Reply #17: Hey Mo - I missed you there..

[Kittycat]

I was in Davenport as well, along with 3 other people from the Oswego Area. I'm so glad you went, and what an excellent point you made about relating with people your own age (and/or gender).

Lucky you to have "sporadic dems"... I had nearly 100% "persuasion" on my list of 118 names - AKA, I'm an independent that has probably voted Republican since the dawn of creation. Good response though, only one rude person, and a few McCain supporters (19 Obama supporters from the open). I tried to find a way to chat with some, especially those with skiddish dogs, because I think their dog made them uneasy and gave them the feeling like they had to hurry up. I'd bend down to pet the dog if I thought it was friendly enough, and compliment them on how cute he/she was - anything really to make them more comfortable. I love flowers and gardening - so I found that to be a great talking point with a few women, etc. Most of them were unknowns, but they were very nice and almost appreciative that I took a little interest in them instead of just showing up trying to push my Obama brochure on to them.

I figured if they had a chance to meet and talk with everyday people, that actually related to them and wanted to listen to them - then that would give them the chance to open up a bit and share stories that might help them identify with Obama as well. Most did - issues with gas/grocery prices, health care and jobs were on the forefront. The priority depended mostly on age, I noticed - but some where hit really hard right now. One woman hadn't had a raise in 10 years. She's making $12.50/hour, and retires in 3 years. Her husband (whom I also met) is on disability, they have no savings, and their car just broke down. It's hard even gathering the words together to try and support them.

I also had a great conversation with someone that had voted republican since Reagan. He reminded me so much of my grandpa before he got sick (he's now 80). Long Haul trucker, early stages of emphysema, loves traveling around and camping with his wife. He's 61 now, and trying to keep working until he's 65 so that he can get his full pension and not lose his health care. Great guy, has a bunch of little grandkids. Said that he was "supporting that Obama Guy" this time around. I shook his hand, and then gave him a big hug - told him that I'll keep him in my thoughts, and tried to give him a little hope. It was really hard talking to this guy, understanding what is facing him in the coming years. It's like I turned the clock back 17 years and was standing there talking to my grandpa. I'll never forget that guy.

I have to say overall it was an excellent trip. I'm looking forward to doing another one