idea of leaving Iraq has felt irresponsible.  However, this speech lays out a comprehensive and responsible plan for withdrawing troops, restoring diplomacy in the region, refocusing our efforts on security and domestic issues, and a commitment to aiding the humanitarian crisis in Iraq.

Take action and sign on to the plan.

No other candidate in this race, Republican or Democratic has laid out a bold, responsible, and thoughtful plan to end the war.  No other candidate has laid out a comprehensive foreign policy for restoring our standing in the world.  No other candidate has had the conviction to admit that we must talk to our friends and our enemies and that to not do so is simply arrogant and a continuation of Bush-Cheney foreign policy.

The speech must be read - it's brilliant.  Obama also gave an interview today on NPR's All Things Considered.

Canvassing in Ottumwa

The St. Louis for Obama group and a dedicated member from Columbia, MO drove up to sister city, Ottumwa, IA on Saturday 9/8, for an afternoon of canvassing.  Unable to bend at the waist for the 10 hour round trip car ride, 2D BO stayed behind and let his supporters do the driving and the talking.

After planning with the Ottumwa, IA office staff, 11 canvassers hit the neighborhoods to find out what's on the minds of Ottumwan's and gain supporters.  Lakisha Jackson, our most persuasive canvasser signed up 5 supporters!  Not an easy feat in Iowa, where people often wait until the caucus to make up their minds about which candidate they support.  Patrick Green said that while it's difficult to get Iowans to commit this early, he could tell that folks were excited to see Obama representatives knocking on their door.

Stay tuned for details on the next Ottumwa road trip on Saturday, October 20th.  Iowa, here we come!

Seen at The Royale

2D BO made it to The Royale tonight for a happy hour with the St. Louis for Obama group.

"Obama" shouted the bar in unison as glasses were raised.  A center of political discourse, The Royale crowd was at ease with their guest.  Many folks approached with a polite photo request.  Steve Smith and his dad chatted it up with 2D BO.

The "regulars" were in attendance, but a few new faces made it out as well.  Planning was underway for the next trip to St. Louis' sister city in Iowa, Ottumwa.  On Saturday, September 8, St. Louisans will meet at 6am for a 10 hour round trip journey to meet our neighbors to the north.  Doors will be knocked and supporters ID'd.  Most important, we'll get the word out that Barack Obama is THE candidate for change in this election.  There's no one else we'd make the journey for.

Anyone interested in Iowa canvassing should call Jennifer at 314-229-0226 before Thursday, 9/6.

Next happy hour for 2D BO and the St. Louis for Obama gang will be Friday, October 5th, 5-7pm at, of course, The Royale.

Generation Obama St. Louis Launch

Generation Obama (GO) launched nationally on Saturday, August 25th and while Barack Obama was the guest of honor at the national kick-off in Miami...

Guests at the GO St. Louis launch had a special guest of their own.  2D BO made his official debut.  Still, despite photos and hugs, when it came time for 3D Barack Obama's live audio address to the GO crowd via phone, all attention turned to the man behind the mic.

With 20 GO chapters on the call, Barack began with a shout out to St. Louis.  He urged everyone to get active, to use this campaign as a vehicle for changing the world we live in.  He talked about changing the landscape so that people who want to enter a life of public service can afford to do so, finding a solution to Darfur, ending the war in Iraq, taking control of climate change, and making education affordable.

Betsey Bruce from Channel 2 Fox News covered the GO launch on the evening news.  Click here for the clip.