Ok, after having to suffer through this ad 5 times now I needed an outlet...

Bloomberg - Aug. 1 (Bloomberg) -- The three-dozen strangers gathered at Manassas, Virginia's city hall gave up their Friday night to come up with a wish list for the nation. Brenda Kelley-Nelum, 65, a retired auditor, bemoaned health-care costs. Teacher Christine Dunn, 38, said inner-city schools needed to be safer. Accountant Lee Shaffer, 57, criticized the federal deficit.

Obama is taking a slide in the polls since returning from his "world tour." Apparently Obama has decided to fallback on a reliable hand. For once, it appears that someone has found the backbone to call Obama's bluff.

Almost 2 million supporters have come together to build up a movement for change since Barack announced his candidacy for president last February. And over the past 17 months, supporters have joined this effort to bring Americans together, end the divisive politics of Washington, and give government back to the people.

Jackie in New Mexico:

I am a 59-year-old female and have never donated to a political candidate before Barack. I heard him speak here at Santa Fe Community College where I work and, I guess like so many others, for the first time in such a very long time, I did have hope again, and I cried.

I'd all but given up on ever again believing in our political system, in ever again thinking that it could work for the good of the people or that anyone would make any sense again. And then I heard him speak and my heart nearly broke. I really didn't want to trust again. I was so crushed by what had happened to our idealism, in the sixties but he really did give me hope.

Travis in Washington, DC:

I recently started what I am calling the "Obama Diet" (no, I am not trying to become as skinny as Obama). For the past two years, I have gone out and paid for lunch every single day. Now, I keep a loaf of bread at my desk so I can make peanut butter and jelly sandwiches at lunch.

The money I save goes to Obama. This is not much of a sacrifice when compared to what people in much more difficult financial circumstances are doing for Obama - like my grandmother, who saves money from her Social Security checks to donate - but it's a fun way to help the campaign.

Cindi in Utah:

Barack Obama has inspired me to become involved with the political process for the first time in my life. I am a 42-year-old typical white woman who grew up in Texas in a "backward, redneck" home.

My oldest son heard Barack speak at an event in Los Angeles (my son is attending Occidental College) and was so impressed by Barack. I started watching the primary process and listening to Barack myself. I became inspired to get involved. I have never voted in a primary, a city or a state election, nor have I ever campaigned or donated to a campaign until this year.
I heard on the radio that the Obama campaign had an office here in St. George, Utah, and I called the radio station to find out the address and went immediately to the office and started making phone calls. I also went door to door asking people to get out and vote. This is quite a feat because I tend to suffer from social anxiety, but I did it – while having anxiety attacks – because I felt it was so important for our country.

Barack inspired me to want to make a difference and to be a better person. Barack Obama is what our country needs at this time. His time is NOW! I feel Barack is the one candidate who can bring this change about. I wanted to do all I could to make a difference even with being a busy mother of 7 (5 of my own and 2 step-children).

We cannot do it alone but together we can make a difference – Yes, we can!!!

Anthony in California:

I have been a registered Republican for some time and changed my registration to independent in 2007 because I became disillusioned with the party. I am inspired by Barack Obama. I am proud to donate to the campaign, inform others about the truth and fight the smears as well as make it to the polls in November and bringing as many as I can with me.

With fewer than 100 days to go, our supporters are coming together and bringing their friends into this movement. Join them today.

In the absence of a substantive campaign Senator McCain has been playing the accusation game. Each week, or every other day, McCain accuses Obama of something or other. It really doesn't matter what McCain accuses Obama of; one can almost fill in the blank.

Barack Obama's return to Iowa today was bittersweet. The Senator received a warm welcome from many who remember his visits in 2007, long before the first vote was cast in any of the historic primaries or caucuses of this cycle's nominating contest. But the city was far different today, still in recovery from severe flooding suffered last month.

Hardships faced by the people of Cedar Rapids are only compounded by economic challenges facing all Americans, whether it be increasing job insecurity or higher prices at the gas pump. Barack took some time this morning to meet with officials and residents to see how the federal government can enter into a partnership in the face of such tragedy.

At a town hall in Cedar Rapids, Senator Obama reminded those in attendance of the clear choice we have in this election: To choose a way to move forward or to stick with the policies of the last eight years.

On this day in Iowa, there was no doubt that Americans are ready for something new, whether it be an energy policy that makes sense, or an end to "low road" politics.

It was also clear that the Iowans here felt a sense of ownership and pride in a Presidential campaign that began in VFW halls and high school gymnasiums all across their great state.

Arun Chaudhary
July 31st 2008
En route to St. Petersburg, Florida

It's not even quite August yet and he's still ahead in the polls, but Barack Obama has played the race card, claiming that he expects Republicans to inject race into the campaign.

This summer the Obama campaign is building a robust, 50-state campaign. We're going to make sure that every voice is heard and every supporter has a chance to get involved. Throughout the primaries, people declared their support for Barack and took action in their communities - and for many, this was their first political experience.

Martin in Nevada:

I am a self-employed Certified Public Accountant who started my own firm one year ago. Money is tight. We, my wife and two teenage children, have had to manage our money carefully and are able to make ends meet on my wife's earnings (she is working three jobs) plus my small contributions from my fledgling business. To date we have both donated to Barack Obama's campaign in amounts that are significant for us.

Although I am 57-years-old, I have NEVER made a contribution to ANY candidate. I was a registered Republican before changing my party affiliation to Democrat in order to vote for Barack in Nevada's caucus. America is at the crossroads of history. I believe we must take this path to heal our national soul and to return us to the path of moral high ground. In the past eight years, we, as a nation, have deviated from this path and now find ourselves on the WRONG side of too many issues. 

Linda in North Carolina:

I'm 60-years-old and will be 61 before the election. I was raised in a politically active (albeit Republican) family and was a “child of the sixties,” graduating from college in 1969. But until this year, I had never worked for nor donated to any political campaign . . . NEVER. I know my story isn't unique, which is precisely what is so wonderful about this election. (As a note, not ALL of those 'over 60 white women' are for McCain.)

Vanessa in New York:

It's sad to say, but true, that this is the first time I've donated to a presidential campaign. But finally someone has come along who truly inspires me to be a better person, to try to make change happen in the world and in my life, AND to believe that big dreams can come true. I believe in Barack Obama and what he can do for our country. I will be so proud as an American to be able to introduce this man as the president of our fine country!

With your help, we can keep the momentum going and continue to involve the American people in this campaign, this movement. Join us today.

"There are things you can do individually, though, to save energy," Obama said. "Making sure your tires are properly inflated – simple thing.

Reuters - Republican White House hopeful John McCain accused Democrat Barack Obama on Thursday of playing racial politics in some of the most biting back-and-forth of the presidential campaign.