Debate Watch Party 9-26-08

We had a brief meeting last night to discuss last week/weekend's activities and the ones we have coming up this week/weekend. Here's a recap:

Red Lion Sweep was a success in PA- are there any areas in Cecil County with high visibility that could use a cleanup? We could have a voter registration table/people walking up to cars while others clean up the area. Let me know your ideas...

This week in phone banking: 318 calls made, 120 people reached, 198 messages left GREAT JOB!

High Level Campaign Meeting: we went to a meeting in DC for the campaign on Thursday and learned that they have set it up so there are a lot of ways to win. If we win all of the Kerry States, we need to win 1 out of 8 states in order to win (Fl, IN, GA, MO, NC, OH, VA, and one more..). There's a huge influx of newly registered voters in all states...also people registered but didn't vote in 04. For example: Florida has 600,000 African Americans and 900,000 people 18-35 that were registered but didn't vote in 04. The GOTV effort will be HUGE and very advantageous to Obama.
-Attorneys are always needed: www.mybarackobama.com/counselforchange
-Will be long lines at polls on Election Day- tents? drinks? entertainment? we need to help keep those people in line!

Voter Registration: need to have more activities since deadline approaching. Page mentioned going to the Senior Center, or putting a table at Acme- most likely has to be bipartisan. Anyone willing to look into either would be great.

Events coming up are on the calendar...Sunday Canvass is in Kennet Square PA this week: 11 people signed up!

Phonebanking: Mon-Wed between 3 and 9pm come by and help! We're having a contest!
Most calls/week: mystery prize
Most calls from now until Election Day: $20 gift certificate for the Movies & Obama goodies
Most doors knocked/canvass trips: $20 gift certificate for the Movies & Obama goodies

Let the competitive spirit come out!

If you want to phonebank from home: Neighbor to Neighbor tool at your leisure- I can show you how to use it, or I can give you a list BUT you MUST report all calls to me that day because I have to report results to the campaign!

Phonebanking tip: Say "My name is Alissa and I'm a volunteer for the Obama Campaign"..it may make them listen to you a bit more and realize that you're not asking for money! I personally haven't had a problem yet, but its a good approach..

We'll be ordering more shirts, pins, and possibly lawn signs...still have some left. T-Shirts left are (5) "Shore Nough Obama" in size 3XL. They will be sold at cost $10 so we can get more different shirts in different sizes.

We need more writers for the Whig! Official Obama website has form letters and contact info. The Ulrich's are getting their 2nd letter in there, and Garrett and Mary sent letters in as well. Keep it up! 250 words or less, CANNOT endorse a candidate, HAVE to state facts (which are in our favor anyway).

Kratovil Campaign is looking for help too: Tues, Thurs, and Sun canvassing, Phonebanking on Wednesday. Contact: Clay Schramm 254-709-7837 HQ: 136 E Main St Elkton, MD

Next "Obama Siting" date TBA. We'll be doing a sign wave on Rte 40 and 272 and then meet at Woody's after for a drink/food. Still working on that date.

Democrat Club meeting Thurs Oct 2nd 7:00 pm- John promises it will be over early so you can get home and watch the VP debate at 9:00 pm.

4x8 Signs: there are 5 that we can buy at $48/piece. I had feedback suggesting we should raise the money separately if we want these signs. Anyone interested? Also, WARNING. There are organized groups stealing and trashing democratic signs...it happens all the time in Cecil County. If you see this happening, call the police. Keep an eye out! We need to stop this from happening!

After the meeting we watched the debate. All in all Obama had made excellent points and kept the focus on judgement and the Middle Class. McCain performed better than expected, but didn't really get anywhere in stating how he'd help us...the commentary on Olbermann and Maddow after was great! Thanks to all who came!