An organization of President Barack Obama's supporters has issued an urgent call for donations to battle "swiftboaters" over health care reform.
Organizing for America, a political group run by the Democratic National Committee and dedicated to supporting Obama's legislative agenda, sent a mass e-mail that calls for "real Americans" to "stand up" and fight back.
Signed by political strategist David Plouffe, Obama's campaign manager, the e-mail states:
"We knew health care reform would face fierce opposition -- and it's begun. As we speak, the same people behind the notorious "swiftboat" ads of 2004 are already pumping millions of dollars into deceptive television ads. Their plan is simple: torpedo health care reform before it sees the light of day by scaring the public and distorting the President's approach.
"We need the resources to take them head on with an urgent, grassroots campaign to pass real health care reform in 2009.
"When the swiftboaters flood the airwaves with distortions, we'll flood the streets with volunteers armed with facts. When they send lobbyists to tell Congress to back down, we'll send millions of calls, letters, and stories from real Americans asking them to stand up.
"Please donate $5 or more by midnight Sunday to fight back against these phony attacks and take our message of reform to the American people.
"The swiftboaters are once again trying to sell the American people short. As during the election, we deserve a serious conversation -- not fear-mongering and deceit. You and I see the importance of health care reform every day. We can't miss this once in a lifetime opportunity to face one of America's greatest challenges head on.
"Passing real health care reform will be the toughest, most important challenge we've faced together since electing Barack Obama President.
"But it's also a big reason we fought so hard to get here. I know that by working together, and speaking with one, determined voice, we can prevail over the cynics and defenders of the status quo. America's families are counting on us to do just that.
"Donate $5 or more to defend health care reform today.
"Thank you,
"David Plouffe"