Dialing the phone iz tiring.

[spiralleds]

I spent the late afternoon/early evening doing phone calling for the local Obama office. It was relatively enjoyable, given that there's really no one who is eager for a stranger to call them about political things. All the call was about was asking about up to three races and who they were voting for. Lots of folks wouldn't even let me get that

Comments

[jwaneeta]

"Unless they convince me that he was a terrorist as a child." You have to understand he was saying it with a lot of irony. I could imagine him shaking him head at the absurdity of the political hyperbole going on.

Heh!

Yay for you, doing calls. They are tiring, aren't they? Interesting but tiring.

[spiralleds]

I think I made nearly 200 "dials," though the number of live contacts was probably 30%. particularly not knowing the response you'll get sucks a lot of energy.

[stephanierb]

I experienced that while campaigning for Kerry in 2004. Folks in swing states get inundated with phone calls and canvassers and get increasingly annoyed as election day approaches. Still, my experience was a mostly positive one.

[spiralleds]

I'm very sympathetic to the over calling. And the fact that different agencies are using the same voter lists, it's nearly enough to make one stop voting...

So I use my 'warm and sympathetic' voice. (Back in the day, I used to be known for my phone voice.) That helps, I think.

[nmcil12]

I have also been doing small amount of work for Obama - couple of days doing data entry and one day phone calls - this sunday they put me through "canvas neighborhood" - was very nervous about doing this, but after a while I got a little more confident. Mostly a lot of walking, most people not answering door bells, but everyone I spoke with was very nice or if not Obama supportors, just said quick "I'm not voting for him" and shut their doors.

Looking forward to the next debate - and probably will try another session of canvas work. Not something I at all like to do, but I guess something I will just have to force myself to do.

Have been doing political posters and even some Buffyverse Political Studies -

[spiralleds]

I've done canvasing in the past. I'd volunteer for it again, but I'm sensitive to the fact that I'm living in a smaller community and pastoring at a larger congregation. I know I'd end up on one of their doorsteps, and that could get awkward. So phones it is.

[soundingsea]

Go, you! Way to do your bit to help get this country back on track!

And I bet you clarified stuff for Union Guns Guy. Awesome.

[spiralleds]

Given that this is a swing state, I want to do what I can.

[pnksaph]

I could imagine him shaking him head at the absurdity of the political hyperbole going on.
Even Natascha, who usually tunes out any commercial, is starting to get grumpy when she hears the political crap being tossed around.

I'm not always nice to the political canvassers, especially as the elections get closer and my nerves get more and more frayed.
Now I'll be thinking 'This could be someone just like spiralleds' and it may prompt me to be nicer.

[spiralleds]

Aw. Yup. Likely some faith-in-democracy-and-the-good-of-the-people volunteer at your doorstep.

Yeah, I was definitely punching the word "volunteer" in hopes that would help soften the potential unhappy reaction.