SEATTLEFORBARACKOBAMA: "You're right, they're wrong"

David Plouffe, Campaign Manager, Obama for America (email):

Dear Friend,

Let's show the media pundits and Washington insiders the kind of numbers that really matter -- the number of Americans making an investment in change and hope.

Be inspired and be counted:
BarackObama.com/inspire

Media pundits and Washington insiders are already speculating about our end of quarter fundraising totals. They claim the amount of money we raise by this Saturday, June 30th, will determine the success or failure of our campaign.

But they've got it wrong.

Raising money is essential, especially right now, but what will make our campaign a success is the way we do it. Our funding comes from a grassroots movement of individuals giving what they can afford. And the numbers we care about reflect two things: people and passion.

Here's what really matters:

The number of people donating to the movement
The total number of donations people make to show their commitment

It's as simple as that. It’s the people that count.

So, let's give the pundits something real to talk about. Together we can change the story of money and politics by focusing on you and your stories.

Now is your chance to stand and be counted -- for yourself, for your community, for your country. You can make this moment historic by making a donation before the June 30th deadline.

The next few days will set the tone for the rest of the campaign -- be counted now:

http://www.barackobama.com/inspire

When we kicked off this fundraising drive on Monday, Barack put his faith in people like you. He made it clear that your stories would drive the results, and thousands of you rose to the challenge to inspire someone else.

Supporters submitted personal stories about why they give to the campaign, and we've been posting them to our website and blog since Monday. Here are just a few that inspired us:

I am retired, 71, trying to make it on Social Security. I work cleaning houses in my neighborhood. I am donating my hard earned $10.00 because I believe in Barack Obama. We need lots of help to get our great USA back. Go with God Barack, we all need you.
Joann (Sun City West, AZ), who gave Monday

If Joann’s story inspires you, show your support and be counted:

http://www.barackobama.com/inspire

As a young American beginning a career, closing on a home in a week, and marrying a wonderful woman in just a few months, I'm concerned about investing and being smart with my money, and making this donation is one of the smartest decisions I've made. It's an investment in the future of this country, an investment in the hope that we will positively change the tide of foreign policy and civic rights abuses, and an investment in a man who I think will get the job done in an honest, transparent and pro-active way.
Chris (Chicago, IL), who gave Monday

If Chris’s story inspires you, show your support and be counted:

http://www.barackobama.com/inspire

There was a time when "the people" could effect change. From ending the Vietnam War, to the Civil Rights movement -- we were vocal and passionate and made our country take action. Barack Obama is intelligent and passionate enough to motivate "the people" to find their collective (silent majority) voice once again. He's skilled at mobilizing from the grass-roots level up, rather than issuing edicts from the top down. Rather than telling us that he knows better what to do, he assures us that he will help us get what WE want to do. "Government for the people and by the people" -- what a concept!
Dan (Austin, TX), who gave Monday

If Dan’s story inspires you, show your support and be counted:

http://www.barackobama.com/inspire