Haven't been able to read the boards of late and I just popped in to share. Spent Sunday canvassing in PA for Kerry/Edwards and a Dem PA Congressional candidate. Spoke to a lot of Registered Republicans. 1/3 were solid Bush, 1/3 were solid "anybody but Bush" and 1/3 weren't sure who to vote for, but most importantly weren't opposed to voting for Kerry. I think from this experience there is a good chance PA will turn blue - forget what the polls say (hearing about a lot of weaknesses in these polls - such as they use more registered Republicans or they don't include the 1 MILLION newly registered voters across the country (I think that number is too low by the way, in my county alone we've had several thousand newly registered)) A lot of really nice people and not one rude interaction (unless you call the President of the housing group who threatened to call the police because we weren't allowed to solicit - which we weren't, typical scare tactic, but that wasn't even rude. I even got the guy to laugh when I said I opposed him wanting to take down the Bush/Cheney sign his neighbor had, which was also against the rules, because I was all for Free Speech - even if I didn't agree with the sign.) My local county took over 100 people, including a WWII vet on oxygen, in "Kerry-vans" - people carpooling to PA. There are other weekends that they're going as well as groups such as ACT and Move-on. My first time canvassing and I really enjoyed it. It was a lot easier after your first door knocking! (And I hear it's the same with phone banks - easier after your first few calls) :-) I told my husband it was like golf, after that one great conversation (great shot in golf), you're hooked. :-)
Sorry this is so rushed/disjointed, but I really thought this was a great experience. Out of the solid Bush camp were a few who worked for the pharmaceutical companies in the area. I don't know that I could put my company before my country, but these same people weren't opposed to reading the campaign literature we had either.
Another reason it was so great is the people that I rode up with - a very diverse group, we had some great conversations on everything from stem cell research to Medicare to rising college costs to Iraq. I'm very optimistic from the weekend, not just the people who volunteered but the almost 3,000 people that were contacted this weekend IN ONE DAY!!!
Lastly, for those who don't think the Democratic party is organized - you don't know this group or this year. I understand why the media won't report it, but it doesn't mean that there isn't a great grassroots movement out there to elect John Kerry and John Edwards to the White House. Chin up Dems and Kerry supporters, it's amazing in the field. Join the fight!!!
The moral of the story is push away from the computer, get off your butt and go volunteer for the cause! Bush Suporters, please remain seated.
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And there a reason why there's a JOKE in JOhn KErry's name! I think Kerry is a joke. See, it goes both ways.
Basically you and I won't agree on this issue. You believe the Swift Boat Vets and I don't. I think Bush lies to get what he wants and you don't. It's a matter of gullibility. I think you're gullible to believe Swift Boat Vets who have been disproved many times and by many different sources. You think I'm gullible because I'm a Democrat. If labeling people makes you feel better than fine, but let's get the label right. I'm a BLEEDING HEART LIBERAL DEMOCRATIC AMERICAN AND I'M DAMN PROUD OF IT.
Please try to post something constructive once in a while.
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