Yesterday the Rockland County Grassroots Volunteers for Obama caravanned to Philadelphia to knock on doors in the "East Philly" neighborhood, with the goal of registering voters and securing votes for Obama. Pennsylvania, although it is considered "soft blue" could easily carry the election if too many McCain supporters turn out on election day. I've made phone calls before, but this was my first experience with political canvassing going door to door and wasn't sure what to expect. (Okay, I was scared to death.) We had a brief training session with Mark, the coordinator of the office there.
It helped that my partner for the walk, Suzanna, polite and friendly to begin with, has a lovely, unobtrusive British accent. Behind one of the first doors we knocked on was a registered Dem who wouldn't come to the door and shouted "I'm votin' for the other guy!" I guess she meant the white-haired dude. Sadly there were a handful of Dems who are still refusing to vote for Obama. However, to cancel them out, there were also a good number of Republicans crossing party lines to vote for him, saying they've had "enough of the Republicans." I was surprised at how many women who supported Hilary remain undecided. Hoping to become more involved with this great group over the next few weeks.
Two new East Philly voters:
Whatever your political persuasion, I highly recommend getting up close and personal with the political process.
8 comments:
bravo on your efforts yesterday
like horten who hears the who
each small step aids the big change that we are so desperatly in need of as a collective whole
I too am confused by the Hillarys; I don't understand how they could be so forcefully for her, and now either for McCain or on the fence.
Two people came through our coffee house where we knit on Saturday, canvassing to register people, but oddly they were asked to leave!
Wonderful photos, especially your two registers!
Go Obama!!!
No matter who your choice, most important is the very act of voting, letting your voice be heard.
Tut, I told people how similar Obama and Hillary are with their policies, but some are determined to stick by her, even if she isn't running!
Joanne, you are so right. I even found that talking to others about who they are supporting, even if it was not my candidate, gave me a better understanding of the issues, and sometimes, a new perspective.
Shausler, a person is a person, no matter how small ;-)
Wow, good for you! Shausler is right -- small steps add up. Thanks!
Good for you getting involved in the process. At my daughter's high school the other day, someone had a table set up to register new voters. I thought it was great to try and get them registered and interested. I agree that we all need to vote, no matter your political persuasion.
thanks, Mayberry. And Kathleen, I think it would be an extra-great feeling to be able to help register an 18year old to vote for the first time.
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