I've been a member of this community now for almost 2 years. Well, actually, I've been coming to this site for about 3, but only started participating for about 2.
Over that time I've seen members of this site open up their wallets for fundraising drives time and again. I remember Kos' blue majority appeals prior to the 2006 midterm elections and I've seen us rally behind special election candidates like Bill Foster in Il-14.
But nothing I have seen compared to the incredible outpouring of support that I witnessed yesterday.
It started simply enough, recent Obama supporter and Superdelegate Ben Chandler (D-6) of Kentucky was being harassed for his recent endorsement of the Illinois Senator. You can read the initial report from Politico here.
Upon hearing this DKos diarist saintcog took it upon his/herself to set up an Action Alert Diary to get Chandler's back.
The response was absolutely astonishing.
As of right now, Daily Kos has raised nearly $20,000 for Congressman Chandler on ActBlue.
Here's what we have raised today.
8:40 AM - $2,500.00
11:15 - $4,000.00
12:15 PM - $5,000.00
12:40 - $6,000.00
1:45 - $7,000.00
2:30 - $8,000.00
3:20 - $9,000.00
4:10 - $10,000!!!!
4:50 - $11,000.00
5:18 - $12,000.00
6:21 - $13,000.00
7:04 - $14,000.00
7:50 - $15,000.!!!!
4:00 AM (7AM EST) - $17,500.00
5:30 AM - $18,000.00
7:10 AM - $19,000.00
It's no secret that Daily Kos has become the internet home of some of the most ardent Barack Obama supporters, but for users to go out of there way to back up one of the 243 Superdelegates that have backed the Senator is truly remarkable.
Most importantly, however, it sends a clear message to all the undecided Superdelegates out there:
If you support Barack Obama, we will get your back.
I can't think of a more powerful tool at our disposal to get Superdelegates to swing.
So, what now?
Well, obviously I'd like to see Ben Chandler hit $20,000 today. But more importantly, we need to make it known to all remaining undecided Supers that if you back Barack, we'll help you out if you are ever in trouble.
Obama supporters are the most passionate and politically aware supporters I have seen in my lifetime and we need to make sure everyone knows about it.
Yesterday, I fired off this e-mail to undecided Superdelegate Joe Courtney (D-2) of Connecticut to urge him to support Senator Obama:
Good Evening,
My name is *** ***** and I am writing to you today to urge Rep. Courtney to endorse Illinois Senator Barack Obama in the Presidential race.
As an active member of the CT Democratic Party, I canvassed and worked as a staging director for Senator Obama's campaign in the state this past February. However, I also canvassed for Congressman Courtney in 2006. It was an honor for me to cast my first ever vote in Connecticut for Congressman Courtney and he has done nothing but impress me during his first term in Washington.
There are three major reasons why I believe that Congressman Courtney would be well-served to back Senator Obama:
- Last February, Senator Obama defeated Hillary Clinton in Connecticut by almost 15,000 votes 51% to 47%
- Barack Obama currently leads Senator Clinton in overall delegates by a margin of 1730-1596 (as of this morning).
- During that Feb. 5 primary Barack Obama drove up voter participation in the college towns of Mansfield (UConn) and Windham (Eastern Connecticut State) more than two-fold. I'm sure I don't have to tell you that in such a tight district a surge in turnout inspired by Obama could make a huge difference.
Thank you very much for your time and I look forward to hearing back from you.
Courtney '08!
Obama '08!
Sincerely,
**** ******
Today, I sent this follow-up e-mail:
Good Morning,
Yesterday evening I sent an e-mail to Congressman Courtney urging him to support Senator Barack Obama for President. I won't rehash my arguments, rather I am writing today to add an important additional one.
Two days ago Congressman Courtney's colleague Ben Chandler (D-6) of Kentucky announced his support for Senator Obama. However, yesterday Congressman Chandler was harassed for his decision. The blog Dailykos.com, home to a rabid base of Obama supporters, took notice of Rep. Chandler's situation and took action.
Members of the blog have presently raised almost $20,000 for Rep. Chandler.
You can read all about it here: http://www.dailykos.com/...
I mention this only to show how supportive and informed Barack Obama supporters are. They acknowledge and appreciate support and, if necessary, are willing to reward it by calling, walking, organizing and at times donating.
I hope this influences your decision.
Sincerely,
**** *****
I'd urge all users to do the same to any undecided Superdelegates in their area.
In Markos' book, Crashing the Gate, Kos talks about how there is no "Movement Progressivism" to counter "Movement Conservatism." While that is certainly true, what Senator Obama is building with us in 2008 seems to certainly be putting us on the right path.
UPDATE: User Smash Artist brings up a very important point which I myself forgot. The Obama campaign does not want us to contact the Superdelegates directly. Instead, they'd like you to submit your letters to the campaign.
You can do so at the contact page here.
Or, even better, if anyone knows of a specific address to send it to, please list it below.