Howard Dean made a stop in Pittsburgh on Friday as part of his "Register for Change" tour, urging those gathered for the event at Freedom Corner to sign up new voters, but just as important, to make sure they get people out to the polls this November to cast their votes for the Democratic ticket.
He was joined at the event by Obama campaign chair Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano, who was on hand for Saturday's Democratic platform meeting.
Governor Dean spoke about the Dem platform, which focuses on the economy, health care, jobs and the war in Iraq, and noted that Democrats are aligned with the majority of Americans on all the issues of importance to the American people.
He spoke about a study that was done, where the various methods of contacting potential voters revealed that the most effective way to reach people is face-to-face, and urged each of us to visit our friends and neighbors to talk about Barack Obama's campaign and the need for change in Washington. He emphasized that we need to reach folks and talk about issues that are important to us and to them, not just drop off a pamphlet and ask for a vote. Human being to human being contact. That's what it's going to take.
Governor Dean also spoke about Congressional races Pittsburghers need to focus on, specifically incumbents Jason Altmire, and Mike Doyle, and Tim Murphy's challenger Steve O'Donnell, who I spoke with recently, and who seems to be a really great candidate. Check out his site and show some support.
Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.
As Governor Dean stated, it's the people on the ground who are going to win the election this fall, not the Dem party leadership. So it's up to us to talk to our friends and neighbors, make sure they're registered, and convince them to get to the polls on election day. If you're not signed up to volunteer for a voter registration drive, you can find one in your area by visiting the BarackObama.com Vote for Change page.
