Democratic women from across the country spent two days gathered together to hear from First Lady Michelle Obama, Vice President Joe Biden, Former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, President Barack Obama, and many other Democratic leaders. Here are some of the highlights:

Room is full at our very first #DWA training! Yeah #demwomen!

— Kate Houghton (@Houghton_Kate) September 18, 2014

“Now is not the time to lower our voices… Now is the time to elect more women to every level of public service.” – @DrBiden

— The Democrats (@TheDemocrats) September 18, 2014

We agree, @FLOTUS! #demwomen #YesWeCan

— Connecticut Dems (@CTDems) September 19, 2014

Just met the winners of @TheDemocrats' contest to meet the President tomorrow! Lucky, lovely ladies. #demwomen

— The Democrats (@TheDemocrats) September 18, 2014

“Guaranteeing #equalpay for women is so long overdue and would have a profound effect.” –@JoeBiden on the #PaycheckFairness Act #demwomen

— The Democrats (@TheDemocrats) September 19, 2014

.@JoeBiden wants to know – are you ready? #demwomen

— The Democrats (@TheDemocrats) September 19, 2014

“Don’t let anyone dismiss what you’re doing here today as women’s work…[or] send you back to the sidelines.” –@HillaryClinton #demwomen

— The Democrats (@TheDemocrats) September 19, 2014

You heard @HillaryClinton – make a commitment to vote this November: commit2vote.com #demwomen #IWillVote

— The Democrats (@TheDemocrats) September 19, 2014

Talking women's leadership in business today with @karaswisher @DNCWomen. What questions do you have for her about women in Silicon Valley?

— joanna coles (@JoannaColes) September 19, 2014

“I’m Barack — also known as Michelle’s husband.” – President Obama #demwomen

— The Democrats (@TheDemocrats) September 19, 2014

“Got hope? -> Commit to vote: commit2vote.com #IWillVote #demwomen

— The Democrats (@TheDemocrats) September 19, 2014

Thanks again to President Obama for closing out the Women's Leadership Forum conference. #demwomen are ready to win!

— DNC Women (@DNCWomen) September 19, 2014

Women are going to be key to our success this November – let's go win this!! #DemWomen #girlpower

— D Wasserman Schultz (@DWStweets) September 19, 2014

Washington, DC – Tonight marks the beginning of the celebration of Rosh Hashanah. In recognition of that occasion, DNC Chair Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz released the following statement:

“With Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, approaching, we take time to reflect on the year that has ended, seek forgiveness, and look forward to the promise of renewal in the year ahead.

“As our world faces uncertain and challenging times, we strengthen our resolve to come together with family and friends in the spirit of prayer, fellowship, and understanding. The principles of teshuvah, tefillah, and tzedakah can guide us all to take account of our actions and strive to do more for one another.

“While we've seen important progress over the last year, I am hopeful that 5775 will be a year in which we can work together to tackle our nation’s most pressing challenges and continue working every day to improve the lives of the people we represent.

“As I celebrate today with my own family, I hope everyone celebrating has the opportunity to share this holiday in health and happiness with those they love. I wish you and your loved ones L'Shana tovah u’metuka – a happy, healthy, and sweet New Year.”

Washington, DC – Tonight marks the beginning of the celebration of Rosh Hashanah. In recognition of that occasion, DNC Chair Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz released the following statement:

“With Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, approaching, we take time to reflect on the year that has ended, seek forgiveness, and look forward to the promise of renewal in the year ahead.

“As our world faces uncertain and challenging times, we strengthen our resolve to come together with family and friends in the spirit of prayer, fellowship, and understanding. The principles of teshuvah, tefillah, and tzedakah can guide us all to take account of our actions and strive to do more for one another.

“While we've seen important progress over the last year, I am hopeful that 5775 will be a year in which we can work together to tackle our nation’s most pressing challenges and continue working every day to improve the lives of the people we represent.

“As I celebrate today with my own family, I hope everyone celebrating has the opportunity to share this holiday in health and happiness with those they love. I wish you and your loved ones L'Shana tovah u’metuka – a happy, healthy, and sweet New Year.”

Washington, DC – Tonight marks the beginning of the celebration of Rosh Hashanah. In recognition of that occasion, DNC Chair Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz released the following statement:

“With Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, approaching, we take time to reflect on the year that has ended, seek forgiveness, and look forward to the promise of renewal in the year ahead.

“As our world faces uncertain and challenging times, we strengthen our resolve to come together with family and friends in the spirit of prayer, fellowship, and understanding. The principles of teshuvah, tefillah, and tzedakah can guide us all to take account of our actions and strive to do more for one another.

“While we've seen important progress over the last year, I am hopeful that 5775 will be a year in which we can work together to tackle our nation’s most pressing challenges and continue working every day to improve the lives of the people we represent.

“As I celebrate today with my own family, I hope everyone celebrating has the opportunity to share this holiday in health and happiness with those they love. I wish you and your loved ones L'Shana tovah u’metuka – a happy, healthy, and sweet New Year.”

Washington, DC – DNC Chair Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz released the following statement recognizing National Voter Registration Day:

“Fifty years ago, hundreds of young volunteers descended on Mississippi for Freedom Summer to register black Mississippians to vote. Despite being met with hatred and violence, the effort was an important milestone in the Civil Rights movement.

“Half a century after Freedom Summer, voter registration remains among the most effective methods by which to empower a community. Today, on National Voter Registration Day, and all days, we encourage every American to be sure they are able to exercise their right to vote.

“The Democratic Party believes that our nation and our democracy are stronger when more people participate. That is why our Voter Expansion Project is committed to more than just protecting the vote, but to expanding the vote as well. Registering new voters is one of the DNC’s top priorities in 2014 and beyond, and we have used our data and technology advantage to develop tools that allow voter registration efforts to use their finite resources most efficiently.

“Unfortunately, Republicans have made the cynical calculation that their path to victory is a smaller electorate. Obstacles to registering to vote  – such as elimination of same-day registration and refusal to adopt online registration – disproportionately affect young people, women, and communities of color.  These are the same groups that are fueling the growth of the Democratic Party and the key to victory for Democratic candidates – and also comprise a majority of all Americans.

“The DNC is fighting to make sure that every eligible voter can register, every registered voter can vote, and every vote cast is counted. This National Voter Registration Day, everyone should take a few minutes to visit IWillVote.com or VoyAVotar2014.com to find out how to register to vote if they haven’t already. And if you are registered to vote, sign the pledge to vote this November at Commit2Vote.com.”

Washington, DC – DNC Chair Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz released the following statement on the GOP blocking the Bank on Students bill in the U.S. Senate:

“Bank on Students is an important piece of legislation for borrowers everywhere. This common sense legislation would have allowed Americans to refinance their student loans. For young people just getting their start in the workforce, this was a measure that could have made a real difference. Instead, Republicans chose to block it for a second time, siding with those who have the most, over America's students.

“While Republicans scratch their heads, wondering why young people reject them on issue after issue, this is yet another sign that the problem isn't a lack of outreach—it's their core message and principles. While Democrats stand for a fair shot for all Americans, Republicans continue to stand in the way of progress. This isn't over, and Democrats will continue the fight to ensure that every American has access to a quality, affordable education. In the meantime, it continues to be clear which party stands with young Americans.”

Washington, DC – On Thursday September 18th and Friday September 19th the DNC will hold its annual Women’s Leadership Forum issues conference presented by the Democratic Women’s Alliance in Washington, D.C. The Women's Leadership Forum, founded in 1993 by Hillary Clinton and Tipper Gore, engages women in Democratic politics by bringing together women leaders and supporters from across the country for regional and national events providing them with information, contacts, and support for further involvement in the Democratic Party.

On Thursday, First Lady Michelle Obama, Dr. Jill Biden, Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi and Wisconsin gubernatorial candidate Mary Burke will speak at a welcome reception. The First Lady’s remarks will be pooled for print media.

On Friday, President Barack Obama, Vice President Joe Biden, Hillary Rodham Clinton, DNC Chair Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz and DNC CEO Amy Dacey will address the conference.  Remarks will be open for print press and still photography and pooled for video. Conference panels will be closed press.

Outlets planning to cover Friday’s speeches must RSVP to lipperm@dnc.org by 6PM on Wednesday, September 17 and show valid press credentials on arrival. RSVP should include name, outlet and which remarks you plan to attend.

WHO:
Friday, September 19th:
President Barack Obama
Vice President Joe Biden
Hillary Rodham Clinton
DNC Chair Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz
DNC CEO Amy Dacey

WHERE:
Marriott Marquis (Independence Hall, meeting level 4), 901 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC

MEDIA LOGISTICS:

Media Entrance:
Main Lobby escalators to Level M3 (DuPont Room for press check in)

Media Access Time:
Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz and Amy Dacey: 8:00am (media access 7:00am-7:30am)
Vice President Biden: 9:45am (media access 8:45am- 9:15am)
Hillary Rodham Clinton: 12:05pm (media access 11:00am-11:30am)
President Obama: 3:35pm (media access 2:30pm-3:00pm)

First Radio Ad, ‘Obstruction’ Features President Obama to Air on African American Radio Stations Nationally
 

WASHINGTON, DC – The Democratic National Committee today announced the first ad in a seven figure national paid media campaign for the fall that will mobilize key constituencies of the Democratic Party to turn out in November’s election. The first ad, ‘Obstruction’ features President Obama and will air on African American radio stations nationally.

The campaign will feature multi-platform targeted ads to engage African Americans, Latinos, women, Asian Americans and young voters.

“This strategic national ad buy will engage key members of the coalition that elected President Obama twice and remind them what’s at stake in this midterm election,” said DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz. “It’s no secret that Democrats’ challenge is expanding the vote this November and before with early voting, so these ads are geared toward many constituencies that have typically dropped off in midterm elections.”

The multi-platform ad buy will run in print, on radio, and include a significant digital presence, with African American radio ads starting this week.

“From equal pay to affordable health care to immigration, the stakes in this election could not be higher and we look forward to communicating that contrast over the coming weeks,” Wasserman Schultz said.

Additional waves of ads will begin in the coming weeks.

Listen to the first ad, ‘Obstruction’ HERE

Below please find a transcript for, ‘Obstruction’

VO:
No Democratic President in U.S history has faced the level of obstruction from the Republicans that Barack Obama has. It’s critical that we continue to fight for change and vote on November 4.

POTUS:
I’ve got a vision of an economy where opportunity is open to everybody who’s willing to work hard.  I want an economy where new, long-term investments in American infrastructure and American manufacturing are unleashing new jobs in new industries; an economy where our workers have the chance to earn new skills that lead to that good job; I want an economy where your hard work pays off with higher wages, and higher incomes, and affordable health insurance, and decent retirement benefits.

VO:
President Obama will fight for us, but he can’t do it alone. We have a responsibility to stand up for our community and vote Nov 4.                                

“Paid for by the Democratic National Committee, democrats.org, not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee. The Democratic National Committee is responsible for the content of this advertising

Washington, DC – DNC Chair Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz released the following statement on the GOP’s latest effort to block the Paycheck Fairness Act:

“Today, for the fourth time in recent years, Republicans in the Senate voted against the Paycheck Fairness Act – commonsense legislation that would move us closer to equal pay for women. Once again, Republicans refused to join with Democrats to ensure that women are paid fairly and that they have the legal tools they need to fight pay discrimination when it occurs. Some GOP Senators have even gone beyond opposing the legislation to belittling the very idea of voting on Paycheck Fairness, calling it a waste of time, and a show vote. Sadly, it doesn’t come as a surprise that Republicans continue to put rigid partisanship before what’s best for the people that elected them.

“Ensuring that women earn fair and equal pay is a top priority for Democrats not only because it is the right thing to do for American women but because it improves the economic security of our families and the growth of our economy as a whole. Women constitute nearly half of the nation’s work force, and in 40% of U.S. households with children women are their family’s primary breadwinner.

“Today’s vote is just the latest evidence of a Republican Party that is vastly out of touch with the American people, especially women. This November, voters across the country will remember that when given the choice between progress towards pay equity and the clearly discriminatory status quo – the GOP was, as usual, on the wrong side of the issue.”

Washington, DC — Today the Democratic National Committee and the Iowa Democratic Party announced the hiring of Chris Poynor as the Iowa Voter Expansion Director. He will join Andrew Mertens, the Voter Expansion Coordinator, as part of the voter expansion team in Iowa. Poynor’s hire joins a growing roster of Voter Expansion Project staff in key states as part of the DNC's ongoing commitment to increase access to electoral participation.

“Republicans in Iowa, like Secretary of State Matt Schultz, are putting unnecessary barriers between voters and the ballot box and Schultz even spent hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars searching for fraud that wasn’t there,” said DNC Chair Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz. “The Democrats’ voter expansion project will continue to knock down these types of barriers and expand access to the polls. Chris will be an important part of our work in Iowa and we’re happy to have him on our team.”

“This notion of getting more people involved in the process isn’t just a program for us or a tactic – it is one of the most fundamental values that we share as Democrats, but more importantly, as Iowans,” said Iowa Democratic Party Chair Scott Brennan. “It’s not just about strengthening our Party, it’s about strengthening our state because more voices are being heard. Democrats are committed to expanding rights, not taking them away – we want to empower people, to break down barriers and to expand opportunity for all Iowans.”

Poynor most recently practiced election law at his firm Poynor Law, PLC. Previously he worked as the Deputy Voter Protection Director for Organizing for America – Iowa, as a Law Clerk at Eide & Heisinger, LLC, and as a researcher at Link Strategies, LLC. He earned his JD from Drake University in Des Moines.