By Arnab Datta

Aug 31, 2008 1:59pm

Obama Will Mobilize Email List to Help with Gustav’s Aftermath

ABC News’ Sunlen Miller Reports: Senator Obama told reporters today in Lima, OH that he plans to mobilize his network of volunteers and donors to help with Hurricane Gustav’s aftermath.

Obama said that they’ll wait over the next 48 hours to see what resources are most needed, “It becomes a question of what people on the ground need and once we determine that then we can activate our email list of a couple of million people who want to give back.”

Senator McCain and Sarah Palin are visiting a hurricane response center in Jackson Mississippi to learn about preparations. Senator Obama told reporters that at this time he has no plans to visit the region because of the resources that would be taken away from the hurricane in providing for a visit.

“The thing that I am always concerned about is in the middle of the storm is whether we are drawing resources away from folks on the ground, because the secret service and various security requirements sometimes it pulls police and fire and other departments away from concentrating on the job.”

Obama said that it is “fine” for McCain to want to find out what is going on in the region, “I am assuming that where he went that wasn’t an issue and we are going to try to stay clear of the area until things have settled down and then we will probably try to figure out how we can be as helpful as possible.”

Senator Obama has been speaking to officials in the area over the phone – getting briefings about the situation.   He spoke with Louisiana Lieutenant Gov. Mitch Landrieu and Homeland Security Secretary Chertoff this morning, after a stop in Lima, Ohio for church.

The Illinois Senator also went on the air – calling in my phone to local TV stations to urge citizens to follow the instructions of their local officials and to evacuate.

Senator Obama and Biden campaign together in Ohio today.

Before he introduced Obama at an event in Toledo, his running mate Sen. Joe Biden, spared a thought for everyone in Gustav’s path.

"It’s a magnificent day today," Biden said on the sunny August afternoon. "But a lot of our friends down in New Orleans, where my daughter went to school, are battened down for something that may be even more devastating than what happened in Katrina. Pray God it won’t."

Biden noted that he said a prayer for these people when he attended Sunday mass at St Brendan’s the Navigator in Hilliard, Ohio and he urged the audience to do the same.

"Say a little prayer because these folks have been through, you know, they’ve been through hell," said the Delaware lawmaker. "And pray God this Gustav decides to take a turn or something but it doesn’t look real good now. I just want to, I just want to reference that because I’m sure the folks in New Orleans and the Gulf Coast and Mississippi and Louisiana are on everyone’s minds this morning."

ABC News’ Matt Jaffe contributed to this report.

User Comments

This is an example of using natural disaster to server his own political gain.

Posted by: d0 | August 31, 2008, 2:17 pm 2:17 pm

Real leadership opposed to McPalin photo op.

Posted by: jim | August 31, 2008, 2:17 pm 2:17 pm

I will not vote for Obama. But what I see so far is he is the most lucky politician in American history.
I see things , he is really very lucky… anyways we will see Nov 4

Posted by: Sam | August 31, 2008, 2:27 pm 2:27 pm

“his is an example of using natural disaster to server his own political gain”.
I live in Mississippi and McCain needs to stay the H#$% outta here. He thinks he can campaign on other people’s misery. If I see him and his beauty queens he will get the same reception Cheney got. He can’t do nothing but get in the way.

Posted by: Joseph | August 31, 2008, 2:30 pm 2:30 pm

Will the emails be in hebrew? Hope not. Hussein jacks himself up like he was sooo important, what a moron. He is just copying the RNC initiatives in preparation for the storm, copycat.
Excerpt: “Obama said that it is “fine” for McCain to want to find out what is going on in the region” <— Who the hell is NoBama to authorize the next president of the USA Mr. John McCain whether is fine or not to visit storm preparations … kiss my butt Hussein.

Posted by: Dumb de-moo-crats | August 31, 2008, 2:39 pm 2:39 pm

When I received mine e-mail I will respond with a monetary contribution in the DEMOCRATIC PARTY response for the victims of GUSTAV disaster!

Posted by: READY999 | August 31, 2008, 2:42 pm 2:42 pm

Obama always braggin and acting as if all his doners will contribute…please. Another opportunity to keep himself in the spotlight. What a loser. I saw him campaigning this morning and using that tired old “5 million” comment McCain joked about on Rick Warren’s faith forum….ya know, the one where McCain CLEANED HIS CLOCK. McCain knew he would use that joke against and everday he’s out there quoting the joke….OBAMA IS A JOKE.
McCAIN/PALIN ALL THE WAY

Posted by: Debra | August 31, 2008, 2:43 pm 2:43 pm

Obama conned his supporers and many others into giving him their cell phone numbers and emails for mass publicity. Even though, it appears this is a good thing, we all know his alterior motive. Obama is a wolf in sheeps clothing…I’m so glad John McCain will be the next POTUS!

Posted by: david from texas | August 31, 2008, 2:46 pm 2:46 pm

DEBRA— I bet you will not be donating a thing! Just another silly comment you been blogging! HYPOCRIT!

Posted by: READY999 | August 31, 2008, 2:47 pm 2:47 pm

david from texas—the same applied to you!So many hypocrites! Instead of talking BS why don’t you and DEBRA make a pledge?

Posted by: READY999 | August 31, 2008, 2:51 pm 2:51 pm

Barry Hussien : “…v
The thing that I am always concerned about is in the middle of the storm is whether we are drawing resources away from folks on the ground, because the secret service and various security requirements sometimes it pulls police and fire and other departments away from concentrating on the job.”
But Pres. Bush was reamed 3 years ago for making the same decision. Gotta love the Dems..

Posted by: Tom | August 31, 2008, 2:56 pm 2:56 pm

The lord Obama the most mercyful massiah will send change, hope, pixie dust, and a speach. McCain will send real help and solutions people can use immediately.
America First, McCain/Palin 08

Posted by: Norman | August 31, 2008, 2:58 pm 2:58 pm

God works in mysterious ways. The RNC convention will be a waste. The media will be too focus on the hurricane to discuss much about the convention. And there’s no way they can top what Obama did Thursday night.
Obama/Biden08
It’s a landslide
Posted by: Vanessa | Aug 31, 2008 2:35:17 PM
Vanessa, as always, your posts and hatefulness shows the kind of person you are. I’m so damn glad you are for Obama because you are a poor excuse for an American. You ARE ALWAYS putting down people for Obama’s gain. Now you are thankful to God for a tragedy thats about to ruin thousands of lives! Take yourself and your “boy” Obama and move to Africa or somewhere….We (Americans) don’t want you in our country! I just can’t believe you are thanking God for a freaking hurricane! YOU are one sick individual!!!!

Posted by: Alice | August 31, 2008, 2:59 pm 2:59 pm

Posted by: Trish | August 31, 2008, 3:00 pm 3:00 pm

Well said Alice. The good thing is people like Vanessa expose the liberal mindset and that is a good thing for the USA.

Posted by: Norman | August 31, 2008, 3:01 pm 3:01 pm

Ready…..you may want to change your posting name to “DemWit”. You supporting Obama Bin Lyin by thinking he really cares? Be for real…Obummer is a “pied piper” that is leading you down the road of destruction!
McCain/Palin 08!

Posted by: david from texas | August 31, 2008, 3:02 pm 3:02 pm

The victims of GUSTAV disaster will not be looking a candidate phony appearances like McCAIN/PALIN tour,but for a monetary help for the losses they are about to endure.Monetary help will help them survive until FEMA and insurance companies help kicks in. LETS ALL DEMOCRATS AND REPUBLICIANS PITCH IN AND MAKE A PLEDGE FOR GUSTAV VICTIMS!!!

Posted by: READY999 | August 31, 2008, 3:04 pm 3:04 pm

God works in mysterious ways. The RNC convention will be a waste. The media will be too focus on the hurricane to discuss much about the convention. And there’s no way they can top what Obama did Thursday night.
Obama/Biden08
It’s a landslide
Posted by: Vanessa | Aug 31, 2008 2:35:17 PM
Vanessa, as always, your posts and hatefulness shows the kind of person you are. I’m so damn glad you are for Obama because you are a poor excuse for an American. You ARE ALWAYS putting down people for Obama’s gain. Now you are thankful to God for a tragedy thats about to ruin thousands of lives! Take yourself and your “boy” Obama and move to Africa or somewhere….We (Americans) don’t want you in our country! I just can’t believe you are thanking God for a freaking hurricane! YOU are one sick individual!!!!

Posted by: david from texas | August 31, 2008, 3:05 pm 3:05 pm

The list is for himself! If anybody has anything they can send it directly to Obama and he will gladly re-distribute their wealth! This is what will happen if he were president too!!

Posted by: Ed | August 31, 2008, 3:06 pm 3:06 pm

david from texas—just as I figure. You all talk but no action.SORRY S.O.B.

Posted by: READY999 | August 31, 2008, 3:07 pm 3:07 pm

Ready….you definitely ARE a “typical” NoBama supporter…..LOL! My action will be on November 4th when I pull the lever for the next President of the United States, President John S. McCain!
LOLOLOLOLOL! Stupid Obamabot!

Posted by: david from texas | August 31, 2008, 3:15 pm 3:15 pm

david from texas—-In your dreams! dream on.

Posted by: READY999 | August 31, 2008, 3:20 pm 3:20 pm

Ready….you definitely ARE a “typical” NoBama supporter…..LOL! My action will be on November 4th when I pull the lever for the next President of the United States, President John S. McCain!
LOLOLOLOLOL! Stupid Obamabot!

Posted by: david from texas | August 31, 2008, 3:24 pm 3:24 pm

I am getting very concerned with the American media. The media has always been liberal, but today it seems as though it is “controlled” liberal. There is so much positive news re Obama’s campaign but mostly negative news about McCain’s campaign. I am almost afraid for our country. What has happened to freedom of the press, an unbias press and news programs? Those are gone and it is a shame. You probably will not print this, but some of us Americans (a great number) are beginning to feel as though some body of beings or countries have taken over our news and we do not like it.

Posted by: Michael McCoy | August 31, 2008, 3:24 pm 3:24 pm

Michael, this is what pi$$e$ so many people off. The media has given Obama a “free pass”. Look what they did to Hillary, who, btw, is the REAL Democratic nominee, not this “empty suit” pretending to have intelligence…..and now, the MSM are trying to do it with McCain. But, have you noticed, that like Hillary said, Obama can’t close the deal. Many, many, MANY Americans are turned off by the pro-Obama media and it has actually backfired and turned the voters against Obama……that’s why he will lose in November….America is sick of him being pushed down our throats by the media and his supporters. I’m very glad that Sarah Palin, the fresh face and voice, has entered the picture. She and McCain will take the White House in November.

Posted by: david from texas | August 31, 2008, 3:45 pm 3:45 pm

Is this part of the same list that Obama received from Howard Dean of the DNC so he had a head start for money grabbing over Clinton.
Obama, you are simply grabbing attention again using victims of the storm as your bait.
FOS and LOL

Posted by: Mary | August 31, 2008, 3:47 pm 3:47 pm

McGoo has no vision, he’s pandering. He only picked Palin to try to get the Hillary vote. You can’t tell me that he actually thinks she is the best in the GOP to take over the presidency if something happened to him. Not buying it. It’s also funny that he doesn’t even know her. Seems he was scrambling to find a women.

Posted by: oo | August 31, 2008, 3:52 pm 3:52 pm

All the back and forth name-calling from both sides on this forum, instead of intelligent and respectful discussion, reminds me of kindergarten playground behavior that kids get reprimanded for by the adults. This is so ridiculous I had to comment out of sheer shock and disappointment. Can’t we discuss things like rational adults rather than letting emotional outburst rule our logic and wisdom?

Posted by: Mitch | August 31, 2008, 3:52 pm 3:52 pm

thanks, mitch. i agree with your statement. campaigns are campaigns. both sides are trying to set their image as strong and play their strategy. that’s what campaigns are all about. what citizens need to remember is to look at issues and facts and vote because this is a democracy where people have differences and that’s what the revolutionary war was all about. i’m 19 and voting for the first time, and discussions in 11th grade made more sense than all this back-and-forth stuff i’m seeing on the web. we all love our country, but we disagree on how to solve problems. even our founding fathers disagreed. it’s part of being american and i’m proud of it. vote. think. respect is a two way street, and two wrongs don’t make a right.

Posted by: racer777 | August 31, 2008, 4:13 pm 4:13 pm

Sorry, racer777, the Revolutionary War was about overthrowing a King who taxed the pants off the colonists who wanted to be in charge of their own destiny. And it was violent, not all peace and love and harmoney. Go back to 11th grade and get your facts straight you pinkoes.

Posted by: Robert R | August 31, 2008, 4:20 pm 4:20 pm

GO MCCAIN AND PALIN.
NO PEACE HIPPY FREAK PINKOES IN DC WHO LIKE DIFFERENCES!!!!!!!!!! GET A GRIP!!!!!!!!!!!!! WE NEED A TOUGH TEAM WHO KNOWS HOW TO LEAD NOT BE BABIES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: ZED | August 31, 2008, 4:25 pm 4:25 pm

Here is how the Democrats really feel about Gustav -
Democrats “A down right MEAN party”
Former Democratic Party chairman Don Fowler gloating that the fact that south Louisiana will be slammed by a Katrina-strength monster hurricane on the day that George W. Bush speaks at the GOP convention “just demonstrates that God’s on our side.”
(Besides Michael Moore, that is, who said the hurricane is “proof that there is a God in heaven.”)

Posted by: susie | August 31, 2008, 4:29 pm 4:29 pm

It’s funny that people say Obama is stupid. He is without question the most intelligent person in the race. What credentials does John McCain or Palin have that is shows that they are more intelligent? This is the typical stuff that AA and Women go through everyday. It’s sad, because when I step in the room I have to prove myself and have to deal with people like people on this board discounting me before they know me.

Posted by: Wayne | August 31, 2008, 4:29 pm 4:29 pm

um, hello, that’s not what i meant robert. sorry to confuse you. i meant it was about having democracy, individual rights, freedom of speech, representation if we would be taxed, voting rights, economic rights, and the right to choose who would represent us, with majority ruling through the vote. the founding fathers disagreed on lots of issues, everything from state’s rights to federal powers to slavery. but they drafted a constitution with intelligence regardless and came to an agreement. there will always be people who argue and act unpleasant, but that doesn’t mean it’s cool to be like that. it doesn’t mean it’s stupid to try to discuss the facts rather than call people pinkos. it’s spelled pinkos. and harmony. it’s spelled harmony. gosh, i’d like to go back to 11th grade. life’s a lot easier and the people are sometimes more mature!!!!!

Posted by: racer777 | August 31, 2008, 4:31 pm 4:31 pm

I second that Wayne. Obama is clearly an extremely intelligent person. Call me elitist or whatever (though my income wouldn’t exactly agree) but I would much rather have someone leading us with a high degree of intellect and insight to Constitutional Law than someone without brains. Speaking of founding fathers like some people above: they were among the brightest thinkers in the world, and while I disagree with them leaving slavery intact and not allowing women to vote, it was a different time. They still did a WONDERFUL job at crafting an incredible document. I want someone intelligent in the White House, and Obama is by far the most intelligent and logical person for the job in this election. I’m independent, and I’m voting Obama.

Posted by: Lauren | August 31, 2008, 4:36 pm 4:36 pm

The Governor of Miss. invited McCain and Palin to view the preparations.
Obama’s just mad cause LA, Alabama and Miss. all have Republican governors and no one invited him.

Posted by: Gracie | August 31, 2008, 4:37 pm 4:37 pm

Here is what Bill Maher (liberal to the core) says about the media and Obama the great -
“I think there is a problem, though, with the media gushing over him too much. I don’t think he thinks that he’s all that, but the media does. I mean, the coverage after, that I was watching, from MSNBC, I mean these guys were ready to have sex with him….It’s embarrassing.”

Posted by: Andie | August 31, 2008, 4:41 pm 4:41 pm

It doesn’t sound like Obama’s mad at all. It sounds like he’s not going to go down there right this second because it would create too much distraction when resources are needed for other things. It sounds like the Repubs are doing what they need to do and the Dems are doing what they need to do. Obama’s still the better choice. Better judgment on issues that affect our futures, imho.

Posted by: Lauren | August 31, 2008, 4:43 pm 4:43 pm

Who cares what the stupid media or Bill Maher or any stupid pundit says or how they act. Isn’t it about time we all thought for ourselves anyway based on facts?
John McCain is just fine. But Obama’s the better choice.

Posted by: Lauren | August 31, 2008, 4:45 pm 4:45 pm

Are you mad at Obama or the media? It gets confusing reading some of the comments. Should Obama tell the media to stop saying nice things about him? Will this make you feel better? I just don’t understand the anger at Obama, because the media thinks he is a more interesting person to cover. He is more interesting.

Posted by: Wayne | August 31, 2008, 4:47 pm 4:47 pm

Obama is more definitely more interesting, and could bring healing and intelligence to the country. I like the message of personal responsibility, taking ownership for mistakes, working hard and making sacrifices to make this a better country. There’s nothing wrong with trying to inspire people. The President’s power is actually very limited by checks and balances anyway, and part of the President’s job is being a figurehead and role model for our nation. It might be a very healing thing for the inner cities to have someone they feel represents them, too, who can inspire them to overcome race or poverty or whatever. Our country cannot be as great as it deserves when a huge population of our people are marginalized and have little opportunity for education.
I also disagree with how McCain voted against increasing the GI Bill for veterans saying it would hurt retention! Obama supported this measure, and being a veteran myself, I totally agree. People who serve our country need to feel supported in education. Educating our people will be the only way America can truly keep up in the International markets.

Posted by: Lauren | August 31, 2008, 4:54 pm 4:54 pm

Letter to Senator Obama and Senator McCain,
In the next 36 hours, many Americans who are alive today will have died in a major hurricane. The level of personal loss and sadness will be enormous. Regardless of party, your political posturing during such a grave period of time is morally corrupt and disgraceful. I would highly recommend that you both act like Americans and forget your political affiliations for a week as the country deals with this disaster. Quite frankly, whether or not either of you are elected in two months pales in comparison to the tremendous heartache and loss that is about to be inflicted upon our land. Please quit trying to one-up each other on your leadership during this disaster. Neither one of you are value added right now and your help might be more effective off camera.
D

Posted by: Don C | August 31, 2008, 5:01 pm 5:01 pm

Folks, let’s drop the hate. America is on the brink and the Obama/Biden ticket is our only hope. Educate yourself.
This is from a 55 year old white woman who lives in Ky. This election is way too serious for an non-educated, knee jerk vote. McCain has a horrible temper, Palin is a bad risk. Please think this through, do your research, etc.
D

Posted by: D | August 31, 2008, 5:38 pm 5:38 pm

The McCain campaign and its supporters are so filled with hate and hypocrisy that it makes my heart ache to hear them spew their slander and sling their slop. And then, of all things, they have the audacity to accuse other people of their own faults. McCain did the same thing during the flooding in the midwest this year after the towns asked that he postpone his visit. But he is so interested in his ‘hero’ image and in himself that he disregarded those requests and drained valuable resources from rescue and recovery operations. It is becoming increasingly clear that McCain is certainly not interested in country first.

Posted by: No way. No how. No McCain. | August 31, 2008, 5:54 pm 5:54 pm

The niggger is crumbling……

Posted by: Mr. Pay Grade | August 31, 2008, 7:32 pm 7:32 pm

To Mr. Pay Grade -
You are total scum. Did you manage to finish high school? Doubt it!!!!!
D

Posted by: D | August 31, 2008, 8:04 pm 8:04 pm

Mr. Pay Grade, that shows your ignorance and evil, and I feel sorry for you. When you meet your maker, you’ll get yours.

Posted by: Andrew | August 31, 2008, 8:10 pm 8:10 pm

Mr. Pay Grade is probably related to one of those racist meth heads they caught in Denver.

Posted by: Cassie | August 31, 2008, 8:16 pm 8:16 pm

I think it’s too funny that Obama is going to send out an email like this. The man doesn’t understand that what he needed to do was to get his rear down to the Gulf Coast yesterday instead of eating ice cream in Pennsylvania. Obama and Biden just don’t care about their fellow citizens that are in harm’s way.

Posted by: jmt | August 31, 2008, 10:26 pm 10:26 pm

The Obama campaign and its supporters are so filled with hate and hypocrisy that it makes my heart ache to hear them spew their slander and sling their slop. And then, of all things, they have the audacity to accuse other people of their own faults. Obama was no where to be found during the flooding in the Midwest this year. Obama is so interested in his ‘hero’ image and in himself that he never made an attempt to help those poor people that needed help so much. McCain proved to be a valuable resource in the rescue and recovery operations. It is becoming increasingly clear that Obama is certainly not interested in country first.

Posted by: jmt | August 31, 2008, 10:31 pm 10:31 pm

Wow sending out an email for help with a campaign ad attached, I hope Obama does not get overworked doing that. McCain should show up down there after the hurricane hits and make Obama look like a real ass.

Posted by: Randy Smith | August 31, 2008, 11:06 pm 11:06 pm

Don’t be ignorant when it comes to the payday loan industry, mainly because you never know when you will fall on financial hardships. If you fail to educate yourself on the ins and outs of the industry you might very well miss out on an opportunity to pick yourself up out of your financial troubles. Some of the politicians in Washington choose to ignore the fact that a payday loan can help restore your credit and put you back on the road to financial success. These politicians have even had the audacity to create legislation that would ban the industry all together. It’s clear that they don’t care about the people that the industry has helped or the employees in the industry that would all lose their jobs. They tend to question the ethics of the payday loan business, but I question their ethics!
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Posted by: Payday Loan Advocate | September 25, 2008, 4:15 am 4:15 am

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