The Great Schlep - more brilliant change from the bottom up - can Florida resist a schlep invasion?

[grantcart]

In an article in ruggerson's engaging thread about Michelle's cousin Rabbi http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=7065038&mesg_id=7065038

there was also a reference to "The Great Schlep", organizing Jewish grandchildren to visit Florida and lobby their grandparents to vote Obama

Oy zeyde, bobe the eynikl are coming, the eynikl are coming

http://herzy69.blogspot.com/2008/09/schlep-with-marla-for-obama.html

The Times article got me thinking about how to change the minds of elderly Floridian Jews - people near and dear to my heart. By the end of the day it had come to me: THEIR GRANDCHILDREN. If there is anyone a Jewish grandparent will listen to it's their (brilliant, gorgeous) grandchild. I wrote up a couple of pages of ideas for a marketing campaign, sent it to everyone I knew, and within a few days I was on the phone with a friend's (Jewish, brilliant, gorgeous, recently engaged) son who has a (big) job at a (big) ad agency in New York City.

My idea is about to become a reality: A campaign is underway to help Senator Barack Obama become president, by educating and changing the minds of Jewish voters in Florida. (I know that I don't have to remind you of the importance of this swing state). Our messengers will be their own beloved grandchildren, who, like us, recognize the importance of an Obama victory. The campaign is called THE GREAT SCHLEP.

TheGreatSchlep.com website will target, engage and activate Jews 18-24 years old - the Facebook generation. A viral internet campaign will allow the Jewish young people, a.k.a. Schleppers, to communicate with and meet other Schleppers. Then, on Columbus Day weekend (October 10-13), Jewish kids from all over the United States will schlep to Florida to spend the weekend with their grandparents, a.k.a. Bubbie and Zadie. Organized dinners at Chinese restaurants, pool parties, rec room discussion groups, etc. will faciliate intergenerational pro-Obama discussions. The kids will arrive in Florida with the facts about Obama-- facts that will counteract the false rumors many of their grandparents have heard.

[ruggerson]

1. That's a great idea

I still think FL is doable. But it will need creative ideas like this one. Great find!

[grantcart]

3. which of course was on your great thread lol

[trashcanistanista]

2. Brilliant idea! There should be an Obama and/or

Biden event to coincide with the weekend. I really, really, really want Florida this time.

[grantcart]

9. at a minimum we want McCain to spend his money there - and lots of it

[flamingdem]

4. This is wonderful. Spread the story!

Oy vey the schleppers vill save the day!

[grantcart]

17. kick for spreading

[Frank Booth]

5. If folks have some free time on their hands, they should consider moving to Florida.

Seriously, registration is open until October 6, and all you need is a Florida driver's license, and an intent to stay "indefinitely." I'm sure the grandparents wouldn't mind if the grandkids moved in with them for a while. There's still a few weeks left.

[monmouth]

6. This is brilliant, and as a Floridian, I can't wait to see them..n/t

[grantcart]

18. what time will dinner be ready?

[monmouth]

20. As soon as I make reservations!.............n/t

[DemsUnited]

7. All Obama supporters with grandparents should be doing this!!

A great idea for Florida but just as good for every other state.

[grantcart]

19. absolutely

[Cha]

8. THis so needs to be Rec'd and I'm Proud to be the 3RD!

This is Brilliant and the only reason we're all in this..for the continuation of the Planet.

[The Backlash Cometh]

10. This is wonderful news.

[skids]

11. You would think the "Jews for Jesus" stuff on Palin...

...would have made this a no-brainer for Floridians.

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/the-trail/2008/09/05/sarah_palin_good_for_the_jews.html

[Doremus]

12. Between the Schleppers, Ed Koch and Palin's "Jews for Jesus"

it sounds like Florida won't know what hit it!

Schleppers -- brilliant idea!

[JerseygirlCT]

13. As someone with gorgeous, brilliant children

who are fortunate enough to have two Jewish grandparents, I think this is hysterical, and a perfect idea!

(Ours are not now in FL, though).

[Kixel]

14. I love this!

It is grass roots lobbying 101! No one knows any better than grandkids which issues matter with their grandparents. Plus, spending time with the grandparents is always a good thing...I wish I could still go visit mine!

[TxBlue]

15. Great Idea!

[Shine]

16. Brilliant!

:applause:

[medicswife]

21. Fabulous! Thanks for a great post with a great photo!

:kick: Made me wish I was a Jewish Grandchild so I could go on the schlep too!

[elleng]

22. Excellent idea!

I'm here (in boca) and don't talk as a campaigner to any; I do hear some uncertainty, but those who are certain are VERY certain!

GOTV important.

How much of state can be covered this way? PBC and Broward, I assume, but elsewhere?

Aware of continuing 'counting' problems in palm beach county?

[Jim Lane]

23. Great idea, but don't limit it to Jews

You wouldn't even have to change the name. A lot of Floridians are retired New Yorkers who picked up some Yiddish along the way. Here in NYC, even some of us goyim know what "schlep" means.

[Eurobabe]

24. Great idea. n/t

[grantcart]

25. kick for the weekday crowd