WASHINGTON, DC – Pulitzer Prize winning author and renowned anti-genocide crusader Samantha Power has taped a powerful on-line 5-minute video reviewing Presidential hopeful Barack Obama’s support for Armenian issues, and encouraging Armenian Americans to vote him in the upcoming primaries, reported the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA).

In the video, issued earlier today and circulated widely by the ANCA, Power praises Senator Obama’s “willingness to challenge conventional wisdom and conventional Washington.” She reminded viewers that the Armenian American community “knows better than anybody, business as usual in Washington leads to certain bad habits that are destructive for human rights and human dignity.” She recounted Senator Obama’s record on issues of special concern to Armenian Americans, including his “very forthright statement on the Armenian Genocide; his support for the Senate Resolution acknowledging the Genocide; his willingness as President to commemorate it and call a ‘spade a spade’; and to speak the truth about it. . .” as important considerations in the Armenian-American community’s decision to vote for Obama on Feb. 5 and beyond.

Samantha Power, who won the Pulitzer Prize for her seminal work on U.S. response to genocide, titled “A Problem from Hell: America and the Age of Genocide” has been a leading activist working to end the ongoing genocide in Darfur and in building a stronger anti-genocide constituency in the United States.

The ANCA officially endorsed Obama in the Democratic Primary this week during a press conference held at its Western Region headquarters, which featured the participation of Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA) and LA City Councilman Eric Garcetti. In its endorsement announcement, ANCA Chairman Ken Hachikian noted that “Based on his strong record in office, his bold statements as a candidate, and our judgment as to the policies he will pursue as President, we believe that, among a strong field of Democratic candidates, Senator Obama will best reflect the views and values of Armenian American voters.” This press conference can be watched on-line at:

https://anca.org/press-release/schiff-and-garcetti-join-armenian-american-community-leaders-at-anca-press-conference-announcing-obama-endorsement/

Armenians for Obama Chairwoman Nora Hovsepian noted that “Barack Obama, on the key issues of importance to our community, has adopted very favorable positions. Whether it is recognition of the Armenian Genocide, aid to Armenia, or self-determination for Karabagh, on all of these issues, Barack Obama is with us.”

Sen. Obama’s statement on U.S.-Armenia relations is available on the official campaign website at: http://www.barackobama.com/2008/01/19/barack_obama_on_the_importance.php

The Armenians for Obama site — www.armeniansforobama.com — will be launched shortly. In the interim, individuals interested in volunteering or receiving more information, can email info@armeniansforobama.com.

As always, the ANCA welcomes feedback on its service to the Armenian American community. Please forward your thoughts and suggestions about the 2008 Presidential election by email to anca@anca.org.