GOTV meeting last night-folks you would be *amazed*

[underpants]

I can't be too specific because they are keeping this close to the vest. Not paranoid but they are away of possible disruptions and have planned for it.

Targeting-detailed and minute to a degree that I can't go into. Beyond impressive.
Logistics-covered and recovered. One on One teams between the specific field operations and "the hub"
Technology-communication from the field up to the state level (possibly national) and BACK DOWN in 7 minutes TOPS. They have worked this out in practice runs. Well staffed at all levels.

This is only the GOTV operations not poll watching (specific and very well staffed) or driving people to polls. This is to communicate to known supporters and provisions to get every single person possible to their polling place. Continually check with voters and edit of the list. The operation I went to does not cover an entire city or county, it is much more exact.

Near the end of the meeting (group of about 25 selected individuals and 8 staff) I asked, "Is this just for our area?" (GOP home turf)
The response was, "No this is from the top"
A woman asked, "Just in battleground states?"
The answer, "No, in every state. We have this model set up everywhere"

I wish I could elaborate more but suffice to say that this is extremely well thought out and has been test run to work out all kinks alleviating concerns and continually reviewed and improved.

I could go on and on but IMPRESSIVE is the best way to summarize it.

[ps1074]

1. Holy shit

:woohoo:

[demokatgurrl]

2. As long is it really IS everywhere

I feel a bit better. I am so worried that many of the new registrations will be thrown out, so we need every single one who can do it to vote.

[underpants]

8. Example

They have a fixed solid total of confirmed votes here 10 times greater than the Kerry campaign was able to do 4 years ago.

[bcoylepa]

3. agree

went to same meeting in Bradford COunty PA - over 60 people there - most I had never seen before
follow up will be crucial but the plan is there

[AllieB]

4. Last night I heard John King on CNN mention the ground game in MO

He was also impressed, saying that the Obama offices were bustling, and the McCain offices were dead. It kind of parallels what you said above. The people running the Obama campaign are consummate professionals, starting at the top with the candidate.

[underpants]

7. I believe it

These "kids" are paid but not much. If they can squeeze a few extra votes out of this area this will not only aid the campaign a lot but will be a good mark on their resumes.

[roguevalley]

28. reminds me of the kennedy operation. imagine how well run the

country will be with this kind of thinking and effort and personnel.

[demnan]

5. Ours was on Monday night in Prince William County

we had about the same number of people, all precinct leaders and canvassers. They had a handout and explained a lot of roles that people would be filling. The field organizers are really intense now! There is a lot of work organized and they used the same "hub" and "universe" terminology so I'm sure it is from the top.

I won't say anything more specific, but I was also very impressed.

[underpants]

6. Thanks

I said to one of them about getting some sleep not the night before but TWO nights before (this is an old John Wooden thing) he looked at me and said, "Thanks but that's not possible"

I took them an inflatable air mattress earlier this week-it was on their wish list. Going to the mattresses!!! (Godfather reference)

[AndyA]

9. I know of attorneys who are traveling from Oklahoma to other states

prior to the election to make sure there aren't any problems with people voting. They will be in polling places on election day, all day.

Obama's campaign is really pulling out all the stops to make sure people can vote. And they have attorneys there to make sure the laws are followed to the letter.

Impressive is an understatement.

[gateley]

10. Thanks. Whenever we hear some bad news and we freak out, I take comfort

from knowing that Obama's campaign probably already has it covered. It's an amazing organization. And this is how he would lead the country.

[MANative]

11. Your post gave me "good" chills and goosebumps!

:hi:

[underpants]

12. The meeting did for me too

:hi:

[demokatgurrl]

13. What if it rains?

I know that question probably sounds totally idiotic, or flippant, or sarcastic. But I'm serious. The weather so often deters voters from getting out on election day - more specifically, DEMOCRATIC voters, because Repukes are in lockstep and toe the line. If you haven't noticed this, just notice the radio and TV weather reports a day or two before election day. They will say, if the weather is supposed to be nice, that it's "good for voter turnout", and if it rains, God forbid, that lower turnout is likley. This has puzzled and angered me for as long as I can remember- can't people use a fucking umbrella? Can't neighbors or volunteers drive older persons or those who have medical problems to the polls? I spent half of an election day doing that in 2004 and it was one of the most rewarding volunteer things I ever did.


Anyway... I know Obama can't control the weather but I hope they have something in mind to overcome it.

[nc4bo]

14. GOTV in '08 = A MASSIVE MOVEMENT! No exaggeration here people. They are playing to win!!! nt

[RoadRage]

15. Sorry.. what is GOTV?

I think it means Get Out the Vote.. but is this just talking about Obama's ground game to get everyone to the polls on 11/04?

TIA

[supernova]

18. Get Out The Vote

GOTV has been part of campaign lingo for a very long time. I don't know who first used it.

It means all the calling, driving people to the polls, whatever needs doing to make sure that as many registered voters get to the polls by the end of election day. :bounce: :bounce:

[JPZenger]

16. Need stageing areas and places for volunteers to sleep

We had over 200 volunteers at the GOTV session in Allentown PA, which was one of many held in PA this week.

They said a particular need is for well-distributed places that can be used for stageing areas for volunteers. The Obama offices will be overcrowded, so they want to be able to tell drivers, poll watchers, etc. to report to locations in their own neighborhoods. At best, this would be a conference room in an office, but it also could be a large family room or a store.

They also asked for additional people to offer a bed in their house for volunteers - especially on weekends and on the days right before the election.

Everyone is asked to take a vacation day on Election Day if possible and sign up for whatever shifts you can do.

[auburngrad82]

17. Aren't you glad Palin took the cheap shots at organizers?

A good community organizer and get a hell of a lot accomplished.

[ellie]

19. I am going to one of these

tonight here in Toledo.

[NightWatcher]

20. you think that his GOTV is impressive, wait till you see the "Voter Protection" game

I sent them an email yesterday to inquire if they were working with VideoTheVote dot org who dispatches volunteers to document irregularities at polling places. I received an email today directing me to the Obama Campaign's Voter Protection Program. They have enlisted the services of attorneys and others who can be called on to help protect individual votes. I, of course, signed up to do whatever I could. I'm a licensed private eye and can help document anything irregular, should it pop up.

If you are an attorney or could otherwise help, please go to http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/vrachome and click the link for Voter Protection.

[underpants]

27. Excellent

I was just at a local office and informed some of the staff about the real Joe the Plumber--he was a plant

Good "kids" but I wanted to make sure their BS acumen was sharp.

AT the polling places seems to very well covered but this sort of recon/react effort is good to know about.

[StreetKnowledge]

21. Great Expectations

Welcome to the election where - for the first time in many years - we have a truly visionary politician, whose campaign really has got absolutely everything covered, running for the Presidency. And his opponent is a blundering bozo with a nutcase for a running mate, too.

Impressive is the best way to say it. I know people say don't call it over yet....

....but boy it does look like its pretty much over. :D

[immoderate]

22. I went to a GOTV meeting Sunday.

I also posted about how impressed I was with the organization. They have it covered.

On edit: link to my post. http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=132&topic_id=7434445

--IMM

[Turn CO Blue]

23. I have the same impression after attending the GOTV training

here in Colorado. I'm blown away. I don't know how to describe it - the organization is both bottom-up and top-down at the same time.

But, please get involved. Each team needs (omitted) volunteers for this plan!

DU'ers - if you are one of the Obama supporters who hasn't yet reported to your county office to get your assignment for GOTV, then WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?

Call your boss to ask for Nov 4th OFF now!

Call the campaign or go by the office TONIGHT! We need you! Your organizer in your zipcode needs you. Barack and Joe need you! Don't be anxious, it will be fun, you will be trained and others around you will help you!

You owe it to yourself to be part of this history-making GOTV effort. You'll love yourself and the people you work with!

WE ARE THE ONES WE'VE BEEN WAITING FOR!

[LSK]

24. K&R - Obama GOTV efforts will create a bigger landslide than polls indicate

[Mabus]

25. Did you know that McCain's lead has been cut 20 points in Kansas?

Now he only leads Obama by 12, down from 32. The field workers are everywhere and they are working their asses off.

[underpants]

26. What's the matter with Kansas?

Oh, that's right, I read the book

Great news