The day started crispy and cool but ended up being sweltering and hot, hot, hot. Undaunted, we got our lists of doors to knock on and set out.
Neither of us had done anything like this before. We didn't know what to expect. So of course, the very first house we went to was a house of a RAGING Rep. That is my classification of the household.
He got so into his reciting of the tired old talking points that spittle flew out of his mouth when he talked. We stood and listened to him drone on for awhile, asked our questions, and said that we would just agree to disagree and gently started backing down the step and down the sidewalk.
He followed us. Not off of his own property but he followed us. Now my husband is a good sized guy so we are not followed often. Anyway he got to the end of his sidewalk and, when it was clear that we were not going to debate, he called me a communist and went back to his little world. Little world.
The rest of the day was eventful. We met some nice people in Leesburg although I think mostly they would see us through the peephole and not answer the door. We had a lot of "not at home" check marks on our list.
We met a guy who considered himself Democrat but was going to vote for McCain because McCain was his flight instructor in the Navy. What a dilemma that would create. Do you vote for a personal friend or for the best of the country? I know what I would do but then I've never been in the Navy with someone. I think it's different when you've served together. Still...
Met a Hillary supporter on the street. She was such a nice lady. She was not one of our "doors" but we chatted with her a bit. She said that she was disappointed that Hillary didn't make it but that she would support Obama.
Not sure that Hillary could carry Leesburg.
We have to carry Loudoun and Prince William Counties in NoVA.
Anyway, that was our day. I was glad to get back to the HQ for some cold water. I'm not sure I would do that again but am glad we did it.
Now, I'm doing it in much friendlier territory (the People's Republic of Alexandria), but the effect is the same -- you take people off the fence and give them another reason to vote.
It's not always easy, it's not sexy, and it can be frustrating. But it's how we reach our neighbors.
Thanks for your effort. We all have to do our part.
BTW, the metric is 60/40 for all of NoVa -- Arlington, Alexandria, Falls Church, Fairfax County, Fairfax City, PWC, Manassas, Manassas Park, and Loudoun. If we hit that, it will be very difficult for McCain to carry Virginia.
Take your laptop and go spend a few hours entering data. Or sorting papers, or stuffing envelopes.
I was ready to quit after the first person but he convinced me to try one more. We only found nice people from there one and even started to laugh about being called a communist.
The office in Leesburg was bustling with activity with people from all over going out on Saturday. It was great to see.
So, we're not quitters. We'll do something (in addition to voting)!
There are many ways to volunteer - you have already done a commendable job, try everything once and see what you like. Most people prefer calling as it is physically easier; but I found I like the face to face time.