Resources
Ideas to Get the Conversation Started
Approaching your parents about who they are voting for can be intimidating if you’ve never talked about politics with them before. But this campaign isn’t about the old Washington politics — it’s about you and the issues that matter to you. Here are some ideas for ways you can talk to your parents about these topics:
- * Bring it up at dinner
- * Email them to combat any smears they have heard about Barack with fightthesmears.com
- * Post policy sheets on your fridge at home
- * Point out blog articles on our HQ or volunteer blogs that inspired you
- * Share a campaign video with them to spark discussion
- * Ask them about the issues that matter to them and research Barack and Biden’s stances accordingly
- * Watch Barack’s and Joe Biden’s speeches, or Michelle’s interviews, with your parents
- * Invite your parents to attend a grassroots event with you — and invite their friends who are supporters too
- * Find out how Barack’s plans (like tax cuts) would affect them
- * Ask them if they’ve ever gotten contacted by our campaign, and what they thought about the experience
- * Talk about news coverage of the candidates, and your thoughts on that coverage
- * Leave news articles about the candidates around the house, and highlight or circle parts that you want them to read
- * Read our talking points on the issues
Think about their perspective. If they are Republican, or are concerned about Barack’s policies, think about where they are coming from and what makes them think the way that they do.
Do’s & Don’ts
* Do share your personal reasons for voting for Barack Obama;
* Do have confidence — your opinion matters to people who care about you;
* Do read up on Barack Obama’s positions on issues you know matter to them;
* Do find a good time when both you and them will be open to a conversation;
* Do talk to them in person if you live near by or on the phone if you don’t;
* Do ask your friends to talk to their parents and grandparents as well;
* Don’t worry about knowing everything about policy positions before you have this conversation;
* Don’t feel defensive, stay calm, cool and collected;
* Don’t wait until the last minute, it might take a few times for you to convince them, so start as early as possible;
* Don’t catch them at a bad time — make sure you have their attention and enough time to have a conversation
Learn more about Barack Obama’s stance on specific issues.
Learn about issues specific to these communities:
African Americans
Arab Americans
Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders
Latinos
LGBT
Native Americans
Learn about local volunteer opportunities:
Register at my.barackobama.com/ and look up local events where you can help the campaign, make new friends, and have fun!
Field Offices by State
Visit our fellow Obama websites:
An Obama Minute (Fundraising Together!)
Asian Americans for Obama
The Great Schlep (Jews Vote!)
Hungry for Obama (Fundraising Dinners for Obama!)
Latinos for Obama
Obama Times
Obama Travel
Travel for Change (Travel to Battleground States for Obama!)
South Asians for Obama
Two Voters (More Obama Videos!)
Be inspired by watching and sharing these video clips:
Barack Obama’s 2008 DNC Acceptance Speech (Video + Full Transcript)
One voice
Yes we can
Fired up
Visit Senator Obama’s download page, click Videos, then Speeches.