I want you all to remember one thing above all else: you did this. This Presidency is YOURS, it belongs to you and to the millions of Americans who took back their country tonight.
I can't possibly tell you what it means to me personally to see this man elected President of the United States - but I can tell you what it means to America.
The word is Hope. And today, for the first time in a long time it is the driving force in American life.
This is a beginning, not an end. But what a start!
I don’t know about you, but I’ve had more than my share of sleepless nights on this campaign. From the nail biting primary to the excitement of the Convention – from my worries about Palin to my hopes for change in America, I have lost many nights of sleep.
But we’re not alone. People all across America are lying awake at night for different reasons. They’re worried about how they are going to pay their mortgage – whether they can send their children to college. Small business owners, including some in my own family, are worried about whether they can make it through another month on credit. Military families are tossing and turning as they think about their loved ones far from home.
So as much as I am personally engaged in this race, I thought it was worth taking a moment to remember something that Barack always says. This election isn’t about me. It’s not even about him. It’s about THEM – the millions who deserve better opportunities for themselves and their families. It’s about US – the millions who have decided to turn the hope for a better America into the reality of action. It’s about YOU – each of you who has amazed me every day with your determination, your commitment, your passion and your unstoppable hard work.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
I have one last thing to ask of you. Please take the time today and tomorrow to call US voters back in the States. The Obama campaign has set up an online tool to allow you to access contact details for critical voters we need to reach in this final push to Get Out the Vote. You just need to log in from the comfort of your own home. Use a US address and phone number to register on the website (perhaps of a relative of friend in the states?) then chose the targetted swing state that you want to call. One tip - we expect to be overwhelmed with volunteers using this tool, so it might be a good idea to print out your list of calls early in the day to avoid being blocked if the site slows down later.
I’d like each of you to commit to making 100 calls today and tomorrow. Please e-mail me to let me know when you have completed your target, for a well-earned pat on the back!
Want to learn more about how to use this online tool and get an in person update on the state of the race with just one day (!) to go? Come to our final Monday night meeting tonight:
There are many opportunities to celebrate election night with your fellow Americans – I have listed some of them below. I’d particularly recommend the first one – hosted by a huge US expats meetup. It’s free of charge and in a very groovy space.
American Meetup US Election Night Party London Time: from 8pm – ‘til late Location: The Light, 233 Shoreditch High St, London, E1 6PJ (near Liverpool Street) Info: Watch the results on the big screen all night (late license), no cover charge. RSVP/More Information: http://www.meetup.com/americansabroad/calendar/8875408/
Chicago Rib Shack 56th US Election Viewing Party Time: 8pm - 6:30am breakfast Location: 145 Knightsbridge, London, SW1X 7PA Info: Drink/Food: extended license and will be serving a late supper (1:00am) and breakfast (6:30am) Tickets: £25 pp RSVP, and for more information: bookings@thechicagoribshack.co.uk
Progressive Vision at Yate’s Wine Bar Time: 8pm - 4am Location: Yates's Wine Bar, 30 Leicester Square, WC2H 7LA Tickets: Standard: includes two complimentary drinks and food all evening £35.00 pp; VIP: Special VIP lounge with table service - £100.00pp. Buffet of food and snacks served through out the night. £10 worth of free drinks included with every ticket. Late license until 4am. RSVP, and for more information: electionpartyuk@googlemail.com
Union of Jewish Students USA 2008 Election Night party Time: 11pm onwards… Location: 16 UWP – UJS Hillel Student Centre Drink/Food: Bring your own bottle Info: Join UJS students, friends and alumni to watch the results of the US Election roll in. RSVP, and for more information: peter@ujs.org.uk
The East Room in Shoreditch Election Night Party Time: 9pm – 9am Location: 2a Tabernacle Street, London EC2A 4LU Drink/Food: Ticket price includes food, booze, coffee and pancakes right through the night from late dinner until dawn. There are just 250 tickets available at £125 each (£100 for members), available on a first-come-first-served basis. Please declare your allegiance to your party and the flag and indicate the number of tickets you require. RSVP: kirsten@thstrm.com
Gramaphone Election Night Party Time: 10pm – 4 or 5am Location: 60-62 Commercial Street, near Spitalfields, E1 6LT, Drink/Food: Includes delicious Thai food available all night and drink specials Info: Join us for an all night election party to watch the US returns on our big screen TV and hopefully celebrate an Obama victory. No cover charge – just turn up. For more information, contact: 020 7377 5332
The American Bar at the Stafford Hotel Location: The Stafford Hotel, St James's Place, London, SW1A 1NJ, Tel: +44 (0)20 7493 0111 Food/Drink: Standard bar, with food available from the hotel menu Info: Big screen, bar open as normal, No fee, No RSVP required, open all night.
London School of Economics Democratic Society & the Student Union Election Night Party Time: 11pm – 6am Location: The Quad, Clare Market Building (corner of Houghton St. and Clare Market) Info: An event with a distinctly collegiate feel – all welcome. RSVP/More Information: A.Cohen2@lse.ac.uk
AFTER THE ELECTION
Once the results are in (and everyone has had a good nap) I’m sure we will all want to get together to talk about our new President. Join Democrats Abroad on November 5 at the Texas Embassy – because one thing we do know for sure is that tomorrow will mark the end of the George W Bush Presidency.
Also, as a special thank you to my Obama volunteers, I’d like to invite you all to an informal post election get together on Friday the 7th of November at the Duke of York Pub on New Cavendish Street.
