I volunteer at the campaign office. And this is my rant.

[Turn CO Blue]

And I am an anxious, but somewhat optimistic DUer.

Please, let's enjoy this great moment in history. Let's support each other and cut out the infighting and not belittle anyone's legitimate worry yet ALSO not deflate anyone's well-earned enthusiasm.

There is some kind of disconnect going on here at DU between opposing viewpoints -- between those who are a bit too optimistic and a those who won't even believe "it" (that Barack is President) until perhaps February or March of next year.

On the one hand we have those who see the overwhelming evidence before their eyes; unprecedented support for a transformational candidate who has an amazing groundgame – meaning the Obama groundgame that was SO good that it outperformed the amazing machine that was the Clinton juggernaut. They recognize the enthusiam and momentum of this groundswell that will carry us to Tuesday.

On the other hand we have those who are called “downers” because they publicly express worry and pessimism that the polls will tighten up, that we're losing our mo or that the Repubs will steal it. Well, think back to 2000 and even more recent races in some states for very good evidence to support any worry about theft, caging, or fraud. And also look back to this exact point in 2004 where Kerry was leading on electoral map projections by 284 electoral votes to Bush's 254.

Here comes my concern.

But first be aware before you flame me, that I am a canvass director for our team and I have put in a good 10-15 hours, sometimes 25 hours a week for a few months, sometimes entering data until 1 or 2 am in the morning. Sorry that I can’t phrase that a bit more humbly (and goodness knows there are people that have done five times that in my own office), but I'm skipping the bullshit here and my efforts are for some people I really, truly care about and believe in – namely my kids, my hubby, my friends, you, me, and Barack Obama. So...sorry to put it this bluntly, but unless YOU have done the same or better, then your negative commentary about my being a downer or about my worry won’t carry much moral authority.

Again with my concern: the canvass flake rate was 30% last Saturday and our phone flake rate was more like 50% and even before that we were already short of the goals for knocks and dials that the head honchos had set for our county that day. (Flake rate means the percentage of people who signed up for a shift and then didn't show up - we are trying to switch over to using "no show rate" but some terms just aren't easy to change.) We're hearing this all over.

Blame it on nice weather or blame it on sports or blame it where it belongs. This is good reason for concern. People are acting like this is a done deal.

Our field organizers are getting anxious and a bit cranky. These are people who actually get paid to do their jobs for Obama. Their bosses are getting irritated about the volunteers. They don't want to hear about how far ahead we are in the polls. They always say "don't talk about that - work like we're down 20 points".

Barack said, "Don't get cocky!" meaning that we can't get complacent; there's still work to do.

This last weekend Barack himself asked a crowd, "Will you make calls for us? Will you knock on doors for us?" The crowd yelled, "Yes!" But I wonder how many people even made it over to their local office.

The people running this GOTV plan KNOW the plan, and they know EXACTLY how many knocks and dials we need in EXACTLY which precincts to get PRECISELY X number of votes turned out, and they JUST want us to WORK THE PLAN.

They don't want us to worry and beat each other down. I sure as heck don't want that. The people at the top of this campaign understand the meaning and value of HOPE more than any of us here. We can all see the light at the end of this eight-year (more like 20-year) tunnel.

But they also don't want us to be doing the victory dance and champagne Jell-o shots quite yet.

Here is my main point. People aren’t volunteering at the levels we need.

People who call themselves avid Obama supporters say that they’re too busy. Too busy? I've been at the office sometimes until one in the fucking morning! But hey, people are too busy. I notice that people don't ever seem too busy to write another thread or diary. They're not too busy to watch baseball or football. They're never too busy to get a burger or a pizza. They're not too busy to play keyboard commando to complain about Rachel's show or to photoshop pics of Ashley Todd. But they're too busy to work one fucking, measley 2-hour phone shift to call 50 people for Barack Obama. Yeah, forgive me if I don't get it.

Now it may be true that the early vote will be so successful that we won't have that much to do for our GOTV (meaning maybe we won't really need that many vols because there won't be that many calls or knocks to make). But I doubt it. We'd could call leaning McCain people if we had enough volunteers and bring them over too!

We need this to be the biggest blowout in history, so that the President and Congress and our Democratic platform have a TRUE mandate. So that the Repubs can't possibly steal it. So that they can't ever gerrymander a district again. So that THE PEOPLE will have the laws passed that will bring about all this CHANGE we've all been talking about.

And my good people, my friends, we are NOT going to win big IF we don’t EXECUTE THE GROUNDGAME.

The Obama campaign's “Get out the Vote” plan is the biggest, most historic plan ever conceived, and it is the ONLY way to beat these scheming, lying, cheating Republicans.

But, where are the people who are willing to do the grunt work? Where are the people who are actually willing to dial the numbers, talk the talk and walk the walk? Because it's easy to sit here and post, but sometimes it's tough or nerve-wracking and sometimes it's just plain frustrating or boring to be out there ACTUALLY MINING OUT THE VOTES or chasing the ballots.

Please take off on Tuesday if you can. If you are not canvassing and calling for the campaign, then please donate some food, chairs, water, juice, umbrellas, good wishes... something to your local campaign office.

And if you sign up to work, then please show up for your shift or call ahead to schedule for a different one if you can't make it.

/rant

Thanks for reading such a long one.
tcb in Colorado


ON EDIT: WOW! Thanks for the K&Rs and all this support! I truly appreciate it.

I just wanted to add a couple of things - usually our volunteers in Colorado are fantastic and I don't want anyone to think otherwise.

And I also want to add that in addition to canvassing and phonebanking, that there are all kinds of ways to help at the campaign office - make photocopies, put together packets, comfort captain (getting food or beverages for vols), be a greeter at the door, call to schedule volunteers (not phone-banking), poll lead (requires training), and there's always endless data entry (it's easy). The people at the office will be thrilled to see you, they put you to work, they will train you, and you can sit and listen or watch others to learn...

[uppityperson]

1. It is not time to be complacent. He can do it, with a lot of our help. k&r

[mcollier]

94. Palin has lost it...

Sarah Palin, while campaigning today, just said Obama's imformercial last night was his attempt to distract Americans from the issues that really matter.... "National Security"...


So let me get this right, Losing: your home, your job, your retirement, your relative in the war in Iraq --- are not issues Americans are really concerned about???

What a sick person......


Vote, Volunteer.... Do what you can!

Obama/Biden 08

[Abugface]

98. Kick

[riverwalker]

2. thank you

we need to hear this.

[Turn CO Blue]

110. THANKS ALL! So cool to have happened - top of GP just for a rant

about volunteering. Such a warm welcome. I feel like I won a DUzy or something!

[Turn CO Blue]

111. hiccup

[progressivebydesign]

3. Bravo! I think you post is the most compelling reason to volunteer...

You put it magnificently, and i cannot see how anyone could flame you.

I'm going to my Obama office tomorrow.

[AuntPatsy]

4. K & R, being complacent allowed eight years of horror to reign uncontrolled...

your right, we should never allow ourselves to simply let our country run itself by a few...its our country, if we want it bad enough than we have to continue to fight for her...

[progressivebydesign]

5. I'm giving you some K&R here.. because it's so damn important! n/t

[Dragonfli]

6. K&R

[elleng]

7. Thank you for this 'rant,'

much needed as you say.

And thanks for all you've done.

[zulchzulu]

8. I know a few people who will be pitching in heavily starting Friday through Tuesday

I'll be non-stop from Friday night to Election night.

[Turn CO Blue]

15. THANKS! That's me too. Non-stop Friday through Tuesday at 7pm.

Loving every minute of it. We're the ones we've been waiting for.

[AZBlue]

9. This isn't a rant - it's the absolute truth and we ignore it at our own peril.

K&R

[stillcool]

10. Thank You!

[Pisces]

11. Thank you for the perspective from the ground!

[crazylikafox]

12. Thank you. Guilty as charged.

I voted yesterday so I could free up my time on Tuesday, but I wasn't sure I would go canvas. You've convinced me.

[Turn CO Blue]

18. w00t! That's fantastic.

[Doremus]

13. A well timed kick in the seat.

:kick:

[buzzard]

14. delete

.

[bullwinkle428]

16. Took Election Day off in '06 and will do the same this year

to help with the campaign!

[Turn CO Blue]

17. Thanks!

[The Hope Mobile]

19. Everybody's stressed out and fears being disappointed

like we were in 2004 even though we all know we have an amazing candidate I am on pins and needles and lots of my friends are. The only thing I can do is focus on campaign work and volunteering so it feels like I'm doing something but I think some people almost feel the need to stop thinking about it all together.

When I canvass people are starting to get a bit surly. They've given like crazy, this election has gone on for nearly forever, now they feel hopeless to do much more than wait. At the same time, I couldn't agree with you more, this is NOT a done deal. I just came from volunteering data input. Tomorrow I canvass for 9 hrs. Saturday and Sunday we phone bank, and train for poll inspection. You get the picture . . . but everybody has their own way of dealing with these things and not everybody knows how to get plugged in.

SO . . . I second your plea for ANYBODY and EVERYBODY who can put in anytime at all to find out where their local phone bank is (go to BO.com- you probably know)or their election commission to volunteer at the polls but, please do something!! If we lose thing in the last weekend we'll never, never get over it.

[Turn CO Blue]

25. Yes, yes, yes. People can makes calls from the comfort of home

at barackobama.com - using Neighbor to Neighbor. But go to the local office because it's better and those who just want to do something will enjoy the camradery and the feeling of purpose.

Thanks you for all your hours of support and for "getting it". I really mean that.

tcb

[The Hope Mobile]

40. Same to you!

I don't think I'm even going to sleep between now and Wednesday. I have 4 kids and this just has to happen for all our kids' sakes. There IS nothing more important at this moment in history.

[ailsagirl]

84. not disappointed... DEVASTATED

[The Hope Mobile]

122. good point

[ailsagirl]

157. But we'll keep fighting on, no matter what

:kick:

[The Hope Mobile]

159. YES, WE MUST!!

[Uzybone]

20. K&R

[Psst_Im_Not_Here]

21. Hey there TCB!

I will be heading to our office in Colorado Springs this weekend for canvassing! Just to let ya know, I won't be "flaking out". I'm even bringing my 14 year old (who just aced his civics class!)

[Turn CO Blue]

29. Fantastic. Yes, bring along your older kids or mild-mannered pets.

There's always stuff to do (make copies, put together packets, call volunteers, be a greeter at the door, data entry...)

[democracy1st]

22. great post busy volunteering 3-4 hrs a day will take off mon & tues

[Turn CO Blue]

27. Super! we all really appreciate this.

[sandnsea]

23. Volunteers dwindling a bit here too

So everybody needs to kick it into high gear!

[TragedyandHope]

24. Thanks for the kick in the pants!

[Dems4me]

26. kick it up. n/t

[JohnnyCougar]

28. I tried to make this point a couple days ago, and got flamed for it.

I didn't do it as well as you did, though. THIS IS MOST CERTAINLY NOT A DONE DEAL, PEOPLE. Now is that time to go that extra mile, really lay it all out, and sacrifice. No one in here should be watching a football game this Sunday. Even if you don't live in a battleground state, you can phone bank from out of state. Find your local office -- there really is at least one in each state. If it's too far from you, have them fax you a call list or send you a PDF. Or get one from the website. It's really not that scary. This weekend we will be talking to Obama supporters only, and making sure they get to the polls.

If you do live in a battleground state, get your butt up off your computer chair and get to work!

[Turn CO Blue]

36. A righteous post that. I'll be there Fri through Tues. Let's all work hard.

[ailsagirl]

85. That's what Obama is saying-- he's the boss-- he KNOWS

It's not a done deal

[srhuddle]

30. We're doing very well in central Missouri.

Our volunteers are optimistic and hopeful but scared as hell at the same time, so our "flake rate" is exceedingly low. Of course, we haven't had zillions of people signing up to do things before very recently, but those who did have been working 'til they drop. I couldn't be more proud of Jefferson City. I expect greatness from our GOTV effort this weekend through Tuesday, though sadly I won't get to see the canvassing effort since I'll be in the office the entire time.

The fact that Barack is coming to Columbia (30 minutes away from us) Thursday night-- as well as Claire McCaskill's visit to our office yesterday-- is also a fantastic booster for us. We've had many, many sign-ups today. Hopefully they don't "flake."

EDIT: Oh, and thanks for the "rant"! (It's anything but a rant, though...)
I'm sending this to everyone in my address book.

[Turn CO Blue]

32. Thanks for the encouragement! this is terrific. Go Missouri!

[kerry-is-my-prez]

31. That's actually not that bad - my experience is that people 60+ are the most reliable volunteers.

The younger crowd is always pretty unreliable with only a few exceptions.

[Turn CO Blue]

35. I love this campaign! 20-somethings and 60+somethings all mingling

all the time! Black, white, red, yellow and brown. Men and women. So inspiring!

[kerry-is-my-prez]

33. You have to have food and/or beer and socialize before or after.

n/t

[Bernardo de La Paz]

34. Notice how at the rally at the end of the broadcast there were two large VOTE signs. GOTV.

[dana_b]

37. that's wonderful that you do so much

I'm sure your office is great and is doing all it can.

I did quit doing as much as I was and here's why. Every weekend I would go in and call people. Things were okay BUT in the last couple of weeks, every sheet that they gave me to call were people that had already been called repeatedly and they were sick of it! They refused to talk to me, told me never to call them again, etc. It got to the point where the woman next to me and i both just gave up because we spent three hours calling people who were pissed off at all the calls. So we both left. I can't travel to other states and don't have the stamina for door-to-door canvassing so calling is all that I could do. I don't mean to be a quitter but I don't see how we were doing any good anymore.

[Turn CO Blue]

38. Hmm. I do see your point,

but there are other ways to help including bringing chairs, or making the photocopies or entering data, making coffee, making people laugh, I don't know, etc. I don't think anyone would call you a quitter, so don't call yourself that. I've seen some frustration like this before. There are days where it seems that they may not have caught up the data entry or culled out the "recently called" to outside of 3-4 days on the lists, so I want you to know that it's not always like that (calling recently called).

I do truly believe in this field plan though. The top people want every identified 1 and 2 contacted some 4-6 times, and I'm sure their data tells the story why...

I got the impression today that the campaign is going to shift back to contacting "leaning McCain" instead of ballot-chasing for Obama supporters -- that will be fresh phone numbers. That type of calling is not for everybody, but the campaign must see a shift happening. I think they're going for a landslide.

[klebean]

141. over doing it

is by far better than underdoing it.
My girlfriend and i took our 21 year old sons to Vegas last weekend to GOTV.
The rally actually started on time, so we didn't see Obama (heard some of him).
But, the boys weren't too disappointed - they engaged some coralled wingnuts '-)

Knocking on doors in the poorest neighborhoods of LV is depressing; many are sleeping
b/c they work on the strip. Some shut the door saying they were sick of us bothering them.
One household came screaming outside "Obama is a Muslim! Obama is fucking terrorist Muslim!"
We just moved on. One lady, a supporter, had been contacted the day before, but she was kind,
engaging and invited us in to use her toilet. The ice cream man in his truck wanted to know if
he could vote for Obama if he's registered republican. Later, my son got the opportunity he
hoped for - to persuade someone - and he did. Two more votes for Obama. We heard touching
stories that brought me to tears - it was worth our time, gas and money. (From Los angeles).

So, if the call lists are changing to 3 and 4, my son is all over it =} I'll let him know.

Earlier this summer I was in Hotlanta as an OOF - Obama organising fellow.
I loved it, but gotta say that organising volunteers is like herding cats. Most accepted that Obama
knows what he's doing, but others - whoa. Those Field organisers - they're special people.
and way underpaid.

[JPZenger]

58. that's why I try to catch people outside

Yes, we have to be very concerned about repeated calls to people that become a nuisance. I find people are much more receptive if you catch them when they are already outside - such as in a downtown over lunch hour or watching a parade, etc. I'm going to try to politic while handing out Halloween Candy too.

[GrizzlyMan]

39. I see your point, but I'd like to make a point of my own

I'm not at all surprised the "flake rate" has increased. As you put it, there a lot of people who think it's a done deal. I commend you for your work because it is NOT a done deal. I have had this inner struggle within myself regarding volunteering. My patience is quite short with people who are "undecided" or worse yet, McCain supporters. I just couldn't picture myself being able to handle their questions or in some cases accusations very well so I have declined to do it. I've instead donated every penny I could spare to help those that can do their great work. I have a huge amount of respect for those that have that special touch to deal with random people.

That said, I think we should put this in perspective. Tonight I learned that Obama has doubled his volunteers in FLA to just under 200,000. That is pretty incredible. I think it's important to note that even though you may be experiencing a 30 percent flake rate, these numbers are from a historically high pool of volunteers. What I mean is that even though 30 percent may have flaked, the 70 percent that were left were more than Kerry could have ever dreamed of in Colorado, wherever you are.

[Turn CO Blue]

42. Well, honestly

I train and launch canvassers when I think I might be in that "mood" to take on a McCain person a bit too argumentatively (sp).

And I feel like Samantha Bee (inside) when somebody tells me they're still undecided. Undecided? I wanna say: After two years of this? Have you been in a fucking coma, dude, should I bring some potluck over to your family? WTF?

But I don't say that.

Point well taken about the number of volunteers in THIS campaign compared to Kerry. And we barely dare mention how the Repubs had their (fake) grassroots peeps reacting and screaming in Florida in 2000 before the rest of us figured out what the heck was going on. Talk about mostly passive back then! We've definitely learned how to research and respond quickly and to work BOTH top-down and grassroots-up in this Party.

[Buddyblazon]

41. I offered to drive my van for the Stapleton office...

on election day.

Are you on 8th and Santa Fe? Stapleton?

[eShirl]

43. k&r

[underpants]

44. 81 doors yesterday

I knocked on 81 doors yesterday
15 for Obama
9 for McCain
of people I actually talked to

Numbers were about the same in NOT HOMES with yardsigns

[uponit7771]

45. WOW!!! I'm going to do phone banking on Monday night now...thank you for the pep talk

[mmonk]

46. Recommended.

Close the deal.

[alphafemale]

47. Maybe you should send this out to the "flakes"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Xnk9aqih8o&feature=channel

[No Elephants]

48. THANK YOU. Thank you for volunteering and thank you for this post. Since my first post here, I

have repeated, Focus, donate, volunteer, vote. I think I can maybe drop "donate" at this point, but not the other three. It's still way too early for cockiness or relaxation.

[crispini]

49. K&R

[qwlauren35]

50. I confess - I skipped yesterday.

Ended up working late.

But I'm working pretty hard to "scare up" volunteers.

I've heard that Maryland is one of the most committed blue states in the country. Every weekend we have thousands of people DRIVING into the swing states, every night, we call for more volunteers, and people find the time.

Everyone is doing their best. BUT!!!

There's a limit. None of us are getting paid for this, and we still need to put food on the table. Many of us still have children to feed, bathe, and take care of. There is only so much of our lives that we can suspend.

Every day, I fear that my management will pull the plug on what I try to do at work, just connecting people.

So... I'm with you. But I also try to understand people's limitations.

[Gman2]

51. I am also a phonebanker and

you MUST consider that the volunteering is important, but a smaller part of the story. Mouth to ear is the most powerful advertisment there is. When a critical mass express general goodwill, haters are trounced. I will continue to dial till my arm is a stump, but revel in the feeling of comraderie{can we use that term?}, that is evident around the country. I am beginning to feel that repubs are frightened more of this than anything. People choosing themselves to institute a sustainable economy on a personal level. People allowing their brothers and sisters to live without judgements on their personal choices. Even if the repubs won, our unruliness would change this thing into what is intended. History will steamroll repubs. The scamming financial classes have not yet begun to feel the heat of the people. McCain would live in fear of the wants/demands of the people, and have a really sucky time. I have sabotaged job interviews in other states, cuz I didnt really want to leave calif. Maybe he is too. He certainly is not the McCain I was OK with in the past.

The way I look at phonebanking further than a slight win, so I can get some rest, is to realize a mandate, so as to not have to work quite so hard later on. Whatever you call it, a landslide is necessary to achieve our goals. That makes us heroes. Something we can tell our genetically modified third generation clones!

[trashcanistanista]

158. Me too. I phonebank. My belief and enthusiasm

that this is a done deal keeps me getting up and going out every day. I have not eaten a decent meal or slept more than 5 or six hours in three weeks. We are fighting locally now and giving it our all.

[fourvahl]

52. Single Mom - work full time

I wish I had more time. I made a couple calls a month ago and I knocked on a handful of doors. My girls are 11 and 13. The 13 yr old is fine to stay home alone but the younger one is more fearful about being left alone..

I wish I had more time. I work full time mon-fri and weekends are usually left to catch up on housework and laundry. Between girls scouts, band practice, chorus practice and carting the kids around after work there is just so little time.

Thanks for the thread..I'm so worried about this election. I will bawl for days if Obama is not our next President.

[klebean]

142. You are doing your part

This is what I say to any w/kids, three jobs, whatever.
Caring for your kids properly is what this election is all about IMO.
We're doing this work for them, for their future b/c the changes Obama
implements may not see results for years. That's the reality.

and I will cry for days when he is elected.

[treestar]

53. You know who thinks it is a done deal are the people who do no

work on the campaigns and don't come onto DU. The non-political junkies. I talked to several last weekend. They are voting for Obama and feel confident he'll win and never worked on the campaign, never gave any money, and don't plan on lifting a finger other than in the voting booth. So you can feel really good about that sort of complacency.

The hand wringing on DU is wrong because it might depress the campaign workers, who do not deserve that sort of hint that what has been done already is not absolutely brilliant and fantastic.

And thanks for all your hard work. Some of us haven't done nearly as much as it sounds like you've done.

:yourock:

[tigereye]

124. I think it's easier to be more positive if you are out there volunteering

that is how I've managed not to get too anxious on this campaign and others in the past.


When I door-knocked in my neighborhood and did GOTV with Move-On for Kerry I met a lot of nice neighbors and we won PA. When I and my son helped out in 2006 it was really cool to see the enthusiasm and we did well congressionally and got rid of Santorum. I did calls for Hillary, and this time I have canvassed for Obama a few times and some GOTV in the next few days - I decided to skip the phone calling, I prefer talking to people door to door. You see great houses instead of just driving by em, and enjoy nice conversations with neighbors... it's pretty cool.

[MassLiberal]

54. K&R

Thanks for your honesty. We can't be complacent.

[ekwhite]

55. K&R

I will be phone banking on Saturday.

[Jennicut]

56. I live in a really blue state. Is there phonebanking to other states?

Just wondering.

[crispini]

76. Yes. You can sign up for that at my.barackobama.com

If there's not one near you, you may have to work on your own, but you can phonebank from your house with your phone and your own computer.

[ekwhite]

139. Yes

I will be phonebanking to Nevada, I think.

[Samurai_Writer]

57. I'm in Colorado, too, and I agree with your thread

I have been knocking on doors and will be the precinct poll leader for my precinct on Tuesday. However... I've also been called by 4 different canvassing organizers, all thinking I am volunteering for THEM on election day, to do knock on doors. I'm in Boulder County, and our volunteer turnout has been fantastic. I just wish it were a little better coordinated. I do know how hard it is to coordinate this many people in such a short amount of time. But I actually got three calls from canvassing organizers last night while I was in my poll checker/poll leader training. That was a bit annoying.

I do agree that everyone needs to get out this weekend and GOTV. Talk to everyone you know, everyone you meet -- grocery store checker, your mechanic, doctor, kids' teachers, whoever you are running into this week. Urge them to vote for Obama and vote EARLY. It will be a great help for the people working the polls on Tuesday.

[redqueen]

59. So glad I saw this in time to give it a rec.

Reminds me of Obama's ad with the bicycle race.


:kick:

[Smuckies]

60. K&R.

[amyrose2712]

61. Thanks for saying this. nt

[gratefultobelib]

62. Agree about the flake rate. It's been a problem all through the campaign as far back as

Aug. when I started volunteering. I'm an NTL (neighborhood team leader) and we have no campaign office in our town, so it's all recruiting by phone. We now count on 50% of those contacted who will actually show up.

The repeat calls are a reality. It used to bother me when someone would tell me they'd been called before, but now I just apologize and move on. I think if they were identified as "do not call again", they would be kicked out of the data base. They should be anyway.

We also were told, several weeks ago, that we would have "100 volunteers" from other states and this never materialized, after we scurried around and secured beds for these people in the homes of volunteers.

I think a big part of the problem is accepting that most people are just not as fired up and passionate about this man and what he offers as we committed ones are.

Oh well!! I just know I'm going to do all I can to do my part. GOTV from Sat--through Tues. Whew!

[Turn CO Blue]

134. Thank you for being an NTL! It's people like you that

inspire the heck out of me. This is true grassroots there. That is what Howard Dean was trying to build. Take heart, we know that we don't have all of the supporters in the database. It was funny that when I started volunteering I found out that I wasn't in the database, and I am a HUGE supporter of Barack's. Take heart that even though we don't know you, we love you and appreciate what you and your team are doing there

[Unca Jim]

63. Yeah, it's tough...

I hate phone banking and I don't like working in the office either. When those tasks have been necessary during other campaigns I have done them, but since I dislike them I don't feel like I do them well.

Instead of doing something I'm bad at and dislike or doing nothing, I have given a crapload of money and have provided childcare for free to volunteers. Not everyone enjoys that work, so I'm one of a small group who provides that service. It seems to me that most people have something unique they can contribute, be it their money or their time. However, if what you're saying is true we might need to all switch over to phone banking or canvassing for a few days. If my local campaign office asks me to switch over, I will.

Election Day I have off from work and plan to be at my local community center polling place providing fun activities for kids so that parents can wait in line in peace, but if I need to walk around the neighborhood I will.

I understand that my measly amount of time and money aren't as much as I *could* do, but it's still a lot in my busy life.

I get that we cannot be complacent. I will not be complacent. However, I understand people's resentment on being told they need to do more -as if they are not already doing enough. We are the best judges as to how much volunteering we want to take on.

That said, *if you sign up to do something you should show the fuck up*!

[MissDeeds]

64. Great rant

And I agree completely. I'm concerned that too many people will assume Obama has this all wrapped up and won't vote. With the continual media coverage of the long lines and lengthy waits already occurring at the polling places, they may feel that their one vote won't make a difference. But the masses who feel that way will make a difference. I know this from personal experience.

A few years back, my husband was mayor of our town. He won by a wide margin and was well liked for bringing new businesses to town and getting liquor my the drink on the ballot, which meant new and better restaurants. Many assumed his reelection was a shoo-in, and didn't bother to vote. But those who opposed his innovations - most notably liquor by the drink - showed up in droves. Long story short, he lost. And wouldn't you know, many people told him they didn't vote because they thought his reelection was a sure thing.

Complacency is dangerous.

[Pooka Fey]

65. K&R

[Infinite Hope]

66. Same thing happening here. People are lazy and take things for granted. They spend all day...

preaching to the choir rather than taking themselves out of their comfort zone and actually volunteering. That goes for hundreds of people here.

[mistertrickster]

68. Agreed, and thanks. We don't have the luxury of being shy about our support. nt

[mistertrickster]

67. NOW IS THE TIME--YOU ARE THE PERSON.

Make phone calls. Knock on doors. Drop off yard signs.

If nothing else, get a group together and wave signs by the side of the road.

We need to give all we got all the way through the poll closing on Novemeber 4.

[mkultra]

69. I hate those who poopoo

If your worried, then shut up and get to work. But most of all, just shut up.

[LisaLynne]

70. As a very shy person, I'll say that ..

they do have things for you to do other than making calls or going door to door talking to people. Data entry, as the OPer says, or just getting stuff for people. In fact, I've found that sometimes around here they are desperate for people who don't want to work the phones!

Also, at least where I am, there is always food! LOTS of it! :)

[KsStorm]

71. I know what you mean,but...

I was going to volunteer at the Kansas City office this weekend. THEN I saw where some assholes threw bricks thru the windows!! I am afraid to now. Also,when I stopped by there a few weeks ago on my way back from Children's Mercy,I parked my car across the street at a liquor store,and there were signs in front of the door saying "store parking only",so I parked down where there were no such signs. A black woman pulled into a spot where the no parking signs were,got out w/ her little boy & started to go to the Obama office.An employee at the store came out and politely told her it was store parking only & she'd have to move. Well,the woman went OFF, totally going ballistic on the liquor store woman, calling her a "fucking white racist bitch" threatening to kick her ass,etc,etc...just went insane! And all this w/ her little boy right there. I had my 16 month old & 13 year old w/ me,and I got back in my car,afraid to take them into the Obama headqarters( I had stopped to see if I could get a yard sign). So,I am really wary about going back there after that. I was at the Kansas City Obama rally,and it was retty mellow, but I DID have 2 different black women be very rude to me,teling me "they deserved to be there more than I did",when they shoved past me & my husband. I got in line at noon,and Obama didn't appear unti 6:30.

[JimDandy]

75. Wow - what are you trying to show (or sow) with this? n/t

[YDogg]

72. k&r

[Eric Condon]

73. I appreciate the nuance of this argument

The problem with the concern vs. confidence debate here on DU is that there isn't nearly enough in between like there is in this OP. Too much of the "concern" comes from over the top paranoia about minor fluctuations in the polls, which are to be expected. But the dismissive attitude toward this concern by other DUers is no better off.

I am 100% confident that Obama will win, but I refuse to allow myself to become complacent. I think the OP gets to the heart of the matter with regards to concern: if people start flaking out on volunteering because they think it's a done deal, who's to say that they won't flake out on voting for the same reason? Unlike the GOP, we're only as strong as our voter turnout. We don't have some New World Order shadow government-type shit pulling any strings for us. Obama's campaign has been the essence of "grassroots," and it's been uphill every step of the way until now. Not wanting to fuck that up and drop the ball is NOT the same as freaking out and saying "WE ARE SCREWN!!!!!1" every time Drudge reports "Obama -1" in size 72 font on his front page.

I admit I've been lazy myself. I volunteered a lot during the primaries, because I was unemployed at that time (fittingly - the reason I was able to volunteer so much is exactly the reason we need Obama as president). But since I now work a job with odd hours (9am-8pm), it's hard for me to do it as much. But I'm off today and I already signed up to go down to the office today at 6.

Thanks for all that you do, I wish I was able to do the same.

[lebkuchen]

74. Is that American culture....say you will when you won't?

In Germany your word is taken at face value. If you say "yes," you're expected to show up. That goes for all appointments, too. Germans just don't miss 'em. Americans need to acquire that skill.

[curlyred]

77. just one thing

I'm in Colorado, and everyone in my household has already voted.
We get a phone call every night from the canvassers asking us the same questions - have we voted? Did we support Obama with that vote? We continue to be pleasant because we know how important this is - but a little internal communication would go a long way. Some people might not be as supportive as our family is, and I would hate to see a vote lost because someone was irritated about getting the same call over and over.

thanks for all your efforts!

[shireen]

78. welcome to volunteering

you're at the mercy of people who may or may not show up. I know it first hand too, from volunteer work in wildlife conservation.
Sorry, but you need to chalk it up to human nature and just keep going. It's good to let off steam and release that pent-up frustration. And here at DU, you have a sympathetic audience. Now, get back to work. :)

Having said that, I am sorry I was unable to volunteer. My excuse is chronic illness. I volunteered for Wes Clark's local campaign in 2004, while I was sick and it was very exhausting. I realized that I just don't have the energy for it. It's hard enough keeping my head above water just to do daily stuff. But I've contributed as much as I can, and support what you do. That's the best I can offer this election season.,

[lame54]

79. kick....

dame did it again didn't check who was long in me are hubby...sorry will delete

[TennesseeDem]

80. I agree, people do think this is a done deal

I work for moveon.org, 10-12 hours a day, and our flake rate for volunteers is about 50%, pretty damn ridiculous.

[mamalone]

81. Thanks so much for all you are doing...

I am ashamed to admit that this is the first campaign I have ever volunteered in.:blush: Now that I have volunteered, I see how easy it is, how needed it is, and I wish I had been putting in the hours all along. For those of you who, like me, have been hesitant to take the plunge... I encourage you wholeheartedly to get out there and volunteer. Like I said, it's (mostly) easy, it's (mostly) fun, and even when it isn't, it is important work. At this moment, my 18 and 22yo daughters are at the local Dem office, and I guarantee that before they leave they'll have signed up for several more shifts. We'll all be working hard to do all we can do to make this happen... and don't forget all of your local and downticket Dems. They need our help too!

[BreweryYardRat]

82. Doing my part. I've put in about 10 hours of data entry this month.

Not as much as I'd like to, but I'm a college student with a fairly heavy workload and trouble concentrating, so I've got to allot a substantial amount of time for that. I'll do some more this Saturday and Sunday, and I'll be there on Tuesday to help out, except for the time I've got class.

Plus, I can put the data entry experience on a resume.

[ailsagirl]

83. It's so appreciated-- thank you

:hi:

[BrklynLiberal]

86. There was report on the rally in ?St Louis?..where there were 100,000 people

During his speech Obama asked them to help and to vote early.
It seems that very nearby there were voting booths set up for early voting. The people attending the booths expected a huge rush after the rally. They were totally dumbfounded that the rush of voters never materialized.
No one could explain why there was no rush. I hope it was not complacency.....

[Joe Chi Minh]

87. Strange to relate, but this reads like one of the most difficult posts

to write, and yet, surely, one of the most valuable posts that has or will ever figure on here.

[qanda]

88. I volunteered to phone bank on Sunday

I'll be working the polls on Tuesday as an Election Judge. Thanks for the kick in the pants and keep up the good work!

[Doodler71]

89. My partner has started telemarketing the telemarketers

When people call us asking if we want to buy property in Branson, MO the response has been "Sorry, we donated all our money this year to the Barack Obama campaign. Have you considered donating to the campaign?" You'd be surprised at how many positive responses we've received.

We have both been volunteering. I just walked in the door from our local office after delivering 6 cases of soda pop for the people in the call center. It's busy here and we are supposedly solid Obama, but I don't think anyone here is taking it for granted that we still need to work hard. We are very excited Sen. Obama will be here tomorrow.

Also, I understand people getting annoyed with the 4th and 5th phone calls. Our local campaign director told us that we can go off script and let people know they would be taken off the call list and ask them to consider early voting.

[kleec]

90. Love volunteering

I am having a wonderful time volunteering for Obama's campaign, it has been rewarding in numerous ways for me. The chance to get involved with such a positive group has been exciting and encouraging! I show up willing to do whatever task needs doing and there is always a need for help, so I encourage anyone to do whatever they can do to bring this Presidency to Barack Obama, we really, really need him there, you all know that and I'm glad!

:dem: :patriot:

[beac]

91. K&R!

[Mithreal]

92. I have put in over 50 hours a week for several weeks and

canvassed for months back and worked very hard this election. While I do not have dollars to donate, sorry DU and all my fellow Democrats, I have put in the labor.

The labor is even more important than the dollars. I wish the emphasis was as strongly on volunteering as it is on donating cash but it has not been. It would be rather simple to have in the same message a donate time button next to the donate $ button. Too bad, I suppose the folks in charge want no mixed messages when cash is being requested. Cash is simpler than scheduling volunteers anyway, maybe the reason is KISS.

The volunteers are incredible and it has been a lot of fun to work beside them, very satisfying, very healing, very community building. If you haven't volunteered, get off your arse now and put any fear or mixed feelings aside. You may regret not volunteering, but why risk it? YOU ARE NEEDED NOW. If you are disabled or otherwise immobile, then use the Obama website Neighbor-to-Neighbor program.

[gal]

93. Thank you...I am a staging location director in Ohio and I know the hours put in...

I've been fighting the volunteers not showing up for a while in this. Any help / time is greatly appreciated but we need more volunteers and you need to show up if you say your going to.

We have numbers we have to make in order to make Barack Obama our next President...people like us are willing to try to make this happen but we need everyday people in order to accomplish it.

I am going to need 55-60 volunteers each day Saturday - Tues to make my area do what Obama has asked us to do. We need every person we can get. What is 4 hours of your day? We have 5 days left. GOTV

[PATRICK]

95. As a phone banker

of all the things I could say is that there are not enough volunteers. This is New York of course but our local race is pretty hot with Massa ready to unseat Kuhl in his "safe" district. Many like to be part of the event shows as a cheering crowd. Phone banking in this less than Dem district can be very hard. It is an ancient phenomenon "many are called, most stay frozen" unless people group together beyond the singleton untrained heroes further burdened by carrying the whole load. Sharing one's experience with fellow "amateurs" is the tie that binds and the force that grows.

In other countries with more harsh unemployment there are more people, angrier with more time to save their society. By the posts here in some areas of the nation volunteering has swelled to epic proportions. The other problem matches the first. People you try to contact are too busy too, not home, not to be bothered at certain hours of the day at peril of incurring undying wrath. The overlapping calls of many activist organizations might irritate the apathetic as well. Mischievous GOP ops robocall voters into hateful reactions.

But we are moving forward, making great starts that should never be mistaken for perfection or the ultimate. Getting great numbers to vote IS progress. A sense of not having arrived despite the jubilation of Deliverance at last IS important. Taking responsibility for the change that is needed, not all relying on the three branches of government must always be paramount. After these eight years the worst thing we can do is to draw away, physically seal forgetfulness.

Every DUer of member of any group believing in progressive goals MUST volunteer in some way. Most other people, even if they get the facts, feel too isolated and powerless and unaware of what they can do. That means 100% making a small start. Only then will the new government in any way be responsive to change rather than the destroyers who squat still on great wealth and power and dangerously outdated institutions and leaders. To increase that power we need campaign finance reform and then election protection reform and then things will be easier and more natural to achieve, because eternal vigilance is NOT possible, nor can the few always win the day for the many.

[politicasista]

96. kick

Going to be checking with relatives to make sure they took advantage of early voting. I am glad it was recommended this time. It was convenient and quick.

:kick:

[BoneDaddy]

97. I don't think this should be dismissed but...

I think what people react to re: "the concern trolls" is the pervasive need to whine and have someone console them.

[PBS Poll-435]

99. K & R for genuine concern

And thanks for a job well done!

[tnlefty]

100. Thanks for all you've been doing and continue to do.

I've been driving people to vote, and the lines have been getting longer, and doing data entry at out local headquarters when I'm not driving, and filling in the slack. I'll be working to help get everything together so that we can have our ducks in a row for driving people to the polls on election day, which I fear will be mayhem.

Good luck to you, we'll need it here, and good luck to everyone on election day. :hi:

[Coexist]

101. thank you.

you have no idea how disheartening it has been to watch any action threads I post sink into nothingness, I tried to do one every day, until I got sick of being ignored.

I hope this one brings new people into their local offices for the final push. You are awesome.

[blm]

102. The most important post this site will see before election day. Thank you.

.

[pipi_k]

103. Yeah, see, that's the thing

People can't assume it's a done deal because someone else will vote and they won't have to

EVERYONE needs to get out and vote


Hell, I live in Mass

we have a piddly (in comparison to NY or FL or CA) 12 Electoral votes

maybe 80% or more of the state will vote for Obama

but I'm still going to show up and vote for him


probably won't do a hell of a lot of good in the long run, but it'll make a statement

:)

[yellowdogdemocrat2]

104. Thank you so much for your sevice

I'm doing phonebanking. I'm signed up now to make 25 calls to Penn. I might try and do Mo. N.C. and Florida too. First time I ever gave any of my personal time to get someone elected. I really appreciate people who do this work. If one calls me, I make sure I tell them that too. And again thank you so much tcb in Colorado.
yellowdogdemocrat2

[SleeplessinSoCal]

105. Which is the best group to donate time to?

I'm in SoCal. I've got invites from Move-On, Obama campaign, Democratic Campaign, and others as well.

What is the best way to volunteer on November 4th?

[barack the house]

106. Biden : The only poll that counts is your vote. K&R.

[nankerphelge]

107. We're going

to knock on doors every day between now and election day in Virginia.

[Sarah Ibarruri]

108. You're right. We ALL need to get out there and volunteer or do what we can

I volunteered. Best thing I did. This election is different from the other elections in that I learned to keep my mouth shut and my nose to the grindstone. Better to work hard to get our goal accomplished than be jumping up and down for joy without knowing for certain what the outcome is. There's not much time left to work towards our goal. Please people, volunteer!

[cosmicone]

109. Thanks for this rant, many needed it

:kick:

[greyseal5]

112. On behalf of the flakes...

I totally respect what you had to say and I'm grateful that there are people like you who are picking up the slack for people like me. I make no excuses for my lack of volunteering. I simply don't do it in the form of cavassing, knocking on doors and making phone calls. This is not my style and I'm not comfortable participating in this way.

However there are a myriad of other ways that I and many others are supporting the cause. Some of these ways may not impress you if you happen to be of the mindset that your way is superior.

I send whatever money I can squeeze out to Obama and some others who I believe in. I stick Obama/Biden signs everywhere that I can. I have a bumper sticker on my car and I email people and I talk to people and I blog. You might think "big deal", but where I live these are huge acts of bravery. I've had my car spat upon, the ragtop slashed, countless eggs, etc thrown on it. When I go somewhere in an Obama shirt, say Starbucks, I can feel people glaring at me. Open political discussion ceased around here in 2001.

My own contribution is to try to help bring my fellow liberals back out of the shadows into the light of day. I personally believe that the morale of our country has been in the toilet and if it stays there, we will be defeated yet again. A defeatist attitude invites more defeat. Remember when Bush won(stole) the election in 2004 and they kept saying it was a MANDATE, etc? That was a massively demoralizing time for us because we collectively believed that we were outnumbered.

I went to an Obama rally and saw tens of thousands of people of all ages and colors sitting there waiting for him to come out with an air of caution. Do we dare to hope again? Obama has convinced me to roll the dice one more time. Have any of you found yourself tearing up inexplicably when you hear Obama speak as though we can fix this country and be whole again? When a little 9 yr old girl came out and sang "America the Beautiful", I broke down and so did many of the other people because at that moment we realized what our country used to be and how badly those b*stards have broken it.

We're not going to make it if we don't find a way to BELIEVE. Don't let polls, or lack of volunteers make you think that we're in trouble. When I saw the size of the crowd at that rally, I realized that there are so many more of us than the repubs think. Don't use traditional benchmarks (like polls and number of people volunteering) fool you into thinking we will lose. Look instead at the voter turnout and the quiet passion that Obama is stirring within us. The pendulum HAS to swing back--this is the law of nature and NOTHING can stop that.

[Realityhack]

113. Kicked, Recommended, and I WILL show up to my shift. n/t

[Dr. Death]

114. Thank you, I agree 100%

And I will be canvassing on Saturday and driving people to the polls on Tuesday.

I'm going to do my (small) part to help turn NC blue.

[Bjorn Against]

115. I just volunteered to spend all day Sunday canvassing and I hate canvassing...

In addition I am trying to get Tuesday off work so that I can stand on the corners of busy intersections all day to hold up signs to get people out to vote. I think Minnesota is pretty safe for Obama, but there are other Democrats that are running much tighter races here. Remember even if you are in a state that is safe for Obama, there are down ticket races as well. And even if you are in one of those districts that even the down ticket races are safe, the greater Obama's lead in the popular vote the greater his mandate and the more he will be able to get done. Even if you are in a place in which the outcome seems to be a given your vote will make a difference.

[femmocrat]

116. Another volunteer here. It's more fun than staying home and...

sitting on the couch watching sports or typing at the computer. It is REAL face-to-face human interaction. Remember that?

:hi:

[Conza88]

117. Very compelling

GOod stuff

[Cha]

118. Thanks Turn CO Blue!

I certainly hope so!

[jwirr]

119. I just got a call from Obama campaign asking me to volunteer to

help with phone banking. I will but need to check my schedule to see how many hours I actually have free. Been a long time since I ran a headquarters for George McGovern. Hope I can be of some help.

[Turn CO Blue]

123. Our campaign is a combo of the 20-somethings and the 60+

with a lot of everybody else. I love that! Our most active canvasser is a guy named Bob who is 83 years old. That guy walks a neighborhood everyday.

[jwirr]

127. That makes sense - the two generations connected by protesting

the wars of their age. Once an activist always an activist.

[likesmountains 52]

120. I'm scheduled for the Durango, CO office tomorrow...10AM. Thanks for your work!

[tigereye]

121. I did 2 days and I'll be doing 2 more days on Mon. and Tues.

thanks for all your efforts! A lot of friends have been canvassing. More than I remember from any other campaign I have volunteered for.


:thumbsup:

[Jackeens]

125. Wonderful, inspirational, heartfelt post - K&R!!!!

[Turn CO Blue]

132. Love your videos, Jakeens!!!

[debunkthelies]

126. K&R

I will do what I can, the bigger the turnout the better our chances. And the other side is desperate, I have gotten 2 evil robo calls today from McSame here in Snowflake,Az., so we have to work harder and not let our guard down.:kick:

[trickyguy]

128. Putting in my time in Wisconsin. But you're right - this is NOT a done deal.

Let's learn from recent history that the Repugs will resort to anything to win.

Just when I thought I saw the "lowest" commercial another "lower" one comes along.

We have to fight this with the positive people power that Obama brings to us.

Let's not let him - and ourselves- down.:toast:

[VanillaC]

131. I don't want to let Obama down so...

I'm going to suck it up and do the best I can. I guess I always thought I would be doing more damage by not being able to convince someone who was undecided or leaning McCain because I'm not fully aware of all his policies (I'm just plain sick of the Bush and the Republican party) but I will try to lend a hand.

If you go door-to-door, what do you usually do? Are you handing out pamphlets and such? Can you help around at the HQ or at the polling site? I'm not sure what to expect...

[Quantess]

138. I went door to door today!

My first time. We only knocked on doors of registered Democrats. At this stage, we are reminding people to vote if they haven't already.

[NRaleighLiberal]

129. K&R and shoutout from a kindred spirit in Raleigh. EVERYTHING you said!

I am going to canvass all day Tuesday until the polls close. Been doing calls and data entry - it is very, very rewarding, working with great people for the BEST possible current cause.

[DiehardLiberal]

130. Just got back from a couple hours phone banking...

Went over to replace stolen signs *bought extras for neighbors* and ended up staying and calling for volunteers. I'm in Oregon, near Portland, and it seems the ballot return rate is far below where it was this time in 2004 (we vote by mail). Tomorrow is the last day ballots can be mailed and reach the election board in time. So we need people to go to supporters homes who haven't yet returned their ballots. Please help Oregonians!!! We need a landslide and to elect Merkley and Schrader as well as Obama!! I'll be going back this weekend - maybe even Halloween...

[Turn CO Blue]

133. Please post this as its own thread in the Oregon forum...

[DiehardLiberal]

137. OK... nt

[amandabeech]

135. I'm going to phone bank tomorrow, and I hope every day after that.

I went out on Saturday. I'm shy and hate phone banking but I hung in there for 2.5 hours and 57 calls.

I'm in Maryland, and we were calling into Virginia, and the youngsters were bussing to Virginia and to Pennsylvania. I have a bum ankle so that was out.

Hopefully, I'll be able to do some things other than my phone bank tomorrow because I burn out of that so easily.

Nonetheless, I encourage everyone, including shy people like me, to do something. Your help is needed and you'll feel much better afterward!

[Kiwinet]

136. Definately K&R!

:kick:

[Veracious]

140. THERE'S NO 2ND CHANCE GO VOLUNTEER NOW!

Go ahead give a few hours for your country, its fun! How many days would you have volunteered 8 years ago to stop GW Bush? GO now!

[Lil Missy]

143. Too late to Rec, but I'll gladly give you a kick. And also thank you for your hard work!

[Alcibiades]

144. "People aren’t volunteering at the levels we need."

That's funny. People are volunteering at a rate that's higher than any election I've ever seen. Many folks have personal lives, and yet I'm seeing efforts that are staggering. It's truly inspiring. Sure, the bulk of the work is being done by the same people who we rely on every election cycle, but there's a lot more new folks. The reason, by the way, that you see a lot of 20 somethings and 60 somethings is that it's often hard to volunteer when you have kids at home (though I find a way and most other folks probably could, too.)

Like you, I do canvassing, leading canvasses and knocking on doors as often as I can. There are a lot of folks who have a lot for reasons not to do canvassing, but this is probably the most important thing any of us can do in this election. The people we are asking you to contact are not ogres: they are your neighbors. If you've never canvassed and are reading this, I'm asking you to consider it. To get out the vote, you have to go where people live, and that means knocking on doors. Believe it or not, most of the folks out there are polite, and sometimes you get to talk to folks who really need information about voting, which makes it all worthwhile.

[rucognizant]

145. Hopeless!

I live in Downeast MAine. 200 registered Dems out of 1,200. I beat my head against a brick wall in '04. bush won by 2 votes! I was shunned by many for being so vocal.
Recently I had hope as they have chatted with me again,..............but a clerk in the market asked me which candidate had the better tax plan, and she seemed to respect me when I told her. Then I printed out something from the internet that explained it better than I had been able to, & took it in to her. At the end of the day...she's going to vote Repig BECAUSE SHE ALWAYS HAS!

WHen I lived in the Greater Metropolitan area, Phila., NY, DC, and regularly met with and did business with rich and famous people....I was respected
and considered wise.................Here where there is ( and HAS BEEN FOR DECADES) chronic unemployement as high as 21%, where a very few, hold tightly to Gr GR GR Grandaddy's clipper ship or lumbering fortune, ( I hope they lost it last month! although I doubt it as Maine banks remained apart from the hedge fund foolishness........) and who tightly guard their supremacy NOT LETTING ANYBODY ELSE HAVE A CHANCE!) it woukd be easier to carve granite than change their minds. WHy would they listen to somebody bright, well traveled, well educated................when they have been a clerk in the supermarket all their lives or worm diggers or clam diggers..........................What DO I KNOW? It's not as if I am elite! I live ona below the poverty level SS income.last week I spent a lot of time cutting down trees and sawing my own stove lengths, because I couldn't find a guy who would deliver less than 2 cords, and the rest of the time I have been shoveling dirt back into the HUGE hole the not too bright bulldozer guy dug to find my polluted well, and wants ANOTHER $300. to put it back in!
Can anybody suggest a good sales pitch that will work?

[66 dmhlt]

146. I'm deaf, so can't phonebank or canvas ... but I CAN do data entry

And mailings, so I've been putting in 10-15 hours per week for months.

We all do what we can. Let's get this thing done - and in a BIG WAY!

[eowyn_of_rohan]

147. well... I can understand both sides of this

I am called every election year to help with phone canvassing or leafleting. This year the call came from our Congresswoman. I have done leafleting in the past, but have a foot injury and can't walk that much this year. I also, REALLY don't want to bug people in their homes with annoying cold calls to tell them to vote...

I am glad you suggested these other ways to help. Many really do want to do something but those things I mentioned are just not appealing to, or possible for, many people. I was given such a huge leafleting run it took me the better part of 3 days to finish. This is undoubtedly due to a lack of volunteers! But it is a lot of pressure and a big time commitment on the individuals that DO show up.

Maybe more people would come through if there were some fun, quick & easy things they could do, like give them campaign signs, or "VOTE!" signs and have them stand on a busy streets and wave to passers by.
:shrug:

I want to add - I am going to do something independently this year... going to make my van into an Obamamobile! Red van with Blue and white contact paper messages...I'm going to drive all over the place in it. I got the idea last night and could hardly sleep afterwards. Now I can hardly wait to get started today!

[Joanne98]

148. I knocked on 69 doors yesterday!

[ChiciB1]

149. I Just Wrote A Lengthly Post About Sarasota County & LOST It By Hitting

some key. I'm too tired to write if all over again, but want to say.... PLEASE work if you say you're going to work! We have the same thing going on here in Sarasota County!!

My main worry is that the YOUNG PEOPLE won't get out and vote! New College is here and is considered more liberal than the town, but I don't see a lot of help from them. I ask so many young people I meet to help out... if nothing else at least help us holding signs!!

One foot note... and Rachel Maddow is almost my very favorite besides KO, but I have NO IDEA what she was talking about when she said the bleachers weren't filled up when Obama was here yesterday. I was sitting right behind Obama and we didn't have much room to move around! There were 2 ends on the far left and far right sections that they didn't even try to fill because NOBODY would have been able to see anything going on. When he started to speak people were still in line coming in the stadium! I don't know where she was, but the place was PACKED. McLoonery was here and got about 3500 people to show up... there were almost 12,000 yesterday for Obama!

THIS it a TREMENDOUS turn out for ANY Democratic candidate in the very very RED counties. And our Unity Bridge Walk had at least 5,000 plus even IF the local paper didn't cover it!!

But I agree with the poster... people volunteer and don't show up but those of us who do work long hours! I can't do anymore canvassing because my back just won't take it anymore, I have several problems with it and I'm sure my doctor will be screaming at me. But I will be phoning for the next 4 days and got my notice that I will be a poll watcher on election day! Because my husband isn't volunteer we keep getting calls to see if he actually voted. So they are following up very well.

One more thing... I HAVE NOT received ONE call from the McCain campaign, not one! Vern Buchanan has called a couple of times, but NEVER McCain. I find that weird! Maybe they think Sarasota is so RED they don't have to, but this county just MIGHT go Blue for the first time since 1924!!

Well, I did write a lot anyway... but as Obama said yesterday, and it's something they tell us at EVERY MEETING... KEEP WORKING up until the last vote, on the last day is cast!!

I'm still worried about the YOUNG VOTE... they might be enthusiastic and we have seen more help this time around, but there should be SO MUCH MORE!! New College is here and I have yet to get the college to call me back just to hold signs on corners. They are the REAL key here, but from my group of workers, it's mainly us BOOMERS who are carrying the load!

I will have to say that the kids the Obama campaign have flown in have done a fantastic job. I have NEVER seen a national candidate come to this county in ALL the time I've lived here and they just keep going and going!

One of my BIGGEST wishes is to get RID OF KATHY DENT once and for ALL! I'm SURE Katherine "Cruella" Harris trained her because even THIS TIME, once again... BEFORE an election, there are problems and things that SHOULD NOT HAVE happened!! The WOMAN MUST GO!!!!

And I can't WAIT until this is over... my brain is tired, my schedules are hard to keep up with and my body aches every single night! And my husband who is used to having a home cooked meal every night can't wait either. He isn't out helping, but I'm gone a lot with my daughter & son-in-law and he's a "southern boy" and a picky eater!! I've finally made him realize the importance of this election so he's been better than ever before!

One more thing... I wasn't even going to vote in this election but since Joe Biden was chosen and then SARAH came on scene... I knew I had to DO SOMETHING!!

Just keep working, it's not over and I still don't trust the voting process!! May our votes count this time around!!!

[PittDem]

150. Flextime

I volunteer all that I can for Obama and my congressman, mostly for door-knocking. I am surprised how inflexible the Obama office people are. I know that reporting the numbers are important but with a wife and two kids it isn't always easy to meet the schedules that are required to get the door-knocking packages. My congressman will just mail me street lists and I send them back when finished.

This weekend my wife and I am signed up for a 1pm shift. I suggested that I could come by at 10am and get the instructions and lists for both of us and get out earlier than 1pm but they wanted both to get the 15 minutes of instruction. So Obama will lose 1-5 hours of our combined door-knocking because of the schedule. I am not sure the rigid schedule is in everyone's best interest.

Lastly, it is amazing the team Obama has created and I am very proud to be a part of it. GET OUT AND GET INVOLVED!

[Turn CO Blue]

153. I'm not sure I would have handled it that way, but

I don't want to criticize your canvass leader. I make sure to group my vets and my newbies. I start with the vets, tell them what's changed on the sheet, explain the new lit, and put them out there. Then I do the 15 minutes training for new canvassers. If somebody came and wanted to go off a couple of hours early I'd just write down the info and include it in my later tally.

[No Elephants]

156. Kick

[zanne]

151. Agreed, but I THINK A BIG THANK YOU IS IN ORDER FOR EVERY MEMBER OF DU!

To all the DU'ers who have volunteered or supported Obama in word or deed, THANK YOU! WE ROCK!

[Turn CO Blue]

154. Absolutely! I am so grateful for this community I can't begin to

express it. In Nov of 2004, I'm not sure what would have happened to me if I wouldn't have found DU. I'm more informed and more active than I've ever been.

[zanne]

155. Same here. DU has inspired thousands of people. nt

And every member has helped to advance the cause.

[AllyCat]

152. Will hit the pavement on Sat with 2 kids in strollers

I have 2 little ones and I've still been out a few times. Come on y'all...lets do this! ! ! No excuses.