I canvassed for the first time today

[dubeskin]

And for lack of a better word, it was interesting. Since I lived there, I knew the area I would be canvassing was going to be pretty conservative. I was working for Charlie Brown for Congress, my first political campaign as well. One thing I think might be true though, is that people may be more open to listening to what I had to say because I was a teen. Honestly, those who were like "I'm a Republican so I'm voting for McClintock" still let me have the time to discuss with them Brown's stances, and for the most part, people were open to hearing. I got into a couple debates with some people, and most I would assume watch Faux, because their main point was "Al Queda was training in Iraq and Iran" although I tried to prove them otherwise.

On the other hand, I do think that I managed to convert some "Support McClintock" and "Leaning McClintock" people to move into undecided. I think the main problem though is that in local politics people vote along party lines because they don't know what the candidates stand for.

Honestly, it was pretty fun. The thing I learned though is that bring a few pens, bring several water bottles, and DEFINITELY bring something to carry it all in, like a bag. However, I do hope to do it next week.

[CrispyQ]

1. Congrats!

The first time I canvassed in '04, I only took what the dem headquarters gave me - some literature & a list. I didn't even take a pen! Fortunately I had a lipstick in my back pocket & could check off the houses I visited with that.

This is a lovely time of year in my state & it's fun to get out & walk & check out the neighborhood. Glad you're doing it again next weekend!

:yourock:

[dubeskin]

11. Part of the fun for me

Was going around to houses and chancing that I'd run into someone I knew! I kept wondering how the conversation might go in that case, and if I'd have to prove them wrong or thank them for their support.

And I can only imagine what it was like to mark with lipstick!

[DebJ]

2. Thank you. I can't go out and wish I could. I feel better hearing

other people' stories.

[wildeyed]

3. Backpack.

I always bring water, sunblock, extra pens, my own clipboard and a small backpack to tote it all in.

Sounds like you had a very productive day! :yourock:

[Jack Bone]

4. Clipboard is a MUST

'specially on windy days...

[NMDemDist2]

5. now where did you get that idea??

:evilgrin:

[wildeyed]

8. Where have you been!

Probably out doing something productive like canvassing. I used to do the fanny pack, but switched over to the backpack cause you can get more water and junk in it and it doesn't tug at your waist. :hi:

[NMDemDist2]

9. working mostly, making some calls off the internet for Barak and

got the approval to do a voter reg drive at work where I know lots of young Dems work but may not vote.

I got 4 already and 5 more that will get it together some time this weekend

yeah, 9 isn't many but every Dem helps in this RED county.....

:hi:

[wildeyed]

13. 9 is great!

If everyone does that, makes sure all their left leaning friends vote, we win in a landslide! :kick:

[dubeskin]

10. Yeah, I learned my lesson on what to bring

Always be over prepared, because I actually hadn't thought of the pen (we were sort of rushed out of the office) and thankfully I found one in the car.

[mrcheerful]

6. Sadly the vast majority of americans don't have "time" to research who they elect or if said person

shares their beliefs in every area of their life. So we have the sound bite voter who will vote for anyone that shares their most important belief, for anto abortion its those sound bites that make it sound like the republicon is on their side, tax voters, same thing, the sound bite says it all cons=less taxes dems = more taxes. Whats even odd is once the sound bite voter gets into their head no amount of evidence can get them to see their mistake.

7 years republicons have had all 3 branches of government under their thumb, not one anti abortion law was enacted not one tax dollar was lowered on them and they watch as basics eat up their pay checks, still nothing shakes that main belief. It really makes one sick that so many in this nation haven't a clue on how politics work in their miserable lives to make them the slaves of the few.

[tpsbmam]

7. dubeskin, you rock! Glad it was a good experience! n/t

[tom_paine]

12. Good for you, dube. Keep up the on-the-ground effort.

After working the last three elections, I swore I was going to sit this one out. Burn out.

But it turns out I'll be joining you, if not on the canvasses (maybe as a driver...I'm getting older) then on the phones.