This is the new ad showing up in all the major LGBT publications throughout Ohio and Texas. Obama "came out" to the entire country in a statement released on Thursday entitled, "Open Letter from Barack Obama to the LGBT community." In the letter Obama detailed his history of activism on behalf of gay Americans and called on LGBT voters to join with him in winning the White House.

"I'm running for President to build an America that lives up to our founding promise of equality for all—a promise that extends to our gay brothers and sisters. It's wrong to have millions of Americans living as second-class citizens in this nation. Equality is a moral imperative. That's why throughout my career, I have fought to eliminate discrimination against LGBT Americans."

"I support the complete repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA)—a position I have held since before arriving in the U.S. Senate. While some say we should repeal only part of the law, I believe we should get rid of that statute altogether. Federal law should not discriminate in any way against gay and lesbian couples, which is precisely what DOMA does. I have also called for us to repeal Don't Ask, Don't Tell, and I have worked to improve the Uniting American Families Act so we can afford same-sex couples the same rights and obligations as married couples in our immigration system."

"As your President, I will use the bully pulpit to urge states to treat same-sex couples with full equality in their family and adoption laws."

While normally you'd think the LGBT community would embrace such targeted words there has been a flurry of emotional response and not all positive. Many gays feel this is tactical and he's targeting the community before Tuesday's big election. Um, yes, that would be correct. What do you think campaigning is? Targeting a specific audience for specific results. That's politics...that's Democracy. Some think he doesn't go far enough in LGBT support. When was the last time ANY presidential campaign gave money back to our community with targeted advertising dollars? As far as I know it hasn't happened. I think this is a bold move that will set a precedent for an LGBT focus in other campaigns.

Regardless, it is this current level of INTERNAL animosity for the democratic candidates that is going to let McCain sail smoothly into the White House in November. We went through this during California's Governor race with Steve Westly and Phil Angelides. They clobbered each other to such an extent that when Angelides finally won the nomination the state was disgusted with the dems. The Governator walked right back into office with an approval rating of 19%. In a Blue State!!!

Words or no words, ads or no ads--the question you have to ask yourself is do you want to keep the same divisive politics "Us vs. Them" or do you want a president that is willing to work with people from every walk of life / both sides of the isle. I, for one, am exhausted with the right vs. the left. As kumbaya as it sounds ONE person cannot fix this country--day 1 or day 100. We need a candidate who is going to challenge all of us to do the work along side of them--whomever it may be.

I am supporting Barack but regardless of who gets the nomination the Democratic Party has GOT to stay unified and let go of the public vitriol. If not all we're doing is electing another Rightwing pandering extremist into office. I would like to hope that in the next election cycle that some level of moderation returns to the Republicans but with the current state of the Party it is not something our country (or LGBT community) can afford.

Hey All,

As (hopefully) most of you know tomorrow is the California primary. For those of you who are here in California, please take the hour or so to find your local polling place and vote. Personally, I'm supporting Obama and I encourage you to do the same. Our country needs a fresh start and a new outlook. I believe we have great democratic candidates but I would really like to see this country be inspired to be the best country in the world again. I truly believe Barack is the man to get us there. Regardless, vote...it's what makes us American.

For those of you not living in California, please take the 5 minutes to find out when your primary is. Believe it or not the primary will be as (if not more) important than our votes this November.

The following is a note from Barack Obama to his MySpace adds. :)

"Together, yes we can!"

******************************************************************************

Tomorrow is Primary Day in California, and I'm writing to you with an important reminder to vote and to make sure that your family, friends, and neighbors get out and vote too.

Use our online tool to find your polling location:

http://my.barackobama.com../CAlookup

When Michelle and I talked about my running for president, one of the core goals we both had for this campaign was to leave the political process better off than we found it.

You have challenged conventional thinking and built a grassroots movement for change that is sweeping this country.

I have no doubt that the election tomorrow will be close. It's vitally important that you vote and ensure that others who want change in this country vote too.

Our work here will have a lasting impact in California for a long time to come.

I believe that this movement for change can do more than just win an election. Together, we can transform this country.

Find your polling location and vote tomorrow:

http://my.barackobama.com../CAlookup

Thank you for being part of this,

Barack

P.S. -- Here are a few details and rules that will help make the voting process run smoothly. Make sure to share these with your friends:

* Polls are open from 7:00 a.m. to at least 8:00 p.m. Anyone in line at the time the polls close is allowed to vote.

* Voters have the right to cast a provisional ballot even if their name is not listed on the voting rolls. If a voter is at the wrong polling location and has time to get to the correct polling location before polls close at 8:00 p.m., they should go to the correct one and vote with a regular ballot instead of voting with a provisional ballot at the wrong location.

* If you declined to select a political party when you registered to vote, you can still vote for Barack Obama if you request a Democratic ballot from the poll worker. Make sure you mark "Democratic" in the appropriate space or the vote might not be counted.

* Voters have the right to return a completed vote-by-mail ballot to any precinct in their county.

* If you have any difficulties, you can call the California Obama Election Protection Hotline:
LOS ANGELES: (310) 801-9546 or (310) 779-0816
SAN FRANCISCO/BAY AREA: (510) 520-5025
OAKLAND/EAST BAY: (415) 606-6043
SAN DIEGO: (619) 770-7105



Visit: CA.BarackObama.com | Call: 213-383-2008 | Email: California@BarackObama.com