Obama's Grass Roots Budget Campaign

The DNC (Democratic National Committee) will be using the grass roots backing that helped to put Obama in the White House to promote his budget agenda.  Obama has a long fight ahead of him, looking to pass $3.55 trillion in spending. By using Organizing for America (OFA), the Obama administration hopes to use is 13 million supporters to sway Congress in voting for Obama’s budget.

Plouffe on OFA

Obama’s former campaign manger, David Plouffe, is now an adviser to OFA.  The group is leveraging his skill by using him to send out an e-mail to Obama supporters that calls for participation in a neighborhood canvass this coming Saturday to urge their neighbors support of the budget.

Easily Contact Your Representative

The DNC website will be unveiling a useful tool that will allow users to find who their representatives are and get contact information.  This will make it easy for constituents to get their voices heard about the budget.  Of course, there is no reason Republicans could not use the same tool to oppose the budget if they wished.

Groundbreaking Campaign

There has never been any campaign that so directly involved the American people.  Obama’s mastery of the internet and electronic communications is a major ingredient in his success in reaching the White House.

Republicans Should Step Lightly

Republican opposition to the budget should be careful in how it responds.  They have played easily into the Democrat’s hands by failing to offer alternatives or helpful cooperation.  With their flat refusal to accept the stimulus plan, despite concessions in the plan by the Obama administration, they have dug their heels in. The Democrats have seized on the Republican’s unwillingness to cooperate, calling them “The Party of No”.

Popular Mandate

Obama has huge popular support, which can easily be interpreted as a public mandate. In an open letter to members, OFA declared, “For everyone who questions why the President has offered this plan, these pledges will be the answer: because the American people demanded it.”

If you would like to take part in a neighborhood canvass this weekend, go to the Organizing For America and promise your support.