I just sent the Obama campaign a donation. As many of you know, there is a space at the bottom of the campaign's donation page where donors can type a message.
I would encourage everyone who donates to also give the campaign a piece of your mind. Here's what I just sent them:
Hello,
My family and I have volunteered for the Obama campaign this year. We are energized and excited to be in a swing state this year. I plan to phone bank and canvass over the weekend. Senator Obama has inspired me more than any Presidential Candidate in my lifetime.
But I am very disappointed with the way this campaign is being run. And I am afraid that we are seeing a replay of 1988,2000 and 2004.
This year I told myself "it won't be like that again. Obama is a stronger candidate than Kerry,Gore or Dukakis." And I still believe he is, but he's not acting like it right now.
When McCain ran his "teaching sex to kindergartners" ad, where was the response from Obama?
He should have responded with a blistering attack on McCain and with the truth about that ad. And emphasize that this vote was intended to protect children from predators and inappropriate touching. Believe it or not, voters like it when politicians say they want to protect children.
Planned Parenthood has responded to the ad, why hasn't this campaign responded?
Earlier this week, a story broke about Sarah Palin's tenure as mayor of Wasilla. I turns out that Wasilla was charging rape victims for their rape exams. This is disgraceful. And it's a story that could help Obama with some of the voters fooled by Palin. Yet so far, this is the only response from the campaign:
Obama campaign chief spokesman Bill Burton's response... "We're familiar with it. Saw the AP story. We are familiar with it."
That's it!!
This is a damning story. Maybe not an "election clincher", but it certainly would occupy a few news cycles. It shows that Palin is insensitive to survivors of rape. And it shows that McCain showed poor judgment when he selected her.
And it should be easy to respond. The Senator Obama is the greatest orator to come along in a long time. So why isn't his campaign using this to its advantage? He is at his best when speaking in public, not into a camera in a studio.
Here are some ideas for campaign ads:
If Palin or McCain lies about Obama's record, he should speak out against it as soon as possible. Portions of the speech could be edited into a commercial.
And no, his campaign shouldn't just consist of reacting to McCain/Palin attacks. Give speeches and create ads that highlight his plans for the country. Edit them into a commercial.
I don't claim to know better than the professionals, but I think the campaign should at least try a little harder. This isn't civics class. It's not about winning a morality contest. This a war. So far it would seem that the Bill Burtons and David Plouffes don't understand that.
I am still optimistic. I will continue to volunteer for Senator Obama's campaign because I feel it's my duty as a citizen to do everything I can to make the world a better place.
But when highly paid campaign officials don't seem to be trying as hard as the volunteers, it sends a very frustrating and potentially dispiriting message.
So I'm asking Senator and Obama and his campaign to fight harder for the future of this country. And fight now.
Thank you,
JaceInVA
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Please send your frustrations to the Obama campaign. It's cathartic and possibly more effective than just commenting on each others diaries.