NJ and Hillary
Submitted by Cate on February 3, 2008 - 10:36am.
Yesterday I went to our local Hillary campaign headquarters . It has been a long time since I actually volunteered time to a campaign and I forgot how electric it can be. I started my day phone banking, which is my least favorite activity because people seem annoyed more often than appreciative even if they are voting for your candidate. Be that as it may, phone banking has been going on for decades and I guess people think it is effective. So I called about 200 people.
Later in the day we had a rally and our Congressman Frank Pallone and Senator Bob Menedez joined us. There were also a bunch of local mayors. For a small group on the Jersey Shore we sure made a lot of noise. I also did some visibility work and held a Hillary sign with a bunch of others on a busy street. That was the most fun because people beep and give you thumbs up. (Some thumbs down) At the end of the day I took a bunch of Hillary gear and placed some yard signs next to Obama signs around my area. Today I'm going to a bar to watch the game and taking my Hillary gear to hand out.
I gotta say that getting into the campaign trenches, even if for a day, reminds me why I LOVE activism. Thank you General Wes for inspiring me and get well.
Our experiences were similar. The last few days I have made phone banking calls for hours and hours. You would be shocked if you heard some of the comments I received from rural Tennesseans that I called, especially the older ones. "Hillary is socialist". "She's giving this country away" "I'm voting for her. I certainly wouldn't vote for the black guy" and on and on. I also received a good amount of positive feedback - thankfully.
We had a great honk and wave event yesterday. I was very encouraged by the response in Memphis.
Thanks for sharing your experience.
A little update here.
Over on the Jersey shore I handed out a bunch of Hillary gear to folks watching the game at our local gay bar last night. Lots of support. Not one Obama fan. I think I convinced few undecideds.
I also noticed a LOT of Hillary signs up today on my way to work. Chelsea is supposed to be in NJ today, but not sure where. I'm at work so unless she visits our little office in the complex of offices, in the office park dense area of Princeton, there is little chance I will see her. Seems like I have a better chance if I'm hanging out in some diner. :)
Sounds like you had a good time whilst doing good.
;)