Well, I signed up to canvass for Barack Obama...

[Frank Cannon]

and it looks like they will be sending me into Wingnut Central.

Any advice? I have never done this before.

[writes3000]

1. Two things. 1) Be genuine & respectful. 2) Remember you're not there to argue w/people.

You're there to speak to undecideds and identify Obama supporters.

If we find all of our supporters and get them to the polls, we win.

Good luck.

Thank you so much for signing up. I predict you'll like it for than you think.

[Aloha Spirit]

2. excellent advice.

[Frank Cannon]

6. I hope you're right.

I've done phone calls before, but I've never gone door-to-door face-to-face in Republican country.

My curse is that I've spent a lot of time on this board. I could spend hours talking with a Freeper about their views and how they've been sold up the river for 30 years. Given enough time, I believe I could actually convert them. But I guess, like you say, I just need to identify the fence sitters and move on.

[Seen the light]

16. The goal is to not be there longer than about 7 minutes

Need to hit up as many as possible.

[Cirque du So-What]

3. Cut your losses among the freepers (freepi?)

They will waste your time arguing some already-disproven talking point - like the 'fact' that Barack Obama will raise EVERYone's taxes - and you don't stand the proverbial snowball's chance of introducing a scintilla of truth into their consciousness. Once you know the 'lay of the land,' just smile, bid them adieu, and move on swiftly.

[Frank Cannon]

7. Thanks for that.

Although I don't care for Heinlein, I am constantly reminded of his quote: "Never try to teach a pig to sing. It wastes your time and annoys the pig." Guess I need to move on.

I just hope that my little excursion has some benefit.

[That Is Quite Enough]

4. Watch out for dogs. n/t

[Frank Cannon]

8. I have pepper spray

I didn't plan to take it with me.

[John Q. Citizen]

5. Have fun. People are fun.

You are looking for Obama supporters or for potential supporters (undecideds.)

People for McCain exist, but you aren't going to change their mind nor should you try to. We don't have time to waste on lost causes.

When you find supporters help them register and vote early and volunteer.

[Frank Cannon]

15. Thanks for that

I love people too. It's the dogs I'm most afraid of. I didn't even think about that until I posted here.

[aaaaaa5a]

9. Watch Out For The Dogs!!!

The first time I canvassed for anyone (Obama/Clinton May primary) I was shocked at how many people kept vicious dogs around their home. Look out! And more importantly GOOD LUCK!


I will be canvassing in Indiana starting this week!




EDIT!

I just saw the previous post about the Dogs warning! Why can't more people have cats! LOL

[Frank Cannon]

10. Oh, just wonderful. Thanks for that.

Guess I'll avoid any house with a "BEWARE OF DOG" sign.

[voteearlyvoteoften]

11. Buddy system

Make sure you have a partner, even if they don't want to canvass they can drive and do paperwork.
Took my learners permit driver with me. Remember they make the lists off a map. When you get there you might need to move to a different area if it is not accessible or gates are locked etc. In my experience they only send you to Dem's and Indy's or no party.
You don't get sent to Repub unless by accident. Keep it up and you will have a shining moment.

[Frank Cannon]

18. My wife is going with me

She's more afraid of this process than I am.

[graywarrior]

12. Travel in twos.

Seriously. that's what we do. It's safer and you can enthusiastically double up on someone with Obama's positive message.

[Frank Cannon]

19. Mrs. Cannon is going with me on this journey

But she is more nervous about this than I am.

[graywarrior]

21. People are generally nice...even the republicans.

Some even told me they are voting for Obama.

[secondwind]

13. patience and a smile, I had my share of that in Susquehanna County in PA

just be prepared for the slamming of the doors.......

You wil be amazed at how calm you will feel, when you realize you may have done some good, and that you are on the "right side of the issues".......

Good luck!

[Barack_America]

14. Suggestion.

Come up with a spiel for why you support Barack.

When they come to the door say something like:

"Hello, my name is X I am a (insert profession) and I am volunteering for the Obama/Biden campaign. I was wondering if I could have a minute of your time to explain to you why I am supporting Barack Obama and Joe Biden? (Insert honest description of your support). Are there any questions I could answer for you about either Barack Obama and Joe Biden or their policies? (Insert Q&A. If someone is supporting Barack, they'll most likely speak up here.) Also, I'd like to ask if you are planning on supporting Barack Obama and Joe Biden on election day, Nov. 4th?"

If someone is an Obama/Biden supporter, be sure that you have their accurate phone number on their sheet and ask them if they're interested in volunteering.

That's about it.

I've canvassed in Republican areas and I've found that even if people are not supporting Obama, they're often curious as to why you are. Listening to your story might help soften them up a bit so they might feel comfortable coming out with those, "But I heard he won't say the pledge of allegiance" type of smears that might be holding them back. And you might even be able to persuade a few to change their votes. But not always. You're going to get some assholes. Just try to (politely) get away from them as fast as possible and then brush the experience off.

Hope this helps!

:hi:

[sandnsea]

17. I start with voter reg

and whether people have any issues that haven't been clarified. People are pretty upfront, quick to tell you what they think or that they don't talk about politics. You're not going to convince any ardent McCain supporters, so don't waste much time with them. The best is the ones who are about 80% sure of Obama, and help seal the deal and arrange for any help they need on election day or early voting. It's a ton of fun if you don't take the cold shoulders personally.

[Emit]

20. Don't be surprised, we have found in our Wingnut Central that there are more Obama supporters than

we originally thought. Good luck - learn to discuss their talking points, starting from their own perspective, perhaps.

Also, if they are totally in McCain's camp right now, leave them and move on. What we really want now is to talk with undecideds and those leaning Obama's direction. You are likely not going to convince a solid McCain supporter to go with Obama at this point. Mark them as a McCain supporter so we can drop them off our contact list and so we don't waste any more precious time contacting these nuts. :hi: May the force be with you...