Today I went to the local Hillary office and made GOTV calls for Hillary. It was an interesting experience and I can compare it to 2008, 2012, and 2014.
First of all, for a campaign that many Bernie supporters accuse of being run by fat cats on Wall Street, the office was a bare bones space with two long tables and a bunch of old, cheap chairs. It seemed like a converted industrial space, so if the fat cats are backing her, they are the cheapest bastards I’ve ever seen. Turnout was light, but there were about 10 people making calls. Our task wasn’t to persuade or to do general GOTV, it was to bank Hillary votes as quickly as possible. I was armed with my tablet and phone, and I probably talked to about 100 people.
One thing I noticed about people on Hillary’s list is that they skew MUCH older. I quipped to another volunteer that I bet the Bernie callers were having more fun, because many of the people I reached who confirmed their votes for Hillary were pleasant but not fanatical, resolute but not excited. In fact, some of the volunteers expressed an appreciation for Bernie Sanders. They just all agreed that Hillary was the better candidate. It was in stark contrast to what I saw with Obama.
When I canvassed for Obama in 2008, there was a general electricity around the campaign. People were writing songs about it, making videos and YouTube parodies. There was a general sense at the campaign get togethers that we were part of a Really Big Thing. This campaign of Hillary’s is much like how I predict she’ll govern. No fanfare, just down to business. No frills. It’s also like how most elections are. Gritty, hard, and thankless work.
I didn’t encounter very many supporters, but it seemed like the call lists are never really up to date. I talked with as many Bernie supporters as I talked with “Democrats” who planned on voting Trump.
All in all, I have no idea how the primary will turn out here, but I’m guessing that demographics will win the day and Bernie will do quite well here. Still, it’s a great feeling getting involved because even if my candidate loses, I feel better knowing I gave it my all.