Clark eBlock Support Thread

[Tom Rinaldo]

eBlocking is what those of us who believe in Clark can do now to make a difference in this race. Strong showings on Tuesday will propel Clark, not Edwards, into the spotlight as the Kerry alternative. And since the media pretty much wrote off Clark as dead a week before Iowa, it would create a fresh new storyline for them to start covering a Kerry vs. Clark race. Media space devoted to Clark would more than triple overnight if Clark pushes past Edwards and beats Kerry in one or two races on Tuesday. We must help Clark win on Tuesday!

Let's use this thread as a place to check in with each other between phone calls for Clark. Talk about what works and what doesn't. Give and receive pep talks. Tweak the suggested phone script and report back on what works best for you here. This is a support group for Clark supporters who are ACTIVELY supporting Clark RIGHT NOW!

[funky_bug]

1. My suggestion

I'm just a rookie (only ten calls so far), but I always preface the script by saying,

"My name is _______, I'm calling all the way from Lakeland, Florida and I'm NOT selling anything." If you say that with a grin, they do hear it in your voice. I had two people laugh when I said that and said, "Okay!"

However, I would love to know if others stick to the script. I find it kind of cold, and I would rather just talk to people... but I want to be effective. So if anyone can post their "script", that would be cool!

[Tom Rinaldo]

11. Personally I don't use "the script"

I keep it handy on my screen so I can think of something to talk about if I "freeze", but it sounds "canned" to me. I think honesty and sincerity about our support for Clark and why is a more powerful message to convey, and that has to be in our words. I even think that is more important than talking about specific issues, when push comes to shove. What do others think?

[deminflorida]

2. This is a great idea!!!

Lets all participate and watch the poll numbers soar!!! With the George Jones endoresement playing on the radio stations in Tenn. coupled with this, we can't lose...

[funky_bug]

3. Yup!

I'm gonna put on some George Jones and feel the love. Once my fingers stop shaking, I'll make some more calls...lol

Thanks Tom! I needed this in the worst way. I'm tired of whining about the media. We CAN do something. They may control the airwaves, but they don't control the phone lines. I'm open for some encouragement, and some suggestions from other eBlockers.

[deminflorida]

4. If anyone does not have the minutes or a call plan P.M. me and

I will give you a phone card access number, and the PIN, I have two 150 minute cards, and will get more if need be. Let's make this a Clark call-a-thon!

[ScreamingMeemie]

5. Good luck you guys in your calling.

This is what I love about the Democratic Party.

Hugs, Laura

[Tom Rinaldo]

I'll start with some of the things I have been trying

I am honest about it not being easy to call strangers on the telephone, but that I am doing it anyway because I feel that strongly about Wesley Clark. I have said that Clark proved to me the sincerity of his motivation in wanting to help our country, through his long military career at middle income wages. Also that Clark has shown himself to be a man of courage, and it will take courage to confront the special interests that control this country. He may not be a polished politician, but he is an experienced leader. And he never had to raise money from special interests every two to four years in order to keep running for office, so he is not beholden to anyone other than the country he has always served.

I gave one undecided guy this web site: www.us4clark.com and told him about the media library of Clark that they have there. That was a great conversation. He was a true undecided who I think I helped move in Clark's direction. He thanked me for the call.

[maddezmom]

6. thanks to all of you making calls :)

I'm supporting you all from my corner of the world south of the equator. Wish I could make some calls. :(

[xultar]

7. OK first woman was about 89, she hung up on me, the second

was a man about 130 years old he couldn't understand me.

:(

[deminflorida]

8. That's O.K. girl friend... this is a shot-gun effect the more we call the

more we get through....PLUS - people have a tendency to talk...word will get around that Clark supporters are calling, they are real people and they are asking Tenn. for support...

[Tom Rinaldo]

9. Yeah, not all of these calls are fun to make!

I've had those too. I did just get a real strong Clark supporter though. The good part is after talking to her more about how people like me were spending part of our weekend calling total strangers for Clark, she said that she would call all of her relatives and talk to them about Clark!

We are not going to win them all. Our goal is to move some people in Clark's direction, plus identify supporters who the campaign can stay in touch with. Most people don't even bother to vote, so it is no surprise that many people won't want to be bothered talking with us.

[tameszu]

20. The good thing about eBlocks

is that if you do enough calls (after 50-60 or so), you don't remember the bad calls and the good calls are the ones that stay with you! Seriously--because the good ones are so nice, and the bad ones are pretty quick anyway.

Keep it up Xultar--this is definitely better than my first shift foot canvassing, when half the people who actually answered the door told me that the voter we were looking for was dead. =(

[MoonRiver]

10. How do I get names to call?

Someone from the board was supposed to send me a list but I never got any.

[deminflorida]

12. You can go to the EBlock at www.clark04.com....

and get 10 blocks of numbers at a time there....hang on I was just on the phone will a friend of mine in Virginia they need help there as well...

[Tom Rinaldo]

13. You can get them online

If you have access to a computer, go to the main Clark web site: www.clark04.com and click on eBlock which is on the right hand side a little ways below the train. You may need to go through a registration process. If you have already signed up for the Community Blog I think you sign in the same way for this.

[Kathleen04]

14. saywhat, do you have a username

on the Clark Community Network blog? After you sign in, on the side there is a link that says "Your phone-calling e-block" or you can choose a letter writing e-block. It gives you 10 addresses/phone-numbers at a time and you check a button to say you've completed each call or letter..

[MoonRiver]

38. Thanks guys. I just got home and will go over to the blog for some names!

[deminflorida]

15. Virginia Beach Alert....

All, my friend Kelly in Virgina Beach just called and she is working the local WalMart handing out Clark fliers. She inidicated she needs help phone banking in Virgina Beach, Norfolk, Portsmouth.

Is anybody here from the local area up there???

PM me and I'll send you Kelly's email address, local supporters have numbers for folks they would like to call.

[NV1962]

16. Here's a quick paste-in

This is plucked from an e-mail where I describe my "method" which isn't tightly scripted; it's a call from one citizen to another, and that appears to work quite well - for me that is. Also, ignore the specifics... We all work our battles for the General. Here it is:

Almost all are so kind as to grant me a minute (I always ask that, after introducing myself and the purpose of my call) and then listen to my 30 to 45 second pitch, on Wes Clark's executive leadership experience, his being a doer, not a talker like "professional politicians" do, his rock solid track record in practice, delivering for the men and women in the US armed forces and their families on issues that Americans *really* care about: health care, economy, jobs, equal opportunity and affirmative action, education, social security, affordable housing... Imagine what a truly decent, capable and committed man like him can do for you as the next President...

Then, I ask if they've looked at candidates, if they agree that they have a unique opportunity to take their country back, if they're planning on going to the caucus tomorrow, the answer is almost invariably "yes."

Then I ask if there's anything "specific" they'd like to hear about the General, that they're most interested in knowing about, and *that's* the golden moment: that's when I hear most people hesitate first, and then share their story: how things are going bad with jobs, how housing and living costs are becoming so hard to bear, how much they fear not being able to afford health care for their father or mother in the near future... Most say they hadn't really looked at Wes Clark... Then, when I agree that things aren't going very well, but that here's a guy who can pull us into the right direction again, all of us, not just special interests and corporate jocks because he's been there, making do on a small household budget, which is why he'll give families of four with less than $50,000 per year a no-federal income tax break, and how he promised to sign an XO on the first day of office to allow buying prescription drugs in Canada, that he knows how important it is that ordinary people get a decent break, and that he has the integrity, the trustworthiness and the internationally proven leadership qualities necessary to do that... And that he has the sensitivity and attention for the issues that our community faces... That he's the man to truly able to take this country back, starting in Las Vegas... *That's* when people respond with "You know, I hadn't thought of the General" "I had heard of him, but... Now I see that he's really a decent guy" "He walks the walk..." And the best feedback of 'em all: "I'll vote for him. He's our guy."

That's when I close. For a strange reason, this "soft" approach has better result than my previous, more "professionally" cast pitch: most volunteer that they've now switched or clenched their pick, and that at any rate they'll be there, at the caucus - which is also a winner.

The best thing is that I've heard is that a few become so... So heartened, so inspired and motivated to go to the caucus (which many haven't done before, at least for a long time) that they actually promise to bring as many members of their family as possible! Wow...

It's really an amazing, endearing and wonderful thing to get in touch with people on the phone. And it works. And it works all the better because we have tons of real people making those real people calls.

[tameszu]

17. Best TN eBlock Call for Me So Far (Yesterday)

Me: Hello, is this <Voter Name>?

Resp.: No, she's not home right now.

M: Well, maybe you can help me instead: are you planning to vote in the upcoming Dem primaries?

R: Yes.

M: OK, maybe I can leave my message with you: I'm a student volunteer calling on behalf of Wes Clark's campaign. I just wanted to let people know about why I support Wes Clark.

R: Uh-huh.

M: <Why I support Wes Clark schpiel>

R: <Cuts me off before I can ask The Question> Well, I'm going to vote for Wes Clark.

M: You are? That's great--I just wanted to make sure you live at this house?

R: Yes.

M: Could I get your name?

R: Sure <gives name>

M: I just have a couple more quick questions. How many others are there in the family?

R: There's around 40 of us.

M: In the house?

R: No--around the neighbourhood.

M: Oh--well I just wanted to know if you knew how many other folks in your house will vote for Wes Clark.

R: Well, all 40 of them will vote with me.

M: All 40 of them?!?

R: Yes, I'm going to get all of 'em to vote for Wes Clark.

M: !!!

[NV1962]

18. Unseen army just like like that! Amazing - LOL!

[Jack_Dawson]

26. Damn...bet THAT didn't show up in the polls..

[DIBL]

36. Sounds great

But I hope these folks aren't just telling you what you want to hear to get you off the phone.

[tameszu]

39. I think some people just tell you what you want to hear

and are fake "1"s, but I think this woman was sincere.

[Kathleen04]

19. Keep up the great work everyone!!

I'm supporting you all in spirit now as I've already sent out my bunch of letters, but I just wanted to stop in and say:

:yourock:

[Nashyra]

21. Just finished 8 more calls

It is hard because some people can be so nasty, but out of those 8 I did get 3 confirmed votes for Clark if they are telling the truth.

[Tom Rinaldo]

22. Way to go!

My last call was to a strong Kerry backer who did not want to talk to me, so I popped in here for a moment to reboot myself lol. People who simply aren't going to vote for Clark won't, but we can make a big difference with some undecideds, and help keep the faith with Clark supporters. It can't hurt for them to realize that there are people like us backing their candidate too.

OK, back to the phones...

[tameszu]

23. Lots of Clark support in TN

And lots of undecideds as usual--with luck they'll go to Clark this time instead of just Edwards or Kerry!

[For PaisAn]

24. Checking in

Just did 10 calls. 1 disconnected #, 2 no answers, 1 busy signal, 2 messages on an answering machine, 1 older sounding guy said he couldn't hear me & thanked me for calling, 1 woman said she was too busy to talk, 1 woman said she was too ill to talk, 1 woman said the gentleman I was calling was not in but both she & he were voting for Wes (they also were going to see him at a rally tommorow. So 2 yesses and 2 messages left. Back to the phones. Hey guys, when it gets too late tonight to call, I'll be writing eBlock letters. Gotta maximize our time.

[Nashyra]

25. I'm leaving messages right now for

a rally at BB Kings in Memphis on Mon. I wonder if that is the rally those people were talking about?

[Jack_Dawson]

37. Kick

:kick:

[Tom Rinaldo]

27. Just a quick report

Just had a great call with a Clark supporter in TN who had been losing faith in him being able to win against Kerry, and was sliding toward Kerry because she thinks it is so important to beat Bush.

I said people in Tennessee can remake the entire race. The only reason why Kerry seems as strong as he does relative to Clark is because he has been winning and getting all the publicity, while Clark was ignored until he won OK. People want a winner in the Fall and that is what Kerry looks like now. If Clark wins Tuesday he will get looked at again, but this time as a potential winner. Then we talked about how Clark should be a stronger candidate in the Fall than Kerry.

My call helped shore up her support.

[Nashyra]

29. Thanks cold calling is hard

I do 10 phone calls and then come here or somewhere else on DU and then take a deep breath and go back and make 10 more.

[maddezmom]

32. that's fine news Tom, another one for Wes!

thanks again for all your hard work and dedication to Wes. :)

[Tatiana]

34. ooooooooooooh good point, Tom!

"You have the power to remake this entire race." People love to feel as if they can make a difference. We can use this as a source of inspiration.

[DancingBear]

28. Thank you all!

I'm quite sick (damn!), so I can't contribute today on the phone - I even missed going to the local supermarket and working our "Clark table" whch we've been doing every weekend for the last month.

I'm hoping to be ready and willing for the VA primary on 2/10 - either way I just wanted to say: GO, WES, GO!!!

[Ilsa]

30. Oh, I wish the kids were with the grandparents today.

My husband had the kids yesterday, so I had some time for calls. My kids are a little out of sorts today because we had to take him to the airport for a long trip. It's jsut too hard to call today; maybe tomorrow.

BTW everyone, Calling TN should be enjoyable as there is so much support for Clark there. I got very little support in my calls for Clark in NH, and that was reflected in the polls. It is a much more encouraging situation in TN, IMO.

Thanks for working on a Sunday! I'll be calling tomorrow when the kids are in school.

[Jerseycoa]

31. Great work, everybody

I took a fall this morning and pulled my back out, so not spending much time online. I'm okay, just have a bad back in general and the least wrong move can do it. But I've been resting in bed addressing envelopes to Wisconsin, not entirely slacking off. I had the opportunity to watch Gen. Clark's address to the J-J dinner in Virginia a second time on C-Span and be inspired for the thousandth time to get this man in the White House. Oooh, there he is now in Biscuit World! Back to bed. Keep up the good work. :loveya:

[Tom Rinaldo]

33. Another great call with an undecided voter

We talked for a long time about issues, and I think it helped a lot.

By the way, my pep talk is don't worry if you don't know everything about everything that Clark supports or doesn't. You can always just be honest about what it is about Clark that makes you believe in him, and maybe refer them to his web site or to the Clark office in Tennessee for further details.

Off to dinner...

[Jack_Dawson]

35. I just said "Bless Your Heart" and I said it with a Twang

Don't ask me why! I start talking like those I talk to. It's always been a problem. Have also been saying things like "God Bless" and "Thank yewwww".

Anyway, just converted another! Humor seems to work.

[tameszu]

40. Me tooo!

I'm gittin' m'self a Tennessean' ack-cent! Pretty soon, I'll be talkin' 'bout how my daddy was a meeeaaalwurker!

[Jack_Dawson]

41. LOL!!!!!!!!! - I'm fixin' to do the sayme!

[SW FL Dem]

42. A Big Thanks

to all of you that are calling. You are the best!

[Jack_Dawson]

43. Juss hit 200

Talked one Zell Miller democrat who was flabbergasted that Michael Moore endorsed Clark, to give him another look.

[tameszu]

44. Finished with 180 today

And 350 or so for the weekend--830 total.

And even more important, we collectively did over 20,000 today!!! Anyone notice that--the counter jumped from 170,000 in the morning to over 190,000!!!

[Jack_Dawson]

48. Nice!!! 830???

:yourock:

[Kathleen04]

53. Way to go!!

You're a human callin' machine! :)

[MoonRiver]

45. Whoops! I should have put my message about my first call here

instead of starting a new thread.

[Tom Rinaldo]

46. Making these calls is helping me brush up on my manners

I don't want to come off as a pushy Yankee lol. I check to see if I am interrupting anyone's meal, I ask permission to explain why I believe in Clark, and I always am appreciative of the time they give me to talk with them.

[Myra]

47. Should I eblock Tennessee or Virginia?

I know Tennessee is essential, but Virginia is also on Tuesday
and is also important?

Which state do you guys recommend?
Which has more delegates?

Thx!

[Jack_Dawson]

49. TN is crucial

VA is important too. Shee-it I dunno. I think TN.

[Myra]

55. Thank you for validating my confusion Jack!!! :)

Aright. Executive decision time.
TN it is.

Look out Tennessee, here I come...

[Myra]

57. Strategy point: Since TN is a primary, we can eblock call all day Tuesday

as well, right???

Up until the polls close?

[Kathleen04]

54. On the eblocks site

it says TN is their highest priority, so if you're going to choose between the 2, I'd go with Tennessee.

edit: typo

[Myra]

56. I just now saw that Kathleen04 and was about to update this thread.

Thanks!
Sorry I missed that sooner.
Too frenzied.

I hate this condensed primary/caucus schedule.
This is absurd.

[Jerseycoa]

50. Anybody preparing to write letters to Wisconsin (After Tuesday)

Open primary 2/17/04

In this open primary system, any registered voter -- be they independent, Democrat, Republican or affiliates of other parties -- can cast ballots in any one party's presidential primary.

Here is a .pdf of a flyer designed for Wisconsin from Clarkblogger dennyzen.

http://www.glue.umd.edu/~wellsed/clark/wis.PDF

You might want to send it with your letters.

[Renew Deal]

51. And Hawaii

Did you see that listed?

[Kathleen04]

52. I saw that listed..

I think we'd have a good shot at Idaho and Utah too (also on the same day as HI), so I hope they put up blocks for those too.

[Jack_Dawson]

58. Kick!

:kick:

[Tim_in_HK]

59. Kicky-doodle!

:kick:

[Jerseycoa]

60. If you are calling Tennessee today

A blog entry this morning points out that seniors have been very responsive to hearing about George Jones's endorsement and radio ad. Sometimes it's the turning point. So do mention it.

GO WES!!

[Jerseycoa]

61. Calling Tennessee? Invite to free concert and rally

Leave it on voicemail and message machines, as well.

Nashville, TN
8:00 pm - Wesley Clark Greets Nashville Supporters With Country Star Jamie O'Neal
Capitol Ballroom
Sheraton Hotel
623 Union Street
Nashville, TN