Five former appointees of Republican President Dwight Eisenhower have released the following statement, declaring their support for Barack Obama and urging other Republicans to do the same. Like numerous Republicans for Obama, they cite the Senator’s record of sound judgment and steady leadership.
We served in non-career positions in the Eisenhower Administration by appointment of President Dwight D. Eisenhower, his Cabinet officers or his White House staff. We are supporting Barack Obama for President.We are convinced that Barack Obama has the judgment, the intellect, the character, the vision, the values, the empathy, the natural leadership ability and the capacity to attract the most qualified people to his administration – all the qualities that would make him a great President. These are the same qualities that made Eisenhower a great President.President Eisenhower demonstrated the wisdom, thoughtfulness and restraint, – whether involving foreign affairs, military matters or domestic issues – and the commitment to international cooperation, that kept us out of war and brought prosperity to our economy and fairness to our society. We believe that Barack Obama would pursue the same sound principles and policies. He also has the vigor and energy that will enable him to work toward his goals effectively.We urge citizens of all political parties and all Independents to vote for Barack Obama.George C. LodgeAssistant Secretary of Labor, 1957-61William B. Ewald, JrSpecial Assistant in the White House, 1954-56; Assistant to the Secretary of Interior, 1956-59Robert R. BowieDirector of Policy Planning, Assistant Secretary for Policy Planning, Department of State, 1953-57Jarold KiefferAssistant Secretary, Health, Education & Welfare, 1959-61Roswell B. PerkinsAssistant Secretary, Health, Education & Welfare, 1954-56
We served in non-career positions in the Eisenhower Administration by appointment of President Dwight D. Eisenhower, his Cabinet officers or his White House staff. We are supporting Barack Obama for President.
We are convinced that Barack Obama has the judgment, the intellect, the character, the vision, the values, the empathy, the natural leadership ability and the capacity to attract the most qualified people to his administration – all the qualities that would make him a great President. These are the same qualities that made Eisenhower a great President.
President Eisenhower demonstrated the wisdom, thoughtfulness and restraint, – whether involving foreign affairs, military matters or domestic issues – and the commitment to international cooperation, that kept us out of war and brought prosperity to our economy and fairness to our society. We believe that Barack Obama would pursue the same sound principles and policies. He also has the vigor and energy that will enable him to work toward his goals effectively.
We urge citizens of all political parties and all Independents to vote for Barack Obama.
George C. LodgeAssistant Secretary of Labor, 1957-61
William B. Ewald, JrSpecial Assistant in the White House, 1954-56; Assistant to the Secretary of Interior, 1956-59
Robert R. BowieDirector of Policy Planning, Assistant Secretary for Policy Planning, Department of State, 1953-57
Jarold KiefferAssistant Secretary, Health, Education & Welfare, 1959-61
Roswell B. PerkinsAssistant Secretary, Health, Education & Welfare, 1954-56
President Eisenhower’s daughter, Susan Eisenhower, also supports Senator Obama and is an active participant in our group.
There's not a liberal America and a conservative America - there's the United States of America. The pundits like to slice-and-dice our country into Red States and Blue States; Red States for Republicans, Blue States for Democrats. But I've got news for them, too. We worship an awesome God in the Blue States, and we don't like federal agents poking around our libraries in the Red States. We coach Little League in the Blue States and have gay friends in the Red States. There are patriots who opposed the war in Iraq and patriots who supported it. We are one people, all of us pledging allegiance to the stars and stripes, all of us defending the United States of America.Barack Obama2004 Democratic National Convention
There's not a liberal America and a conservative America - there's the United States of America. The pundits like to slice-and-dice our country into Red States and Blue States; Red States for Republicans, Blue States for Democrats. But I've got news for them, too. We worship an awesome God in the Blue States, and we don't like federal agents poking around our libraries in the Red States. We coach Little League in the Blue States and have gay friends in the Red States. There are patriots who opposed the war in Iraq and patriots who supported it. We are one people, all of us pledging allegiance to the stars and stripes, all of us defending the United States of America.
Barack Obama2004 Democratic National Convention
The ideas expressed in Barack Obama’s groundbreaking speech at the 2004 Democratic National Convention are certainly holding true in this election. The electoral map is being completely redrawn, with states like Virginia and Indiana (neither of which have voted for a Democratic presidential candidate since 1964) as critical battlegrounds.
Yesterday, The Wall Street Journal published an article about the competition for “red states” that were easily carried by George W. Bush in 2004.
“Election Battle Shifts to Republican Turf” | The Wall Street Journal | November 1, 2008By Jonathan WeismanThe campaign's final days are playing out largely on territory won by President George W. Bush in 2004, as his unpopularity, combined with a struggling economy and shifting demographics, have helped Democrats gain traction in what have been reliably Republican states.Democratic presidential nominee Sen. Barack Obama will pass through Nevada, Colorado and Missouri Saturday, after appearances in Iowa and Indiana Friday -- all states that voted Republican four years ago. He will be in Ohio Sunday, another Bush state, and Virginia Monday, where a Democrat has not won since 1964.From Oct. 21 to Oct. 28, the Obama campaign spent nearly $21.5 million on advertising, compared with $7.5 million by the campaign of his Republican rival, Sen. John McCain, according to the University of Wisconsin Advertising Project. More than 70% of that combined spending was in Republican states. The Obama campaign Friday launched new advertising buys in long-Republican North Dakota, Georgia and in Sen. McCain's home state of Arizona.Sen. McCain, meanwhile, spent Friday in Ohio and heads to Virginia Saturday, both states won by Mr. Bush in 2004.
“Election Battle Shifts to Republican Turf” | The Wall Street Journal | November 1, 2008
By Jonathan Weisman
The campaign's final days are playing out largely on territory won by President George W. Bush in 2004, as his unpopularity, combined with a struggling economy and shifting demographics, have helped Democrats gain traction in what have been reliably Republican states.
Democratic presidential nominee Sen. Barack Obama will pass through Nevada, Colorado and Missouri Saturday, after appearances in Iowa and Indiana Friday -- all states that voted Republican four years ago. He will be in Ohio Sunday, another Bush state, and Virginia Monday, where a Democrat has not won since 1964.
From Oct. 21 to Oct. 28, the Obama campaign spent nearly $21.5 million on advertising, compared with $7.5 million by the campaign of his Republican rival, Sen. John McCain, according to the University of Wisconsin Advertising Project. More than 70% of that combined spending was in Republican states. The Obama campaign Friday launched new advertising buys in long-Republican North Dakota, Georgia and in Sen. McCain's home state of Arizona.
Sen. McCain, meanwhile, spent Friday in Ohio and heads to Virginia Saturday, both states won by Mr. Bush in 2004.
Click here for the full article from The Wall Street Journal
The Economist is one of the most respected news magazines in the world. Its editorial board is fiscally conservative, and a staunch advocate for free markets and free trade.
On October 30, The Economist endorsed Barack Obama, citing his “style, intelligence and discipline,” as well as John McCain’s erratic behavior on the campaign trail.
“It’s time” | The Economist | October 30, 2008IT IS impossible to forecast how important any presidency will be. Back in 2000 America stood tall as the undisputed superpower, at peace with a generally admiring world. The main argument was over what to do with the federal government’s huge budget surplus. Nobody foresaw the seismic events of the next eight years. When Americans go to the polls next week the mood will be very different. The United States is unhappy, divided and foundering both at home and abroad. Its self-belief and values are under attack.For all the shortcomings of the campaign, both John McCain and Barack Obama offer hope of national redemption. Now America has to choose between them. The Economist does not have a vote, but if it did, it would cast it for Mr Obama. We do so wholeheartedly: the Democratic candidate has clearly shown that he offers the better chance of restoring America’s self-confidence.
“It’s time” | The Economist | October 30, 2008
IT IS impossible to forecast how important any presidency will be. Back in 2000 America stood tall as the undisputed superpower, at peace with a generally admiring world. The main argument was over what to do with the federal government’s huge budget surplus. Nobody foresaw the seismic events of the next eight years. When Americans go to the polls next week the mood will be very different. The United States is unhappy, divided and foundering both at home and abroad. Its self-belief and values are under attack.
For all the shortcomings of the campaign, both John McCain and Barack Obama offer hope of national redemption. Now America has to choose between them. The Economist does not have a vote, but if it did, it would cast it for Mr Obama. We do so wholeheartedly: the Democratic candidate has clearly shown that he offers the better chance of restoring America’s self-confidence.
Click here to read the full endorsement article from The Economist
The state of Indiana has voted for a Republican presidential candidate in every election since 1968. George W. Bush carried the state by over 20 percent in 2004.
But in three days, Barack Obama has a great shot at winning Indiana – largely because of Republican supporters like you who are sick and tired of failed policies and divisive politics.
Today, The Wall Street Journal reported on Senator Obama’s chances of winning the Hoosier State.
Mr. Obama's campaign has opened offices in more than a third of the state's 92 counties. Many Republicans initially mocked that effort, calling it a symbolic head-fake.They were wrong. The offices have added statewide heft and a close-to-home feel to the Obama organization, showing Hoosiers that Mr. Obama's Indiana campaign is about more than TV ads and huge rallies. What the GOP did not realize early on is that residents in many counties had never seen a presidential campaign set up near their homes. When those in struggling steel cities, quiet rural counties and youthful college towns see Obama offices in strip malls and county squares, the message they receive is that the campaign is working for every vote.Moreover, Mr. Obama took his campaign into Republican strongholds. One example is in affluent Hamilton County, just north of Indianapolis, where the Obama campaign has two offices and a strong volunteer base. George W. Bush received three-quarters of Hamilton County's vote in 2000 and 2004. But Mr. Obama has competed hard there, and it shows.Drive around and it's easy to spot SUVs with "Republicans for Obama" bumper stickers, and, for the first time many residents can recall, campaign yard signs for a Democratic presidential candidate dot many of the county's tree-lined neighborhoods.From “Why Obama Is Competitive in Indiana” by Matthew TullyThe Wall Street Journal | November 1, 2008
Mr. Obama's campaign has opened offices in more than a third of the state's 92 counties. Many Republicans initially mocked that effort, calling it a symbolic head-fake.
They were wrong. The offices have added statewide heft and a close-to-home feel to the Obama organization, showing Hoosiers that Mr. Obama's Indiana campaign is about more than TV ads and huge rallies. What the GOP did not realize early on is that residents in many counties had never seen a presidential campaign set up near their homes. When those in struggling steel cities, quiet rural counties and youthful college towns see Obama offices in strip malls and county squares, the message they receive is that the campaign is working for every vote.
Moreover, Mr. Obama took his campaign into Republican strongholds. One example is in affluent Hamilton County, just north of Indianapolis, where the Obama campaign has two offices and a strong volunteer base. George W. Bush received three-quarters of Hamilton County's vote in 2000 and 2004. But Mr. Obama has competed hard there, and it shows.
Drive around and it's easy to spot SUVs with "Republicans for Obama" bumper stickers, and, for the first time many residents can recall, campaign yard signs for a Democratic presidential candidate dot many of the county's tree-lined neighborhoods.
From “Why Obama Is Competitive in Indiana” by Matthew TullyThe Wall Street Journal | November 1, 2008
Click here to read the full article from The Wall Street Journal
Even if you don’t live in Indiana, you can help Barack Obama carry the state by calling your fellow Republicans there with Neighbor to Neighbor. Every call you make will bring us that much closer to victory on November 4th.
Click here to get started
Once you’ve entered the calling campaign, you’ll immediately be provided a simple script and targeted list of voters to call. It’s an easy way to make a big impact.
So read up on Barack’s positions, set aside some time to call, get a full glass of water or a hot cup of coffee, get comfortable, and pick up the phone for Barack.
Call Republicans in Indiana today
We certainly haven’t seen the last of the Powell Effect. Today, Ken Duberstein, White House Chief of Staff to President Ronald Reagan during the last two years of his second term, publicly endorsed Barack Obama. He cited General Colin Powell’s endorsement as “the Good Housekeeping seal of approval.”
Former Reagan adviser endorses Obama | CNN.com | October 31, 2008Former Reagan chief of staff Ken Duberstein told CNN's Fareed Zakaria this week he intends to vote for Democrat Barack Obama on Tuesday.Duberstein said he was influenced by another prominent Reagan official - Colin Powell - in his decision."Well let's put it this way - I think Colin Powell's decision is in fact the good housekeeping seal of approval on Barack Obama."
Former Reagan adviser endorses Obama | CNN.com | October 31, 2008
Former Reagan chief of staff Ken Duberstein told CNN's Fareed Zakaria this week he intends to vote for Democrat Barack Obama on Tuesday.
Duberstein said he was influenced by another prominent Reagan official - Colin Powell - in his decision.
"Well let's put it this way - I think Colin Powell's decision is in fact the good housekeeping seal of approval on Barack Obama."
Click here to read the full article from CNN.com
We particularly liked this one…
Click here for the Republicans for Obama pumpkin stencil from YesWeCarve.com
Carving a pumpkin isn’t the only way to support our campaign. We still need you to call your fellow Republicans in the critical battleground state of Indiana.
Click here to make calls today!
Today, the Wall Street Journal published an article entitled “Republican Party No Longer Owns the Tax Issue” on recent polls showing that a strong majority of Americans prefer Senator Obama’s tax plan over John McCain’s. For decades, tax cuts have been the center piece of nearly every Republican campaign.
But as the title of this article suggests, John McCain’s campaign does not own the tax issue.
Sen. John McCain has made tax policy the centerpiece of his homestretch pitch to voters: The Arizona Republican unveiled an ad Tuesday accusing Sen. Barack Obama of pitching "higher taxes" and planning to "spread your income," then hammered his Democratic rival's economic plan in Pennsylvania.Yet the latest Wall Street Journal/NBC News poll, conducted in mid-October, showed voters preferred Sen. Obama to Sen. McCain on taxes by 14 percentage points. After Labor Day, Sen. McCain had a one-point edge on that issue."It's a stunning reversal of fortune on a core Republican strength," says Republican pollster Neil Newhouse, who helps conduct the poll.From “Republican Party No Longer Owns the Tax Issue” by Jonathan WeismanThe Wall Street Journal | October 29, 2008
Sen. John McCain has made tax policy the centerpiece of his homestretch pitch to voters: The Arizona Republican unveiled an ad Tuesday accusing Sen. Barack Obama of pitching "higher taxes" and planning to "spread your income," then hammered his Democratic rival's economic plan in Pennsylvania.
Yet the latest Wall Street Journal/NBC News poll, conducted in mid-October, showed voters preferred Sen. Obama to Sen. McCain on taxes by 14 percentage points. After Labor Day, Sen. McCain had a one-point edge on that issue.
"It's a stunning reversal of fortune on a core Republican strength," says Republican pollster Neil Newhouse, who helps conduct the poll.
From “Republican Party No Longer Owns the Tax Issue” by Jonathan WeismanThe Wall Street Journal | October 29, 2008
Click here for the Wall Street Journal/NBC News poll showing that a majority of Americans prefer Barack Obama’s tax plan
If you’re still not sure which tax plan is best for you, check out TaxCutFacts.org where you’ll find our tax calculator. With just a few clicks, the calculator shows you how you’d fare under the two candidates’ tax plans.
Click here to try our tax calculator today
Two of our top Republican endorsers, former U.S. Senator Lincoln Chafee and former Michigan State Senator Phil Arthurhultz, have been traveling around Western Michigan campaigning for Barack Obama.
The Ludington Daily News reported on their activities today – focusing particularly on Mr. Arthurhultz, who still holds considerable sway with Michigan Republicans.
“Former Republican State Senator campaigns for Obama: Phil Factor?”Ludington Daily News | October 29, 2008 | by Steve BegnochePhil Arthurhultz is doing something he's never done before. The former state senator who served Mason County for 16 years — including 12 years as Republican Senate Majority Leader — is publicly backing a Democrat for office.Now retired and living in Lansing, the 61-year-old former lawmaker who once called Whitehall home, is traveling around west Michigan campaigning on behalf of the presidential candidacy of Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill. Arthurhultz and former Republican Sen. Lincoln Chaffee have formed Michigan Republicans for Obama.
“Former Republican State Senator campaigns for Obama: Phil Factor?”Ludington Daily News | October 29, 2008 | by Steve Begnoche
Phil Arthurhultz is doing something he's never done before. The former state senator who served Mason County for 16 years — including 12 years as Republican Senate Majority Leader — is publicly backing a Democrat for office.
Now retired and living in Lansing, the 61-year-old former lawmaker who once called Whitehall home, is traveling around west Michigan campaigning on behalf of the presidential candidacy of Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill. Arthurhultz and former Republican Sen. Lincoln Chaffee have formed Michigan Republicans for Obama.
The article went on to quote Phil Arthurhultz on the reasons why he is actively campaigning for Barack Obama. His views echo the sentiment of countless Republicans who are crossing party lines to vote for change in this election.
Arthurhultz said Obama has enough time in the U.S. Senate — four years— to know how the process works and what the levers of power are, “but because he has refused to take funds from the Washington, D.C., lobbyist firms, he can follow through on the changes.”Arthurhultz, named legislator of the year in 1994 by the National Republican Legislators Association, this morning told the Daily News, “It’s really a time for Democrats to put up or shut up.”The conditions exist for a real chance for change. “I think he has the ability to bring America back as (Ronald) Reagan’s 'shining city on the hill' as a beacon of hope to people,” Arthurhultz said of Obama.Furthermore, he said, the nation’s economic system is in shambles and Arthurhultz said, “I think the chance for something new is greater with an Obama presidency than a McCain presidency.”
Arthurhultz said Obama has enough time in the U.S. Senate — four years— to know how the process works and what the levers of power are, “but because he has refused to take funds from the Washington, D.C., lobbyist firms, he can follow through on the changes.”
Arthurhultz, named legislator of the year in 1994 by the National Republican Legislators Association, this morning told the Daily News, “It’s really a time for Democrats to put up or shut up.”
The conditions exist for a real chance for change. “I think he has the ability to bring America back as (Ronald) Reagan’s 'shining city on the hill' as a beacon of hope to people,” Arthurhultz said of Obama.
Furthermore, he said, the nation’s economic system is in shambles and Arthurhultz said, “I think the chance for something new is greater with an Obama presidency than a McCain presidency.”
Click here to read the full article from the Ludington Daily News
Yesterday, we ran a full-page ad on page A4 of USA Today. On the opposite page (A5), was a great article about the unprecedented level of support that Barack Obama has received from business leaders across our country.
“More executives sold on Obama” | USA Today | October 28, 2008By Ken DilanianWASHINGTON — Dan Cooper, a proud member of the National Rifle Association, has backed Republicans for most of his life. He's the chief executive of Cooper Arms, a small Montana company that makes hunting rifles.Cooper said he voted for George W. Bush in 2000, having voted in past elections for every Republican presidential nominee back to Richard Nixon. In October 1992, he presented a specially made rifle to the first President. Bush during a Billings campaign event.This year, Cooper has given $3,300 to the campaign of Democrat Barack Obama. That's on top of the $1,000 check he wrote to Obama's U.S. Senate campaign in 2004, after he was dazzled by Obama's speech at that year's Democratic National Convention.Cooper is a player in one of the little-told dramas of the 2008 presidential campaign: how Obama has been able to out-raise Republican John McCain among swaths of the business community, outperforming previous Democratic presidential nominees in drawing business support.
“More executives sold on Obama” | USA Today | October 28, 2008
By Ken Dilanian
WASHINGTON — Dan Cooper, a proud member of the National Rifle Association, has backed Republicans for most of his life. He's the chief executive of Cooper Arms, a small Montana company that makes hunting rifles.
Cooper said he voted for George W. Bush in 2000, having voted in past elections for every Republican presidential nominee back to Richard Nixon. In October 1992, he presented a specially made rifle to the first President. Bush during a Billings campaign event.
This year, Cooper has given $3,300 to the campaign of Democrat Barack Obama. That's on top of the $1,000 check he wrote to Obama's U.S. Senate campaign in 2004, after he was dazzled by Obama's speech at that year's Democratic National Convention.
Cooper is a player in one of the little-told dramas of the 2008 presidential campaign: how Obama has been able to out-raise Republican John McCain among swaths of the business community, outperforming previous Democratic presidential nominees in drawing business support.
The article went on to cite the different level of support that John Kerry received from businesses in 2004. It’s clear that a large number of business leaders who supported George W. Bush in 2004 now support Barack Obama.
Among Obama's contributors, 5,845 list "CEO" or "chief executive" in their title, compared with 2,597 of McCain's donors, according to election records compiled by CQ MoneyLine. In the 2003-04 cycle, 3,567 of Bush's donors were listed that way, compared with 1,686 for Kerry.
Click here to read the full article from USA Today
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Now read about why these business leaders are supporting Barack Obama:
Click here to read Barack Obama's plan to help small businesses
Click here to read Barack Obama's plan to restore our economic prosperity and stabilize our financial markets
Click here to read about how Barack Obama will create millions of new jobs by investing in green energy
As you likely know, a staggering number of prominent Republicans and conservative newspaper editorial boards have endorsed Barack Obama in the past week. In an effort to get the word out, we put this full-page ad in today’s USA Today:
The ad is on page A4, opposite a great article about business leaders who support Barack. Check it out!
The Powell Effect continues! Today, another prominent Republican endorsed Barack Obama. Charles McCurdy Mathias, Jr. was a Republican U.S. Senator from Maryland from 1969 to 1987.
In his endorsement, Mr. Mathias cited Senator Obama’s promise of, “a clean break from the recent past and tangible hope for a return to fiscal responsibility, economic security and true environmental stewardship,” as well as, “his thoughtful and responsible approach to extricating our troops from Iraq.”
“My Choice: Obama” | The Washington Post | October 28, 2008By Charles McC. Mathias, Jr.In one week, Americans will face a momentous choice. We must decide which of two talented, patriotic individuals is better suited to set the course for the nation and steer it through a stormy sea.I have known John McCain for many years, even before he was first elected to the House of Representatives in 1982. And like so many other television viewers, I have come to know Barack Obama as he has made his spirited quest for the highest office in the land through this long and unprecedented campaign.Sens. Obama and McCain have vastly different backgrounds and strikingly different visions of how America should navigate these tumultuous times. For me, the decision on who should be the next president transcends private friendship or political affiliation. My decision is based on the long-range needs of our country and which of these two candidates I feel is better suited to recharge America's economic health, restore its prestige abroad and inspire anew all people who cherish freedom and equality. For me, that person is Barack Obama.
“My Choice: Obama” | The Washington Post | October 28, 2008
By Charles McC. Mathias, Jr.
In one week, Americans will face a momentous choice. We must decide which of two talented, patriotic individuals is better suited to set the course for the nation and steer it through a stormy sea.
I have known John McCain for many years, even before he was first elected to the House of Representatives in 1982. And like so many other television viewers, I have come to know Barack Obama as he has made his spirited quest for the highest office in the land through this long and unprecedented campaign.
Sens. Obama and McCain have vastly different backgrounds and strikingly different visions of how America should navigate these tumultuous times. For me, the decision on who should be the next president transcends private friendship or political affiliation. My decision is based on the long-range needs of our country and which of these two candidates I feel is better suited to recharge America's economic health, restore its prestige abroad and inspire anew all people who cherish freedom and equality. For me, that person is Barack Obama.
Click here to read the full endorsement article from The Washington Post
As Managing Director and General Counsel at Integration Capital & Trade, Marc Halsema travels around the world to manage his firm’s investments. Two weeks ago, we posted part 1 of his commentary from abroad.
Today, we’re presenting part 2. Below, Marc writes about a foreigner’s perspective on the American Dream.
During my current business travel abroad, I attended a client dinner following a day of meetings at which the conversation inevitably turned to the upcoming American elections. Being naturally curious to hear what our foreign friends think of this country and its politics, I pointedly put the question on the table: Whom do you favor in the upcoming American presidential election and why?After not more than a few seconds of studied thought, our gracious host opined that she favored Barack Obama because – in her words – Senator Obama’s election would confirm to an anxious world that the American Dream still lives and that the United States is reengaged after a long period in the wilderness under the current administration in Washington.The American Dream? When was the last time we heard anyone from abroad talking about the relevance of the American Dream? I was struck by the simple yet elegant force of her answer because it reminded me that the standards to which this country has dedicated itself over time – but which seem to have been so shabbily manhandled and compromised over the last eight years – continue to resonate with those that continue to see America as a beacon of principled leadership in the world.Our host’s simple answer confirmed that this idea of the American Dream still has relevance overseas and Barack Obama as the next president of the United States can – and will – play a central role in its renaissance.
During my current business travel abroad, I attended a client dinner following a day of meetings at which the conversation inevitably turned to the upcoming American elections. Being naturally curious to hear what our foreign friends think of this country and its politics, I pointedly put the question on the table: Whom do you favor in the upcoming American presidential election and why?
After not more than a few seconds of studied thought, our gracious host opined that she favored Barack Obama because – in her words – Senator Obama’s election would confirm to an anxious world that the American Dream still lives and that the United States is reengaged after a long period in the wilderness under the current administration in Washington.
The American Dream? When was the last time we heard anyone from abroad talking about the relevance of the American Dream? I was struck by the simple yet elegant force of her answer because it reminded me that the standards to which this country has dedicated itself over time – but which seem to have been so shabbily manhandled and compromised over the last eight years – continue to resonate with those that continue to see America as a beacon of principled leadership in the world.
Our host’s simple answer confirmed that this idea of the American Dream still has relevance overseas and Barack Obama as the next president of the United States can – and will – play a central role in its renaissance.
The Politico put a spotlight on our group today in the following article:
GOP ‘mavericks’ have concerns with McCain | The Politico | October 27, 2008By Alexander BurnsWhile John McCain’s often-touted maverick tendencies have frequently gotten him into trouble with conservatives in his party, in the waning weeks of the election it’s becoming clear that he’s also got a problem with another Republican constituency: his fellow GOP mavericks. In the past week alone, a handful of liberal, moderate and independent-leaning Republican officials have publicly announced they are supporting Barack Obama. Few of them are still important party figures —and at least one is no longer a member of the Republican Party—but even so, their public repudiation of McCain is a dispiriting blow since his record of breaking with party orthodoxy in many ways resembles their own.Over the summer, former Iowa Congressman and House Banking Committee Chairman James A. Leach, a liberal Republican who also lost his office in 2006, announced his support for Obama and spoke at the Democratic National Convention.And in September, Maryland Congressman Wayne Gilchrest, a moderate who was defeated in the Republican primary in his bid for reelection this year, told a Baltimore radio station he was backing the Obama-Biden presidential campaign.“I think they are prudent, they are knowledgeable,” Gilchrest explained. “We just can’t use four more years of the same kind of policy that’s somewhat hazardous which leads to recklessness.”"By failing to move to the center, he alienated a huge portion of Republicans who are disenchanted from the last eight years," said former Rhode Island Sen. Lincoln Chafee, who left the Republican Party after losing reelection in 2006 and endorsed Obama in February.
GOP ‘mavericks’ have concerns with McCain | The Politico | October 27, 2008
By Alexander Burns
While John McCain’s often-touted maverick tendencies have frequently gotten him into trouble with conservatives in his party, in the waning weeks of the election it’s becoming clear that he’s also got a problem with another Republican constituency: his fellow GOP mavericks.
In the past week alone, a handful of liberal, moderate and independent-leaning Republican officials have publicly announced they are supporting Barack Obama. Few of them are still important party figures —and at least one is no longer a member of the Republican Party—but even so, their public repudiation of McCain is a dispiriting blow since his record of breaking with party orthodoxy in many ways resembles their own.
Over the summer, former Iowa Congressman and House Banking Committee Chairman James A. Leach, a liberal Republican who also lost his office in 2006, announced his support for Obama and spoke at the Democratic National Convention.
And in September, Maryland Congressman Wayne Gilchrest, a moderate who was defeated in the Republican primary in his bid for reelection this year, told a Baltimore radio station he was backing the Obama-Biden presidential campaign.
“I think they are prudent, they are knowledgeable,” Gilchrest explained. “We just can’t use four more years of the same kind of policy that’s somewhat hazardous which leads to recklessness.”
"By failing to move to the center, he alienated a huge portion of Republicans who are disenchanted from the last eight years," said former Rhode Island Sen. Lincoln Chafee, who left the Republican Party after losing reelection in 2006 and endorsed Obama in February.
Click here to read the full article from The PoliticoAnd click here to call your fellow “GOP mavericks” in Indiana!
And click here to call your fellow “GOP mavericks” in Indiana!
On Friday, the New York Daily News reported on the flood of prominent Republicans who have endorsed Barack Obama since General Colin Powell’s endorsement one week ago.
“’The Powell Effect': More Republicans defecting to endorse Barack Obama”The New York Daily News | October 24, 2008WASHINGTON - The Democrats are calling it the "Powell effect."Former Massachusetts Gov. Bill Weld Friday joined the growing list of Republican moderates, neo-cons and former aides to President Bush who have announced that they will vote for Democrat Barack Obama.
“’The Powell Effect': More Republicans defecting to endorse Barack Obama”The New York Daily News | October 24, 2008
WASHINGTON - The Democrats are calling it the "Powell effect."
Former Massachusetts Gov. Bill Weld Friday joined the growing list of Republican moderates, neo-cons and former aides to President Bush who have announced that they will vote for Democrat Barack Obama.
Click here to read the full article from the New York Daily News
We have not been calling it “The Powell Effect”. But in case you haven’t been paying attention, here is a list of the high-profile Republican (and conservative newspaper editorial board) endorsements that Barack Obama has received in the past week:
Larry Pressler, former U.S. Senator from South Dakota
Charles Fried, Solicitor General to President Ronald Reagan
William Weld, former governor of Massachusetts
Scott McClellan, former White House Press Secretary to President George W. Bush
Arne Carlson, former governor of Minnesota
The Los Angeles Times editorial board
The Chicago Tribune editorial board
Colin Powell, former National Security Advisor to President Ronald Reagan, former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to President George H.W. Bush, former Secretary of State to President George W. Bush
And that’s just in the past week! Republicans all across our country are rejecting the politics of the past and joining our movement for change in Washington.
As Barack always says, “Change comes from the bottom up.” And you can take an active role in growing our movement. That’s why we’re asking you to call Republican voters in Indiana, a critical battleground state.
With just 11 days left and early voting already under way in Indiana, every call you make could bring us closer to victory.
Click here to get started today
From Christopher Buckley and General Colin Powell to former White House Press Secretary Scott McClellan and former Solicitor General Charles Fried, in the last week we’ve seen a wave of prominent Republicans come forward to endorse Barack Obama.
This isn’t an isolated trend. Millions of current and former Republicans all across America are rejecting the divisive politics of the past and joining our movement for change in Washington.
Early voting has already started in Indiana, a critical battleground state that is full of Republicans and independents who are ready to vote for change. As these voters take a final look at the candidates and head to the polls, one of the most powerful ways to encourage them to support Barack is by reaching out and having a conversation about the issues that are important to Republicans.
Many of you are already familiar with Neighbor to Neighbor. We have launched a new tool through Neighbor to Neighbor that will allow you to call Republicans in Indiana.
In yesterday’s post, we announced former White House Press Secretary Scott McClellan and former Minnesota governor Arne Carlson’s endorsements. I can assure you that we’re not repeating ourselves here – two more prominent Republicans just announced that they are voting for Barack Obama.
The first is Charles Fried, Solicitor General to President Ronald Reagan and a recent advisor to John McCain’s campaign. Like countless Americans who are deeply concerned with the immense challenges our country faces, Mr. Fried expressed disappointed with the McCain campaign’s recent attempts to distract voters from the issues.
This week, Fried announced that he has voted for Obama-Biden by absentee ballot. In his letter to Trevor Potter, the General Counsel to the McCain-Palin campaign, he asked that his name be removed from the several campaign-related committees on which he serves. In that letter, he said that chief among the reasons for his decision "is the choice of Sarah Palin at a time of deep national crisis."From “Reagan Appointee and (Recent) McCain Adviser Charles Fried Supports Obama”The New Republic | October 24, 2008
This week, Fried announced that he has voted for Obama-Biden by absentee ballot. In his letter to Trevor Potter, the General Counsel to the McCain-Palin campaign, he asked that his name be removed from the several campaign-related committees on which he serves. In that letter, he said that chief among the reasons for his decision "is the choice of Sarah Palin at a time of deep national crisis."
From “Reagan Appointee and (Recent) McCain Adviser Charles Fried Supports Obama”The New Republic | October 24, 2008
Click here to read the full blog post from The New Republic
The second is former Republican governor of Massachusetts, William Weld. Governor Weld cited Barack Obama’s intelligence and steady demeanor.
Weld told the Associated Press that while he has never endorsed a Democrat for president before, his choice in recent weeks became "close to a no-brainer.""It's not often you get a guy with his combination of qualities, chief among which I would say is the deep sense of calm he displays, and I think that's a product of his equally deep intelligence," he said.From “Weld backs Obama”The Boston Globe | October 24, 2008
Weld told the Associated Press that while he has never endorsed a Democrat for president before, his choice in recent weeks became "close to a no-brainer."
"It's not often you get a guy with his combination of qualities, chief among which I would say is the deep sense of calm he displays, and I think that's a product of his equally deep intelligence," he said.
From “Weld backs Obama”The Boston Globe | October 24, 2008
Click here to read the full article from The Boston Globe
Scott McClellan, a former Press Secretary to President George W. Bush, endorsed Barack Obama today. He cited Senator Obama’s platform of bringing real change and reform to Washington.
From the very beginning I have said I am going to support the candidate that has the best chance for changing the way Washington works and getting things done and I will be voting for Barack Obama and clapping.– Scott McClellan on CNN’s “D.L. Hughley Breaks the News”, October 23, 2008
From the very beginning I have said I am going to support the candidate that has the best chance for changing the way Washington works and getting things done and I will be voting for Barack Obama and clapping.
– Scott McClellan on CNN’s “D.L. Hughley Breaks the News”, October 23, 2008
Arne Carlson, the former Republican governor of Minnesota from 1991 to 1999, also threw his support behind Senator Obama today. Governor Carlson expressed his growing disappointment with the tone of John McCain’s campaign and his positive impression of Barack Obama’s leadership style.
The choice of Gov. Sarah Palin as a running mate, and the resultant shallow campaign based on fear and suspicion, looks frighteningly similar to the politics of Karl Rove.Sen. Barack Obama arrived on the political scene as a wind of freshness, unity and idealism. He saw America as it could be if we reached across all divides. This long, grueling campaign has revealed a remarkably disciplined and focused leader who has the potential to become a truly great president.– Governor Arne Carlson, October 23, 2008
The choice of Gov. Sarah Palin as a running mate, and the resultant shallow campaign based on fear and suspicion, looks frighteningly similar to the politics of Karl Rove.
Sen. Barack Obama arrived on the political scene as a wind of freshness, unity and idealism. He saw America as it could be if we reached across all divides. This long, grueling campaign has revealed a remarkably disciplined and focused leader who has the potential to become a truly great president.
– Governor Arne Carlson, October 23, 2008
Today, we sent out an e-mail asking you to do something simple that could help our campaign in a huge way. Watch the video of General Colin Powell's endorsement and share it with your friends and family.
General Powell is one of the most widely-respected soldiers and statesmen of our time -- a unifying figure who has defended our nation in uniform and worked closely with Republicans and Democrats throughout his public life.
Needless to say, Barack was deeply honored to receive his endorsement.
As a prominent Republican – and a donor to John McCain's primary campaign – General Powell forcefully condemned the negative tone of the McCain campaign, and crossed party lines to endorse Barack.
His endorsement is one of many from Republicans all across the nation – Americans who are tired of the divisive politics of the last eight years, and have come forward to say, like General Powell, "I'll be voting for Barack Obama."
Watch and share General Powell's endorsement today:
This campaign is dedicated to the ideal that real change comes from the ground up. And if each of us takes the time to engage our friends and family – to talk to those people who are most likely to listen – we can bring in thousands of new supporters to join our movement for change in Washington.
We need a leader who demonstrates thoughtful calm and grace under pressure, one not prone to volatile gesture or capricious pronouncement. We need a leader well-grounded in the intellectual and legal foundations of American freedom. Yet we ask that the same person also possess the spark and passion to inspire the best within us: creativity, generosity and a fierce defense of justice and liberty.Los Angeles Times | October 19, 2008
Los Angeles Times | October 19, 2008
Click here to read the full endorsement article from the Los Angeles Times
The Chicago Tribune editorial board emphasized the enormous challenges our country faces, and Barack Obama's ability to, "lead us through a perilous time and restore in us a common sense of national purpose."
We have tremendous confidence in his intellectual rigor, his moral compass and his ability to make sound, thoughtful, careful decisions. He is ready. The change that Obama talks about so much is not simply a change in this policy or that one. It is not fundamentally about lobbyists or Washington insiders. Obama envisions a change in the way we deal with one another in politics and government. His opponents may say this is empty, abstract rhetoric. In fact, it is hard to imagine how we are going to deal with the grave domestic and foreign crises we face without an end to the savagery and a return to civility in politics.Chicago Tribune | October 17, 2008
Chicago Tribune | October 17, 2008
Click here to read the full endorsement article from the Chicago Tribune
Of the 112 newspapers endorsing Barack Obama in this election, 22 endorsed George W. Bush in 2004. 39 newspapers have endorsed John McCain this year, and only one of those endorsed John Kerry in our last election.
One of Barack Obama's most dedicated Republican endorsers, Congressman Jim Leach, is a full time contributor to the daily blog of politico.com/arena. The question posed yesterday was:
What is your reaction to Colin Powell's endorsement of Obama and his criticism of the Republican campaign?
This was his response:
As an individual who rose to the top of the greatest equal opportunity employer in the world, the United States Armed Forces, Colin Powell is America's best known public servant who has largely been above politics. His endorsement is thus singularly legitimizing for the Obama campaign. In his statement General Powell chose to make an important admonition and observation. The admonition is that we should stop polarizing ourselves; the observation is the imperative need for America to convey new leadership and play a new role in the world. In the past month Americans have come to be faced with a unprecedented set of economic challenges. This has caused us to look inward, but the fact is that a revival of American international leadership will be required if our economy as well as foreign policy are to be re-balanced. More of the same, Powell strongly implied, doesn't fit the times.
