The campaign of President Barack Obama marks the 100-day countdown to November's general election Saturday and Sunday. First Lady Michelle Obama announced the "It Takes One" initiative Tuesday at a campaign event in Columbus, Ohio. Politico reports the first lady spoke to volunteers in the swing state for around 30 minutes to announce the grassroots initiative.
What exactly will campaign volunteers do for the weekend?
The Lantern from Ohio State University states the aim of the program is to encourage registered voters who support Obama to get their friends, relatives and neighbors to vote in November. Many events have been scheduled at campaign offices in key states as the event has been given nationwide importance by the campaign.
What is the theme of the initiative?
The overriding theme of "It Takes One" revolves around the philosophy that it may just take one vote to make a difference on election day. Michelle Obama touted if every supporter just brought one extra person with them to the polls, the extra votes make a difference.
What events stand out in various states?
Patch.com reports campaign volunteers meet in Portsmouth, N.H., at noon Saturday to observe the day. Dozens of events will take place all over the Granite State. State director Pete Kavanaugh told Patch.com, "The idea is that if we all commit to doing at least one thing to organize our communities , the combined impact will ensure that this President can keep moving this country forward for another four years. "
In Ohio alone, there are hundreds of separate volunteer-related events between Saturday and Monday. In Virginia, more than 150 events are planned in shopping malls, private homes and community gatherings throughout the state.
Why is the initiative happening now?
Ahead of her announcement, the first lady was interviewed by the Steve Harvey Morning Show. The Washington Post reports Michelle Obama said, "We can't assume... [the president] is going to be fine.... We have to be vigilant."
The timing is also important for a few other reasons. The general election is nearly three months away and fundraising will be one important aspect of the campaign. "It Takes One" strives to get voters to the polls as opposed to get advertising space on television.
Another interesting bit of timing is that presumptive GOP nominee Mitt Romney is in Europe on a three-nation tour beginning with the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. The Telegraph states Romney and British Prime Minister David Cameron traded remarks about London's readiness for the games as the candidate travels to Israel and then Poland later in the tour.
William Browning is a research librarian.
