Obama site a haven for fans, critics

Washington, Dec 28 (ANI): President-elect Barack Obama's supporters are eager to take the former community organizer up on his challenge to get to work for the nation, and many are even considering a run for public office.

What's left of the Democrat's presidential campaign has not been dwindling away - the 13 million-strong Obama e-mail list has been activated to help wildfire victims in California, to host thousands of parties to discuss the incoming administration, and at least 55,000 people told the campaign in an online survey that Obama has inspired them to consider political careers on the state or local level.

Meanwhile, Obama fans frustrated with some of his moves are again using his transition Web site to question his decisions, the Washington Times reported.

The continued activity among the most fervent online members of the Obama community suggests that his presidency will remain part of the Internet chatter as Democratic organizations figure out their next move in hopes of influencing his policy decisions. fficials said a recent survey showed universal health care remains the top priority, followed by economic recovery and job creation, building a "green" economy to stop climate change and ending the war in Iraq - all goals Obama has said he shares as urgent.

Obama campaign manager David Plouffe, whose role remains undefined for the incoming administration, regularly e-mails supporters with updates, the Washington Times reported.

Those on the Obama list also still get fundraising requests to help the Democratic National Committee retire its debt.

"You helped build the most powerful and effective grassroots movement in America," Plouffe told supporters last week. "Now, you're helping to define how this movement will support President-elect Obama's agenda and continue to bring the change we need."

He said 550,000 people already had completed an extensive Web survey, which asked respondents to indicate their interest in volunteering in their community as part of an Obama organization and asked them to rank their priorities. (ANI)