Down-ballot Dems split from Biden on door-knocking

[brooklynite]

Politico

Democrat Sara Gideon's campaign is knocking on voters’ doors in her close Senate race in Maine. So is Steve Bullock in Montana, another one of the nation’s most competitive Senate contests. Democratic candidates in state legislative races in Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Louisiana are doing the same.

For months, down-ballot Democrats followed Joe Biden’s lead and stopped door-to-door campaigning in an effort to prevent people from catching Covid-19 and appear more socially responsible than Republicans. President Donald Trump’s campaign and other GOP candidates, by contrast, have downplayed the pandemic and been knocking on voters’ doors for months.

But with anxiety growing in the final sprint before Election Day, an increasing number of Democrats up and down the ballot are making the call to stop ceding voters’ doors to the GOP — a decision that could increase pressure on Biden’s campaign to restart the traditional election-year practice. Democratic candidates who have returned to canvassing said they are adhering to strict safety protocols, as well as asking voters if they are comfortable with their presence.

“The campaign is knocking, but it’s entirely volunteer for staff and volunteers,” said Matt McKenna, a spokesperson for Bullock’s campaign. “Everyone is wearing masks and taking every precaution.”

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

1. Going door to door is important.

It's reasonably easy to do and still maintain appropriate distance.

I know from experience (I once ran for office) that the personal touch, especially in state offices, is very important.

[LeftInTX]

3. We're doing lit drops. It seems to work if you personalize it

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

5. Yes, it does.

People really do respond to the personal touch.

Back when I ran for office in 2004, I sent a postcard to everyone who either said they'd definitely vote for me, or who seemed close. I got feedback that indicated those postcards really did help.

While I lost my race, the person who ran for that seat after me did win. Hooray!

Recently I donated money to the person running in that district. I think I need to give her more information, because she probably has no idea I ran for that seat so long ago.

[RhodeIslandOne]

2. It's up to the candidates to decide what is best for them. n/m

[BainsBane]

4. No way I open my door to a canvasser

I've done door knocking myself in previous years, but not now. I don't want to catch COVID.

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

6. If they are masked, if you are masked, not really a problem.

Last week I had some guys walking me through my place (small townhouse) to do landscaping cleanup. They were masked, and I put on a mask when they were in my home. Even so, we were well socially distanced.

If you put on your mask, and they are masked, you will be fine. If they are not masked, back off a distance and tell them no thank you.

[LisaL]

8. That's what you think. That's not what I think.

I wouldn't talk to any canvassers right now, masks or not.

[LeftInTX]

7. You don't need to answer the door

we leave notes!