Holiday Shopping for Candidates

[H2O Man]

Yesterday, at the local democratic campaign headquarters, I was part of a small group discussion about "holiday shopping." There was one person who said she was almost finished with her shopping for the year. Some people said they had it part way done. I remained silent, because I tend to think I'm starting early if I have anything done by December 20th. People have different styles, that work for them.

I spent time making telephone calls. My "target group" was people over the age 65, who are registered, but did not vote in the 2006 elections. This includes democrats, independents, and even republicans. The reason I focus on this group is because they make up a significant percentage of the "undecided" voter population.

There have been a number of OPs on DU recently that question if there really are still "undecided" voters, and questioning their intelligence if they are indeed undecided at this late date. I'd say that, not unlike holiday shopping, that different people have different styles.

The majority of the folks I called had an idea who they would vote for. Most were happy to talk to me. The "senior citizens" that I spoke to care about issues. (Only one person hung up on me, and only one yelled at me.) They have the same general concerns and frustrations that other people do. They might get their information from different resources than DU and other progressive/liberal internet sites, and perhaps it is due to their not being on the "information highway" --but are instead are cruising at a comfortable speed on an old dirt road-- that explains why they wait to make their decisions.

I probably spend more time per call than any of the other volunteers. But I also tend to have the highest "success" rate. Of course, I spend a lot of time on old dirt roads. One thing is for sure, though: after the November election, I'm going to get started on my holiday shopping. I'm sure I'll be in a heck of a good mood.

Peace,
H2O Man







(edited for error)

[rosesaylavee]

1. I bet you are great on the phone

and very persuasive.

I too did phonebanking last night. We are targeting those who did not vote in the primary and not listed as Dem or Republican. We are strictly focusing on the Congressional race right now - a few weeks ago we were asking about Obama as part of the spiel but with just a few weeks to go, it's all about getting potential voters to vote on 11/4 and telling people about our candidate.

I get my share of hangups. Lots of people don't care to say who they are voting for with a stranger on the phone. I had one call last night that bothered me. It wasn't a hangup - the woman admitted she hadn't even considered who she's voting for yet. She didn't have a specific issue she was hoping one of them would address so I spent a little time with her - told her about Congressman Foster and why I was voting for him as well as some sites online she could visit to find out other candidates down ticket.

She said after our very short conversation that she would vote for Congressman Foster. It sounded very much like she was waiting for someone to tell her who to vote for... and that bothered me more than the hangups. Not quite sure I have been able to put my finger on it either. Not sure whether I am more annoyed or more saddened that she could make up her mind on something so important to me ... after a relatively quick phone call with a stranger. She said he sounded nice.

Sigh.

[H2O Man]

2. Thank you.

I've been working on local campaigns for many decades, including lots of phone-banks and going door-to-door. And as a social worker, I have been in every town and hamlet in three counties here; that includes having spoken at public events and to civic groups as a "youth advocate." More, as a grass roots activist, and local historian, I've made presentations in most of the area communities. So the majority of the people I've called in this political season know me, and even the senior citizens who are registered republicans seem to enjoy talking to me.

Malcolm X used to say that in order for there to be real communication, you have to speak the language that the person you are talking to understands. I speak the northeastern, rural language. I do not think I would necessarily be as effective in an urban setting. One of my co-workers at the campaign headquarters is a retired investigator from "the city." He is a good democrat, and dedicated volunteer. He has taken note of how, although he makes many more calls than I do, I have better results. Although it's late in the game, I am thinking of doing a little "in-house" training on how to adjust the approach that others are taking on the phone.

Yesterday, I sent an op-ed to the most rigidly republican newspaper in this part of the state. The editor e-mailed me to thank me for it, and noted it was "excellent!" I consider that a good measure of being able to speak the language that even republicans understand, for it endorses all the democrats, from Obama to those running for state and local office, in a polite manner ..... family and community values being my focus.

Representatives from various candidates' offices have been stopping in. I think that they are becoming increasingly aware that the local progressive/liberal wing of the democratic party can not be taken for granted.