Advice for phone banking this weekend ...

[ronnykmarshall]

I'm signed up for phone banking this weekend in my 'hood in LA.

From what I read on the Obama site, we will be targeting a lot of Nevada voters.

I know that I need to work off the basic script, but I want some advice.

What else can I say? I want to try and make this a personal as possible ...

Since Hillary won Nevada in the primary should I express that I am a Hillary supporter?

Give me some good points.

I have not phone banked in YEARS ... I'm a bit nervous. If you can believe that from my loud ass!

[mucifer]

1. Phone banking is hard work. I admire you.

Keep up the good work. I prefer door to door canvassing. I am curious about people's advice.

[ronnykmarshall]

5. I almost prefer phone banking.

I did door to door years ago when I lived in SF. You have to understand, back then I was skinny, pumped up and working The Castro in SF. OK, maybe I slept with a few guys to get out the vote .... KIDDING!!!! ..... Well maybe once ....

[TuxedoKat]

2. There are some great answers to various questions in this thread

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.ph...

Good luck!

[slinkerwink]

3. Talk about Obama's stand on the economy. That's the theme this week!

[mucifer]

4. True do you want a Harvard Law Review kinda guy in front of the economy

or someone who went to 5 colleges in 6 years or who graduated 5th from the bottom of his class in the naval academy. Although they often tell you not to go too negative on mcstupid when you canvass.

[polichick]

6. I like to follow the lead of the person I'm talking with...

You can tell if they want to talk or not. If they seem uncertain about Barack, I ask which issues they're most concerned about and take it from there. I wouldn't mention being a Hillary supporter unless they do first; then you can share how you came around to Obama.

[ronnykmarshall]

10. Sounds good ...

I'm pretty good about feeling people out by their tone. Asking about what issues they care about are a biggy. Since we are focusing on Nevada .... that's what really worries me. I know some issues about Nevada ..... I hope I have a good script to follow. And you're right ... I won't pull out the Hillary card unless someone brings it up.

Thanks polichick.

[polichick]

16. 'welcome - good luck! :)

[27inCali]

7. let people know that if they are middleclass

they'll get a way bigger tax break from Obama than they will for McCain.
For most middle class folks, McCain wants to give them about a $700 cut i.e. chicken feed.
Obama's averages roughly around $2000.

Also McCain supports the patriot act and other anti-Constitutional acts by Bush that would help the government infringe more and more upon our daily lives. Obama, obviously, formerly having taught Constitutional law in Chicago is totally against it, like all the other redblooded Constitution loving Americans.

I think these two are pretty good. Nevadans, like most people living in remote areas are private, self-reliant and Libertarian at heart and want the government the fuck out of their lives and will back people who will limit the powers of the Feds . Keep that in mind.

[FLyellowdog]

8. Are you working off Votebuilder.com?

Or are you actually in a local office?

[ronnykmarshall]

13. Obama/Biden office.

This is a sub-office from the main HQ in LA.

[madaboutharry]

9. I have been phone banking for about

a month now. I was nervous the first few calls, but it isn't difficult at all.

One thing you should do is go to the Obama site and read through the "Issues" statements. It will make you more familiar with the Issues and you'll feel more confident. They are probably going to be having you make "Persuasion" calls.

Talk in a relaxed voice because you will put people at ease. Most people are polite. This is even true of the republicans who will tell you they are voting for McCain. There will be people who will hang up on you. There will be people who will say something insulting about Obama. And there may be someone who may say something racist. Just don't take it personally. Just go on to the next name on the list.

The undecided are the most interesting. I promise you that when you ask them what issue may be keeping them from making a decision the answer is going to be "nothing really." But just go ahead and say Is it the war, health care, or maybe the economy? They often start to talk and give you the opportunity to tell them why you are voting for Obama and to explain a bit about the particular issue.

Today I called a woman who was worried about Obama having an Islamic background. I talked to her about how he was a Christian, was married in a church, had his children baptized. It totally changed her feelings. She went from undecided to telling me that she would now vote for Obama.

One thing I say to people who were Hillary supporters who are still upset she lost and upset Obama didn't take her as the VP is that if Hillary were on the phone with us that she would urge them to vote for Obama. I would say something about how Hillary's vision for this country matches Obama's and that McCain is unacceptable. Just having someone from the campaign telling them this personally seems to make a difference.

It can be tedious. But it has to be done.

[FLyellowdog]

11. You do good work! Awesome!

[ronnykmarshall]

14. Oh thank you ...

You hit some topics that I am so worried about.

[PresidentObama]

12. Yes, talk to them about the fact you were a passionate Hillary voter for Obama.

And if you get any Hillary supporters who aren't opening up to Obama, stress how alike Obama and Hillary's policies are and how drastically different McCain's are. And how McCain's policies, AKA Bush policies, stand against everything Hillary talked about on the campaign trail.

You'll do GREAT, Ronny.

[ronnykmarshall]

22. Thanks ... I need that support.

:kick:

[jillan]

15. Smile when you talk.

I used to be a manager of a phone room, and that was the numero uno rule.

Yeah - you might feel like a dork while doing it, but people can hear the smile in your voice.

[Coexist]

17. if you have a laptop, have Obama's site up so you can click on "Issues"

when asked what obama's stance is. Also keep open a Frenchiecat thread that lists Obama's record/accomplishments, or the new one from kos that is floating around here somewhere.

Most undecided's I speak to list economy/jobs as their major issue, I imagine that after the past few days, more will be freaked out, so have a few handy statements on the economy ready. If you can't bring a computer, print them out. You'll be glad you did.

like these:
http://www.barackobama.com/issues/economy/#jumpstart

Enact a Windfall Profits Tax to Provide a $1,000 Emergency Energy Rebate to American Families:Barack Obama and Joe Biden will enact a windfall profits tax on excessive oil company profits to give American families an immediate $1,000 emergency energy rebate to help families pay rising bills. This relief would be a down payment on the Obama-Biden long-term plan to provide middle-class families with at least $1,000 per year in permanent tax relief.

Provide $50 billion to Jumpstart the Economy and Prevent 1 Million Americans from Losing Their Jobs: This relief would include a $25 billion State Growth Fund to prevent state and local cuts in health, education, housing, and heating assistance or counterproductive increases in property taxes, tolls or fees. The Obama-Biden relief plan will also include $25 billion in a Jobs and Growth Fund to prevent cutbacks in road and bridge maintenance and fund school re­pair - all to save more than 1 million jobs in danger of being cut.

Invest in our Next Generation Innovators and Job Creators: Obama and Biden will create an Advanced Manufacturing Fund to identify and invest in the most compelling advanced manufacturing strategies. The Fund will have a peer-review selection and award process based on the Michigan 21st Century Jobs Fund, a state-level initiative that has awarded over $125 million to Michigan businesses with the most innovative proposals to create new products and new jobs in the state.

http://www.ontheissues.org/celeb/Barack_Obama_Budget_+_Economy.htm

Q: The GOP is arguing already that you want to increase capital gains taxes on investments and stocks: A lot of middle-class people have those kinds of accounts.
A: If they have a 401(k), then they are going to see those taxes deferred, and they're going to pay ordinary income when they finally cash out. So, that's a phony argument. You know, as I travel around the country, what I'm absolutely convinced of is that people recognize that if only 1% of the population is doing well, when we've got wage and incomes for the average worker actually going down during a period of economic expansion, much less economic recession, that something's being mismanaged. And they want a different approach. And that's what we're going to be offering them. John McCain is essentially offering four more years of the same policies that got us into this rut that we're in now.



always concentrate on Obama's strengths, don't criticize McCain. Offer McCain facts if asked, but don't be snarky - you are there to represent Senator Obama.

[RichGirl]

18. KEEP IT SHORT!

First, say this is Ronny, I'm a volunteer for the Obama campaign, DO YOU HAVE A MINUTE? This is so important and they are much more receptive if you ask them if they want to talk, instead of just going into a dialogue not letting them get a word in. Personally, I hate when that happens. Nobody likes it. If they say "no I don't" just say: Have a good evening...good bye.

Don't read the whole script. Feel them out, if they want to talk read it, but if not, go straight to the questions.

If they get nothing at all from the call, let them at least know that an Obama supporter is thoughtful, respectful of their time and very friendly.

[madaboutharry]

21. Agreed, you need to keep it short and just

"read the vibes" your getting. You will immediately know if they are not interested in talking.

Always be polite and don't annoy anyone.

Even if they are voting for McCain, I always thank them and say goodbye.

[ronnykmarshall]

23. That's GREAT advice.

[Diamonique]

19. I did phone-banking for Kerry in 2004.

I remember they told us not to talk down about the opponent... just talk up about your candidate.

And I agree with the person who said don't bring up that you're a Hillary supporter unless the other person mentions it first.

Remember your purpose is to get a vote for Obama.

I was really nervous at first, but got relaxed and into it very quickly. I had some very nice phone conversations.

[sarge43]

20. Be upbeat.

No, don't mention you support Senator Clinton unless directly asked.

Know or have with you a list of the major policy points and issues. People will ask how Senator Obama stands on (fill in blank)

Don't read the script verbatim. They're usually too long; it sounds phony and it can be a turn off.
Learn the script, keep to the points, but use your own words. You'll feel and sound better.

Have fun. This is real basic citizenship.

[writes3000]

24. Remember THIS: Just learned from Camp Obama - Your mission is NOT to flip voters

Your mission is to find all of the definite/lean Obama supporters out there.

They don't want us arguing with McCain supporters.

The few McCain supporters I've called seem surprised that I thank them and wish them well.

If we just properly identify the Obama supporters out there and get them to the polls, we win Nevada.

[ronnykmarshall]

25. I should sign up for Camp O.

I like that idea.

[writes3000]

26. Do both. Making these calls now will put you far ahead at Camp Obama.

But I learned ALOT there. I made a bunch of calls today because I felt really at ease. They only want to identify their voters. They don't need to flip McCain voters. But they really, really need to know who and where their voters are.

Also, something else to be prepared for. Out of every ten calls, you'll only connect with one to two people. Most folks aren't home/won't answer. Lastly, I've talked to noticeably more Obama supporters than McCain supporters in Nevada.

Good luck!

[Emit]

27. ronnyk - here's what we're encountering in Reno, NV

First of all, thanks so much for your help - we very much appreciate it!!!

McCain's been running a scary, inaccurate (read: full of lies) ad here for some time saying Obama will raise taxes on middle class and elderly. Many people are ill-informed about his tax plan. I have found that the chart at WaPo is very helpful -- or just summarizing in short statements (i.e., he won't raise taxes on folks making $250,000, etc.). I'll try to get you the WaPo chart and some other info.

Also, we just had a rash of news stories on the foreclosures - Nevada is number one, I think, in foreclosures. If we can summarize some of Obama's points related to relief for these folks (and I'll also try to find the most recent statistics - local news said Clark County -- that's Las Vegas -- has the worst, then Dayton County up here in the north and Washoe COunty that's the Reno area are hurting the most). A short summary on Obama's statements on all the recent news with AIG, etc. will likely be good to know.

Also, depends on who they have you calling -- last week we were IDing Repubs, Independents (that's misguided because Independent Americans are a far-right-wing group and often people think they are registered Inds but really aren't, so we include them. In NV, Non-Partisans is the label for those not wanting to register as Dem or Repub), Non-Partisans and a few Dems to weed out the non-supporters. This past weekend, we moved to IDing more Dems and older female Repubs -- they were much more supportive. I found many of the Repubs and Inds, especially of certain income levels, want to know about taxes, economic policies, etc. I actually have some lit we've been dropping that is good -- concerning his economic plan. I'll try to summarize that for you in a bit, too.

Sorry this post is so poorly written -- but since you asked I thought I'd quickly respond. I'll try to update or post more in a little while. Gotta' run now. If I can boil these talking points down to simple terms, it would be more helpful to you -- we always remind each other up here that we aren't supposed to be experts on Obama's plans -- just concerned citizens talking to other concerned citizens. Thanks again -- you rock!!

[JimGinPA]

28. Thank You For Volunteering... I Have A Couple Suggestions...

Go to the Obama website & open his issues page in a separate browser window so you can answer any specific questions about his positions. Nearly everything is covered there in his "Blueprint for Change". You can also print it out if you want.


Telling people why you are supporting Obama is always a good idea to personalize your call, and saying you supported Hillary throughout the primaries and now you support Obama for your actual reason{s} might be helpful.


Always be pleasant (even with assholes), because you never know... Have fun with your calls. Most people are nice, and if they're not thank them for their time and hang up. If someone really pisses you off (it may happen), I usually take a little time to chill before I call someone else.

Thanks again for helping.

[Emit]

29. Here's some info on taxes

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/story/2008/06/09/ST2008060900950.html

Obama and McCain Tax Proposals
According to a new analysis by the Tax Policy Center, a joint project of the Urban Institute and the Brookings Institution, Democrat Barack Obama and Republican John McCain are both proposing tax plans that would result in cuts for most American families. Obama's plan gives the biggest cuts to those who make the least, while McCain would give the largest cuts to the very wealthy. For the approximately 147,000 families that make up the top 0.1 percent of the income scale, the difference between the two plans is stark. While McCain offers a $269,364 tax cut, Obama would raise their taxes, on average, by $701,885 - a difference of nearly $1 million.



______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

And here's some talking points from Obama literature:

Barack Obama's Plan for Economic Security

"My economic growth plan starts with an understanding that middle class families are struggling. It breaks with the failed policies of the last eight years to grow the economy, restore fairness, and put the needs of middle class families first.

Growing the American Economy:

End tax breaks for companies that ship jobs overseas and instead give them to businesses that create jobs here in America
Enact a $1000 tax cut for middle class families
Create good jobs with critical investments in our national infrastructure
Pay for these investment with responsible spending cuts and by closing special interest tax loopholes


Restoring Fairness and Reflecting Our Values:

Pass a new equal pay for equal work protections for women
Eliminate income taxes for seniors making less that $50,000 a year
Create a credit card "Bill of Rights" for consumers
Reform bankruptcy laws to protect families facing a medical crisis

Read the entire plan: www.barackobama.com/issues

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Imho, if you run into Hillary supporters, I think you should say that you are one, too, and can identify. I have not run into any Hillary supporters who have made mention of leaning toward McCain or any of that stuff.