REPORT FROM FLORIDA

[Robeson]

Just wanted to make a report from Florida from a friend who went down there to help work the election tomorrow. I think it gives a good first person account. I've asked him to keep me posted on whats going on, and this was his first e-mail this evening. Since we're all biting our fingernails for any type of news, thought I'd pass this on to all the DUers.

"It's pretty intense. There are signs everywhere hand written by supporters of both sides stuck on telephone poles with all kinds of charges. There's one that says "Bush's friends are Halliburton, Enron, The Saudis, and the Rich- NOT YOU! and then some say "Fire the Liar" and the usual stuff. THen on the next block you see "10 out of 10 Terrorist Vote for Kerry" and stuff like that. But I actually don't see many bumper stickers or yard signs.

The headquarters is like a war zone. It's a big wearhouse with dozens of tables, stacks of bottled water, various groups organizing activities, training sessions, people making signs, phone bank, data center, canvassing,etc. We've been canvassing neighborhoods similar to what we did in -----. But it's a lot of mobilehome parks, poor rundown neighborhoods, old folks who need help getting to the poles,etc. People are really greatful for the help and many would not have voted without the help. We have targeted lists so we rarely encounter any Bushies, but a few notice us in their neighborhood but not going to their house, and want to know what we're doing. So we give them a copy of the Voters Bill of Rights and say "have a nice day".

Tomorrow we canvass some more in the morning and then go to the polls to be greeters- giving people water, chairs, shade, whatever it takes to keep them in line. They don't expect a lot of shenanigans around here since people know what they're doing but it helps for them to know in case. So I don't know if we'll get any good action tomorrow, but we're ready to kick ass if necessary. At least ---- is.

We'll try to get some pics of the signs and activities tomorrow. The TV is non stop ads- those Slime Boaters have a half hour "infomercial" with that hit piece they made, and we see the wolves every 10 minutes."

[stldemocrat]

1. Halliburton?!

Enron?! It figures. They are dancin' with the ones they came with.

[Lorien]

2. Sounds about right

the same here in Orlando; less mobile home parks, but lots of poor people to take to the polls.

All hands on deck, everyone!

[givemebackmycountry]

3. Excellent Report

I hope all goes well for you today.
You are doing work that's incredibly important.

What's sad is that there is going to be millions of people who are going to be pissed off tonight, because their favorite reality show is preempted for the election.

Then there are people like you.
Slugging it out on the front lines.

God bless you and thanks for all of your hard work.

You rule.

[dave502d]

4. Robeson,nice report,thank you. n/t

[Dr Fate]

5. You are the best- thanks a million for this work!

!!

[DulceDecorum]

6. Bush is crying wolf every ten minutes?

Heck,
then Little Red Riding Hood must be kicking the crap right out of him.

[napi21]

7. First, I'm sure glad I don't line in Fla!

But second, I have to wonder if all these ads aren't just inflaming the opposition! I know what my reaction was to their ads when I saw them, and to the wolves that I still see.

Do you really believe there are undecided voters still out there? I don't. I think the few people who say they haven't made up their mind are either lying just to get attention, or they really don't care and probably won't vote anyway.

[Robeson]

8. Thanks all..

...he's going to report throughout the day tomorrow on what is going on in the "Sunshine" state, and will also be sending some pictures. I'll keep everyone up-to-date.