So now the election is finally over...

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
So now the election is finally over...
7
Fri, 11-14-2008 - 2:27am

...except, of course, in those spots where they're still counting ballots. This is the first election I've really gotten involved in. It was pretty interesting...heroes, charismatic personalities, stirring speeches, the occasional knock-down, drag-out slug fest. I loved it.


But I do have a confession. This year, for the first time, I helped on a campaign. Yes, I admit it...I was one of those really annoying people who called you urging you to vote sooner rather than later. I'M SORRY! I couldn't help myself. I got so caught up in it all. I did try to mitigate the offense by not sticking to the official script which covered a page and a half of single-spaced, size 8 print. Instead, I used my own script which went kind of like this: Did you receive your ballot? Have you voted yet? Are your arms made of paper??? Fill out that ballot and get it in...pronto!


Surprisingly, they let me come back the next week.


Some of the reactions were interesting, to say the least. Most, of course, ran along the lines of "OMG! Not another one!", but I did have one fellow tell me he hadn't voted yet but when he did, he sure wasn't going to "vote for no ni**er. I was totally shocked speechless which is not a good position for a telephone canvasser to be in. I didn't think people in Oregon talked like that. When I told my daughter, though, she wasn't surprised. She had played volleyball games in the town this person came from and said they had a reputation for beating up girls of the opposite team in the bathrooms and slashing tires.


Another woman proudly told me that she and her husband weren't voting, had never voted and never were going to vote. There was what could only be described as a pregnant pause during which I THINK I was supposed to shout "Way to go!" or something to that effect but, again, I couldn't think of a thing to say. (I don't think I was really cut out for that job.)


The most shocking thing I heard, though, was when one woman actually THANKED me for doing that job. There may have been a touch of sarcasm there but, overall, I think she meant it. At any rate, I burst into tears and promptly changed my will so that she is now getting my funky coffee table with the granite top, my set of Encyclopedia Britannicas and six of my birds.


Regardless of how people felt about the candidates or how they voted, this should continue to be an interesting time. I just hope the coming leaders will have the wisdom, integrety and creativity to start turning things around. This is a terrible time for so many people. Even for those of us who are getting by, it's scary.


Kat

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-20-2003
Fri, 11-14-2008 - 7:38am
How many of your birds am I getting?



       


 


                              &n

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
Fri, 11-14-2008 - 10:57am

HI Kat


Yes the election is at last over. Now we just listen to the president elects trying to decided who will be in his cabinet. Not much the man can do as he actually doesn't take office until mid January. I wish him luck with out economy

                          &n
iVillage Member
Registered: 11-12-1998
Fri, 11-14-2008 - 11:49am

Good for you for getting involved, Kat. Must feel good to know you participated in something so historic.


We didn't receive any calls, but we only have cell service now, so maybe that's why.


Unfortunate that you had to hear that hateful utterance. Must've been shocking. I know I was shocked and hurt to hear my own mother say something quite surprising, even though it was not the N-word. I was speechless, and felt hurt, too. I guess many of that generation still hold on to the old ways of thinking. However, I know many who do not.


Photobucket
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-04-2005
Fri, 11-14-2008 - 4:01pm
Good for you for getting involved!

Photobucket
Avatar for sassysooze
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Fri, 11-14-2008 - 9:51pm

Even though I really don't like getting the calls...you are certainly to be commended for getting involved!

Susan siggie
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-01-2006
Sun, 11-16-2008 - 6:02pm

the election is over? how come no told me? LOL


seriously..GOOD FOR YOU!! and I confess for the first time ever I too volunteered some time and money for a campaign...BOb too...I have usually avoided politics but this time..it was different!!


there are huge problems facing our country and I hope all we do what they can to help..I am encouraged by so many who have


I am amazed by the president-elect's ability to reach out to those who opposed him..don't know that I could do that


I got a good laugh out of your changing your will and Gabby's answer!!


I am reading Obama's "Audacity of Hope"..I recommend it for all Americans..not only does it help to see where he is coming from, he offers such a positive view of things..good perspective.


at the very least we have a well spoken, inteligent man who seems compassionate as well


I am disappointed by the the ignorant, racist remarks....but we have come a long way


Dutch

 

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-12-2003
Sun, 11-16-2008 - 11:40pm
LOL...no, why spoil the moment? :)