FRIDAY

2008-02-15 22:56

David Plouffe, BarackObama.com to me
Earle --

Share your storyAs you've probably heard, there could be a wildcard in the race for the Democratic nomination.

We firmly believe that the candidate who has won the most pledged delegates -- the result of having more voters in more places supporting your campaign -- will be the Democratic nominee.

But to be safe, we are working to attract the support of "superdelegates" -- party officials and Democratic officeholders from across the country -- who also have a vote at the Democratic National Convention.

You may already know some superdelegates -- they include senators, governors, and even former presidents and vice presidents. But many others are ordinary people who hold positions in the state and local party operations.

These nearly 800 superdelegates will vote alongside the more than 3,000 pledged delegates who are chosen in the various state primaries and caucuses. The candidate that gets a majority of all delegates (superdelegates and pledged delegates combined) will be the Democratic nominee for president.

Right now, Barack is ahead in the contest for pledged delegates. We've won 23 contests out of the 35 that have been held so far -- including the last 8 in a row. And with our decisive victories in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, DC on Tuesday, we now lead by more than 135 pledged delegates in the race for the Democratic nomination.

While we intend to continue winning states and expanding our lead among the pledged delegates, and believe that will likely ensure that Barack is the Democratic nominee, we're also doing the work of reaching out to superdelegates and making sure as many as possible support Barack Obama.

Here's where you can play a key role.

Our work so far has taught us one important lesson: that your personal story about why you support Barack Obama is often the most powerful persuasion tool for someone who's undecided. That's true whether that undecided voter is your neighbor or a superdelegate.

The story of where you're from, what brought you into the political process, the issues that matter to you, and why you became part of this movement has the potential to inspire someone who could cast a deciding vote in this contest.

Our staff will compile stories from supporters like you and make them a key part of the conversation with superdelegates as Barack asks for their support.

Share your story to help persuade superdelegates now:
my.barackobama.com/superdelegates

I've received a lot of email from folks asking how best to help with the superdelegate effort, and this is it.

Your note, combined with those of other Obama supporters, will tell the story of an extraordinary movement of ordinary people -- a story with a common thread of hope that becomes all the more powerful when it brings together the diverse backgrounds and experiences of our supporters.

Together we're building something historic, and your story can help make someone else a part of it.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Thank you,

David

David Plouffe
Campaign Manager
Obama for America

McCain Calls for Obama to Use Public Financing -

www.nytimes.com/2008/02/15/us/politics/15cnd-campaign.html?ex=1360818000&en=ec50b88ba8d5c10b&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss

GOP Growing Irritated With Huckabee
from U.S. News & World Report
Republican officials and aides to John McCain are growing concerned that the longer presidential candidate Mike Huckabee stays in the race, the more it will suck money, attention, and support away from the likely eventual nominee.

www.usnews.com/blogs/news-desk/2008/02/15/gop-growing-irritated-with-huckabee.html?s_cid=rss:gop-growing-irritated-with-huckabee.html

Rep. Lewis: Report of delegate switch to Obama 'not accurate' -
Atlanta Journal Constitution -

news.google.com/news/url?sa=T&ct=us/4-0-0&fd=R&url=http://www.ajc.com/master/content/news/stories/2008/02/15/lewis_0215.html&cid=1132620110&ei=zgC2R4epDZDgqwOcwaHRDQ

Former President Bush to Endorse McCain -

thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/02/15/bush-41-to-endorse-mccain/index.html?ex=1360818000&en=759640208b7fabdf&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss

Obama Embraces Right to Bear Arms... -
ed note: the one issue we do NOT agree on

feeds.feedburner.com/~r/FeedPalooza/lwDu/~3/235695832/article.php

Obama Explains His Campaign Strategy -

www.usnews.com/articles/news/campaign-2008/2008/02/15/obama-explains-his-campaign-strategy.html?s_cid=rss:obama-explains-his-campaign-strategy.html

One-on-One With Barack Obama: Exclusive Interview -

www.usnews.com/articles/news/campaign-2008/2008/02/15/one-on-one-with-barack-obama-exclusive-interview.html?s_cid=rss:one-on-one-with-barack-obama-exclusive-interview.html

Like Voters, Black Politicians are Split on Hillary and Obama -

www.usnews.com/articles/news/campaign-2008/2008/02/15/like-voters-black-politicians-are-split-on-hillary-and-obama.html?s_cid=rss:like-voters-black-politicians-are-split-on-hillary-and-obama.html

Clinton picks up a belated delegate -
Los Angeles Times -

news.google.com/news/url?sa=T&ct=us/4-2-0&fd=R&url=http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/politics/la-na-newmex15feb15,1,2952898.story&cid=1132566028&ei=LM61R47ZBo2uqwOqyIzrCA

Pelosi To Super Delegates: Don't overrule the voters; Florida, Michigan should NOT make the difference... -

feeds.feedburner.com/~r/FeedPalooza/lwDu/~3/235804018/detail

Black Leader, a Clinton Ally, Tilts to Obama... -

feeds.feedburner.com/~r/FeedPalooza/lwDu/~3/235556050/15clinton.html

A New Name in the McCain Veepstakes -

www.usnews.com/blogs/capital-commerce/2008/02/15/a-new-name-in-the-mccain-veepstakes.html?s_cid=rss:a-new-name-in-the-mccain-veepstakes.html

Black Superdelegates Move to Obama -

feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AbcNews_TopStories/~3/235537563/story

Clinton Leads Obama In R.I., U. Poll ... -