Just a few words about my first Obama campaign volunteer experience in Raleigh NC

[NRaleighLiberal]

In a few words, fulfilling, exciting, meaningful...and can't wait to get back to it for as much time as I can between now and Nov 4.

Showed up at the Glenwood Ave HQ a bit after 9, an office suite with loads of smaller offices - lots of activity, perhaps 20 or so people all moving with various purposes. Everyone serious but pleasant, open, welcoming - I was quickly oriented to do some data entry....then a few hours later moved on to doing some phone calling. Two of the people in the room in which I worked were here from elsewhere - from Oregon, and from Boston.

The lists are long and endless - from my few hours on the phone I had lots of either no answers (no one home, no answering machine) or leaving a scripted message on the machine if it picked up. Got a few Obama voters, and (since this is not a perfect world...) one family of registered Dems who stated (via dad) "we can't vote for a socialist - and Joe the Plumber did it for us". I thanked him for his openness and said it is a wonderful country where we can all voice our views freely...

If you are volunteering, keep volunteering! If you've got cold feet or are unsure, go for it - they can use the help, it isn't difficult - indeed, it is fun, it will make you feel great!

Working for Change in Raleigh...

[FLyellowdog]

1. Thanks for the push for volunteering.

This is an awesome chance to really do something that will make a difference in America's history.:patriot:

[Lex]

2. That's great that you are doing this!

Disheartening to hear you got lots of "no" answers. I hope your list wasn't registered Dems? Was your list registered Independents or what?

[NRaleighLiberal]

3. Sorry! Need to clarify that - not NO answers, but no one answering the phone!

Now I will go and fix it! thanks!

[Lex]

5. Oh, now I see!

Sorry! Well that's good. I thought people were saying "No" they weren't voting for Obama. *whew*

[emulatorloo]

4. "no answers" means nobody was home to answer the phone

So that's not too bad.

[Lex]

6. Yeah, I get that now. I thought he was calling & asking people to vote for Obama

and people were saying no.

But I see now.

[NRaleighLiberal]

8. Keep the faith, Lex - the mood in the campaign HQ was sober, determined but HOPEful!

[Lex]

9. Excellent!

:thumbsup:

[emulatorloo]

7. what did the campaign workers suggest about the "socialist" comment?

I know you are not supposed to argue if they want to vote McCain, but did the campaign people have a suggestion about answering that response?

CONGRATS on your work -- I need to get back in myself to make more calls.

[NRaleighLiberal]

10. They left up to discretion - the tone of the caller made it clear to not get into a pissing match!

My feeling is that it is possible to judge the "moveability" of some of these people - a few other callers did manage to turn a few people around. It wasn't an unpleasant call, but it was pretty clear that the mind was shut like a steel trap! The recommendation for someone with a strong view such as this is to thank them for their time and move on to the next name!