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I used to be freaked about making calls to people I didn't know. But after the hundreds (maybe thousands) of calls I made during the Kerry campaign and have made so far for the Obama campaign, I've gotten over it.
The Obama campaign is better than the Kerry campaign was about targeting the calls, too. Most of the calls you would be making are in specific groups: 1) People who have already indicated some way that they are supporters (donations, signing up online, attending an Obama event, filling out a volunteer card); or 2) calls to undecided Democrats and Independents to find out how they plan to vote, the issues that concern them and if they might be able to volunteer.
The first group is pretty easy. You make sure that they are really supporters (sometimes something got crossed in the computer and you have the wrong household, but that is rare), then ask if they have time to help with the campaign. Mark the results on the list you're working from and make the next call.
The second group is a little harder - you will have more answers that they are not supporters and the rare hang up or insult. The key is to be polite no matter what, and do not take anything they say personally. Usually you will ask what issues concern them as a citizen and if they are Obama supporters, if they can volunteer.
That is it. It is not complicated and can be tedious. You will have the McCain supporters, but since both lists are sorted to try to not include hardcore Repubs, they are a small percentage. And those opposition people are far out numbered by the enthusiastic supporters I have found. All it takes is one person to tell you how great they feel about Obama running and how much they are looking forward to a President they can respect to give you your energy and enthusiasm back.
Our people are good about not overloading the people making the calls. We give them a few pages of people at a time, and if they need to stop, there is no pressure. We're just glad to get any help, even if it is only an hour.
Try it once - you may find it enjoyable. And if you do not, there are lots of other jobs that the campaign needs help with. Data entry (putting the results of all those calls, all the sign in sheets, the volunteer cards, etc.), putting together packets for those doing door to door canvassing (more and more of that as we get close to the end) or just running errands and helping to keep the office clean and materials sorted out.
We will win this - we have to.
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