VP Debate Party- at HQ!

We're having a debate party at HQ (208 George St) for the VP Debate on Thursday. Come by at 8:30 or 8:45 and watch the debate with us! Beer and wine welcome. We have some snacks left over from last time :) Should be fun!

CANVASSING IN PA THIS WEEKEND

We're going to need all hands on deck this Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. The PA voter registration deadline is MONDAY. Coatesville says they really need us since they have a large population of unregistered voters. Kevin and I have a wedding on Saturday and a Bridal Show on Sunday, but we'll be up there on Monday. We would still like those that can go out on Sunday (normal time at Acme parking lot) to go up and bring others with them. In addition, if anyone has time Saturday also (or instead of Sunday or Monday), please go up there and help out. They need you! We would love to have people with us on Monday!

Coatesville Office 128 Lincoln Highway Coatesville PA

Canvassing Survey

Here's the survey questions I sent to this weekends canvassers (from our group)
1. Have you ever canvassed before?
2. What preconceptions did you have prior to going out?
3. What was your experience overall? Good or bad?
4. Was the training helpful?
5. Would you do it again?
6. Do you have any tips or advice for others who have never canvassed?

Here's some responses (some of them are shortened...):
Henry:
1. Yes I have canvassed before.
2. No preconceptions
3. Great to be out talking with folks
4. Training is always helpful, you never know when you are going to learn something new.
5. Yes I will do it again.
6. It is a great way to help change government and talk with regular people about common problems.

Nanette:
1. I canvassed in California--this was quite different--I liked the organization of this one--less wasting time on folks who clearly will not vote for Obama. The definte Obama supporters welcomed us--and were for the most part interested in the campaign---only two undecideds welcomed us and seemed interested--I think the other "undecideds" had already made of their minds but were being polite--My main issue would be that we need better maps so we can see where we are going--
4. the training was helpful and the script was helpful--
5. We'd probably do it again.--It might be good if the information we were leaving had some method of sticking to their doors--
6. maybe bring some scotch tape--a lot of folks weren't home....

Mike A:
1) never canvassed before
2) I thought we'd be doing a much harder "sell'" trying to convince voters to change their minds
3) very good experience
4) the training was useful... but much more helpful was going out the first time with someone who had been there before and could lead the conversation
5) I'd be glad to do it again
6) try it!

So I'm urging EVERYONE to try it at least ONCE. Both phonebanking and canvassing. It's a lot more fun than you would think..and it's a lot easier than you would think. You're definitely not debating with someone to change their mind, you're letting them know that you're a volunteer and that you care enough to spend your free time talking to people to try and get Obama elected. That personal touch really could sway voters all by itself...which is the point of reaching out to these undecided people. This weekend the main focus in PA is going to be Voter Registration since their deadline is MONDAY!

An Email I received- Candidate's Education

"It stands to reason that the basic requirement for our next president must include a substantive educational background demonstrating the capability to understand the issues and
complexity of our present world. Since we've heard so much about experience (the second item on most resumes), I decided to find out our candidates' educational credentials. Here they are for your consideration...

Obama
Columbia University - B.A. Political Science with a specialization in International Relations
Harvard - Juris Doctor (J.D.) magna cum laude.

Biden
University of Delaware - B.A. in History
University of Delaware - B.A. in Political Science
Syracuse University - Juris Doctor (J.D.)

vs.

McCain
United States Naval Academy - class rank 894 of 899

Palin
Hawaii Pacific University - one semester
North Idaho College - two semesters - General Studies
University of Idaho - two semesters - Journalism
Matanuska-Susitna College - one semester
University of Idaho - three semesters - B.A. in Journalism

It has been argued that the education of Obama/Biden represents "elitism." This argument befuddles me since an appropriate education is fundamental to even getting an interview for most jobs, let alone the presidency of the most powerful nation on earth! Again sufficient education and certification are basic requirements for so many professional fields, such as medicine, law, etc. Surely the next president will need even better qualifications to serve the needs of our country!"

WOW

CANVASS IN KENNETT SQUARE

Unfortunately I didn't take any photos...I should have taken some before we left since we all returned at different times. Anyway, the day was very successful. We had 7 people total go up to Kennett Square and we went to a bunch of doors and talked to people who were undecided or Obama Supporters. My group didn't have anyone that said they were a McCain supporter...so we had a great list! We did have A LOT of rain, so that put a damper on things a bit. But a lot of people were home and willing to discuss what issues were holding them back. My partner Mike said he was so surprised to learn how many people there are that are undecided. They truly are deciding the election so we need to reach out to them! I asked everyone who canvassed to answer a few questions and I'll have the answers available to everyone shortly. I want you all to know how fun and easy canvassing can be! You have to at least try it once! If you don't like it, you don't have to do it again! I know my partner Mike really enjoyed it and said he would definitely do it again...so come join us! Every Sunday!

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!

Last day of Phonebanking for the week

Today was the last day of phonebanking for the week. We only had ONE volunteer come in today to phonebank so it was our WORST day yet, BUT we're actually doing really well. This week our group made 318 calls! That is really awesome! Top callers: Alissa: 61 calls, Steve Gottlieb: 54 calls, Beverly Tozer: 47 calls. You go guys! We have 13 pages left of names (1/2 of those pages have only 5 names on them!) so our list is not very long. Next week we have to finish these calls and call back the people we left messages for. Looks like we won't be starting phonecalls to PA and VA until the following week.

Looking forward to the meeting/debate party on Friday...7:00 pm at HQ (208 George St Ches City). We'll have some light snacks and soda (bring snacks, beer, wine if you want), discuss what we've done and what we have going on this coming week, and then you're welcome to stay to watch the debate with us, or you can watch it at home. Either way, we hope to see a lot of you for at least a little while! If we don't see you Friday- please join us on Sunday canvassing in PA! We're leaving Acme Parking Lot in Big Elk Mall at 12:30.

See ya Friday!

Are you registered to vote?

Are you registered to vote? Seems like a very simple, very useless question to be asking in a forum like this and in "times like these." Up until about 3 hours ago, I totally agreed with my previous statement about popping such a question, until I was standing in Baltimore's Pennsylvania Station (that's the Amtrak and Marc stop if you're unfamiliar) and was in a somewhat casual conversation about a lot of key issues going on right now with 3 other people. The train, which normally picks me up 10 minutes after I arrive at the station, was 30 minutes late, and about 20 minutes into the conversation about why we're even in this war anymore, something made me ask everyone if they were registered to vote. Much to my disbelief, 2 of the 3 people were not! One had sent in a form months ago and had not received their card, the other was "going to do it." Needless to say, as we arrived at the Aberdeen station, I got to my car and handed them registration forms, inviting them to find me tomorrow and I'll take care of the rest.
Moral of the story, no matter how in depth the conversation gets, no matter how educated your friend for the day may seem, don't hesitate to ask if they're registered to vote...especially if they are on the same side.

Italians for Obama...

Here's a song from Italy:

First day of phonebanking...

The first day of phonebanking was successful! We had 5 people come in and call (not including Kevin and me) and we got through over 140 names! That leaves us about 600 to go. We're going to need some real help tomorrow and Wednesday so we can reach all of these volunteers this week! Even if you can only come by for an hour, come by! Hope to see you tomorrow!

This weekend's activities from our members

Two group members (Ken and Susan) went up to Avondale PA this weekend to help out the Oxford Office. They were helping to register people to vote and sucessfully got two people to register who have never been registered in their lifetimes: a 57 year old woman, and an Amish man. The Amish man was pleased that it didn't cost anything to register or to vote!

Three group members (Paul, Carol & Peg) as well as several other Marylanders went up to Red Lion PA for the Red Lion Sweep. They helped with street cleaning, voter registration, and a bake sale.

Keep up the great work guys! Also, try and take photos when you're doing different events so we can share them!

Today's Cecil Whig - 9/22/08

One of our members (Betty Ulrich) got a letter to the editor published in the Cecil Whig today. It is great seeing a different perspective in The Whig than the typical Republican party line opinion that gets published there. It would be great for more people to do the same. The limit for them to publish is 250 words or less, and they can be e-mailed to whigletters@chespub.com or mailed to P.O. Box 429, Elkton, MD, 21921. Remember to include your name, address, and phone # for verification purposes

Here is Betty's letter to the editor in the Whig:

Time to vote for a change
"
If you complain about milk prices, why would you vote Republican? If you complain about gasoline prices, why would you vote Republican?

If you complain about not being able to afford your electric bill, why would you vote Republican? If you are watching your fellow employees lose their jobs and you are worried your company is outsourcing to other countries, why would you vote Republican?

If you are next in line to lose your home because of bad mortgage lending, why would you vote Republican?

Enough! Republican candidates back big buisness, the very companies that have helped cause these problems. Republican candidates support deregulation, allowing corporations free rein to pick our pockets. Enough!

We have had eight years of Republican leadership. Enough! Take the time to vote and help make a change."

Canvassing in Coatesville, PA - 9/21/08

Alissa and I did some canvassing in Coatesville, PA today. The emphasis was on getting people to register to vote. Between the two of us and the 3 volunteers from the Coatesville office, we knocked on a almost 200 doors, registered several people to vote, and gave out dozens of voter registration forms to people who had friends and family that were not registered. We plan on trying to get a group of Cecil Countians to go up to PA (the campaign will direct us where in PA they need help), every Sunday (and occasionally on weekdays)until November 4th. It is alot of fun getting out there and talking to people. Here is a picture from the today.

-Kevin

For all you Canvass Newbies- READ!

This is a great article for you to read. It's quick but it talks about someone who was a little nervous/afraid to go canvassing since they had never done it before...read on:
http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2008/9/21/18811/8161/309/605825

Fall Fest in Elkton 9-20-08

There's Garrett at our lovely booth at Fall Fest. Our table did really well. We were the ONLY political table there was!! We have a 50/50 going on that did really well. We'll be holding the drawing October 15th so any event we do we'll have the 50/50. I also have it set up at HQ in the meantime. The prizes are: 1- cash, 2- ipod nano, 3- American Flag and the book "Take it Back" by James Carville and Paul Begala. Anyone can enter! We gave away all of the rest of the free bumper stickers and lawn signs and sold a bunch of our stickers and signs afterwards. We gave out a bunch of literature (thanks Nanette!) and had lots of interested kids. We had a few people join our group and want to volunteer! We registered 17 people to vote and gave forms out to people who knew someone who needed to be registered. All in all a great success!

-Thanks to everyone who helped out and volunteered!

Chilis Sept 19th

We had a great showing last night at Chilis! Thanks to everyone for coming! Thanks to everyone (and Elena!) for Kevin's Birthday card- It was great! We were able to chat, eat, and get down to business. Main things I stressed and want to continue stressing:

Phone Banking- every Mon, Tues, and Wed 3-6 or 6-9. No need to call to sign up, just show up with your cell phones. You can come earlier in the day, but you have to call us first to be sure we're there! You don't have to stay for the whole shift, these are just the generic shift times the Obama Campaign wants us to use.

Canvassing in PA- every Sunday. We'll be meeting up at the Acme Parking lot in Big Elk Mall (rte 40 and rte 213). Tomorrow we're leaving at 12:30. We need people! So far we have no one signed up! Email me!

I passed around a sheet for everyone to put down their names if they would be interested in either phone banking or canvassing. For everyone who wasn't there, please email me and let me know which you want to help out with (both is great!).

T-Shirts: I will hopefully have some by Monday. Pins also. I hope!

People at home can help too: If you know someone who wants to help but can't really get out, or have difficult work hours- have them write letters to the editors of local and national newpapers and to TV Stations. The Whig is one paper that would DEFINITELY benefit from a few letters! Also- if they can get onto the Obama website they can do some phonebanking from the neighbor to neighbor tool. Let me know if you need help with this!

NEXT MEETING: Friday Sept 26th 7:00 pm @ HQ. We're also going to have a Debate Party. After the meeting you can stay and watch the debate and have snacks with us. Wine/beer is welcome also.

Hopefully I'll see some of you this week phonebanking!!

-Thanks :)

First Obama Siting September 5th Chesapeake Inn

Here are photos from our first Obama Siting a few weeks ago at the Chesapeake Inn. We had about 7 more people than that but we forgot to take the picture until everyone started leaving! They aren't great quality but I didn't want to forget to post them.

Les Misbarack the Musical

This is an entertaining video to watch. We'll have to play it again on Nov. 3rd.

General HQ update

Here's a quick update on HQ since the posting in the Whig on Monday:

We've had A LOT of phonecalls from people wanting to volunteer, wanting to purchase stickers and signs, and needing help finding out if they are registered. SCORE!

We've had A LOT of people stopping by to get stickers, donate, and we've had a lot of emails from people who want to help volunteer.

We've only had ONE phonecall from someone who's an "independent" and who's not sure about Obama but thinks Palin is amazing...he left a message and acted like he wanted to talk about it, but then continued on to say that "Obama's a joke and if we (all of us!) support him, we're a joke...". He hasn't called back yet, and we're not expecting him to!

SO OTHER THAN THAT, ITS BEEN A GREAT RESPONSE SO FAR!

So if you know anyone who needs to register to vote, who wants to get Obama/Biden stickers or signs, or who wants to help out the campaign send them on over or have them call us! 443-406-2258

Obama Staffer Dave Sloan came by HQ today...

Dave came by today to explain to us what the Obama Campaign's goal is for our office and to help us get there.

Goals are: PHONEBANKING AND CANVASSING VA AND PA

Also, ultimately the goal is to have the HQ open 9-9 Monday-Saturday, and 11-9 Sunday. They want to have all of the offices run the same way so there's some sort of consistency.

Right now we're going to start working towards that by having phonebanking on Mon, Tues, and Wed evenings from 3-6 and 6-9, and carpooling to PA every Sunday to Canvass.

We'll also be working hard this week (through phonebanking) to tap into the 700+ residents of Cecil County that signed up on Mybarackobama.com to help out! I know! We were surprised too!

I'll have all of the details at our meeting on Friday.

**Make sure you keep checking this site and our calendar (on the right column) for updates!**

Troy to the Rescue!

We had a fellow Cecil Countian for Obama come by our HQ today to help us network the printer so that anyone using the computers upstairs can print if necessary. Very soon we'll have that up and running. We now have 2 computers upstairs and we'll have a third one if needed.

Thanks Troy!

Ohana for Obama

Joyce sent this to me in an email and I thought it was a good idea. If you've convinced family or friends to vote for Obama already, share your story on their site! If not, make that your goal!
"Post your Obama story online at http://www.ohanaobama.org/
Our site includes testimonials from Obama supporters across the country who successfully convinced their family members and friends to support Obama. We will make an impact on this election, not just through our own voice, but by influencing the votes of those closest to us. Together, our stories will inspire others to help us deliver this election for Barack! Visit http://www.ohanaobama.org/ and join the family!"

JOE Biden in Media PA today

Introduced by Gov. Ed Rendel of PA, Joe Biden gave a very heartfelt speech centered on the economy today in Media PA. Alissa & I went and took some pictures.

Welcome To Cecil County For Obama's New Blog

Welcome Cecil Countians! We are a group of 75+ supporters in Cecil County, MD dedicated to getting Barack Obama and Joe Biden elected.
We are always looking for more help; Volunteering time, money, or donating moral support.
If you are an Obama-Biden supporter contact us to get put on the e-mail/phone list to find out how you can help.