WAforObama's Blog

Before his Election Night speech last night, Barack sent out this message to suppporters:

I'm about to head to Grant Park to talk to everyone gathered there, but I wanted to write to you first.

We just made history.

And I don't want you to forget how we did it.

You made history every single day during this campaign -- every day you knocked on doors, made a donation, or talked to your family, friends, and neighbors about why you believe it's time for change.

I want to thank all of you who gave your time, talent, and passion to this campaign. We have a lot of work to do to get our country back on track, and I'll be in touch soon about what comes next.

But I want to be very clear about one thing...

All of this happened because of you.

Thank you,
Barack

You may already be registered to vote, but you probably know several people who are not.

If they're not registered by today, they can't vote in this historic election.

Mail-in and online registration has ended, but they can register in person until the end of the day today.

This election is going to hinge on unprecedented voter turnout -- especially in Washington.

Visit the Washington Secretary of State's website, and find your nearest registration location today.

Then encourage your friends, family, and colleagues to do the same.

Together, we can make history and bring about the change we need.

Thanks,

Barack

P.S. -- If you're already registered, you can vote today. Ballots were delivered last Thursday. Find your ballot drop location now:

http://wa.voteforchange.com

Barack recently sent out the following email...



You'd be surprised by how many people you know who aren't registered to vote.

Registration deadlines are coming up soon, and we need every single vote we can get to win this election.

Tell your friends, family, and neighbors to check out our new one-stop voter registration website.

Just forward this message.

VoteforChange.com makes it easier than ever to register. Instead of tracking down the right forms, all you need to do is answer a few basic questions and you'll be ready to vote. You can also:

-- Confirm your existing registration
-- Apply to vote absentee
-- Find your polling place

If you don't know your own registration status or you'd like to learn more, take a minute to visit the site right now.

This race is too close and too important to stay home on Election Day.

If you take the time to register and vote -- and make sure everyone you know is registered as well -- we'll be able to turn the tide of the past eight years.

It's people just like you who will transform this nation.

Thanks,

Barack

Here is the video of Barack's full speech from Independence, Missouri:

In his speech, Barack spoke about what patriotism means to him, both throughout his life and at this moment, as we begin the general election:

At the beginning of a week when we celebrate the birth of our nation, I think it is fitting to pause for a moment and reflect on the meaning of patriotism... We do so in part because we are in the midst of war – more than one and a half million of our finest young men and women have now fought in Iraq and Afghanistan; over 60,000 have been wounded, and over 4,600 have been laid to rest. The costs of war have been great, and the debate surrounding our mission in Iraq has been fierce. It is natural, in light of such sacrifice by so many, to think more deeply about the commitments that bind us to our nation, and to each other.

We reflect on these questions as well because we are in the midst of a presidential election, perhaps the most consequential in generations; a contest that will determine the course of this nation for years, perhaps decades, to come.

You can watch more videos and highlights at YouTube.com/barackobama.

Join us this Saturday, June 28th, for a Unite for Change house meeting near you.

Obama supporters will be opening their homes and reaching out to Democrats who supported other candidates in the primary, as well as Independents and even Republicans who are hungry for change.

There are more than 3,000 events planned in all 50 states -- find a Unite for Change house meeting near you and RSVP today:

http://my.barackobama.com/uniteforchange

House meetings are a great way to get to know your fellow supporters and help build a united volunteer organization in neighborhoods all across the country.

It doesn't matter if you've been with us since the beginning or if you're just tuning into the process now -- our goal is to reach out to anyone who is tired of the politics of the past and looking for new solutions to the challenges we're facing.

Supporters like you have already signed up to host events and talk about the common values we share. All you need to do is show up on Saturday -- and maybe bring a friend or two.

Here's what some Unite for Change hosts and guests are saying about these events:

"This is the first time that I have ever hosted an event like this. I am inviting my friends and colleagues to the event. Many of us were Edwards and/or Clinton supporters but I want everyone to come together now and support Obama."

- Jessica in Florida

"For the last several weeks, I have been thinking of becoming a volunteer for Senator Obama's presidential campaign. When I read the announcement about Unite For Change Day, I thought it was an awesome opportunity to get involved.

"I am new to my town (been here just over 4 months). The event will give me an opportunity to meet other supporters in my new community."

- Loye in South Carolina

We'll provide event hosts with the materials and support they need, but these meetings can't happen without you.

Sign up now to attend a Unite for Change event in your area:

http://my.barackobama.com/uniteforchange

Over the past year, millions of Americans have gotten involved in this campaign.

By attending a Unite for Change house meeting, you can keep building that momentum all the way through November.

Thank you,

Jon

Jon Carson
National Field Director
Obama for America

Barack appeared as a guest on Jimmy Kimmel Live, with topics including his high school basketball state championship and how he passes Father's Day.