The Importance of Canvassing: Two Stories Worth Reading

[writes3000]

Both from DailyKos. Why is canvassing and phone-banking so important?


We can open the mind of others....

http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2008/9/21/21826/2882/206/605944


And it pays off for us as well....

http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2008/9/21/18811/8161/309/605825

[otohara]

1. Links Not Working

for me....page not found

[writes3000]

2. They just worked for me. Try this instead.

Here are the DailyKos titles of the threads under the Recommended Diaries on the right side of the page.

"Voting McCain Because of the Lazy..."

"Please, Please, Please. another small update."

[AndyTiedye]

3. Huge Props to Those Who Are Out There Canvassing

[ClayZ]

4. I was working on a "volunteer list" today on the phones.

Most on the list were Dem delegates who had indicated they wanted to volunteer. I got a few message machines and spoke to several enthusiastic Obama supporters directing them to the proper place, time or phone number so that they could begin by registering voters, phone banks, canvasing or data entry in the office.

I was doing just fine......

Then I called Lisa.

I told her who I was and why I was calling. She said with a STERN voice, "OH NO! I was a Hillary Supporter. I only wanted to volunteer for her! I am now supporting MCCAIN/PALIN!"

Her voice was full of rage! It was my first day on that sort of list.

Without thinking, I said, "Ewwwwwwww"....

Then I said "I'm sorry, Good by"

I bet she remembers that "Ewwwwwww" as long as I will!

[eridani]

5. I'm using VoteBuilder in a state that doesn't have registrtation by party

We track voter contact information, public donation records, caucus attendance and the like, and our tech people assign people party points. Our classifications are

SD = Strong Democrat
LD = Leaning Democrat
ID = Independent Democrat
I = Independent
IR = Independent Republican
LR = Leaning Republican
SR = Strong Republican

Given the conditions of this election year, we are canvassing everybody but SRs. LRs are a mixed bag. Our canvass script leads off with issue concerns, and I pretty much know Obama's positions on issues. I talked to two recently widowed LR women, and both intend to vote for Obama and Christine Gregoire for governor. One stated her big issue as women's rights. The LRs who have terrorism as a main issue are sticking with McCain. One very frustrating fellow allowed as how Bush was doing a really terrible job, but he was sure McCain would change things. Independents are breaking for Obama strongly.

One thing just occurred to me that I'm going to try. I'll ask them why they think that military members serving abroad are donating 6/1 to Obama. I'll let you know if it works.