Dear Friend,

BarackObama.com/Match Help us reach 7,500 new supporters by the end of the week. Double your impact by making a matched donation today:

I'm reporting for BarackObama.com today from New York City. There is an air of anticipation throughout the Big Apple, and the grassroots Obama supporters here are fired up and ready to go.

They're ready for the big rally on Thursday afternoon, and they're also ready to step up and match your donation.

Thousands of New Yorkers have come forward to double your impact if you give right now:

https://donate.barackobama.com/match

We're just a few days away from a financial reporting deadline that will help shape this race for the rest of the year, and our goals are ambitious: 500,000 donations from 350,000 people by September 30th.

To do it, we need 7,500 people to give to this campaign for the first time before the end of the week. Are you ready to take the next step and get involved? Donate now, and another supporter will double your donation:

https://donate.barackobama.com/match

Here are a few examples of what New Yorkers who participated this week had to say:

Carter, a Consulting Services Manager from Brooklyn, NY promised to double someone's gift, and inspired Sandra, a retired educator from Lady Lake, FL:

"I'm giving $25 a month, which isn't tough to do but adds up for the campaign. I'm actually a registered Republican, but Obama comes across as the first truly honest presidential front-runner I've ever seen. I'm hoping he has an opportunity to clean up the graft from the federal government, which in addition to being immoral, leads to an enormously wasteful government."
-Carter

"Many years ago when I first traveled overseas, I was amazed at how much Americans were appreciated in South America because Jack Kennedy had made us beloved there. And that was nearly 20 years after his presidency! I believe that President Obama could help us get to that place of being loved and respected in the world again. Although after the current administration it will be a much tougher job... but he is the person for that job!"
-Sandra

Ginger, a student at Columbia University in New York, NY promised to match someone's gift and inspired Michael, a teacher from Belcamp, MD:

"It feels great to be an official part of this campaign -- so much more engaging than just sitting around and talking about it. I'm not able to work full time for Barack Obama, but at least my dollars can... Join me!"
-Ginger

"Barack Obama is the first candidate, at any level, that I feel truly excited about. Go Obama!"
-Michael

Sonya, a research assistant from Watertown, MA promised to match someone's gift and inspired Nicolette, a retail worker from Scotia, NY:

"I wonder if you're like me -- that you don't have much to spare, but you believe in Barack Obama. Because that's why I continue to give, just a little bit, each time. We need change in America soooo much. Thank you."
-Sonya

"I'm glad there's people like you. Although we have little to spare, we desperately need change in America. I also believe, like you, that Barack Obama can bring some of this much needed change. Thank you for helping."
-Nicolette

A note like that could be waiting for you if you make your donation right now. Someone is ready to match whatever amount you choose -- so double your impact and donate now:

https://donate.barackobama.com/match

People from all walks of life, in cities and towns across the country, are connecting with one another. I spent a few days reading stories and talking to folks who participated in our donor match campaign. I met a convenience store clerk from California, a quiltmaker from Massachusetts, and a college student from Montana.

These people are doing more than just doubling one another's impact. They are telling their stories and sharing their hopes for a better, more sensible, and more compassionate United States of America. This is what makes this campaign -- this movement -- so unique: People are reaching out to one another because they believe they can change things together.

The sense I got from these conversations is that we support Barack because we share a deep and urgent need for change. We've had enough of politics-as-usual, and we understand that the best way to realize that change is by coming together, taking a stake in this campaign, and building an unprecedented grassroots movement.

This week, the campaign is facing the usual end of quarter fundraising deadlines. But, rather than relying on big checks from Washington lobbyists or PACs, we're taking it upon ourselves to redefine the goals.

By this Sunday, September 30th, we hope to reach 500,000 donations from 350,000 people. That's a goal no one has ever reached before. We can reach that goal.

Someone is waiting to match your donation right now. Take the next step and own a piece of this campaign:

https://donate.barackobama.com/match

I'll keep you updated from New York on the blog. Try to make it to Manhattan for the rally on Thursday. And if you can't, remember that by stepping up and contributing to our match campaign -- by joining our movement now and doubling your impact with a matched donation -- you will be a part of what happens in Washington Square Park.

When Barack comes to the stage, we'll cheer with everything we've got -- not simply because he's given us hope, but because we've given each other hope.

Thank you,

Sam

Sam Graham-Felsen
Blogger
Obama for America
www.barackobama.com/blog