yes, Virginia.....WE ARE GOING BLUE !!!!!!!!

[diamond14]

it's becoming more obvious than ever before.....today, EVERYONE I met will be voting for Kerry....Kerry signs and bumper stickers are EVERYWHERE....


even that two hardened reTHUGlican police officers in my neighborhood told me that they are reluctant, but they are GOING TO VOTE FOR KERRY, because they were shocked to watch their idiot bush* on the TV set....I also talked to a military soldier, recently returned from Iraq....and now voting relutantly for Kerry....AND one OLD old native Virginian bigot, who told me that she is JUST NOT VOTING, because she cannot vote for bush* and she'll never vote Democratic (and that's just fine with me).....


yes, we are going to KERRY Virginia.....we have many NEW registered voters...and what we need NOW is for EVERYONE in Virginia to take AT LEAST five of YOUR friends and neighbors over to the polling booths on November 2, 2004...and lead the way, to take back America....

yes, bush*....it won't be such horribly hard work for you anymore...because WE THE PEOPLE are sending you home....bye bye bush*, don't let the door hit you on the way OUT......

VIRGINIA....proud to cast her 13 electorial votes for KERRY.....


as shown on the official State Seal of Virginia, shown on the official State flag....


Amazon Woman CRUSHES KING GEORGE....it's won't be the first time that Virginia has crushed a tyrant, george w., your turn is coming up soon....

[rockymountaindem]

1. I'll believe it when I see it.

[Fluffdaddy]

28. I agree No dixie states are going Blue...Stop giving people bs hope

[demwing]

48. Does it hurt to hope?

Why the nasty attitude?

[Zynx]

64. We need to win at least one southern state.

If it's Florida, so be it, but Virginia would be nice as well. We can win in the South and for the health of our country, we must campaign in it.

[deckerd]

90. Yep, urban Dems must stop giving BS hope that Kerry can win without

picking up a single Southern state. It is a foolish, Shrum inspired strategy echoed by decidedly middle-of-the road think tanks like Ruy Teixiera who would probably be quite comfy with a * win if it heightened the contradictions and set up someone else to run in 08 as a hawkish, socially liberal, pro-business, pro-environment DLC Democrat.

Trust me, if worst comes to worse the "write off the South, move to the center" pundits will be saying right off the bat, "don't worry, this is 1964 all over again, this will be the rebirth of a new Democratic party in 4 years time."

One of the reasons Kerry must win is to keep the DLC from hijacking the
party in 08 and kicking the remaining rural populists, peaceniks, and union lefties out of the party so they can focus full-time on hot-button social issues that appeal to upper-middle class soccer moms and prosperous Sunbelt voters.

[saccheradi]

97. WTF kind of gobbledigook is this???

[69KV]

107. gobbledigook?

I don't know how winning states in the South has to do with it one way or the other, but this part hits the nail right on the head:

One of the reasons Kerry must win is to keep the DLC from hijacking the party in 08 and kicking the remaining rural populists, peaceniks, and union lefties out of the party so they can focus full-time on hot-button social issues that appeal to upper-middle class soccer moms and prosperous Sunbelt voters.

The DLC's problem isn't that they are "centrist" because they aren't. Their agenda is to push social issues that appeal to the suburbs, and a pro-free trade and pro-war foreign policy, at the expense of the traditional Democratic base. The traditional Dem base is rural populists and urban labor union members.

[LuminousX]

105. Well, that was crass

My number one lesson for the day comes from my Mom in Montana who doesn't follow politics much who tried to convince me that Montana will go to Kerry. She lives in Helena and claims that everyone she knows is voting for Kerry. That is fine and dandy, but that isn't everyone in the state. If you find yourself surrounded by people supporting Kerry, it is time to move on and find people who don't to convince them to support Kerry.

Virginia can be ours, as long was we don't feel content that all our neighbors are voting for Kerry and assume the rest of the state is as well.

[oddtext]

56. yeah, but there's something going on

here in NC, i have the same feeling. it's like edwards v. faircloth in 98. they kept telling us that edwards couldn't win. trial lawyer, ad hominem attack, bs, shallow wafer thin issues from the republican . . . you could feel BIG MO working for edwards. that's how it is now. you couldn't believe my neighborhood. ALL k/e. there might be 1 "w" but that sticker doesn't even say anything about the election. no "re-elect" to be seen anywhere. i feel the "MO". i'll believe it when i see it like in 98 when edwards won, but i FEEL it, baby, strong, hard, and building stronger all the time.

WOW!

[saccheradi]

99. damn straight! I have a feeling this country will be its own salvation!

rising up right here in the south!!

[Longhorn]

2. Thanks for the good news!

Nice to hear some encouragement! Virginia will help SO MUCH! Keep up the good work!

[rainy]

3. I live in va. beach

where do you live? It is very republican here, militry town.

[diamond14]

12. surprise to YOU...military people vote in their own home states...

most miltary people STATIONED in Virginia, do NOT vote here....they vote in their 'HOME' of Texas, or Nebraska or whatever....

they come to Virginia to serve at the Pentagon, Ft. Meyers, Ft. Belvoir, Norfolk and other military places...but remember this "THEY ARE NOT RESIDENTS OF VIRGINIA and they do NOT vote here"....


so, your observation is interesting, but my own experience registering voters in Virginia since March 2004 indicates that your remarks are just a bunch of HOT AIR....

[nonconformist]

51. Just to clarify, service members can vote where they're stationed

If they establish residency in the state where they're stationed, like get a driver's license or register to vote there. When we were stationed at Ft Riley Kansas, about half the people we knew had gotten Kansas driver's licenses and were registered to vote in Kansas, not their "home of record".

I'm not saying Kerry doesn't have a shot in Virgina - I actually think what you've posted is great news and very encouraging - but I just wanted to clarify that point. Besides, I wouldn't be so sure that military voters will go overwhelmingly for Bush as it is.

[rainy]

69. surprise to YOU

I live here I should know. Big military town means lots of sons, daughters, dads, family members in the military. Retired military all residents and voting in Va. I have lots of neighbors who own their homes here and are pilots, one a retired navel comander, one the captain, two years ago of the Blue Angles, lots of military actually reside here.

[DaveinMD]

4. I don't see it happening

Kerry isn't spending much money there and the state hasn't gone Democrat since 1964.

[diamond14]

16. Kerry has spent $80 MILLION in Virginia....and now, VA-Democratic Party

is spending and working...OUR Democratic Governor is working hard....OUR Democratic candidates are ON EVERY TICKET for the Virginia State elections....OUR elected Democratic representatives are out in FULL FORCE, and that includes many of Virginia's mayors, Congressional Representatives, and local representatives at the State level....

There's plenty of BIG money in Virginia, and it's all coming forward....we hosted JOHN KERRY here for ONE event and raised $1.7 MILLION dollars.....beat that Maryland....we're not as stupid as you Marylanders think....what's with YOUR reTHUGlican criminal Governor????


we're going to KERRY Virginia....yes we are !!!!


the Virginia State seal....Amazon Woman CRUSHES KING GEORGE....

[Seabiscuit]

83. Thanks for the hopeful news

I think it's a shame that people are putting you down for your hopeful message. So what if VA hasn't gone Blue in years? There's always a first time for everything.

The stories about die-hard Republicans being turned off and embarrassed by W's shabby debate performances tells it all. Here in San Diego, where Republicans in 2000 and 2002 outnumbered Dems by 55%-45%, I am witnissing the same trend - Kerry yard signs and bumper stickers everywhere, with nary a "W" bumper sticker anywhere - and not a single W yard sign to be seen. And I have friends here who voted for W in 2000 but will be voting for Kerry in 2004.

Something IS going on here... and hopefully across the country.

[texasmom]

5. Good news!

I live in a Republican area of Texas, and I see more Kerry stickers than Bush. Today at a soccer game, everyone in our section of the stands was for Kerry. One lady said that everyone in her office was for Kerry.

I think the Texas vote totals will surprise some people, too, even if we don't go blue this year.

[txindy]

34. I agree with you

Here in the Hill Country it's looking like Kerry, too. I've said it before: If Texas doesn't go blue, it'll be close. Close enough to get some attention and cause some repub heartburn, at least. ;)

[joeprogressive]

71. I agree

I was in Austin yesterday (westlake area)and I couldn't believe all of the Kerry stickers I saw. Bush will win Texas but I think it will be respectable.

[clydefrand]

6. I think we will too...another Virginian

People (DEMS) are much more vocal and active than I've ever seen them in this state.

[diamond14]

9. SOO OOOO much work has been done by Virginia volunteers...it's

actually been an amazing call to action, like a revolution.....at the grassroot level.....

huge numbers of people have been registered to vote, who have never voted before....

we are working the phone banks, and going door-to-door...


and those just sitting on the side-lines, just haven't noticed all the action....it's coming...we're taking it back....Virginia is ready now, to step up and VOTE FOR KERRY....Virginia has always been a LEADER, and this time, we are leading the way to the White House....for those of you sceptics, you'll just be AMAZED and stunned on November 2nd....

we are the 'simmering majority' and we will KERRY Virginia....

[American liberal]

86. Amen to you, amen!

You rock harder than Mt. Rushmore! This is what I'm saying: It's your grassroots efforts that are going to win this election. It's not only happening in your fair state of VA, but all over the country!!! Pundits and pollsters and talking heads may be in for a BIG surprise Nov. 2. I can hardly wait! What's the count now? 23 days? 24?

Can I get an AMEN?!!!

Peace,
AL

[diamond14]

100. Hi Al !!!....AMEN from a "Catholic for JFK"......wild horses couldn't

stop the Catholics from electing Kerry to be President of the United States of America !!!!!




it's just warming OUR hearts.....another JFK (John F. Kerry), only the SECOND Catholic President EVER.....

Catholics for JFK....America needs another JFK.....


GO Kerry.....

[BillZBubb]

7. I'm skeptical, but if you promise!!!!

I'll hold you to it! Maybe the Old Dominion will rejoin civil society.

Keep talking up a great future president--John Kerry!!!

[clevergirl]

8. Northern Virginia will deliver for John Kerry.

We're organized and energized. We're at every public event handing out material, stickers, and signs. We're canvassing every neighborhood at least once. We're calling all Democrats at least once. We've got more volunteers than we know what to do with. You can't see a parking lot in Northern VA without spotting a dozen Kerry stickers. With Richmond and the Southwest, we're going to turn Virginia blue.

Watch.

[undercover_brother]

10. let me guess you live in NOVA

Northern Virginia leans Democrat, but the rest of the state is Republican. I am assuming that you live in Northern Virginia. Don't get too confident. Virginia is not a swing state, unfortunatelly.

[diamond14]

14. OUR Democratic Governor, and his whole Democratic machinery

reside in RICHMOND !!!!!

Where you been???? asleep under a rock????

[undercover_brother]

24. actually yeah

I don't watch local news or keep up on local politics. I had no idea Virginia had a Democratic governor. I'll crawl back under my rock now.

[diamond14]

27. welcome to DU, undercover_brother....you'll learn a lot here.....

starting with VIRGINIA HAS A DEMOCRATIC GOVERNOR and he lives in RICHMOND Virginia......

Governor Mark Warner.....

right next to OUR state seal of "bare-breasted Amazon-woman CRUSHING KING GEORGE".....


VIRGINIA CRUSHING KING GEORGE....bye bye george w......you're not the first tyrant to be crushed by VIRGINIA.....



hey undercover_brother...you seem to be good humored about my cruel remarks...do NOT take the 'crawl under a stone' literally...we're actually glad you joined us !!!! come back often and open your world a little bit....:toast:

[Duppers]

29. hold on there, sister

before you go insulting someone. I'm one of those working a phone bank and going door to door, but most people here in Hampton Roads still have their heads up their proverbial asses! There are LOTS of retired military here who are voting here.

I know 'cause I talk with them every day and it depresses the hell out of me! BUT there is still some hope and I'm not throwing in the towel, but just holding my breath. I hope the northern counties can counter what's most likely to happen down here.

[Zynx]

65. Bush has a very small lead in VA, much smaller than in 2000.

We came in much stronger on election day than we did in the polls.

[The River]

11. I Live In The Shadow of Monticello

This part of Virginia is
Very Kerry

[diamond14]

13. exciting....a VERY KERRY part of Virginia....IMO, there are more

VERY KERRY parts of Virginia than most realize.....it's all very low-keyed here in Virginia...

Virginia slowly moved from red to purple in May, June, July, August...and then into BLUE in September, and NOW, after the second debate...WE're going for KERRY....Virginia is ready now to CRUSH another KING GEORGE tyrant.....Go Virginia !!!!





ohoooh oooh...ahhhh.....I love that "VERY KERRY"...made my day.....

[sundancekid]

26. love your gusto: yes, a VERY KERRY VIRGINIA, there is a ...

all the best -- you are such an inspiration -- KUDOS to you
:yourock:

[Eurobabe]

89. I live in the shadow of the Blue Ridge, over in Crozet

and I see alot of support for Kerry here, who would'a thunk it? Over in Stuarts Draft you take your life in your hands riding down 340. They are drinking some heavy koolaid over there.

[arewenotdemo]

15. hopeful here in Richmond

lotta kerry signs, bumperstickers

BTW, what's Virginia doing with that splendid shaft..er, you know, the "flesh-colored" one?

[diamond14]

17. Officially, she's called "Amazon Woman"...and what she's doing is

your speculation....


and she PROUDLY bares her breast....much to the dismay of that idiot asscroft.....bare-breasted Amazon woman has been proudly displayed on OUR state flag and state emblem LONG BEFORE idiots like asscroft came along....


on edit: that "flesh-colored staff" is actually a SWORD that she is holding...a sheathed sword in one hand facing upwards, and a SPEAR in the other hand (it's HARD WORK to get those tyrants)...."Sic Semper Tyrannis" or "Thus Always to Tyrants." The seal, designed by George Wythe, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, was first adopted in 1776 (long before john asscroft discovered bare-breasted women in Virginia)...OUR State Flag proudly displays this beautiful and time-honored bare-breasted woman....



sorry to disappoint you....
maybe you read our motto "Virginia is for LOVERS" and became inspired.....

[autorank]

19. amen1234 you are a trip...and you're right

This state is fed up. Bush supporters are embarassed to argue their case. The energy here is incredible. I do hope we get some heavy duty television advertising. But you're right, the state is organized and humming from the top down and from the bottom up. Rock on Amazon lady of liberty!

[HootieMcBoob]

18. I believe ya!

I'm one of those people who keep saying that this country is going to be in for a big surprise on November 2nd.
:bounce:

[American liberal]

88. I do, too, Hootie...

I'm right there with you! :bounce: :bounce:

[renegade000]

20. arlingtonian checking in! we're turning virginia BLUE

sic semper tyrannis.

[kimchi]

92. I'm in Arlington, too, and very proud to see so much support

for Kerry. In my area, it is brave to put out a BUSH sign! I've been saying for 2 years that if NoVa can round up a bunch of new voters, Kerry would win.

[spooky3]

93. me too!

[Doosh]

21. last poll out of Virginia had Kerry only down by 3

time to bus the staffers back in, it's a swing state again!!!

[DaveinMD]

25. but Kerry is moving resources away

because his interals show he can't win there.

[clevergirl]

44. No! It's because we're more organized...

They left staff behind, but no kidding, the apparatus on the ground is amazing; we're doing fine.

[fairfaxvadem]

22. I think we have a damn good chance in Virginia

Granted, NoVa will likely go Kerry, but we could possibly carry the state for him. Not impossible.

The Cavalier paper of UVA just endorsed Kerry.

Kerry made one of his first major stops in Norfolk, granted most of the military stationed here don't vote in this state, but hey, he's an old Navy boy, and there is a fairly active Veterans for Kerry group here.

I think Virginia is up for grabs.

I was at the vet's today and a vet tech was outside and said "I like your sticker", so I gave her a Kerry bumpersticker. Then another woman in the parking lot saw this exchange and asked if I had any more, and I gave her 3.

I felt like a dealer, with my stash of Kerry paraphenalia in the back of my car!!!

[fairfaxvadem]

23. I forgot to add one thing to my other post on this..

Despite the shift of "paid" staff to other states, the campaign office in Fairfax is constantly busy, a real revolving door of vols showing up all the time.

It's unbelievable and very gratifying.

The volunteer effort in Virginia, as others have noted, has been overwhelming.

I know for a fact that folks have been out every weekend in western Fairfax County since Memorial Day knocking on doors.

[txindy]

37. It's the efforts of people like you throughout Virginia

that are carrying on with all of this great work that made the Kerry campaign feel secure about moving their money/personnel to other states, I'm sure. Great job! :toast:

[The Great Escape]

30. I Work In Southwest Virginia...

I used to be surprised by the positive attitude towards Kerry that I pick up around here. I work in Wythe County VA. It has not gone Democrat in a Presidential election for a very long time. I'm cautiously optimistic.

[Moonbeam_Starlight]

31. Virginia Beach is where my freeper inlaws live

and they are voting Kerry. This will be the FIRST time in their 60 years of life they have voted Democrat. They were going to vote Libertarian, but they were so impressed with Kerry in the first debate, they decided to go for him. They like almost everything he says and proposes.

Which has shocked the shit out of them AND us. They won't vote bush again because they are disgusted with this war.

They are non-Kool-Aid drinking freepers. Still pretty racist and bigoted but pretty clear-eyed when it comes to war. And pissed about this one. Father in law served three tours of duty in Vietnam.

[Erika]

33. Bush's Iraqi War is Insane!

And our kids are dying from it. I post to local forums everyday the site www.icasualties.org. Bush ignores these deaths. He's yet to attend the funeral of one of our troops killed in his war.

[Cha]

70. That's really good news, Moonbeam!

Love all this positive talk on Virginia..I was in Richmond over the 4th of July visiting my son who was there from Kauai working on a house. I had an awesome time and will always love that city. I know the woman whose house my son was working on will be voting for Kerry!

Go Virginia!

[PurityOfEssence]

79. My dad lives there too, and he's a Kerry guy through and through

He DOES report that the neighbors are pretty reactionary, but he's surprised at the Kerry support he sees.

[IronLionZion]

32. A good Southern gentleman named Al Gore couldn't win it

or any Southern state save Florida so what makes you think a guy from Massachusetts can do it?

[Moonbeam_Starlight]

35. Kerry isn't Al Gore and Al Gore isn't Kerry

it isn't so much the guy this time, it's about how disgusted people are with bush and how unified the Dems are.

[txindy]

36. Because there's so much more at stake than just another election

It's a different world than the one we had four years ago. Junior never got the 'Anybody But Gore' voters, not in the ABB numbers that exist today. Plus all of the newly-registered voters....

[diamond14]

43. it's that John Edwards southern drawl that's going to KERRY Virginia

we were real happy when Kerry decided to team with that Southern John Edwards....that opened the whole race up to the South....

[clevergirl]

45. Gore grew up in a DC hotel...

Folks nowadays don't vote regional loyalty the way they used to. Geez, Gore didn't even win in Tennessee!

[Name removed]

59. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Cha]

72. With all due respect..Hello!

Things have catostrophically CHANGED since then..People are actually REBELLING..And what better place to do that than the South?!

[texasmom]

76. People were asleep in 2000.

They woke up fast and are wide awake now.

[JohnKleeb]

98. psst

because he can.

[Zen Democrat]

38. In Texas, I haven't seen such work for the Dem Ticket since 1964.

I'm not kidding. There is a Democratic Headquarters in my area and I went in today to get some yard signs -- there were at least 30 people working their asses off in there. The phones were ringing and the people were scurrying around. I got signs, pins, t-shirts and bumper stickers. There were men, women, young and old in there.

In the past here, IF you could find a Democratic Headquarters, it was just a few guys and ladies from one or more of the local unions. When the unions got so weak back in the 80's, even that dwindled. I couldn't FIND any Al Gore campaign material in 2000.

Now the place is abuzz. Kerry yard signs and bumper stickers everywhere. The polls in Texas show Kerry running about the same as Gore ran -- and that's a joke! There was virtually no enthusiasm for Gore in 2000 with other than the die-hard Democrats.

Now, even some Bush 2000 voters I know are going for Kerry. Lots of die-hard Republicans say they aren't going to vote. EVERY Democrat is energized and working -- focused and obsessed on a victory for John Kerry. Bush is toast.

[LonghornJack]

40. What Area of Texas Are You In?

2004 Victory...just wondering.

I grew up in South Texas myself, near Corpus Christi.

LHJ
:hi:

[Moonbeam_Starlight]

55. Yep I know a LOT of Texans who were bush 2000 voters who are

voting Kerry this time. A LOT.

Wish I had a dollar for every one.

[underpants]

39. HELL YEAH!

I have read the naysayers and such on thisthread.........nope 'fraid not.

We are going blue!

WORK! WORK! and then WORK more!
See my post in the State-Virginia forum

SSSSSSssssssssssssssssssssshhhh! they have no idea what is coming.

[Cha]

74. Get down with your bad yourself,

Underpants!

[liberalitch]

41. I live in Norfolk and kerry meet ups have grown...

out here at Uncle Louie's exponentially....
it's quite encouraging

[Philostopher]

42. I'm still trying to keep my chin up about my home state.

I live in the Freepiest part of Ohio, but still have hope we might flip. I'd never discourage anybody else either -- there's always a chance!

Which is to say -- good luck! I've read some things that gave me reason to think Virginia wasn't nearly the lock for Bush* that his campaign wanted to think. And the grassroots organizations can always make more of it than the national campaigns, if they just keep at it.

Again -- good luck.

[SCRUBDASHRUB]

46. I'm in Richmond and have seen a lot of Kerry and Kerry-Edwards stickers

on cars and some signs on lawns. Kick it, Kerry!

[Philostopher]

50. Washington Monthly had a very optimistic article a couple of months ago.

This was between the conventions, and before the Naked Emperor had his tantrum at the first debate -- they thought it was within the realm of possibility that Virginia would be very close this year. While the GOP convention threw a lot of red meat at the base, the issue WaMo saw was that there are a lot of 'blue blood' families in Virginia who might actually prefer a patrician from Massachusetts to a carpetbagger who sort of claimed to be from Texas but was actually technically from Connecticut. I don't know, WaMo leans pretty far to the left or we wouldn't pay to subscribe, but it was a heartening article. They seemed more glum about the prospects for Ohio going for Kerry, and it's within the margin of error and Kerry's still spending money here.

[Mayberry Machiavelli]

47. I hope you are right. Your anecdote, about the cops, shows, if nothing

else, that the debates DO matter and influence some of the people who'd otherwise vote shrub or sit it out.

[diamond14]

53. cops know all about people who won't ANSWER THE QUESTION

they listen all day/night to plenty of suspects who EVADE the question, and skirt around ANSWERING THE QUESTION....

IMO, that could impact some cops perception of bush* honesty....there just wasn't an ANSWER TO ANY QUESTION coming from bush* in the town hall meeting....that must just drive a cop crazy....cops are trained to be VERY SUSPECIOUS of suspects who won't ANSWER THE QUESTION....


their 'lukewarm' vote for Kerry may also spring from now KNOWING that bush* cut cop programs, and allowed assault guns (used for killing cops) back out on the streets of America...all police unions have now endorsed Kerry.....


reasonable people are WAKING UP....America is coming to her senses, finally....

[gold_bug]

49. I hope you're right

Here in Northern VA I'm seeing Kerry & Edwards stickers and signs all over the place.

[pimpbot]

52. Three extra kerry votes this year

We moved from MD to VA :)

MD can afford to lose a few dem votes :)

[diamond14]

54. thanks....and welcome to DU.....we're glad you joined us.....

we need your THREE votes...every votes is VERY IMPORTANT this year in Virginia.....it'll be close, but we'll WIN !!!! Thanks for helping us.....Welcome to Virginia !!!!!!!!


:bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce:

:hi: :hi: :hi: :hi: :hi:



:toast: :toast: :toast: :toast: :toast: :toast:

[carrowsboy]

57. Richmond/southside here

Lots of Kerry signs/stickers in Richmond but Chesterfield area has tons of Bush signs.

I stopped off at the VA_Democratic Party HQ on Friday to pick up some signage and they were practically out!

The sweet lady at the desk said that tons of people have been coming in (more than ever before) and it has been crazy.

made me feel very good.

[helpisontheway]

58. I live in Hampton Roads

and I don't see how we are going to pull of Virginia. I hope we can but I'm beginning to have doubts. I think I posted a while back how many Bushies were at the State Fair. ANyway, last night I was at the Suffolk Peanut Festival and there were so many Bush/Cheney people that I felt ill. All of them carrying yard signs and stickers all over their body. At one point one of the Bushies pissed me off. I was passing the Kerry tent and one guy stopped and put two Bush Cheney signs in front of the Kerry ones and laughed about it. I stopped and picked up the Bush signs and put them flat on the ground behind the Kerry ones. LOL Then I guess some people were watching me because this guy dashes in front of me as I was leaving to grab the Bush signs. Then there was this one man walking and talking really loud about Bush. So I will be VERY surprised if VA goes blue.

[diamond14]

77. just imagine how many other voter were irritated by those bushies

Kerry campaign trains people who interact with the public....there is nothing more damaging to a campaign than to have arrogant bush* bullies running all over the local State Fair grounds....

IMO, people are getting real sick of the bush* and his brownshirt bullies....and they'll vote Kerry just to get the little emperor out of OUR White House....Virginians appreciate some dignity, it comes with our long long history of southern hospitality....

[bushwakker]

60. Great post - Keep fighting to rid us of the tyranny of George 2nd

[PretzelWarrior]

61. LOL. Virginia voting for Kerry? riiiggghhhttt.

not gonna happen.

[Zynx]

66. We will win Virginia this decade. Mark my words.

The state is heavily swinging away from the Republicans. It was the first state to shift from the old Democratic south to Republican and now it is switching back towards the Dems again.

[Seabiscuit]

84. The resident psychic chimes in

with another negative message.

History is all about change, my friend.

[zulchzulu]

62. Virginia soldiers, do not let up!

Ol' Virginie will go for kerry if you keep stomping through those lovely hills and getting out the votes!

Awesome news!

[solarize]

63. West End of Richmond here...

I see tons of Kerry/Edwards stickers and signs. It is nothing like 2000...the democrats are really making themselves known this time (and this is in super-conservative, uptight West End Richmond)

But, I'm not terribly optimistic that Virginia will go for Kerry. I travel all over Virginia for work (from NoVa to the end of the state) and I meet far more Bush people than Kerry people.

I'm really thinking about moving because it's getting really depressing down here. Last week, I tried to have a reasoned conversation with a co-worker about Iraq and the torture scandal, but he got so enraged that I would actually suggest that the US was torturing people that he forcefully told me to stop talking or he'd make me (he feels they were treated pretty well and, damnit, they deserve it 'cause they're terrorists). I come across people with this guy's attitude constantly...it is very difficult to actually find and talk to liberals in this area.

[underpants]

67. Museum district here. My question WHERE IS MARK WARNER?

Why isn't he all over the airwaves?

Around here (not surprising) it is nothing but Kerry signs and Kerry supporters.

The Westend will never vote for anyone but Bush.

We'll see.

[cmayer]

68. Good analysis from the extreme right

http://www.dailypress.com/news/opinion/dp-92710sy0oct10,0,625374.story?coll=dp-opinion-editorials

Former Virginia GOP State Chair and extreme righty,gives an excellent analysis of what is going on in Virginia. In short, the grass roots effort has been put into place. Republicans--don't get cocky--it's a trap.

<snip>
A headline in The Washington Post on Oct. 4 read "Kerry team reassigned as Va. all but conceded." Oddly, the accompanying article about the Kerry campaign's decision to reassign 20 of the 30 Kerry staffers to other states was prompted by a telephone call from a spokesman for Kerry's Virginia campaign.

There are reasons to doubt that the story was given to the media by a spiteful staffer. That staffer continues to work for the Kerry campaign. His call to the media came only after the most important phase of the Kerry campaign effort, which includes registering new voters, identifying likely Kerry supporters and training volunteers, had already been completed. Finally, no one with the Kerry campaign followed up with the expected spin that Kerry had not given up on Virginia and intended to win here.

... the Democrats know they have a shot at winning in Virginia if they can make Republicans overconfident, while simultaneously energizing and turning out the voters who have already been identified as likely Kerry supporters.

Republicans have never been guaranteed victory in Virginia. Electoral success depends on hard work, grassroots enthusiasm and effective communication of the message to the voters. The campaign is more about identifying and mobilizing voters who already agree with the Republican agenda than about persuasion.

[Gin]

73. I am in Hampton Roads...and even though signs are few and far between

there are MANY churches who are participating in a Jesus for America thing (fast)..until Nov 2......and guess who they are promoting as the next president...not Kerry. Maybe they will be too weak from fasting to go to the polls.

I am hopefull...but not confident that my area will go for Kerry.

[cmayer]

85. We don't have to win Hampton Roads.

We just have to keep it close. Earlier this summer Hampton Roads was down by 18 points. Now it is almost even.

It will take Northern Virginia to put us over the top.

[DuaneBidoux]

75. "Retro vs. Metro" is a great analysis of how things are changing

If you haven't gotten the book you can actually download it free at www.retrovsmetro.com

I don't know anything about Virginia beyond their obviously Repug history but this book says that Virginia is gradually moving blue. Apparently the strong growth of information and high tech professionals (who overwhelmingly vote dem) outisde of the D.C. area is beginning to have an impact.

Will it be this time? Perhaps not. But the trend is in place.

[swag]

78. In 1989, I ran logistics for Wilder-Coleman voter forum in Richmond, VA

Was working for a group in Washington, DC that did such things.

Was very impressed with the incisive and insightful questions from the Richmond voters for both candidates. Was more impressed when Virginia elected the first African-American Governor in the nation's history.

Don't count Virginia out by any means. It won't be the only red->blue shocker this year, but it has a good shot at being one of the biggest red->blue shockers.

Thanks for the great posts, amen1234.

[captain disgruntled]

80. NEVER GIVE UP, NEVER SURRENDER--

(reposting from VA forum--)
I've been out in the Leesburg (NoVa, just west of Fairfax Co.) office for...shit, is it 4 weeks??? I'm on daytime phone-banking, combined James Socas (10th District Congressional candidate) and John Kerry, and we're burning up the lines. We've got people using their 'unlimited minutes' cell phones 'cause the other phones are all in use. Plus they just opened another office, courtesy of our ex-Lt. Gov. Don Beyer, out near Dulles Airport, in addition to the big regional office in Merrifield.

Socas is running against Frank Wolf (R), who's been in Congress for 24 years, frequently running for re-election unopposed. Not this year, buddy. And that pattern is being repeated all over Northern Virginia. Yes, there are a lot of retired military in Virginia, but a lot of them are retired to the point that they're relying on VA hospitals for their care, and they're seeing what's happening to those budgets. Younger military are losing their enthusiasm for this most recent business--the WashPost has a front-page article in today's edition about young marines serving in Iraq and expressing their frustration with their "mission", for example.

This is also a region with a constant stream of immigrants--both international and from other U.S. states, many of whom are liberal. We have been seeing record numbers of new registrations, and lastly, the polls are questioning "likely voters"--probably meaning those who have already voted in previous elections, which means they're not including new registrants, those with new phone numbers, or those who use a cell phone as their primary line.

Y'all can wait and see--in the meantime, I'm wearing my Socas and Kerry buttons whenever I leave the house, and I never hear anything but positive comments. Things don't look like they did four years ago, and they're going to look even more different on November 3rd.

GO VIRGINIA!!!

[cthrumatrix]

106. big kick

[diamond14]

81. the numbers for voting in Virginia......from the 2000 election.....

yes, Virginia's going BLUE.....


2000 Election

there were 4,073,644 Registered Voters in Virginia in 2000

only 2,789,808 Virginia Voters got up and went to VOTE (68.5%)

there were 1,437,490 Votes for bush* (51.5%)

and a significant number of undercounted votes.....
50,218 Virginia Votes were simple NOT COUNTED at all in 2000 (a 1.8% undercount on the vote)




Soooooo, DUers.....

1,283,838 Virginia Voters DID NOT VOTE in 2000

and Virginia lost to bush* by only 41,847 Votes (with a significant number of undercounted votes)....that's 1.5% of the vote....if slightly more than half those voters switched to KERRY, we WIN (20,923....0.8% of the vote)....OR, if more Democrats actually got up and VOTED...we WIN.....




this election....2004....WE THE PEOPLE will KERRY Virginia.....the Democrats are actually going to vote this time....we have registered hundred of thousand NEW voters (some estimates more than 500,000 NEW Democratic Voters, mostly foreign-born and college students)....we have handed out over a million ABSENTEE ballots to seniors and others who do not wish to go to the polls....

on edit: the undercounts in Virginia are severe (and example of undercounts is: 100 people VOTE and when they count the Vote, they only count 95 people)...some counties undercounted the vote by as much as 7.0%.....it's really obscene, and VA-DNC AND OUR DEMOCRATIC GOVERNOR are finally going to stop this...the total State undercounted the presidential vote by 1.8% (and the pResident won by only 1.5%)....imagine that: now that we have a DEMOCRATIC GOVERNOR, all votes will be counted in Virginia !!!! What a great concept !!!!
http://www.sbe.state.va.us/web_docs/election/results/2000/nov/nov2000/Voting_stats-President.htm


here's a link for all the VA statistics
http://www.sbe.state.va.us/

[spooky3]

91. that's great news, thanks!

[Julien Sorel]

82. LOL

This is one of the coolest threads I've read here. That energy and spirit are worth a million bucks in campaign spending.

[Eurobabe]

87. I see pockets of BLUE in VA

but don't kid yourself there are still an awful lot of Bu$hBOTS here, I saw quite a few today at a local craft fair.

Ugh.

[Lefta Dissenter]

94. Keep up the great work, to all of you!

It's so inspirational to read all (well, most) of these posts! We are looking for amazing things on November 2 - and we all have to make it happen!

...now to make some more phone calls... :hi:

[DemsUnited]

95. Can't say if we'll win VA or not

but am sure it will be CLOSE. Well-organized Kerry volunteers in Northern VA are on fire -- registering voters, calling, knocking on doors -- and are getting overwhelmingly positive responses. Plus, Kerry is winning the war of the bumper stickers hands down!

We're fighing the good fight, and if VIRGINIA can get close, think of what must be happening in the "real" swing states!!!!

[diamond14]

96. Hi vadem2004....welcome to DU....and YOU know in YOUR HEART

that Virginia is GOING BLUE !!!!!!!!!!! :dem:



we're glad you joined us and let's keep working as hard as we can, so soooon...the celebration begins and we'll be dancing in the streets in Virginia...........welcome......


:hi: :hi: :hi: :hi: :hi: :hi: :hi:

:toast: :toast: :toast: :toast: :toast:



J.F.Kerry in Norfolk...July 2004



republicans don't need to change parties....we have a BIG campaign, web sites, bumper stickers and buttons for REPUBLICANS FOR KERRY...very popular in Virginia....



http://www.republicansforkerry04.org/




:dem:

[cheshire]

101. I am praying and we are all working hard. It is doable. Great news Thanks.

[batchdem04]

102. I'm a new voter in VA ...Kerry all the way!

Hey guys,

I am a new voter (previously belonged in the apathetic young non-voter group). But Bush's inane policies and lack of intelligence has made me quite angry to say the least.

I just got my registration card last week and can't wait to help VA go to Kerry!

Btw, does anyone know where I can get some bumper stickers?

[captain disgruntled]

103. Hiya Batch--

and welcome! Don't know what region you're in, but you might check http://www.vademocrats.org/VirginiaVictory04/VaVictory04.asp--it lists the largest regional offices for the Kerry/Edwards campaign. If none of those offices is close to you, you might call them and ask if there's something closer; failing that, try Googling your county name + democratic. I know that our congressional candidate's office is sharing space with the Loudoun County Democrats, for example, and we've got tons of bumper stickers, buttons, yard signs etc for both Kerry/Edwards AND James Socas.
Otherwise, check out any of the links on the front page of DU, or even go to The Official Site, http://www.kerrygear.com/!

We'll look for you on November 2nd!!!

[batchdem04]

104. Thanks for the info! eom