Obama Asks Supporters to Go Door-to-Door Canvassing for Budget

Posted by Sam Stein, Huffington Post at 7:50 AM on March 18, 2009.

President Barack Obama released a new video Wednesday morning through his campaign-offshoot organization, Organize for America, asking viewers to rally in support of his proposed budget.

<>The video, sent to the 13-million-strong email list by former Obama campaign manager David Plouffe, has the president declaring: "We must rebuild our economy on a foundation that lasts. And that is exactly what the budget I submitted to Congress is designed to do."

Watch:

The accompanying website asks viewers to either "Call Congress" or "Join a Canvass."

The video email blast has become a tried and true tool of the Obama political arsenal, one which Organize for America has deployed several times since its inception. The problem OFA and the president face is that there may simply not be enough oxygen in the room. The public was easily galvanized for an election, and seems moved and affected by highly populist issues like AIG's bonuses or financial bailouts. Getting similar levels of involvement for a budget fight is a much more difficult battle - one that proved elusive during the stimulus debate - and it should provide an interesting insight into the extent of the emotional investment of Obama supporters.

"I'm asking you to head outside this Saturday to knock on some doors, talk to some neighbors, and let people know how important this budget is to our future," the president says. "And that is why I'm asking you to stay involved in the days ahead."

Tagged as: obama, budget

Sam Stein is a Political Reporter at the Huffington Post, based in Washington, D.C.