Home » Action Highlights

Accountability (November 2009)

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid announced that the merged Senate bill would include the choice of a public option when it comes to the floor of the Senate for a full vote, but it only takes one of the 60 Democratic Senators to support a Republican filibuster to block the bill. DFA will not stop until the President has signed the bill. If any member of the Democratic Caucus joins a Republican filibuster of a bill with a public option, we demand that the Caucus immediately strip that Senator of all Committee Chairmanships.

 

Thanking the House Healthcare Heroes (September 2009)

The health insurance industry did not count on a united progressive block standing strong in support of the public option, but House Healthcare Leaders like Maxine Waters, Jerrold Nadler, and John Conyers have not backed down from passing a healthcare reform bill that includes a public option. We have proven that a bill without a public health insurance option can’t pass the House of Representatives. A total of 64 House Democrats, as well as organizational leaders like Governor Dean and AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka, continue to draw a line in the sand in support of the public option. They know that passing the choice of a public option is about people, not politics, and over 150,000 Americans signed on to thank our House Healthcare Heroes.

Public Option Resolutions (August-November 2009)

DFA members across America are passing resolutions in support of healthcare reform and a public option through their local Democratic groups, clubs, and committees. Four out of five bills that passed through a committee in Congress included a public option, but 138 out of 138 Democratic Party Resolutions have drawn a line in the sand demanding a public option. The resolutions show broad-based support for the choice of a public option and put pressure on Representatives and Senators to vote for what their constituents want: healthcare reform for all Americans and the choice of a public option.

 

Health Care Can’t Wait (June-December 2009)

More than 75% of Americans support a public option, so supporters of healthcare reform took notice of the Senators and Representatives who spoke out about voting against their constituent’s healthcare interests. That’s why DFA released five hard-hitting advertisements in Louisiana, Nebraska, Iowa, Maine, and Montana, featuring the personal stories of real Americans. The Senators from these five states have received millions of dollars from health and insurance companies and have stated that they would try to kill reform by not voting for a public option. But their constituents, both Democrats and Republicans, support a public option. The ads sent a message: either you stand with President Obama and Dr. Dean in favor of a public option, or you will stand alone for reelection.

Marriage Equality (March 2009)

DFA pushed Vermont Governor Jim Douglas to support marriage for gay couples, because civil unions are NOT good enough. Separate is not equal. Governor Douglas doesn’t want a civil union. He wants a marriage. If civil unions are not good enough for him, who are they good enough for? DFA members went to the Statehouse in Montpelier to tell Governor Douglas to stop treating some Vermonters like second-class citizens and make marriage available to all Vermonters. The Vermont legislature overruled Governor Douglas’ veto and marriage equality was upheld in the state of Vermont.

 

Support American Workers: Employee Free Choice Act (December 2008)

Unionized workers are the backbone of a strong and growing middle class and the Employee Free Choice Act would put the power to organize back in the hands of working people. DFA stood up for the middle class and supported an EFCA bill that would allow American workers to freely form and join a union.  Members fought back against big business by writing letters to their local newspapers in support of the Employee Free Choice Act. We must stop corporations from intimidating or laying off employees who try to organize and bargain collectively for fair wages, safe working conditions, and healthcare.

Million Doors for Peace (September 2008)

DFA teamed up with over 20 anti-war activist organizations, including TrueMajority, USAction, and MoveOn, to knock on one million doors in support of peace in Iraq. Members spoke with newly registered and infrequent voters from every political party who are against the war in Iraq and want to see our brave men and women come home. It was a huge success and got many voters to sign a petition calling for Congress to set a specific end date for the war.

 

Unity Action Pledge and Events (June 2008)

Once Barack Obama won the delegates necessary to   become the Democratic Nominee, DFA launched our call to bring the Democratic Party together for a unified victory in November. DFA members reached out. We worked to inspire and respect each other. And we challenged our members to find 5 people, who supported a different candidate for the nomination, and bring them into our campaign. Tens of thousands of Democrats signed our Unity Pledge and thousands of Unity event were held all over the country.

 

 

Protect the Right to Vote Campaign (May 2008)

Since the Supreme Court decided to uphold a draconian law in Indiana that requires citizens show a government issued photo ID to vote, Republican legislatures across the country have started moving fast to pass their own version of this horrible law. In fact, 19 states are rushing to pass anti-voting laws.

Missouri Republicans started taking it a step further. A photo ID isn't good enough; they want you to show your birth certificate or passport in the polling booth too. Enough is enough, Missouri DFA members made hundreds of calls to the state legislature and national over 48,000 members signed a petition delivered to Governors across the country demanding they protect our right to vote.

 

Tell Joe Not To Go Campaign (May – July 2008)

In July 2008, Pastor Hagee will lead thousands of followers to Washington for an "Israel Summit" sponsored by "Christians United for Israel". And guess who is scheduled to deliver the keynote address? That's right, it's Lieberman.

Democracy for America and J Street, the political arm of the pro-Israel, pro-peace movement called on Senator Joe Lieberman to cut all ties to Pastor John Hagee and his extremist views immediately

 

Condi Must Go (April 2008)

 

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice chaired repeated White House meetings approving specific torture techniques before they were used -- then lied about it to Congress. Democracy for America partnered with True Majority and Brave New Films to launch an aggressive national campaign with a simple message: Condi Must Go.

Over 300,000 people viewed our smoking gun viral video and over 90,000 people signed our petition demanding the Presidential candidates call for her resignation. DFA Members are always working to hold the Bush administration accountable and restoring America’s image around the world.

 

 

Uncounted House Parties/Standing up for Election Integrity

On, February 13, 2008 Democracy for America members hosted 203 Uncounted House Parties in 42 states and the District of Columbia. These house parties educated members and their communities about the issue of election integrity. After the party, members participated in a conference call and Q&A session with DFA Chair Jim Dean and filmmaker David Earnhardt.

These national house parties were part of DFA's continuing campaign for election integrity. Most recently, in the summer of 2007, DFA-List California Secretary of State Debra Bowen decertified electronic voting machines statewide due to security flaws. Initially county clerks went public in their opposition and threatened to sue the Secretary of State. In response, California DFA members sprung into action making thousands of calls demanding county clerks stand with Debra Bowen.

Fighting against Telecom Immunity (Nov 2007 - ongoing)

In November of 2007, Democracy for America continued to hold the Democratic majority accountable by demanding Democrats stand firm in opposition to telecom immunity. DFA won major victories on this issue as a FISA bill without immunity passed out of committee in the Senate, both Sen. Clinton and Sen. Obama spoke in support of DFA's position and as of February 28th, 2008, despite the president's fearmongering, the House stood firm. Overall, over 10,000 DFA members called or wrote letters to their legislators in opposition to telecom immunity.

Health Care for America (Summer 2007)

In the summer of 2007, Democracy for America partnered with filmmaker Michael Moore to continue the fight for quality, affordable health care for every American. DFA members contributed 17,771 health care horror stories showing the effects of a broken health care system on ordinary Americans nationwide. In late August DFA activists delivered these stories to 75% of members of the US House of Representatives in one day demanding action on universal health care. And, DFA leaders organized dozens of health care forums to educate the public about the need for health care for every American.

Impeach Gonzales ( May 2007 - Aug 2007)

In the late spring of 2007, Democracy for America partnered with Brave New Films to call for the impeachment of Attorney General Alberto Gonzales. Over 300,000 people watched Brave New Films' on-line videos exposing Gonzales and over 81,000 Americans signed a petition calling for his impeachment. DFA Leaders delivered these petition signatures to congressional offices around the country - driving home the national and local support for impeachment. Finally, Democracy for America ran newspaper ads demanding action ran in Washington, DC, New York, Los Angeles, Detroit, and more cities -- targeting key members of the House Judiciary Committee. The campaign was covered in The Nation magazine and the NY Times called on Gonzales to go. DFA pressure lead to a tremendous victory as Alberto Gonzales resigned on Aug 27, 2007.

War Tapes (Feb 2007)

Democracy for America and TrueMajority Action united to keep the pressure on the President and Congress to not only stop the escalation, but end the occupation and bring our brave men and women home. DFA Members hosted 307 screenings of The War Tapes across the country. The 3257 members in attendance watched the movie and then send over 17,000 postcards to their US Senators rejecting funding for an escalation and demanding a swift end to the war.

 

America Says No/Emergency Rallies against Iraq War escalation (January 2007)

Thousands of DFA members joined with TrueMajority Action and other partners at over 1000 emergency rallies against escalating the Iraq War. Events as diverse as candle-light vigils honoring the fallen and honk and wave rallies were held within 24 hours of the President's speech. DFA Members sent a clear message against escalation and the leading Democratic candidates for President made unequivocal statements opposing escalation.

Public Option Field Organizers On-the-ground in 5 States (September-December 2009)

When DFA asked for the resources to take our Senate Whip Count campaign from 45 yes votes for a public option to 50, members provided donated enough for us to hire five new field organizers on-the-ground in states with key senators we will need to pass healthcare reform. We targeted Maine, Oregon, Montana, Virginia, and Indiana, to put pressure on those Senators and Representatives who have spoken about voting against the health care interests of their constituents. The new field organizers are mobilizing DFA members and keeping the pressure up. They are working hard to strengthen the weakest yeses and make sure Senators keep their word when it comes time to cast their votes.

 

America Can’t Wait (September 2009)

Healthcare reform is not about politics—it’s about people. DFA members across the country held over 350 vigils to highlight real people with healthcare issues who need real reform with the choice of a public option. More than 150,000 people signed a petition that reminded members of Congress that America Can’t Wait any longer for healthcare reform.

Netroots Nation Scholarship Competition (August 2009)

The fourth-annual Netroots Nation Convention was in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania from August 13 to 16. It was the event of the year for progressives from all over the country who are active both online and off-line. DFA provided trainings, organized panels, and went beyond traditional sponsorship by providing 40 progressive bloggers and activists with a DFA Netroots Nation Scholarship. 

 

Stand with Dr. Dean (May 2009)

14,000 Americans lose their healthcare coverage every day and more than 44,000 Americans die each year because they don’t have health insurance. America wants a choice and DFA is fighting to pass healthcare reform that is available for every American. DFA fully supports a public option and its inclusion is non-negotiable because a healthcare bill without the choice of a public option is only insurance reform. DFA members have been fighting against the for-profit insurance companies and HMOs that are working hard to stop healthcare reform. More than 400,000 Americans signed a petition in support of a public option that Howard Dean delivered to Congress, and more than 35,000 letters to the editor were written.

Demand the Truth (February 2009)

The Bush administration lied to America about everything from warrantless wiretapping to reasons for the war in Iraq. They politicized the Justice Department, tortured people, and exposed an undercover CIA agent for political reasons. We don’t know the extent of their lies and illegal actions. Nearly two-thirds of Americans want an investigation of potential wrongdoing by the Bush administration and DFA demands that Congress create a Truth Commission to investigate the abuses. Hold the Bush administration accountable for breaking the law and restore our faith in the balance of power required in the U.S. Constitution.

50 State Strategy (Election 2008)

The 50 State Strategy was a key factor in the 2008 election to elect progressives in every state at every level of government. DFA was online and on the ground in all 50 states to continue to reform the Democratic party by redrawing the electoral map and transforming America’s political landscape. Democratic candidates from Oregon to Florida, and New York to Georgia were given the resources they needed to win. DFA members signed a petition to get the current chairman of the Democratic National Committee, Tim Kaine, to commit to the 50 State Strategy. The DNC must continue to build a people-powered party across the county and leave no state behind. We know that the 50 State Strategy works and we must continue to use it in future elections.

Netroots Nation Scholarship Competition (June 2008)

The Netroots Nation Convention in Austin Texas July 17 to 20, 2008 is the grassroots event of the year. Progressive Bloggers from all over the country will unite with traditional off-line activists for networking, training, and more then a little bit of fun. Over 120 activists competed for 30 Netroots Nation Scholarships that covered most of the costs for the event.

 

Unmask the Myth (May – November 2008)

John McCain is lying to America. He claims to be a straight-talking maverick. He publicly distances himself from the wildly unpopular Bush administration. But it's just more of the same. McCain's latest ingenious policy proposal is his idea to lift the gas tax during the summer months to supposedly help ease the burden on vacationing families.

DFA ran radio ads that targeted the same voters McCain was hoping to shore up with his gas tax holiday. Our ad appealed to white men and independents. These aggressive persuasion ads ran on drive time and sports radio in important swing states. Over the coming months, DFA members will continue to Unmask the Myth and make sure that every American knows the truth about John McCain.

 

Primaries Matter! (2007 – 2008)

DFA members support progressive Democrats in primary battles against Bush Democrats. Starting with Ned Lamont in his race against Joe Liebermann in 2006, DFA has continued to stand with hard working progressives against out of touch incumbents. DFA members led another candidate to victory in June 2008 when Donna Edwards was officially elected to replace Bush Democrat Al Wynn in Maryland.

 

Fight McCain, Not Each Other (April – June 2008)

With daily media coverage of every possible supporter misstep or campaign jab between the two remaining Democratic candidates for President, DFA member felt it was important to remind the Senators Clinton and Obama to focus on what’s at stake. 

Over 65,000 DFA members signed our open letter to both Senators Clinton and Obama demanding they stop the in-fighting and attack dog campaigns targeted against each other and fight Senator John McCain instead. The open letter was delivered to the candidates campaign offices.

 

Voters Decide (Feb 2008)

In February of 2008, Democracy for America launched our "Voters Decide" campaign to ensure that the Democratic nominee for President is chosen by voters and not super-delegates. DFA Launched a petition which collected 61,083 signatures in a little over a week, partnered with MoveOn on a full page ad in USA Today, and 3,676 DFA members delivered the petitions to hundreds of super delegates across the country.

Unite for a Progressive President (Dec 2007 - Jan 2008)

After holding the largest on-line Presidential poll of 2008, Democracy for America launched our Unite for a Progressive President campaign. DFA Members signed a call to action and wrote thousands of letters to Iowa watch a video of the letter writing here. DFA held a Live from the Iowa caucuses conference call the night before as thousands of DFA members at Link-Ups and in homes got a first hand glimpse on the ground in Iowa. And, Democracy for America purchased an ad in the Des Moines register calling on Democrats to Unite for a Progressive President. The campaign was victorious as Congressman Kucinich called on his supporters to caucus for Sen. Obama, and Senators Obama and Edwards finished in first and second place respectively . Check out the on the ground reports at Blog for America. (Day 1- Davenport, Day 2 - Des Moines)

SiCKO House Parties (Nov 2007)

On Wednesday, November 14th, 2007, Democracy for America partnered with filmmaker Michael Moore for nationwide SiCKO house parties as part of our "Health Care for America Campaign.

Across America, DFA members held 296 house parties in 44 states and the District of Columbia and as over 4,200+ members gathered to watch the film and take action on health care.

DFA Chair Jim Dean and filmmaker Michael Moore held a special conference call with participants to talk about action steps to move towards universal health care.

DFA and the Presidential Race (2007)

All throughout 2007, DFA members were engaged in the Presidential race. DFA kicked off the year with messages to the candidates demanding to hear their plans for ending the Iraq War and combating global warming - and Senators Edwards and Obama, Gov. Richardson, and Rep. Kucinich responded with special videos to DFA members. Gov. Richardson sent campaign staff to a DFA Training Academy and Sen. Obama's campaign used the Training Academy manual for their trainings. This engagement culminated in November of 2007, with the largest online poll of the election season. Over 154,000 DFA members voted in response to "Vote for Me Messages" from the candidates in the race. As a response to the overwhelming support for progressive leaders, DFA launched the Unite for a Progressive President campaign.

Kilowatt Hours / DFA Goes Carbon Neutral (March-April 2007)

Democracy for America partnered with NativeEnergy and became the first PAC to go Carbon Neutral. As a community, members decided that DFA should allocate 30% of our carbon offset investments in the Farmer-Owned & Distributed Wind Turbines in Minnesota and South Dakota. Another 29% went to the Wanner Family Dairy Farm Methane Project in Pennsylvania. Another 22% of our carbon offset investment to the Owl Feather War Bonnet Wind Farm in South Dakota. And the final 19% was invested in the Native Village Wind project in Alaska. As part of this Green campaign, DFA members also hosted 200 'Kilowatt Ours' movie screenings across the country, and developed plans to turn their communities green.

State of the Union Response Parties (January 2007)

As President Bush delivered yet another State of the Union, DFA members gathered at 88 locations across the country for SOTU Response Parties. Before the speech, Rep. Peter Welch (D-VT) joined the parties via conference call and provided an update on the successes of the first 100 hours and what to expect next. During the speech, members had fun playing Bush Bingo, and wrote thousands of letters to the editor delivering the Grassroots' response. They wrapped the whole event up with a discussion of the DFA Plan to Move America Forward.

Press Contact:

Mary Rickles
Communications Director
802-651-3200 x143 
media@democracyforamerica.com