AP: Obama Hits Streets in Grass-Roots Effort

[flpoljunkie]

Obama Hits Streets in Grass-Roots Effort
By MIKE GLOVER, Associated Press Writer

Saturday, June 9, 2007
(06-09) 19:08 PDT Dubuque, Iowa (AP) --

Democratic presidential contender Barack Obama hit the streets Saturday in what he said was an unprecedented grass-roots focus as the campaign for the nomination begins to take shape in a handful of states which hold early tests of strength.

"What we are kicking off this weekend is what we are claiming is the biggest grass-roots canvass, this early, in presidential campaign history," said Obama. "We have people canvassing from New York to San Diego, all across the country."

"In our history, change has always come from the bottom up," said Obama. "In a presidential campaign we've become so accustomed to TV ads and big money and big fundraisers and debates."

Obama said he would take his case directly to the grass roots, in hopes of developing a mandate for change should he succeed in winning the White House. Media-driven campaigns often don't lead to that kind of change.

<>"The fact is that is not how change happens," said Obama. "You can elect a president who says all the right things, but if the American people aren't energized and mobilized to put pressure and hold our government officials accountable, then the lobbyists and the special interests will intervene, they will block, they will parry and they will prevent the kind of change that is needed."

"It's a testimony to the degree to which people are so invested in change," said Obama, "They are hungry and they want to turn the page. I can't do it by myself and that's why I'm here today."

http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2007/06/09/politics/p134758D15.DTL

[illinoisprogressive]

1. The people in Iowa must have been thrilled to see Obama.

What a treat. To have this extraordinary man show up on your front porch. oh my.
But, I believe so many are ready for change and new ideas and directions. here in Illinois we are still crazy about our Senator so, they should say something to everyone else that he is doing something right.

[saracat]

2. No more so than any other candidate! Iowans are used to candidates showing up at their door

and Obama is just another candidate to them.

[Colobo]

3. Yeah, Obama's nobody.

[saracat]

5. Obama isn't a "nobody" . I just said he is just another candidate!

It was implied the Iowans would be "thrilled" with his appearing at their door.And I don't think they would be anymore thrilled by Obama than Hillary or Edwards or several others!

[zulchzulu]

4. That's how you do it!

You get off your chairs, log off your computers and get yourself on the street and meet people. Talk it up.

More where that came from...