Hot Damn, I'm Fired Up! What I Saw Today Was Amazing....

[writes3000]

After donating as much as I could, I finally got off my butt today to join the campaign. I went to a Camp Obama training session in California and let me tell you the four reasons why I was so f-ing encouraged.

1) MY EXPECTATIONS WERE EXCEEDED:

I was scheduled to go to the Camp Obama in LA but mid-Friday, they called to ask me to consider to go to another location because they had so many applicants. So I went to the new location (a place out in a remote town outside of the city.) I expected about 30 to 40 people to be there and when I got there at 9am, that's what I saw. About 50 - 55 people. As we watched a video on Obama, I heard murmuring behind me but I paid attention to the screen. When the video was done, I turned around and the whole room had filled up. WE HAD 150 PEOPLE THERE. Almost double the amount they were expecting. And this was the spill-over event!

2) WHO WAS THERE:

It was a complete mix of people. All ages, all races, all backgrounds. But most surprising to me was how many REPUBLICANS were there. I met at least six Republicans today and I only met about 25 people out of the 150. I was shocked. Yes, CA is a left leaning state but these folks came out strong, willing to volunteer their weekend and fight to get Obama elected. I've never, ever seen that in CA for a Presidential political campaign.

3) THE STRATEGY:

First, despite what you've heard elsewhere, this group was incredibly organized. Within 20 minutes, we were broken down into groups and already starting to work towards maximizing the interest and efforts within our Congressional District. Now, here's the thing that really gave me the most confidence of all:

Today, we were one room of 150 volunteers. In LA, there was another group of 350 volunteers meeting today. And those were just in the LA area. I believe there were 8 or 9 Camp Obama events planned for today. So that's about 10 groups just for today. They told us they've had many Camp Obama events in the preceding weeks to today. And so there have been many other groups already formed and working for Obama in CA. Are you getting the SCOPE of this? Here's the big kicker.

All of California, and I'm guessing by today's results there must be thousands of volunteers in CA, all of California is focused on only one mission - TURNING NEVADA BLUE.

If the intensity and sheer numbers I saw today mean anything, we will absolutely turn Nevada blue. And if this is the 50 state strategy, this plan will absolutely turn other states blue. Elections are a numbers game and on this side of the country, we have the numbers!

4) THE MESSAGE:

Barack Obama's message is RESONATING. From the Hillary Clinton supporter who's wife has MS, to the young white Republican guy who had never voted for a Democrat in his life, to the older woman who told me that even her mother who lives overseas is voting for President for the first time in 30 years, the message has inspired and motivated people.

A white man around 60 got up said that at the age of 16, when JFK was murdered, he cried himself to sleep for several nights. Because Kennedy meant something to him, his friends and his family - JFK meant hope. An the years turned to decades after that, this man became a Republican, believing that party to be the best at leading the country. And although he occasionally looked for politicians who might touch that part of him he lost at age 16, he had never found one.

Until Barack Obama. This man, along with so many other Republicans, felt bold enough to stand up in a room of 150 and proudly promise to do whatever he had to do to get Obama elected President.

There were so many stories that left tears in my eyes. These people are motivated to their core.

We made phone calls today. It was scary, fun but ultimately easier than I expected. My last call of the day was with a Nevada woman in her 70's who told me her whole house was voting for Obama. We chatted for a bit but as I ended the call, she gave ME a lecture on what's at stake for this country. And I was sold. I have to do everything I can.

So as I left, I heard person after person talking to the person next to them about what they were going to contribute. I heard at least five folks talking about moving to Nevada for the next six weeks. I'm probably going to join them.

We're going to turn Nevada blue.

And we're going to WIN this election.

[opihimoimoi]

1. K&R......I am truly hoping to see Obama kick butt

TRUTH REASON and SANITY must overcome the FANTASY of the GOP

[Mother Of Four]

2. Thank you for sharing this-

And this...."First, despite what you've heard elsewhere, this group was incredibly organized. Within 20 minutes, we were broken down into groups and already starting to work towards maximizing the interest and efforts within our Congressional Districst."


THIS is the power of a community organized- THIS, is what the GOP mocked. Every day people putting aside differences and working together as one unit. A COMMUNITY.


:woohoo:

[CitizenPatriot]

5. this is my experience too

with the campaign.

amazing.

if people could see how he runs his campaign, they would KNOW how well he's going to run the country.

He actually called my team in a small town to say thank you after we set some records.

I will NEVER forget that.

When our team leader told us, I thought I was going to break down crying.

You work so hard and try not to think about results....you have no idea what's going on outside of your little world.

So to find out that tons of us were motivated and made something cool happen, and then to be honored like that, it was awesome.

I used to live in LA and I love the idea of taking all of that energy and putting it to use for nevada! Brilliant!

[writes3000]

6. The entire state of California is focused on one state.

It just blew my mind. It's a tangible, defined goal. And we're going to do it. I am so stoked.

[AndyTiedye]

16. How Do You Do it? Drive All Night And Canvass All Day?

[CitizenPatriot]

37. I am not in LA right now

so I don't know how they're doing it-- sorry! But it is awesome.

I'm in a RED state. Or that's what they think.

[writes3000]

9. Exactly right.

And boy what a community it was. Everything from black Republicans to fierce independents to Canadians who couldn't vote but we're desperate to help.

[eagertolearn]

72. Obama is already teaching us that we can get out there to make

change happen and he is not even the president yet!

[Narkos]

3. You're awesome! Wish I had as much cajones to get off my ass and do the same!

[otohara]

7. Why Does It Take Cajones

to go make a few calls, register some voters, knock on some doors?

I hope someday you'll join us, before it's too late.

[Boz]

21. Whats you adress we can ship a pair. :)

:bounce:

[Narkos]

24. Alright guys, you got me. I'll get off my ass and do somethin'

And by the way, I think it does take balls to pick up and travel and talk to complete strangers who may well hate you. Also, I'm active duty Army, so it makes things a tad difficult. But point taken.:spank:

[writes3000]

26. Here's something that might make it easier for you!

If you don't like the idea of calling strangers and asking them how they're going to vote, they've got something else you can do.

You can help recruit and organize volunteers. Yes, you'll still be making cold calls but you'll be calling folks who have already said they're voting for Obama.

I strongly, strongly encourage you to sign up. It's much easier than it seems and it's incredibly empowering. Really.

[Narkos]

31. Thanks for the tip. I have a coworker who I know is involved in

the ground game (she's a civilian). I'm going to chat her up.

[Jackpine Radical]

53. Why do you need boxes to get off your ass? Is your ass that tall?

Get a shorter ass, or get a ladder. It's not smart to be climbing up & down on those boxes.

If you're trying to figure out what this post is about, get a Spanish-English dictionary.

[Narkos]

68. Little late to the party, aren't you?

Spare me the Spanish grammar lesson, and get a life.

[Kilroy003]

70. Lol.

If you can't get your friend on the line, all you need to do is go to xx.barackobama.com (where 'xx' is your state code). Sign in or register, look for 'neighbor to neighbor'. You can either get a list of houses to visit in person or you can get a list of phone numbers to call and talk about the candidates on your local ballot. Don't worry that you won't know what to say, a script pops up when you click on 'make some calls'.

The only thing I might add is this; you must remain calm and avoid saying stuff like, "get a life", when talking to people, as it tends to be counterproductive. You'll be calling or visiting people in your neighborhood, they're the people that you meet each day...

[Narkos]

73. Actually did that last night,

attending a canvassing event in my town this Thursday. I'm pumped!

[writes3000]

74. Now, THAT is fantastic news! Thank you so much! nt

[FrenchieCat]

4. How inpiring!

Thanks for taking out the time to write this. It made my night! :hi:

[writes3000]

11. I've been talking up Obama's ground game for so long.

And last week, it finally hit me that this isn't a game on TV. I can suit up and join the game in progress. So now, I am Obama's ground game.

What I saw today gave me a whole lot of confidence.

[TNMOM]

8. this is heartening

thank you.:toast:

[Bobbie Jo]

10. Great Post. Thank you...K&R!

:kick:

[Psst_Im_Not_Here]

12. And the movement continues

neighbor to neighbor; friend to friend; family to family; colleague to colleague. Ripples

[eshfemme]

13. I love the anecdotes of the ground game Obama is playing.

The MSM never covers stories like this and I find these to be a purer form of journalism. Plus, it's so good for morale to be able to read eyewitness accounts like this.

I'm phonebanking myself whenever I can and I'm so glad to hear that the volunteers are fired up and ready to go!

[writes3000]

36. You're so right about the lack of MSM coverage.

But they'll be covering us come election day. And the days that follow. Guaranteed.

[Boz]

14. I cant stress more,first eveyone should do it, but SPECIFICALLY,if your afraid,if your hand wringing

Get away from the keys and into the real world of the campaign.

Most people that are afraid or worried today are mostly because they feel cut off from others, or they dont see the energy and success.

Its in the campaign person to person, life isn't just on TV anymore o just mass communicating.

The People are moving and the campaign is alive with the energy of many get out and feel it.

[writes3000]

17. You've said it better than I did. When you're in it and surrounded by it, it's hard to deny.

There is no way I can believe that John McCain has this kind of team working for him in California OR Nevada.

These people are hungry, hungry, hungry and they are damn well ready to sacrifice.

If you're nervous about the campaign, JOIN IT. It will give you all the reassurance you need AND the campaign will be better for it.

[Boz]

18. You said it wonderfully, Thank you so much for sharing and getting off your butt :)

[OhioBlue]

15. Absolutely inspiring!

thank you so much for sharing. I've had similar experiences in Ohio - the turnout always exceeds expectations.

Yes we can.

[flamingdem]

19. Thanks. Please keep sending updates on CA, great to hear

[Withywindle]

20. K & R - thank you!

Anyone But the Republican IS.Not.Good.Enough. People are desperate for someone to vote FOR.

disclaimer: I loved Kerry passionately; still do - but he just turned out not to have that mass, diverse-crowd-inspiring power Obama has. Bless Obama for it; I have no time for people on the left who think themselves above it. We have a candidate with the mojo, and we need to to WORK IT.

[Shine]

22. AWESOME!! I signed up for Camp Obama in Snta Clara, CA a wk ago and still haven't heard back.

Maybe they don't want me? :cry:

Like you, we've donated a LOT of money, but I wanted to do more, so I signed up and sent in my app last w/e. They sent an auto email out thanking me and letting me know if my "application was accepted".

Yeah, I'm a stay-at-home mom who hasn't worked outside the home in almost 15 yrs, but I'm no dumbshit and I've got a B.A. in Politics, plus advertising sales backround. Plus, I'm NOT SHY. :D

I'm frankly surprised I haven't heard back....especially after I got yet ANOTHER email from the campaign yesterday, inviting me to sign up for Camp Obama (again). What??! I'm a bit confused about that.... :shrug:

Whatever happens, whether I do Camp Obama, or not, I've already signed up with our local Obama office to do some phone banking.

[firedupdem]

23. Thanks for the update and the information! Inspiring! n/t

[writes3000]

25. A few things to note:

1) I got the feeling that they schedule the Camp Obamas around when they think they have enough people to do one. So maybe they are still gathering names? Was there a scheduled date that was on the list that you signed for?

2) And this is the most important one. If you're phone banking, you're already doing EVERYTHING that they need from most of us. Unless you want to organize phone banks and volunteers, Camp Obama just trains you to phone bank.

Now, if you're interested in going out of state, let me know and I'll make sure I have someone contact you about going to Nevada.

[Shine]

30. The training is scheduled for the w/e of 9/27 and 28

Perhaps they're still gathering names, who knows? But I'd like to have SOME advance warning so I can plan.

From what I deduced while filling out the online app and uploading my resume (btw, THAT was a trip to put together, after being so long out of the work force!), I was signing up for the training, with the ultimate goal being to head to Nevada to work on GOTV.

They were asking for a 5 wk commitment and if I had my own vehicle. I said the 5 wks was "uncertain, but negotiable."

I also told them I had my own transportation.

I'm willing and able and definitely motivated. :D I hope I hear from them.

[writes3000]

33. We met today and I first heard from the campaign this past Wednesday.

If I were you, I'd plan on going. Based on what I saw today, they will absolutely want you. If you don't hear from them for some reason, CALL.

They will want you. Plan on going.

Going to Nevada for the full five weeks is just one option. Organizing phone banks and volunteers in CA is what most people are doing. You can also phone bank and go to Nevada for one or two weekends. There are lots of choices.

[Shine]

35. OK, that's good to hear. I will keep that w/e open no matter what.

Thanks! I'll call if I don't hear back, good tip.

I'm open to going to Nevada for a w/e or two, as well.

I'm flexible, but I can't take 5 wks. off.

I'm glad they're flexible and I would assume they'd be happy with whatever they could get.

I am planning to do some phone work in the Santa Cruz office, too.

Probably calling to Nevada....

I'm stoked. Whatever happens, I know it's the grassroots efforts that will make a huge difference.

:hi:

[BlooInBloo]

27. GASP!!! You mean we're NOT doomed????? ZOMG!!!!

[Emit]

28. I'm in Nevada, writes3000, and what I saw was amazing too!

Hundreds of folks from California at the Obama office and at the walk I launched today! Thank you all for everything you are doing to help turn Nevada blue -- the first thing I did before I started the launch to walk was thank the out-of-towners for coming up to help. We can't do this without you -- you guys and gals are contageous!

[writes3000]

34. I'll be there soon! We're going to help your team put this state away!

I'm really excited and thank you for being so welcoming.

[Imagevision]

29. No wonder the Mccain camp sent out Bogus voting material to Ohio

they must know that Obama is far from any done deal.

[Window]

32. Wonderful! K/R.

Thanks for sharing.



:kick:

[Wilms]

38. k&r n/t

[eppur_se_muova]

39. Find your local online headquarters at this link ...

http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/statepages

[TxBlue]

40. Awesome! This gives me chills of delight!

We're going to win for OBAMA!!!!!
:patriot:

They won't know what hit them....rnc will wither away.
:nopity:

[yellerpup]

41. You've done wonderful work there AND here!

Thanks for the message of uplift, of HOPE and CHANGE! Now, I'm all fired up and ready to go! Thanks, writer3000! :dem: :dem: :dem:
K&R!

[saltpoint]

42. Kick.

[JDPriestly]

43. I'm so relieved to hear this. This is wonderful news.

I have to go to our local headquarters. I'm usually one of the first

[beac]

44. Thanks for this great report! K&R! n/t

[kayell]

45. k&r

[AuntPatsy]

46. That is so impressive...how much more proof is needed, Obama is winning..and will win...

[Cha]

47. Ah, we hear the real scoop from

an Obama campaign camper! Thanks Writes! :toast: to a Blue Nevada and all you O&B Workers out in the trenches!

"Barack Obama's message is RESONATING. From the Hillary Clinton supporter who's wife has MS, to the young white Republican guy who had never voted for a Democrat in his life, to the older woman who told me that even her mother who lives overseas is voting for President for the first time in 30 years, the message has inspired and motivated people."

Excellent recap, Writes, Rec'd!

[treestar]

48. Wonderful!

That many people so fired up is great!

[ananda]

49. Obama can win contingent on..

.. getting out the vote and..

.. making sure that people get to vote..

.. and ensuring that all their votes are counted.


That's it.

[Mr_Jefferson_24]

50. K&R. My hat is off to you.

[phycomycetes]

51. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!

For sharing this, for doing this, for making it happen!!!!

:headbang:

[MadMaddie]

52. Thank you for the report! If it weren't for updates like this we

would not know the reality of what is actually going on.

If we relied on the MSM you would think that Obama has not made any ground anywhere. They show the white racist who say they won't vote for him but they don't show the hundreds of thousands of whites that support him.

Keep up the good work!

[demokatgurrl]

54. The last part is my favorite-

Since CA is probably "safe", and Nevada is on the edge, I was so happy to hear you and others are going there.

[IllinoisBirdWatcher]

55. We all need to do this however we can

Call, write, email,send money.

Then call some more,write some more, send more money.

This was an amazing post. Thank you.

[psquare]

56. The SD dems had "San Diego adopts Arizona" in 2004, and it was a wonderful experience

even though we didn't turn AZ blue (it went 55-44 GOP). I think the rest of CA was in Nevada, which was only 50-48 GOP IIRC. I think it's a good idea to concentrate all CA resources on NV. I'll be making my first trip next weekend. We're doing new voter registration, and after that ends I suspect the usual canvassing, signs, phones, events, and whatever else they want.

I think we will swamp the GOP in the ground game and GOTV, I hope it's enough to overcome any shenanigans that may arise.

[writes3000]

60. It will be. I cannot believe how big the operation is. Amazing. nt

[BlueDonkey08]

57. What an encouraging story! K&R

[Birthday]

58. Same kind of experience in Wisconsin.

A friend and I stopped by the Obama office in Ozaukee County, Wisconsin. We made a bunch of phone calls, took the notes we were supposed to take. Then we chatted with the director of the office. She was amazing, and very encouraging. She said that the organization that Obama has in place is way beyond ANYTHING the repubs have, and explained how she knows that. She said that at the Obama event recently held in Milwaukee, there were Obama workers who took personal info from every person who attended the rally. Each one of those names will be contacted and invited to volunteer to work on the campaign. She was at the first rally that McC. and P. held in Cedarburg, Wisconsin, right after their convention, and, according to her, there were a thousands of people and no visible organization to identify who was there or who could work. I can't urge us strongly enough to go down to your local Obama office and volunteer. Even if you have only an hour between appointments. The conversations you can have on the phone with an undecided voter may make an impact for Obama on Nov. 4. Please take this seriously. The campaign is, to a large extent, in OUR hands.

[Lifelong Protester]

67. At our small town parade today..

I saw the same~ the Pepin County Democrats were out in force. The only repub was the poor schmoe running against Ron Kind. He came up to me and asked "Minnesota or Wisconsin?" as we are on the border and a lot of out of towners were here for the Laura Ingalls Wilder festival. I told the guy "Wisconsin DEMOCRAT". He was a little put off, but persisted and asked if I wanted some of his literature or at least a football schedule. I said "No thanks". After he walked away, I asked my husband if I was too rude. He said "The republicans NEED a lot of rudeness~ a rude awakening, that is".

Wisconsin is fired up!!

[underpants]

59. I canvassed on Saturday and the staff was incredibly organized

and for what I have seen of some Democratic operations INCREDIBLY organized

The packet I got had everything from voter registration forms to exact mapquest directions (with the houses we were going to visit marked) complete list voter info lists (I've seen those before) and they even followed up with a thank you call today (marketing 101 stuff but still they followed through)

Very well done

[BaracudaCrusher]

61. Awesome and Encouraging Info!

I received an invite to go canvassing for Obama, but I held back because I'm incredibly nervous about going door to door, but I might reconsider. I REALLY want to be more involved than just blogging and sending in money. I'm feeling more encouraged by this info! Thank you!!!

[writes3000]

62. Please go!

There are a ton of other things you can do if canvassing is too nerve-wracking to do on day 1.

I promise it will be worth it and you will get alot out of it.

[Lindsey]

63. So cool! I live in Ca. too so I'm glad to hear that we're focusing on ;;;;

Nevada.

[1Hippiechick]

65. Welcome to DU! After the first day of canvassing, it will be easy. Partner up your first day (or

everyone where you are may already partner up. I personally prefer to go alone--just a personal preference.)

[trickyguy]

64. Great news. We have lots of Obama teams here in Wisconsin.

And in my town of 10,000 we have a Campaign for Change office.

It's history in the making because it's the first time a political

party has had a public space here on the square.

We had over 140 people show up at our open house last Friday.

This is very exciting. And as you say, we're going to WIN this election.:kick:

[viat0r]

66. Thats Great But

But here in mass and surrounding states we are ALWAYS blue so theres not much i can do :(

[writes3000]

69. We're always blue in California.

And they've got us all focused on our nearest red state.

Volunteer and you'll be surprised how focused they will be. My guess? Mass is focused on NH. Please volunteer.

[bertman]

71. Great post. Very inspiring.

[renate]

75. thank you so much for this WONDERFUL story

I'm so confused... how can the polls say what they're saying, when there is SO much energy and so many new recruits for Obama?

Anyway, whatever the reason for the funky polls, stories like this offset the worry that the numbers cause. Thank you!

[writes3000]

76. I can answer that!

Pollsters make calls off of old registered voter lists. They don't poll the newest registered voters- 1) Because they don't have their info and 2) Because those voters are considered unreliable.

My guess is the pollsters don't have the info of any of the newly registered folks from the last four to six months. If anyone has more info, please correct me.

[WillyT]

77. Kick !!!

:bounce::kick::bounce:

:woohoo: