AP - The city of Springfield plans to bill Barack Obama's presidential campaign about $50,000 to cover expenses related to the August rally he held to introduce Delaware Sen. Joe Biden as his running mate, officials said Tuesday.
"I talked to my mother, and I convinced her to vote for Barack." -- Marriza in Hot Springs, Arkansas
When David Plouffe talks about the campaign's "persuasion army," he's talking about people like Marizza and millions like her who step out of their comfort zone to talk to neighbors, friends, and family members about why they support Barack Obama.
As Marriza explained:
This may not seem like a big accomplishment, but my mother is scary and is the matriarch of a large family. She may even convince others in the family who are currently undecided.
From Robbie in Bowie, Maryland:
My 17 year old daughter will be casting her first vote for Obama and also convinced my Rebublican wife to change parties and vote for Obama as well.
From Michele in Huntington Beach, California:
I convinced my Independent sister in Hawaii to vote for Obama. Now I'm working on my two Republican sisters and Republican mom ...
Julia in Richmond, Virginia first reached out to her family during the primary:
I sent out a letter to some family members as well. I started out with my grandparents and uncle, as I knew they were my best bets. The letter just explained some of the reasons as to why I supported Obama. My grandmother wrote back and said that she was actually a John Edwards supporter, but not only would she contribute, she said she would ensure my grandfather did separately as well, making it two new donations! She also said that she was unaware of many of the things listed in my letter, and promised to read up more on the issues and consider voting for him.
And from James in New York:
I am proud to say I got all five members of my family -- my parents and three sisters -- to vote for Obama in November. Previously my sister has only voted once ... No one in my family had a desire to vote this year, so I talked them all into voting for Obama ... And one of my sisters told me that she talked a bunch of her friends into voting for the first time, and they are going to be registering soon and supporting Obama.
It's not always easy, but when it comes to your family and the people you know, Barack has no more effective advocate than you.
Do you have a family member who's undecided, who's hesitant to support Barack or is unsure whether or not they're going to vote at all? Have you had "the talk" with them yet? Let us know in the comments below who you plan to reach out to between now and November, or email us at blog@barackobama.com. Because Barack Obama's persuasion army is you.
