During the past few days, I've called 100 registered Iowa Democrats...

[CoffeeCat]

Last week, I signed on with the Sanders campaign and I was tasked with calling registered Democrats in my precinct.

I live in an upper-middle-class suburb. It's highly Republican. The Democrats in our area are pretty affluent. The majority of the people who live in this suburb, do so because of the great schools. Ninety percent of the people living here are two-income families with small children; or families with stay-at-home moms.

I have a script: 1.) Do you plan to participate in your caucus?; 2.) Do you know who you will support in the Iowa caucuses?
(If they identify as a Sanders supporter, I ask them if they're willing to volunteer or host out-of-town campaigners).

So, what's fascinating to me, is the breakdown, thus far: 42 Clinton; 39 Bernie; O'Malley 3; Undecided 16

Now, am I some professional polling outlet? Absolutely not. I'm just an Iowa mom making phone calls for one precinct (although it is a large precinct). Many of these people on my list, I know personally. So, this is not scientific. I'm not suggesting that.

All I know...is that it's very interesting. And pretty cool!!! As a Sanders supporter, I am encouraged by this!

It's also somewhat surprising because this is a conservative part of the Des Moines area. My suburb is definitely NOT a liberal stronghold, at all--as many parts of the state are (Ames, Waterloo, Iowa City, Des Moines proper, Cedar Rapids, Grinnell).

I can't wait to make my next 100 calls!

[Agschmid]

1. Are you guys using vote builder to make the call lists?

[askew]

2. Good for you for making calls.

As an O'Malley supporter, I am disappointed by what you found though.

I have relatives who must live near you. They are in Urbandale and Clive and they are all anyone but Hillary supporters. They said none of their friends are supporting her and they are deciding between Sanders and O'Malley.

[CoffeeCat]

4. But please keep in mind...

...that is it very early. So much changes in Iowa as the caucus season progresses.

Underdog and unknown candidates tend to fare much better toward the end, as more people get to know them.

I know that O'Malley is doing a great job of traveling around the state and talking to Iowa voters. As more people talk with him, his numbers will most likely rise.

[Doctor_J]

5. I think if O'Malley had jumped in earlier before Sanders got all of the liberals on board,

Hillary would be in deep trouble right now. Despite Sanders' resonant message and dynamic campaign, he's still a rumpled, 70-year-old white socialist man from a small state, which is a drawback.

I hope Martin stays in politics and runs again in 2020.

[Agschmid]

9. I like O'Malley as well.

[askew]

28. I think that combined with the lack of debates killed O'Malley.

He didn't have the built-in name recognition that Hillary had or even Bernie had with liberals nationwide.

[rurallib]

36. IIRC O'Malley was in very early

doing exploratory etc. maybe as much as a year prior to Sanders. Even at that time the elephant (pardon the cliche) in the room was Hillary. At that time many thought he was a stalking horse for Clinton.

It is just extremely hard to overcome lack of name recognition. Iowa press is like any other press - you get no mention unless you have a name. It's a shame but that is the state of today's media.

[Bernblu]

35. O'malley is just not at the presidential level as a candidate in my opinion

i like most of O'malley's issues but he doesn't seem authentic. He's like an establishment Democrat trying to be a populist. It doesn't come the heart and he looks like he's trying too hard. Bernie is a little old and schleppy but he has conviction, authenticity. and speaks from a moral center. That is why he connects so well with young people. I would support O'malley over Hillary but I doubt O'malley would be doing better than Bernie if Bernie didn't run. O'malley would make a better VP candidate but I doubt he will be picked.

[kristopher]

37. Agree, I get the feeling O'Malley is talking to his mirror.

I don't think I've ever seen a candidate whose every word and gesture is so rehearsed. Don't get me wrong, his governing record shows that he isn't just mouthing platitudes; however his presentation is a death sentence for his campaign.

[askew]

38. Almost everything O'Malley says is backed up by actions he's taken as Governor or Mayor.

This isn't just campaign rhetoric for him. This is what he's fought for and accomplished in his career. He doesn't have flip-flops on major issues like Hillary (and Bernie on guns and immigration).

And if you think he isn't authentic, you've never heard him speak about refugee or immigration issues. There is no presidential candidate running in my lifetime that speaks on those issues with more authenticity and has practiced such moral leadership.

[CoffeeCat]

3. I have no idea...I was handed a packet...(response to Agschmid)

...with the list and other documents.

I don't know the nuts and bolts of how they generate the lists.

[Agschmid]

10. Okay thanks.

Just curious.

We spend several hours cutting turf for canvass lists and call lists.

I don't ever do the calls, I usually do the canvassing door to door.

[murielm99]

15. You should ask if it is vote builder. n/t

[progressoid]

6. Keep up the good work CoffeeCat.

I phone banked etc during the the last four elections but haven't had time yet. Hope get back in the game soon.

[artislife]

7. You have been gold on this site

I want to thank you for what you are doing here and in Iowa. You are certainly commited to informing in clear and concise manner. I look forward to your posts.

[Indepatriot]

8. THANK YOU FOR DOING THE WORK!

[zappaman]

11. kick and rec!

[Duval]

12. It isn't easy making those calls, I know.

My husband and I made calls, stuffed envelopes, went door to door, etc, for President Obama's election in 2008. Making those calls was the hardest and most frustrating. Thanks, CoffeeCat and please let us know about your next 100 calls.

[Dustlawyer]

13. Keep it up and thanks so much, you are one cool Cat!

This is the most important Presidential race in our lifetimes. We can look at our children and grandchildren with a straight face and say we fought for them! I hope we can say WE WON!!!

[Thespian2]

14. Thanks for doing this work on behalf of all Sanders supporters...

I live in Canada...too far away to do much more than write and sign petitions...

And I do vote in the US...

[UglyGreed]

16. Pretty tight

and no clickety clicking was involved

[INdemo]

17. Thank You

[tammywammy]

18. k&r n/t

[Le Taz Hot]

19. Very interesting tidbit here:

"I ask them if they're willing to . . . host out-of-town campaigners." Interesting twist in the phone banking that I'm guessing early primary state volunteer phone bankers are being asked to ask.

Californians are being asked to go en masse to Nevada for entire weekends. Many are willing to go and can carpool to share the gas expenses and bring food to cut down on food costs but the overnight stays are a problem. I'm glad you mentioned this. It's something I want to ask about on our Tuesday call.

ETA: And thank you for volunteering. It's volunteers like yourself that have made all the difference in this campaign.

[questionseverything]

20. thank you for the work and the report

[Juicy_Bellows]

21. Thank you for all you are doing.

[cui bono]

22. Thanks for your work!!!

.

[zentrum]

23. Wow. Great.

And so are you!

[MrMickeysMom]

24. That is a very interesting breakdown, CoffeeCat...

I'm hitting the streets, where you talk to people as you get em on Sanders. I was wondering how the phone calls were going.

Did you cross post this in Sanders Group, too?

Best to your next 100!

[rhett o rick]

25. Thank you for your work. I am involved with a local Sen Sanders group. I am encouraged by the

enthusiasm for Senator Sanders. We will win this.

[merrily]

26. Good to learn. Thank you, CoffeeCat, both for your calls and for your report.

[CoffeeCat]

27. Thanks for all off the encouragement...

...and the kind comments. I feel like I am just getting started and playing a small role in helping. So many are working so hard.

This is the first year that I've dated to make calls. It can be intimidating. However, it is definitely easier when you are calling people who live with a few miles of you.

Thanks for all of the inspiration that is here on DU. People here really love Bernie and believe in his message and his promise to give this country back to We The People.

The more I read here (and on other sites too), the more I realize that Bernie is the last chance that we have to undo so much damage--to our country, to our own party and to ourselves. I think so many of us our traumatized by the failures of our elected officials who have sold us down the river.

How could I not get involved? Democracy isn't a spectator sport.

[ibegurpard]

29. I'd just like to add

That knocking on doors is surprisingly less intimidating. And people are generally more open to someone that comes to their door than intrusive phone calls. So don't be afraid of that and thank you for what you're doing!

[Art_from_Ark]

30. Keep up the good work!

[BeanMusical]

31. Kick and R

[JDPriestly]

32. Thanks so much for your work for Bernie. I think he is our last hope for reform

of our election system and our financial sector.

[bvf]

33. Thanks for your work, and for your insights! K&R! n/t

[Enthusiast]

34. Thank you very much for your service to the nation, CoffeeCat.

[d_legendary1]

39. I would also like to thank you for your efforts

I know its not an easy thing to do but the information you've provided is invaluable. Not to mention that people will get to hear Bernie's name at least once. I know I said it, but I want to say it again: THANKYOU!!!