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FWD BLOG: "The NEXT Revolution will be Super APP-sized" 

7/4/2015

1 Comment

 
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This Independence Day I hope we take stock of the “State of the Revolution” since 1776 and how we can reinvigorate our democracy before for our next presidential election in 2016.

Of course, we can discuss the amazing gains all day, including most recently on Marriage Equality, yet for reason Americans seem stuck in the past and are fighting old battles left and right with a majority even believing the Confederate Flag is a symbol of “southern pride” not racism.

Despite the power of the Internet that vaulted an unlikely figure like Barack Obama into office, the tools used since 2008 need to keep evolving for progress to keep marching forward and outflanking some serious enemies as they quickly catch up (i.e. ISIS). There have been new developments in the use of weapons like Twitter and Big Data, but this means new strategies for using these tools as well.

In 2016, the most successful movement-building strategy will be focused on one mission: MOVEMENT-BUILDING.

It might sound redundant but what are campaigns and the media and even the public focused on right now? MONEY-BUILDING.

The problem is the greatest advances in MOVEMENT-BUILDING recently have been fueled by the highly-economical use of DIGITAL ENGAGEMENT not the #1 Expenditure of high-profile campaigns: the dying Broadcast TV Advertising complex.

So, in 2016 if you want to build a movement you should make Digital Engagement a priority and invest in Super APPs vs. Super PACs.

In the age of smart phone-driven Mobile tools like Uber and AirBNB that are surpassing social networking by providing “service” networking and “resource” networking, it is time to pioneer “activist” networking and even “citizen” networking for connecting and collaborating in our neighborhoods.

That means innovating to create platforms that enable users to develop more effective relationships and communities for your causes and interests not just driving the trend of using digital as a 21st Century version of a 20th Century campaign focused on fundraising and advertising that barely touches the surface of influencing the electorate.

In 2007, the most important tool that Obama For America created was My.BarackObama.com as it empowered local activists to find and organize grassroots armies on their own.

I know because when Barack Obama essentially clinched the Democratic nomination in February 2008 he did it on the backs of the very well-organized grassroots-led activists in Virginia, DC and Maryland that made up the pivotal Potomac Primary. OFA Staff arrived on the ground one week before that election but the difference in preparation between the campaigns was stark….even though Hillary’s campaign was actually based in Arlington, Virginia.

Nonetheless, MyBO was allowed to die from neglect after the election and it wasn’t revived until the launch of "Dashboard" in June 2008...with limited capability and over a year into President Obama’s re-election campaign.

Lots of grassroots organizers in my area were Democratic Party members who went back to their flock so to keep these communities thriving after Obama won the nomination it was necessary for some OFA organizers and digital stategists to begin showing interest in developing the platform themselves and to lead the new “Hope Mongers” that had been recruited and were considered Obama supporters above all else.

Unfortunately, this never happened and the true grassroots momentum of the Movement for “Hope” and “Change” was lost. To this day, BarackObama.com’s event pages have barely been updated beyond their 2007 form….furthering their sense of dated abandonment.

Now, creating your own platform is hard and that has led to the prevalence of using existing social networks instead to reach supporters online.  But they’re generally being used in a traditional top-down fashion and are not designed to be a comprehensive hub for digital-driven grassroots activism. And it doesn’t help when the most effective digital tool to engage with your followers, email, is used as a 24/7 fundraising pitch.

Remember the definition of doing the same thing over and over BUT expecting a different result?

For example, after the 2014 debacle that proved 2010 wasn’t just a post-Great Recession and/or Obamacare fluke, the Democratic Party should be leading the charge toward a true Movement-building Strategy in 2016 to put life into their disaffected base that may be growing demographically and seeing lots of TV ads but won’t show up when Barack Obama isn’t on the ballot.

This also means the rank-and-file recognizing that a large segment of the electorate is not motivated by many or ANY issues, especially when it comes to state and local elections where conservatives have developed an immense edge that has affected redistricting for decades to come because their voters pay closer attention.

Besides, today’s enemy on one issue might be your friend on another so spending a lot of time coming up with memes attacking Ted Cruz is not just a waste of organizing time it also makes collaborating with him due to his support for libertarian-friendly causes like prison reform more difficult.



By understanding the importance of politics as a People Business, activists can focus on offering personal stories and connections to interest new audiences then keep them unified and working together.

When utilized properly, current platforms can help drive crowd-sourced and coalition-driven movements ranging from the “Arab Spring” to “Black Lives Matter,” but imagine if a new Movement-building strategy utilized convenient hand-held consumer applications that could enhance their activism.  Currently, these mobile tools are few and far between, as other than the White House they sometimes are briefly used for a conference or special event.

With the help of the customized functionality, an organization can quickly prompt their followers to take ALL kinds of actions on ALL kinds of platforms….whether it be changing their profile pic to watching a training video to signing a petition ONLINE OR attending a fundraiser to volunteering at a festival to voting on Election Day OFFLINE.

Or you could search a network for anyone who likes your cause in your Zip Code AND can donate resources like a spare room for one of your out-of-state interns or volunteers. Now, campaign databases usually utilize location and interest data but don’t encourage users to create and update personal profiles beyond the frequency of emails received.

It’s a win-win for everyone as users can directly follow and give feedback on the essential messages and actions of their favorite cause without the hassle of worrying about reading spammy emails, getting a bunch phone calls and door knocks at home, having to track a fire hose worth of social media posts or having to remember to visit a landing page-consuming web site on a regular basis.

And as Facebook further proved with its recent Pride campaign, EVERYONE is now an APPtivist.

Regardless of whether you’re a long-suffering Democrat or Voting Rights advocate or an underdog for some other political or civic cause the answer is clear:

The NEXT Revolution will be Super APP-sized.

P.S. If you’re interested in working on our Apptivist projects with Network For Progress send an email to network4progress@gmail.com with any ideas or skills you have to offer!

Follow
JIM MCBRIDE
"Forward Progressive" Blog
Founder & President, Network For Progress
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READ MORE "FORWARD PROGRESSIVE" POSTS:
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PROGRESS OF THE WEEK: "Independence Day" Edition!

7/3/2015

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*** PROGRESS OF THE WEEK ***

Marriage Equality & Obamacare are ALIVE in all 50 States (Americans are happy about it).
...but the Confederate Flag and unfair Overtime Pay are DEAD! 
(click on the links above for some great updates….or review the list below)


#LOVEWINS
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(click on more White House highlights above)


 WATCH/LISTEN:
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President Obama delivers eulogy in Charleston
(great speech!)



LISTEN:
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President Obama on the Marc Maron podcast
(candid interview!)



JULY 4TH MOVEMENT-BUILDING TIP:
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Paul Revere the Community Organizer


Have a great 4th...enjoy your life, liberty and pursuit of happiness!
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(click above to read it again..and again)


PROGRESS OF THE WEEK Highlights:

“Conservatives Explain Why They Lost On Marriage” (Huffington Post)

“The Supreme Court Upholds A Key Part of the Affordable Care Act”  (WhiteHouse.gov)

“Majorities back two big Supreme Court decisions” (Political Wire)

“5 Days That Left a Confederate Flag Wavering, and Likely to Fall” (NYT)

“Who benefits from Barack Obama’s Minimum Wage Plan, in one graphic” (Vox)




FOLLOW OUR
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(includes Progress USA national posts, DC Career Progress, DC Comm Tech For Progress, Campaign 4 Progress DC, Advocate 4 Progress DC, Serve 4 Progress DC and Jim's Forward Progressive blog)
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REMINDER: June 9th is Virginia Democratic Primary Day!

6/8/2015

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Here are some good resources before you vote in Northern Virginia tomorrow. 

I have not been following these races very closely but from what I know of the candidates I think the endorsements are pretty solid.

Washington Post Endorsements
Alexandria Mayor, Arlington County Board, Fairfax Board of Supervisors

General Assembly

Blue Virginia Endorsements & Debate Videos

Arlington County Board (watch debate)

45th House District - Alexandria (watch debate)

Alexandria Mayor (watch debate)

Learn more about the Arlington and 45th House District candidates: 

https://vote.arlingtonva.us/elections
(includes list of their web sites)


State Voting Information
http://sbe.virginia.gov

You can read more endorsements in local newspapers like the Arlington Sun Gazette and Alexandria Times as well as use google to search for more candidate web sites, debates and other stories....although i am sure you have been inundated with plenty already.



FOLLOW OUR NETWORKS:
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(includes Progress USA national posts, Career Progress, Comm Tech 4 Progress, Campaign 4 Progress, Advocate 4 Progress, Serve 4 Progress and Forward Progressive blog)
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TAKE ACTION: Tell Congress to show they LOVE America by respecting the Constitution over a foreign leader's campaign trip #bibigohome

3/2/2015

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CONTACT YOUR HOUSE MEMBER!
CONTACT YOUR SENATOR!
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It is ironic how people who talk so much about defending the Constitution are willing to compromise on their beliefs when they don't get what they want. By inviting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to speak before Congress as part of a campaign swing just TWO WEEKS before his next election. This is a key reason the White House has given for not meeting with Netanyahu right now even though the visit was inappropriately planned without informing the President in advance. This is a dereliction of Congress' duty to their country in favor of a lecture intended to undermine promising negotiations to save American blood and treasure from another, even more costly, war in the Middle East.

As this Washington Post op-ed notes, this is a dangerous precedent that would be unthinkable when Democrats controlled Congress. Ironically, Bibi is a right-wing protege of Itzhak Shamir, who Republican George H.W. Bush more vigorously opposed than anything the current administration has done.


The bottom line is the United States is as supportive as Israel as ever before with plenty of military support for tools like their Iron Dome missle defense system. It doesn't mean we need to bow to the dangerous wishes of their leader and even give him a VIP Pass on the red carpet of the U.S. Congress.

Here is a recent list of only 34 Democrats that are currently boycotting the speech tomorrow:
http://www.cnn.com/2015/02/26/politics/democrats-missing-netanyahu-whip-list

(for us DC-area folks we have lots of work to do with our VA and MD members)
CONTACT YOUR HOUSE MEMBER!
CONTACT YOUR SENATOR!
TAKE ACTION & SHARE WITH YOUR FRIENDS HOW TO CONTACT ALL THEIR CONGRESS MEMBERS VIA PHONE, EMAIL + TAGGING ON FACEBOOK & TWITTER!
#bibigohome 


NOT SURE WHY OR HOW TO DO THIS?
Remember to simply let your representatives know where you stand and find out where they stand on the issue. Conservatives often out-lobby Progressives by a ratio of 10-to-1 or more so if we don't take LITERALLY only a minute to have our voice heard then we can't complain.

If they support your position then thank them so they know someone is paying attention to them doing the right thing and it will encourage them to keep doing it!
OR
If they don't support your position then they will know that someone is paying attention to them doing the wrong thing and it will discourage them from doing it again!



DON'T KNOW YOUR HOUSE MEMBER?
www.whoismyrepresentative.com
CONTACT YOUR HOUSE MEMBER!
CONTACT YOUR SENATOR!
FOLLOW ADVOCATE 4 PROGRESS & OUR OTHER NETWORKS!
(includes Progress USA national posts, Career Progress, Comm Tech 4 Progress, Campaign 4 Progress, Advocate 4 Progress, Serve 4 Progress, Forward Progressive blog & more!)
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GET EMAIL & SOCIAL MEDIA UPDATES!
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NEWS 4 PROGRESS: RFH Tonight! 2/15 ACA deadline! 2/16 Liz Run! 2/17 PMD! 2/18 AYD & Netroots deadline! 2/26 YDA & WIN! + Progress Highlights!

2/12/2015

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*** NEWS 4 PROGRESS **
(February 12, 2015)



WATCH:
Vox.com Conversation with President Obama

READ:
BuzzFeed Conversation with President Obama



UPCOMING CALENDAR:
2/12: Women Ready For Hillary
2/15: ACA Deadline
2/16: “Run Liz Run” to the White House
2/17: Progressive Maryland “Budget” Tele-Town Hall
2/18: AYD Meeting: “Net Neutrality”
2/18: Netroots Nation panel submission deadline!
2/19-21: DNC Winter Meeting
2/26: YDA Founder’s Day Receptiom
2/26: WIN’s Young Women of Achievement Awards

(details below)


PROGRESS HIGHLIGHTS:

*State of the Union Recap
- videos, photos and info -

*White House Ebola Update

*Clean Energy Update
(details below)




UPCOMING CALENDAR:


2/12: Women Ready for Hillary
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REGISTER


2/15: 2015 ACA applications due!

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www.healthcare.gov

Watch the President’s Buzzfeed video:
“Things Everybody Does But Doesn't Talk About”



2/16: President’s Day “Run Liz Run” to the White House!
@ Capitol Hill
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RSVP ON FACEBOOK

For the 2/15 Ready For Warren-DC Meeting & other updates:
GOOGLE GROUP
FACEBOOK GROUP



2/17: Progressive Maryland’s
“State Budget Organizing” Tele-Town Hall
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REGISTER

RSVP ON FACEBOOK



2/18: Arlington Young Democrats’s
“Net Neutrality: Why should you care?”
@ Guarapo (Court House)
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RSVP ON FACEBOOK


2/18: Netroots Nation panel submissions due!
http://www.netrootsnation.org/proposals
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*Watch the Google Hangout Q&A!
*Apply for a free Blue Nation Review pass to Netroots Nation!


2/19-21: DNC Winter Meeting
Hyatt Regency, 400 New Jersey Avenue, NW, Washington, DC
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SCHEDULE


2/26: Young Democrats of America’s Founders Day Reception
featuring Paul Begala and DNC Vice Chair Rep. Tulsi Gabbard

@ International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (Gallery Place)
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REGISTER

RSVP ON FACEBOOK


Women’s Information Network’s
Young Women of Achievement Awards
@ Carnegie Institution for Science (15th & P)
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REGISTER


PROGRESS HIGHLIGHTS:

State of the Union Recap





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#SOTU15 VIDEO & RESOURCES
(watch and read online for infographics, photos and more)

WHITE HOUSE VIRTUAL OPEN HOUSE
(#AskTheWH Feedback Form: http://www.whitehouse.gov/your-feedback-2015)

EVERY “STATE OF THE STATE” VIDEO


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#SOTUUNITYDC PHOTOS & VIDEO
including surprise guest DNC Political Director Raul Alvillar and DC Shadow Rep Franklin Garcia
(via dcireporter.com)

#SOTUNITYDC PHOTOS
(via Randy Goldstein)

Straw Poll Results announced after the speech:
HILLARY CLINTON: 42
ELIZABETH WARREN: 23
JOE BIDEN: 6
MARTIN O’MALLEY: 1


White House Ebola Update
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http://wh.gov/ebola-response


Clean Energy Update
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Report: Wind and solar energy have tripled since 2008 
(Washington Post)

The cost of wind and solar power keeps dropping all over the world 
(Vox)



FOLLOW US!
(includes Progress USA (national posts), Career Progress, Comm Tech 4 Progress, Campaign 4 Progress, Advocate 4 Progress, Serve 4 Progress, Policy Progress, Grassroots Progress, Progress Office and Forward Progressive blog)
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Join our networks via Email, Facebook & Twitter!
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Are you "Ready For Unity?" Join our "Grassroots" Democratic Autopsy & "50-State 2.0" Movement-building Campaign! #readyforunity #mydemautopsy #50state20

12/11/2014

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JOIN THE 12/13 EVENT & "READY FOR UNITY" TEAM HERE!
Share on FACEBOOK!
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Before you decide WHICH presidential campaign you are “Ready” for you should join the fight to ensure HOW your candidate and their fellow Democrats can better be prepared to win in 2016!

You’re invited to join Network For Progress for a “Ready for UNITY” Democratic Movement-building Task Force! 

Starting with a forum at New Organizing Institute’s RootsCamp (Room TBA) on December 13th, Network For Progress will facilitate a "Grassroots" Democratic Autopsy long-term crowd-sourced Unite 4 Progress "50-State Strategy 2.0" campaign to transparently have grassroots voices heard on the direction of the Democratic Party and work together for future electoral success and not just submit ideas to the experts in Washington that they will be too overwhelmed to handle.

Our deadline for a preliminary report will be the Tuesday BEFORE the State of the Union Address (most likely January 20th).

The goal of this work is to broaden the conversation about what works and what doesn’t so we can ALL learn from previous experiences. In general, the Democratic Party is comprised of people working hard and doing many good things BUT we need to embrace and reinvigorate more strategies that can foster 21st Century-style cultural and systemic innovation for public engagement to create a thriving American Majority-inspired DEMOCRATIC MOVEMENT for 2016 and beyond.

Why is this so important? When we talk about democratic “movements” these days we may think of the Arab Spring or Burma, or we might think of Progressives or Occupy Wall Street, but the Democratic Party would benefit from leveraging its brand name and start to identify AND conduct itself more clearly as the Party of Democratic principles of inclusiveness, equality, fairness and opportunity that 90% of Americans think are the cornerstone of our founding.

Framing your argument in terms of values has been a popular theme from George Lakoff, author of “Don’t Think of an Elephant,” and Leadership Expert Simon Sinek offers a good glimpse into its importance for “brands” ranging from MLK to Apple with his TED Talk: “Start With Why.”

Legendary UCLA basketball coach John Wooden also once discussed at a TED Talk how there is a difference between winning and succeeding. We know that Democrats can “win” a bunch of elections in 2016 but we also need to recognize that a broader movement-building strategy can position candidates to better SUCCEED for the long-term.

Read N4P's Jim McBride "Forward Progressive" Blog for more:
"Why It's Time For A National MOVEMENT-BUILDING Strategy!"

Please join us and we will begin to share online, video, event and petition platforms to connect and spread your feedback to friends and influencers!

JOIN THE 12/13 EVENT & "READY FOR UNITY" TEAM HERE!
Share on FACEBOOK!
About Network For Progress:
Launched by alumni of OFA’s Generation Obama-Washington, DC chapter, Network For Progress is a social and media-savvy community for connecting professional and grassroots Progressives, Democrats, Hope Mongers and Change Makers with political and civic participation. 

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Follow #N4P networks via EMAIL, FACEBOOK & TWITTER!
(includes Career Progress, Comm Tech 4 Progress, Campaign 4 Progress, Advocate 4 Progress, Serve 4 Progress, Policy Progress, Grassroots Progress, Progress Office and Jim’s Forward Progressive blog)
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FWD BLOG: Dems need a “Rockstar” Nominee in 2016 - Jim Webb has played the role before and other candidates should pay attention to how he did it!

11/20/2014

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With the announcement on webb2016.com today that the former Virginia Senator is creating an Exploratory Committee to run for President the Democratic race has pseudo-officially begun so it’s a good time to not just throw out endorsements but start a dialogue about what it will take for ANY Democratic candidate to win in 2016….but especially an underdog who is trying to beat the “inevitable” nominee Hillary Clinton.

And it just so happens that even though Jim Webb might not be the insider’s darling yet he could be the most qualified to become the next Obama-like rockstar in 2016.

Even before Obama, Jim Webb’s 2006 Senate campaign laid down the FIRST blueprint for what a “winning” grassroots campaign could be in the 21st Century after Howard Dean pioneered the internet and people-driven strategy in 2004.

First, whether by accident or design, Webb was actually “drafted” to run thanks to the efforts of bloggers Josh Chernila and Lowell Feld as chronicled in the book “Netroots Rising.” A passionate economic populist BUT also a war hero and served as Navy Secretary under President Reagan was the kind of mix Democrats needed in a state like Virginia.

Since he owed his candidacy to people asking him to become a candidate, he smartly let his supporters keep driving the bus with more creativity once the campaign officially began.

As many probably recall, his campaign’s opposition tracking led to the legendary “Macaca” moment where an Indian-American campaign worker was welcome to the “REAL Virginia” during his speech by Republican candidate George Allen...the first political gaffe to destroy a politician via YouTube.

But aside from finding aggressive ways to expose the racism of his opponent, it also meant aggressive ways to mobilize people on the ground FOR the candidate. That mean that volunteers were given the power to innovate under the guidance of Chernila as Grassroots Coordinator of a volunteer community called The Brigades - the alumni chapter is home to some of Northern Virginia’s strongest activists to this day.

But aside from a focus on the typical volunteer roles of door knocking and phone calls, the Brigades were also about proactive outreach efforts. After the “Macaca” incident South Asian volunteers branded themselves as “REAL Virginians for Webb” with their own T-Shirts and Business Cards. Then I had an idea for reaching another demographic we created a Generation Webb program that featured a website with videos and events to reach young voters.

Hence, after an improbable primary victory just four months after announcing his candidacy, Jim Webb pulled off a legendary 9,000-vote general election upset victory against a presidential hopeful that wound up flipping the Senate to the Democrats. Virginia has been a “purple” state ever since.

So, how does this all translate into 2016 for Jim Webb or any other candidate? Here are 4 key ways:

1) Be a Rockstar!

As they say, Democrats want to fall in love while Republicans fall in line.



To win, you need to do more than come up with a brilliant policy idea or wait for an opponent’s gaffe to create a wave of support, you need to inspire an aura of excitement. The critics probably don’t see a new one on the horizon but there’s an easy way to remedy that: start being awesome!

As proven by Webb as well as “Straight Talk Express” John McCain or Ron Paul you don’t have to be superficially charismatic, attractive or unique as a person to make it happen if your CAMPAIGN is attractive and unique...especially if you can build a brand as an authentic and even reluctant citizen leader not just an ambitious professional politician. 


Actions speak louder than Words.



2) Be an “Explainer-in-Chief!”

Everyone was so enamored with how President Clinton explained the President’s record at the DNC Convention in 2012 but his message should have been old hat already if the party was doing its job. As Jim Webb does in his campaign video above, he is also willing to educate his audience on the issues and won’t just throw out a series of talking points. He also will take the time to promote his record of achievements which is even more important to show proof you can get results.

This is also true because the winning candidate will need President Obama to improve his poll numbers and the best way to do that is to highlight what has worked in the last six years. And President Obama is right that it is a problem for ALL Democrats because his policies are their policies too.

There will be pressure on candidates to distance themselves from the President and I’m sure there will be plenty of opportunities for that but this is the best way to win over the Obama loyalists and persuadable people who are down on him because the media only covers the overblown crisis-of-the-minute like ISIS or Ebola.


3) Be a “Hope & Change” Candidate!

Not only should candidates support the President’s record, they should also share his “Yes We Can”-themed and “Pragmatic Progressive”-focused messaging. Everyone is going to start wondering if Jim Webb is going to run to Hillary’s Left but I don’t think it was ever clear that Barack Obama was despite his Iraq War opposition. The perception that someone is THE “progressive” candidate can easily label someone as the fringe option not as a mainstream player. If Jim focuses on his positive message and his ability to listen to new ideas, compromise and make government work he will avoid the trap that other insurgent campaigns get into when they focus too much on ideology as some kind of partisan warrior.


4) Be a “Grassroots” Candidate!

Democrats talk a lot about progressive values but they also have to practice what they preach with a campaign operation that learns from the President’s previous campaigns and Webb’s pioneering Brigades team. When you match people-driven policies with people-driven politics you get better results so that means more money invested in digital and field outreach (including attractive salaries and work requirements to attract the best talent) and less devoted to annoying and ineffective TV ads. 


You create buzz among the base by informing and building a relationship with them as part of a team that is part of a broader movement not by treating them like one-way email pen pals that constantly owe you a bigger allowance.



SUMMARY:
The bottom line is Democrats need to start building on these lessons if they want to succeed again. There are no excuses anymore as there are are more registered Democrats than Republicans in America and demographics are leaning their way every day. Hence, the country is becoming more progressive on issues ranging from the minimum wage to gay marriage to marijuana.

Yet Democrats succumb to the hype of right-wing scare tactics and how well they can target ads or raise online dollars they will continue to lose to a party that is fighting to take away our Rights and kill the American Dream in plain sight as their primary agenda.

Like Jim Webb, I underwent a political transformation myself after seeing this occur over the years and especially after witnessing the fraud and incompetence of the Iraq War. And I believe Democrats can not only win but create a mandate if they are more strategic and an even “inclusive” when it comes to persuading men (especially younger “Sportscenter” voters) by speaking the stats-savvy language of a Nate Silver or Ezra Klein so they don’t think the Unemployment rate is 32% for example.

Time will tell if 2016 candidates will proudly exclaim “Yes We STILL Can!” and get to work.


About “Forward Progressive” Blog:

Jim McBride is a social and media strategist was the Founder of Generation Webb and Generation Obama-Washington, DC chapter as well as one of the lead organizers of Virginia For Obama’s grassroots-led primary campaign. He is currently the President of the grassroots community Netw
ork For Progress and has over 20 years in communications and political work.
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UPDATED! #KeepCalmVoteDem: Why we need YOU to be an Explainer-in-Chief to #SaveTheSenate #SaveObama & #SaveAmerica

11/3/2014

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VOTE: Election & Candidate Information
GET INVOLVED: Help Get-Out-The-Vote!
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No excuses. America needs Democrats to win in November but that message is not resonating as the President's Job Approval is at 43% despite huge economic and social gains at home and less expenditure of blood and treasure abroad due to more focus on the "crisis of the week" than coverage of how America is back on track and can do even better.

Congressional Democrats need to get credit not blame for making that PROGRESS happen.

Meanwhile, Democratic voters are less passionate and more easily discouraged than Tea Party hate mongers despite that the President has moved forward about 70% of his agenda according to Politifact. 

Even progressive critic and Nobel Prize Economist Paul Krugman has come to Obama's defense in Rolling Stone recently. It was accompanied by this 6-year summary of the numbers too.

Watch as N4P President Jim McBride sums up the choice
:
"I'm HOPE-ful as Hell...
and I'm not going to take GOP B.S. anymore!'
(talking points below)


DNC "Progress" Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Grf2HZvM5aQ&feature=youtu.be


At minimum, Democrats need to #SaveTheSenate or Obama's leverage on Congress to even appoint nominees like the already stalled Surgeon General will be at severe risk. We need to win at least 4 of the 9 competitive races and it could easily be decided by one very tight election.

REMEMBER: "YES YOU CAN" MAKE A DIFFERENCE! 

HERE'S HOW YOU CAN "GET-OUT-THE-HOPE" BY VOTING, DONATING, VOLUNTEERING & SPREADING THE WORD!
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 Join Unite Blue's #YesWeDid & #KeepCalmVoteDem Bomb & Change Your Profile Pic!
(includes sample tweets...i recommend using both in the same tweet to connect the messages to explain "#YesWeDid therefore #KeepCalmVoteDem" to reject GOP fear and hysteria)

Find more Get-Out-The-Vote art to post and share: 
http://govote.org




And share why #IVoted!
Share your selfie with a real/virtual sticker or inspiration today and tomorrow so you can let your friends know you #turnoutforwhat like Lil' John:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rijpU5yD55I
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Jim's TOP 10 "FWDPROGRESS" TALKING POINTS:
Examples of what President Obama and Democrats have done and how Republicans are holding America back by rejecting the Democratic Agenda!
(QUICK FACTS ARE ALSO LISTED BELOW)
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1. JOBS & EDUCATION: Rescued BUT Reformed Wall Street so the economy and consumers are protected from a high risk of another Great Recession as 15 million Americans have been compensated $4.6 Billion. 

This led to record stock prices with a Dow Jones average of 17,300 today (vs 6600 in March 2009) and record corporate profits (nearly doubled since 2009) as well as 55 straight months of job growth that has created 10 Million private sector jobs created since 2010 (reducing unemployment from a peak of 9.9% to 5.9%). In order to help young people qualify for millions of unfilled highly-skilled job openings Pell grants have nearly doubled from $18 Billion to $33 Billion. With further support from voters, Democrats can help the Middle Class get more livable wages and a more affordable education for their kids while reducing tax cuts for the rich and tax loopholes for corporations.
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2. BUDGET & TAXES: Reduced the deficit by nearly 2/3rds ($1.4 Trillion in 2009 vs under $483 Billion today) by stimulating the economy to INCREASE revenues rather than cutting critical programs like Social Security and Medicare. With further support from voters, Democrats can invest in medical research and hire more teachers, firefighters and police rather than adding to the 700,000 public sector layoffs after Republicans blocked state assistance. Current spending increases are the smallest since World War II so these cuts to discretionary spending are a drain on employment and consumer spending that is UNPRECEDENTED for a post-Recession Federal economic recovery strategy.
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#3 TECHNOLOGY & INFRASTRUCTURE: Made manufacturing and construction investments that helped the economy and boosted exports led by the rescued auto industry and technology companies that support energy-related innovators like Tesla Motors, Space X and Solar City. With further support from voters, Democrats can rebuild America with more modern and efficient mass transit, roads, bridges, buildings and more.

#4 ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT: Conducted an “All-of-the Above” energy policy that increased Wind & Solar renewable energy by 241%, began implementing a mandate to double mileage standards by 2025, began implementing a 30% reduction of carbon emissions at coal plants by 2030 while increasing oil and natural gas production as part of a short-term strategy that has reduced petroleum imports by 51% to lower gas prices for consumers while weakening Russia and Iran. With further support from voters, Democrats can establish a long-term energy strategy to become more independent of foreign resources that protects our environment and prevents climate change.

 
#5 HEALTHCARE: Offered more affordable coverage to over 16 Million people (reducing uninsured adults by 26%) that expanded market competition and reduced premiums while adding consumer rights and protections so your coverage helps you before and after you get sick. With further support from voters, Democrats can have more  states stop rejecting Medicaid expansion funding and not repeal Affordable Care Act exchanges.



#6 NATIONAL SECURITY: Safely withdrew our forces from Iraq and Afghanistan while focusing on direct threats like Al Qaeda and ISIS that cannot be dealt with via U.S. occupation while damaging Russia’s expansionist tendencies by hitting its oil-based economy with sanctions and increased energy independence. With further support from voters, Democrats can prevent more loss of American blood and treasure in endless military interventions.


#7 HOMELAND SECURITY: Supported universal background checks to keep weapons of war out of the hands of criminals and domestic terrorists. With further support from voters, Democrats can pass legislation to make our children safer from mass shootings and the dangerous use of guns.


#8 IMMIGRATION: Protected DREAMers who were brought to America as kids and increased border security while voting in the Senate for Immigration Reform to fixed our outdated and ineffective system. With further support from voters, Democrats can pass legislation that can help our economy by attracting more of the best innovators in the world and add more taxpayers to help cut our deficit while better securing the border. 


#9 CIVIL LIBERTIES: Fought efforts to make voting, equality and women’s constitutionally-protected health decisions harder. With further support from voters, Democrats can increase early voting, expand equality and help women get access to the services they need.


#10 GOVERNANCE: Worked to compromise to keep the government open, appointing new personnel and paying its bills. With further support from voters, Democrats can stop another $22 Billion government shutdown, fill openings by appointing nominees like a Surgeon General and prevent another downgrade of our credit rating due to threats of default. And also keep our leaders focused on solving America’s problems rather than suing the President for not implementing the health care law fast enough even though they shut down the government because of it.
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QUICK SUMMARY: 
10 QUICK POINTS ON HOW DEMS HELPED RE-BUILD AMERICA SINCE 2009!

#1 Stocks: +250% 

#2 GDP: +30%

#3 Unemployment: -33%  = 10.3 million private sector jobs since 2010 - 700K GOP-led public sector cuts of teachers, firefighers, police, medical researchers etc

#4 Lowest Federal Spending since WWII (even though Reagan and Bush INCREASED government during their recessions to stimulate economy)

#5 Federal Deficit: -60% 

#6 Manufacturing Growth (saved GM, Ford & clean energy innovator Tesla) 

#7 Infrastructure Growth (Mass Transit, Roads, Bridge construction etc)

#8 Cleaner Energy Independence ->

Wind & Solar: +241% 
Oil Production: +71% 
Auto Mileage Standards: +100% by 2025 
Coal Plant Carbon Emissions: -30% by 2030 
Petroleum imports: -51%
(Gas Prices DOWN -> Russia & Iran oil-based economies are DOWN)

#9 Health Care Coverage -> 

Uninsured Consumers: -26% (16 Million adults)
Insured Americans legally-guaranteed to be covered when they get sick: +100%
Monthly Premiums: -0.8%

#10 Pell Grants:: +80%


6 QUICK WAYS THAT DEMOCRATS CAN DELIVER MORE PROGRESS:

#1 Higher Minimum Wage & Worker Protections

#2 Affordable Student Loan Rates (by having them borrow at the same rate as banks) 

#3 Gun Safety (background checks to stop criminals & mentally unfit) 

#4 Immigration Reforms (to secure border AND bring in top talent & registered taxpayers)

#5 Equality (more voting access and freedom for women and minority groups)

#6 Fiscal Responsibility (no forced $22B shutdowns, credit downgrades, staff vacancies and fake lawsuits)



FOLLOW & SUBSCRIBE TO NETWORK 4 PROGRESS!
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SPREAD THE WORD: Join the Unite Blue #YesWeDid Twitter Bomb!

10/28/2014

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*** Unite Blue’s #YesWeDid TwitterBomb ***
(join their network by tweeting “I want #UniteBlue”)

#YesWeDid is still trending #3 in the United States, but Republicans have joined the discussion. With just one week until the midterm elections, this is a debate we need to win. Today, please share your reasons why we should be proud of President Obama's achievements and America's progress the past 5 years.

We've once again compiled ten Tweets below to help you join the discussion. 



Simply click to send:

Stock market ↑ Unemployment ↓ Home values ↑ Uninsured ↓ Pell grants ↑ Gas prices ↓ Exports ↑ Deficit ↓ GDP ↑ Thanks Obama. #YesWeDid

Wind power ↑ Solar power ↑ Oil production ↑ Fuel efficiency ↑ Auto industry ↑ Manufacturing ↑ Thanks Obama. pic.twitter.com/JDxJtYPclF #YesWeDid

Don't Ask, Don't Tell: Gone. Osama bin Laden: Dead. Bush Torture Policies: Gone. Moammar Gaddafi: Dead. pic.twitter.com/AEDIHMveRL #YesWeDid

Thanks to Obamacare, children with pre-existing conditions can no longer be denied health insurance. pic.twitter.com/bF7iRQWAYB #YesWeDid

Thanks to Obamacare, healthcare costs are growing at the slowest pace ever recorded. pic.twitter.com/Z8ojuy3N0M #YesWeDid

Obama prevented a Second Great Depression, then reduced the deficit by 70%, the fastest rate in 60 years. pic.twitter.com/6TqaRlw8Yy #YesWeDid

Who is the smallest government spender since Eisenhower? President Obama. onforb.es/LtvcNk #YesWeDid pic.twitter.com/TeVxCLv4A4

More than 10 million jobs in the last 54 months -- the longest streak of job growth in our history. pic.twitter.com/hyZZVaeOmV #YesWeDid

Over 10 million private-sector jobs. Over 10 million Americans insured. Keep moving forward. Vote Nov 4th! pic.twitter.com/zwSCF7IPj9 #YesWeDid

Retweet if you're proud of President Obama and pledge to give him a Congress on November 4th. pic.twitter.com/rO9GNptgPx #YesWeDid

"Obama has emerged as one of the most consequential and, yes, successful presidents in American history." http://rol.st/1rWI9aV #YesWeDid

10.3 million Americans have gained insurance under the first year of Obamacare. http://bit.ly/WDzi3d pic.twitter.com/FWC2vA8Jtl #YesWeDid

No insurance company will ever be able to deny you coverage when you get sick again. Those days are over. pic.twitter.com/F0DRJh7RLs #YesWeDid

Politifact: President Obama has already cut the deficit by more than half!  
http://bit.ly/1CGuc6v pic.twitter.com/mBbNc8sLYU #YesWeDid

Obama and Clinton are the only two presidents to lower their deficits in the last 50 years. pic.twitter.com/aTbew8HZET #YesWeDid

Unemployment rate in October 2009: 10 percent. Unemployment rate now: 5.9 percent. pic.twitter.com/5t2vMf9WpE #YesWeDid

Did you know? Under President Obama, federal spending has increased at its slowest rate in decades. pic.twitter.com/k6UynSHnkR #YesWeDid

The Dow Jones Industrial Average since President Obama took office (speaks for itself): pic.twitter.com/vc7HLdWxGc #YesWeDid

Forbes: Obama is best economic president of modern times, outperforms Reagan! http://onforb.es/1ob7CsZ #YesWeDid

Want more to get done in Washington? Send Obama a Congress that will work with him. Vote BlueNovember 4th! pic.twitter.com/5aAkSgjLd9 #YesWeDid




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NEWS: NARAL Phone Bank & “1st Thursday” HH Tonight! 10/3 Avon + 10/5 Silverman, Williams, YSOP + 10/7 WIN, AI, GW, DC AG & More Events!

10/2/2014

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NEWS 4 PROGRESS
(October 2, 2014)


 

WATCH: 

"When I came into office, our economy was in crisis. We had unemployment up at 10%. It's now down to 6.1."

 Obama makes the case for ISIS strategy & Dems in 2014 on 60 Minutes


 TONIGHT:
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10/2: NARAL Phone Bank with Women's Information Network! 

Please join your fellow WINners from the Political Team and Campaign Network on Thursday, October 2, to make phone calls to states facing antichoice ballot measures this election season.

 
Thursday, October 2
6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

NARAL DC Headquarters
1156 15th St NW, Washington, DC 20005
(McPherson/Farragut North)

*Food will be provided!

Hope to see you there!

Please contact political@winonline.org with any questions.

 RSVP

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October "1st Thursdays" Happy Hour


Let's together one more time for a casual Network For Progress happy hour before election season heats up to get engaged on why we need to #SaveTheSenate on Capitol Hill and how to get involved...plus enjoy $1 beers after 8pm!

 We will start a little later tonight since the beer specials begin at 8pm and that gives people time to make calls with WIN first!
 
      
     7pm - 9pm 
       Thursday, October 2nd 


The Madhatter
1319 Connecticut Ave
Washington, District of Columbia 20036

 4pm-8pm
$5 House Wines, Orange Crush
$4 Frozen Mango-ritas
$3 Rail Drinks, Yuengling, Miller Lite

 
After 8pm
$1 Miller Lite, $5 Makers Mark

 RSVP & SHARE ON FACEBOOK




 UPCOMING POLITICAL & CIVIC EVENTS & OPPORTUNITIES:

10/3: Party in Pink Happy Hour benefiting Avon Breast Cancer Foundation

10/5: Ward 1 Meet & Greet for Elissa Silverman (City Council At-Large)

10/5: Lateefah Williams for Attorney General Fundraiser

10/5: Youth Service Opportunities Project Dinner & Fundraiser 

10/7: “Jobs at Women’s Orgs” (Women’s Information Network)

 10/7: 6 PAC Fundraiser (America’s Impact)

10/7: Good World Launch Party

10/7: DC Attorney General Candidate Forum 

10/9: Rooftop Party to support Breast Cancer Awareness Month

10/10: American Heart Association Fundraiser

10/11: Arlington Democrats' "Second Saturday" Breakfast with Senator Mark Warner
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NEWS 4 PROGRESS: 10/2 Party! 9/25-10/7 Events! Security & Climate & Equality @ UN & DC/VA Debates!

9/25/2014

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NEWS 4 PROGRESS
(September 25, 2014)


***N4P EVENT***

October "1st Thursdays" Progress Party: 
#SaveTheSenate Edition

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RSVP & SHARE ON FACEBOOK


UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS & OPPORTUNITIES:
9/25: CBC Young Professional Happy Hour (with Young Dem chapters)
9/25: CBC Young Philanthropist Soiree (Capital Cause)
9/25: “Disruption: Climate. Change.” Screening (NOI)
9/26: CBC “Art of Social Entrepreneurship” (IMPACT)
9/30 “Men For Choice” Happy Hour (NARAL)

9/30: Application Deadline for Generation Progress “Voices Network”
10/1: The Preview (New Leaders Council)
10/2: “Jobs at Women’s Orgs” (Women’s Information Network)
10/7: 6 PAC Fundraiser (America’s Impact)
PROGRESS NEWS YOU CAN USE:


ICYMI: THE ONLY SALUTE THAT REALLY MATTERS!
(and none of his predecessors had done it)
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BACKGROUND: Republicans Try to Cash in on Obama’s ‘Latte Salute’ 

WATCH: President Obama speaks to UN General Assembly
(full video)
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"We choose hope over fear. We see the future not as something out of our control, but as something we can shape for the better through concerted and collective effort. We reject fatalism or cynicism when it comes to human affairs; we choose to work for the world as it should be, as our children deserve it to be." 
N4P BLOG:
#PeoplesClimate March & UN Climate Summit with President Obama & Leonardo DiCaprio!
(video)
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N4P BLOG: 
Women's Rights Campaigns @ UN & White House!
(video)
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Did you make sure you're updated on National Voter Registration Day?
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WATCH: Bill Maher picks Student Enemy #1 John Kline as his #FlipADistrict target!
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WATCH: DC MAYORAL DEBATE (Muriel Bowser vs David Catania vs Carol Schwartz)
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WATCH: DC CITY COUNCIL (AT-LARGE) FORUM
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WATCH: VA-10 DEBATE (John Foust vs Barbara Comstock)


***DCCC #FlipADistrict Target***
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0 Comments

NEWS: Women's Rights @ UN & White House

9/25/2014

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WATCH: Emma Watson's inspiring speech at UN's #HeForShe Launch
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"If you believe in equality...I applaud you. We are struggling for a uniting word but the good news is that we have a uniting movement. It is called HeForShe. I am inviting you to step forward to be seen and to ask yourself, 
'If not me, who? If not now, when?' 
WATCH: President Obama speaks at Generation Progress #ItsOnUs Launch 
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MORE INFO!
THINKPROGRESS: The White House’s new rape prevention campaign puts the emphasis on men
POPVOX: Cory Booker's #SAVEAct removes tax-exempt status of NFL & uses proceeds to prevent domestic violence 

VOX: Eight facts about violence against women everyone should know 
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0 Comments

NEWS: Climate March & Summit

9/24/2014

0 Comments

 
On Sunday, September 21st over 400,000 people in NYC participated in #PeoplesClimate March, the largest global warming event in history, before the UN Climate Summit...
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WATCH: President Obama speaks at UN Climate Summit
(Full Text) 

Learn More: http://www.whitehouse.gov/climate-change
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Highlights
 "In America, the past decade has been our hottest on record.  Along our east coast, the city of Miami now floods at high tide.  In our west, wildfire season now stretches most of the year.  In our heartland, farms have been parched by the worst drought in generations, and drenched by the wettest spring in our history.  A hurricane left parts of this great city dark and underwater. "

"The United States has made ambitious investments in clean energy, and ambitious reductions in our carbon emissions.  We now harness three times as much electricity from the wind and 10 times as much from the sun as we did when I came into office."

"Within a decade, our cars will go twice as far on a gallon of gas, and already, every major automaker offers electric vehicles.  We’ve made unprecedented investments to cut energy waste in our homes and our buildings and our appliances, all of which will save consumers billions of dollars."

"So, all told, these advances have helped create jobs, grow our economy, and drive our carbon pollution to its lowest levels in nearly two decades -- proving there does not have to be a conflict between a sound environment and strong economic growth."


"Over the past 8 years, the United States has reduced our total carbon pollution by more than any other nation on Earth."


"Five years ago, I pledged America would reduce our carbon emissions in the range of 17 percent below 2005 levels by the year 2020.  America will meet that target."

MORE INFO:
VOX: "Obama says "we have to do more" on climate change. So what would that entail?"

BLOOMBERG: "Fight Against Climate Change Seen Driving Economic Growth"

THINKPROGRESS:  "With Hottest August On Record, 2014 Takes Aim At Hottest Year On Record"

WATCH: Leonardo DiCaprio speaks at UN Climate Summit
(Full Text)
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Highlights
"The chief of the U.S. Navy’s Pacific Command, Admiral Samuel Locklear,  
recently said that climate change is our single greatest security threat."
(SOURCE: Boston Globe)

"To be clear, this is not about just telling people to change their light bulbs or to buy a hybrid car. 
This disaster has grown BEYOND the choices that individuals make."

"We need to put a pricetag on carbon emissions, and eliminate government subsidies for coal, gas, and oil companies."

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