"Bloggers just sit on their butts behind their computer screens. They spend their time just talking to each other and that's fine - but they're talking to a small audience."
Although not a word-for-word quote, this was something I heard at a fundraising event I went to last night. Bear with me - the whole evening was quite positive - but that interchange (which I will detail below the fold) stood out as the key mobilizing challenge for me and, hopefully, for anyone who reads this diary.
Follow me over the fold.
I have to provide you with context for the quote, and to do that, I have to go through the event. Please bear with me.
Last week, I got an invitation to attend a fundraiser hosted in the home of a prominent Arlington-area couple (Arlington Virginia). The invitation said that both Tim Roemer and James Carville would be the guest speakers at the event, and they were. I'm fortunate enough that I had the money to attend what would be considered a pricey event. I had always intended to make a sizable donation to add to my other donations, and what the hey - this way I could make the donation and get to stargaze a bit.
The event was sponsored by the Arlington County Democratic Committee, which falls in Virginia's 8th Congressional district.
See that big green area of the 8th? That's primarily Arlington County and Alexandria City. That's NOT where I live - if you go up into the off-shooty area north and west, as far as you can possible go and still be in the 8th, that is where I live.
So with that as a context, let me begin. Arlington County has a healthy and active Democratic party. In other words, it's always been super-blue. Where I live, it's more pale blue, but still blue (and hopefully gaining in blueness). I've been to some of these types of fundraisers before, specifically for Mark Warner and Tim Kaine. Everyone knows everyone at these things, except me. That's no problem - I set my mind to go, give my money, mingle, and meet some like-minded folks IRL.
This event was no exception - didn't know a soul. When I told people that I lived in Reston, I might as well have been telling them that I lived in France. Don't get me wrong - the reception was enthusiastic. I'm in the 8th as are they, and we're all pushing and pressing in the final days to overcome George Felix Allen and get Jim Webb (DONATE) into the US Senate.
It was uncharacteristically warm last night, and the overwhelming number of bodies in the house (which was a beautiful home, by the way) made it quite sticky. So I wandered out onto the patio and engaged the bartender (shocker - I find the bartender first!) in a conversation while I eat my lovely complimentary appetizers. The bartender is a young guy. I'd put him at about 22. He was a volunteer from the Young Democrats - ALL the staffers were volunteers from the Young Democrats. He was a funny, bright and open young man who clearly shows a sense of urgency around pushing Jim Webb (DONATE) over the hump. Being heavily involved in the campaign, his message was clear: Voter turnout will decide this race. Period. Given that Northern Virginia is any one of a number of shades of blue, voter turnout in this area especially is critical. Key to that crucial goal is on-the-ground volunteers. I couldn't agree more.
From there I went back into the big, airy living room (did I mention that the house was beautiful?) and sat down with my glass of Chardonnay. A lovely outgoing woman sat next to me. Meet Ingrid Morroy, Arlington's elected Commissioner of Revenue.
That's Ingrid on the right. We got chatting. In her eyes, of course, there are two big issues critical to getting Jim Webb (DONATE) elected on November 7 - money and turnout. Again, there was a sense of urgency in our conversation. It was a feeling like we are so close - the smallest things in terms of donations and GOTV volunteering will make the difference. Again, I couldn't agree more.
I had a small, purse sized notebook with me, and when we had a break in our conversation, I pulled it out and readied myself for the high-visibility speakers. I can't remember who asked me if I was a reporter - but I told them that I wasn't, but that I was a blogger and had every intention of writing up the evening. This turned us to the subject of blogs, and I was asked where I would post this - I told them I hoped to post it at Daily Kos and Raising Kaine, time permitting. Everyone knew Raising Kaine - lowkell has done an outstanding job of bringing in those who are not especially in the blogosphere. Some had heard of Daily Kos, but you could tell it was not a place where any (that I could identify) spend their time. Ingrid, however, was absolutely all for the blogs and for posting this at Daily Kos. I told her that I had hoped it would encourage those with even a small amount of money who live in districts where a Democrat doesn't need the funding to throw some of that money at Jim Webb (DONATE). She wholeheartedly agreed - every dollar is going to make or break the difference.
Then Alfonso Lopez, Governor Tim Kaine's Director of the Virginia Liaison Office in Washington, D.C., stepped up and began the introductions. He thanked everyone for coming and underscored the fact that this election required people to do more than just give money to succeed - they had to GOTV. He introduced Larry Roberts, Counselor to Governor Kaine who in turn underscored the GOTV message (seeing a pattern here?). Roberts then introduced the first guest speaker, Tim Roemer, current President of the Center for National Policy, member of the 9/11 commission, and former Representative from Indiana's Third district.
Roemer was an excellent speaker - very engaging, very focused on putting Democrats into Congress this election cycle. He's been travelling all over the country on behalf of Democrats, keynoting fundraisers and doing what he could do. A few key highlights of his talk:
He told a funny story about when he first ran for Congress. He said that people always confused him with then-Governor of Indiana Evan Bayh. So Roemer's at some state fair, by himself, handing out brochures trying to drag down votes. As he's standing there, a man comes up to him and says:"Governer Bayh! It's great to see you here! If there's anything I can ever do to help you, let me know."
To which Roemer said:
"You know, you can help me. You can make sure you get out and vote for Tim Roemer for Congress." Heh.
He also related a story about Flight 93 that I had heard before, but not quite in this way. I found it remarkable.
He told about the Flight 93 passengers and how they seemed to think, immediately following the hijacking, that they were going to Cuba. As they were making calls, however (and we all know this story), they found out from their loved ones that they were likely not going to Cuba - that their plane had been hijacked and was going to be flown into buildings. Then, faced with this dire information, they did what Americans have done for 230 years: *They voted*. They took a vote and decided that they were going to do whatever it took to take back that airplane or die trying.
They voted.
Finally, he made an obvious point (at least obvious to anyone reading this) but in a way that really resonated. He talked about the 41 9/11 Commission Report recommendations, and about how only half of those have been implemented. Of those half, they have executed poorly. And he asked: if you have two children, is it OK for the government to say that it will educate only one of them? When your trash is picked up, is it ok if half of it is left at the curb?
I really thought that was a common-sense way to underscore the ineptitude of the Bush administration and the Republican Congress in a way that Joe Voter could fully understand.
And then it was on to James Carville. Let me digress by saying that, for a relatively small man, his presence dominated the room for the whole of the evening, whether he was speaking or not.
What was powerful about James Carville was not necessarily what he said - it was the power and conviction with which he said it. At times he was downright angry:
He was absolutely incensed at a Dick Cheney quote from Rush Limbaugh's show.Cheney: "Things in Iraq are going remarkably well."
[audible groans in the room] Carville said that what made him angry was the utter contempt with which that statement was made by Cheney. Cheney knows its not going well - and the majority of Americans believe it's not going well. Yet he goes on Limbaugh's show and shows utter contempt for every American by saying this. I definitely thought he had a point - an obvious one - but I spend most of my time thinking Cheney's an asshole without necessarily communicating to others that he is a contemptuous asshole.
Then he told the story of the Cuban Missile Crisis that many have heard, but some may not, so I'll summarize:
In 1962, the U.S. was engaged in a game of chess with the Soviet Union, who were planning to put missiles in Cuba, a mere 90 miles from the U.S.Then Presdient John F. Kennedy sent Secretary of State Dean Atchison to France to enlist the support of the French people. In a meeting with the legendary Charles DeGaulle, President of France, Atchison asked for France's support. As the meeting continued, Atchison started to pull some documents out of his briefcase. DeGaulle stops him - Atchison indicates that he has photos - proof - that Cuba was planning to have these missiles. Whereupon DeGaulle famously said:
"I don't need proof. I have the word of the President of the United States." (paraphrased)
Carville then stated passionately that the word of the POTUS today is "literally meaningless" and "discarded".
And with that, the even was over. Tim Roemer was incredibly gracious and stuck around to answer questions.
Now - let me say that I was taking copious notes during the remarks by the speakers generated interest. I caught sideways glances, not unfriendly ones, that looked askance. I was amused with the idea that someone might have thought I was "legitimate" press.
With that as a backdrop, I mentioned above that Tim Roemer stuck around to answer questions. There was a small respectful group gathered around him, and I went to join in to hear what was being asked and what was being said. Mr. Roemer was underscoring the critical importance of the GOTV effort in Virginia this year. He was basically relating his experiences with the Republican GOTV effort and said that, about two weeks before the election, a local Republican canvasser would knock at someone's door. And that canvasser would be the coach of the soccer team that the household's children played on. The canvasser would address them by name, ask after their children, and then ask how they would vote and pitch his case for his candidate. Then he would come back right before the election and ask how they were going to vote.
I can't remember who said it, but earlier in the evening this point was made: "We have to out-work them. We have to want this more than they do."
At this point I chimed into the conversation talking about the Netroots and the blogosphere and how much emphasis they are placing on the GOTV effort. That's when I got "the comment". I want each of you to understand, however, that this was in no way said scornfully - rather, it was just put out there as common knowledge:
"Bloggers just sit on their butts behind their computer screens. They spend their time just talking to each other and that's fine - but they're talking to a small audience."
Not this time. HELP ME prove this guy wrong. If you've given money, do more. Google your candidate and find the address and phone number for the campaign office. Call it. Show up there if possible. Demand that they put you to work. If you live in an area where the Democratic candidate is safe and there isn't need or organization for GOTV, go to ActBlue Netroots page and make a donation, no matter how small. Consider giving to Jim Webb - he needs it. Allen is saturating the airwaves with negative and misleading ads.
You also /can/ phone canvass, even if your district or area is not competitive (e.g, you have an uber-safe Democrat running). Take Markos' advice and participate in MoveOn's Calls for Change.
*Out-work them*. It's what will make or break this election.
A special note for No. VA and DC area Kossacks:
Webb for Senate
1916 Wilson Blvd, Ste. 304
Arlington, VA 22201
Two short blocks from Courthouse Metro Station on the Orange Line
(703) 778-4080
Show up there - the canvassing I've done has been the result of just showing up. If you DO show up, though, be sure you take the phone number as you may have to call them to let you in. Demand they put you to work. Do more than you thought you could do - it's what will make the difference.
We have 19 days.
I had considered attending the event, but decided that Arlington party needed my $$ a bit less than a couple of congressional candidates I know in other states.
Sorry I missed you.
interesting point you make about being in the far reaches of the 8th district. i've noticed attending state conventions and baseball tournaments that my dealings with folks from other parts of the state, they find out i'm from northern virginia, and it's like we have absolutely nothing in common. it's a whole different world outside of the beltway (or rather outside the sprawling suburbs).
But YES - No VA may as well be the surface of the sun to someone in Roanoke.
The moss like to discredit the blogs.
I'm using this from now on...
Personally, I think GOTV is extremely important, but the blogs offer a place where people who are undecided can get information and possibly come over to the Dems. In other words the blogs and websites have a huge influence on the electorate especially since the mainstream media is so controlled. There are many ways to affect the electorate. The blogs and alternative media such as film can make new Democrats. What good is GOTV is there aren't enough Democrats?
And let's face it - there is an element to succumb to navel gazing in the extreme. We'll grab hold of an issue that isn't going anywhere because it's not getting press and no one knows about it outside of the blog - yet we're on it. And on it. And on it. ;-)
But we DO come together when it matters and we CAN and DO move mountains when required.
A lot of fence sitting voters are also computer literate. They get a lot of their information from the net. Point them in the direction of a blog like RK and let them make their own decisions. My sister knows my position, but I'm the family liberal. She's unlikely to decide for Webb unless she's convinced that he's better than her default position.
"what i've noticed
is that the folks from other parts of the state are biased against US for being from nova. not that we have anything against them - somehow, we have become the problem. it's really irritating."
Living in s-w VA (Lexington), I tend to see "the other side of the medal" (to use a Polish phrase) as often as not... I also feel excluded (probably more often than you do). And unfairly denigrated as a racist moron redneck unable to think and with nothing to say. To say that it's "irritating" is a gross understatement...
I do not have to work outiside the home to earn a living; I'm a "kept woman" (wife of a man who grew up looong ago and has a different viepoint on many issues). So I volunteer a lot to "do my bit", or contribute what savings I have from my "pin money". One of my volunteer "jobs" -- the one I enjoy the most -- is designing lace patterns for the national guild's bulletin. The guild has regional subdivisions and I try to stay in touch with most of them -- I need to know what they';re interested in, what kinds of patterns they'd like to see, etc.
One thing I noticed... *All* of VA belongs to the "Chesapeake Region Lace Guild" by default. *Most of VA lacemakers* -- excepting those in the immediate DC and Charlottesville area, but including those in Norfolk and VA Beach -- as individuals, belong to the North Carolina Region Lace Guild. Why? Because all of us, at one time or another have been snubbed and made to feel of "no 'count" by the NOVA "sisters".
The situation is no different when it comes to politics. Y'all have written us off. You sneer at us most of the time -- except when you want something (I get about two "give us money" e-mailings a day). IOW, you act like the d...d Repubs did to the evangelicals (according to Kuo).
One of the many reasons I'll be voting *for Webb* (rather than simply against Allen)is that he's different. Not just that he's honest and honorable -- a refreshing change for a politician. It's also that never plays the patronising "city mouse" card to us in the hinterlands.
I apologize. It was wrong to neglect South West Virginia the way I did, and I plan to make amends. I want to come visit South West Virginia after the election so you know it is not simply to generate votes or because I want something.
Truth is I do want something. I want to understand fellow Virginians better and connect with more of them. This will be difficult; our traffic problems here in NOVA will challenge us (legitimately), but we are human beings who can overcome a challenge. I also want to see some natural beauty.
I also want to make more connections with people I have read about on blogs and here on Raising Kaine. Brilliant people. People who face different problems than I do day to day. What a powerful and interesting exchange it could be.
Fellow NOVA folks, littlepunk has a point; we need to work with each other from all over the state.
There was always a disconnect between the people in my kind of neighborhood and the neighborhoods springing up all around for the professionals and middle level government managers who came to the area in droves during the 60s and continuing to today. The kids in my neighborhood had a well-deserved reputation for toughness and territoriality and were very combative. Needless to say, kids from the other more genteel neighborhoods mocked the "redneck" kids.
Many of the people moving into NoVa over those years were from Northern cities and had disdain for all things Southern. I've encountered plenty of snobbishness myself from people who equate Southern with redneck or stupid. Some folks in NoVa have done very little to understand the people who came before them. The invasion that started in Fairfax County has made its way through Loudoun County and is now hitting Clarke and Fauquier Counties. And everywhere the newcomers go they want top of the line services and can be rather pushy: demanding that natives give up things like their volunteer fire sirens, chicken coops, pig pens, and farms. My Clarke County sister actually threatened to shoot the next petition circulator who showed up at her farm door with a petition to silence the volunteer fire siren because it's "noisy" and "disturbs the peace" of the people who've bought into a new subdivision in town.
But then again on the other hand, I've also seen snobbery in people from the southern part of the state. Many people from RuVa have told me to my face that I'm not a "real" Virginian because I'm from NoVa. They are also rather dismissive of NoVa "elitists", as if all of us grew up with money, and are remarkably resistent to suggestions that NoVa get at least some of its massive contributions to this state's economy back in the form of transportation relief. It's rural extremists like Howell who have blocked all attempts to make life a little easier for NoVa's commuters. Utter the "t" word (taxes) and watch every suggestion, every reasonable compromise, be shouted down.
There is a perception on the part of NoVa voters that southern and southwestern Virginians march in lockstep with the Republican party and that they are controlled by conservatives and right wing evangelicals. Considering that Jerry Falwell and his "Moral Majority" started in Lynchburg, and that much of the state really does vote Republican, this is not a totally off-base perception. However, it's increasingly outdated and does not recognize the complexity of the culture in the southern part of the state.
Maybe 30 years ago the RuVa voter could be counted on to do the very conservative thing, but now it is time for both sides to move to the center. It's time for both sides to stop treating each other as if they're the enemy. NoVa Dems need to understand that being a southern Virginian does not make one a slack-jawed yokel. That if RuVa voters want to hang on to their guns that doesn't make them toadies for the NRA, that their respect for their Confederate heritage does not make them racists, that their religiosity does not make them intolerant Falwellians, that their concern about things they call life issues are not without foundation, and that a little twang in the accent doesn't equate to a lower IQ. RuVa voters have to accept that some of the NoVa ideas may be worth looking at. That not every NoVa Dem is an elitist, that not every NoVa Dem is plotting to raise taxes to give to Northern liberals, that being a Democrat is not the same as being a socialist, that championing civil liberties, the right to privacy, and adequate funding of research does not make them "anti-life", and that NoVa Dems might have a point or two about things like gun violence, transportation issues, the environment, etc.
How about we all agree to be polite and tolerant of each other, to listen to each other's views and reserve judgment until we've heard each other out?
Oh, and I agree with you -- Webb is quite different from the rest of the herd, which is why I have thrown my full support behind him.
The commenter Rena talks about is partially right. There are a lot of bloggers who ridicule/pontificate/examine/investigate/report/comment from their offices and homes and never actually do anything beyond a little sharing of research. That helps a little, but not much.
Each blogger and each voter needs to decide if they really want change. If they do, they'll use their excellent communications tools (for blogs really are that) to coordinate efforts to actually get together for action.
It's all about action at this point.
Get out there and canvass/phonebank/fundraise/contact other voters. Get out the vote.
I cannot stress how rewarding it is to find your district is actually 65% in favor of equality and justice when you (isolated inside your home) previously thought it was 75% against (I live in Evergreen district in Price William County, canvassing here has been especially joyfull).
Every vote counts.