ORforObama'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.

But they have to visit their county elections office in person to fill out a registration form, because forms mailed today will likely not arrive at county election office before the registration deadline.

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

If you haven't yet registered, take the time to visit your county elections office to fill out a registration form before the Oregon deadline.

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. -- Please forward this email to your friends, family, and neighbors and make sure they register today.

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.

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.

Barack gave a speech on veterans' affairs in Charleston, WV on May 12, 2008. These are his full remarks.