I haven't kept up with these canvass diaries as I had planned, but I have been canvassing. The last diary I wrote was in the 10th week. I've now completed weeks 11, 12, and 13. This is probably the last opportunity I'll have to write a canvass diary. We started Get Out the Vote and final persuasion efforts this weekend and for the next 3 days, I will be completely focused on helping Barack Obama win Ohio.
Before this election, I never would have imagined myself knocking on the doors of strangers to share my political views. As it comes to a close, I am feeling pretty reflective.
I wish I had kept track of exactly how many doors I've knocked on, but the number must be around 1,000.
Over the last 13 weeks I have been called a socialist and a communist and a few names I wouldn't repeat here. I've been threatened, harrassed, dismissed, and chastised for my support of Barack Obama. I've had doors slammed in my face and have had angry people yell at me as I walked through their neighborhoods. As much as I've tried to stay tough, there have been days where I have felt completely defeated. I've sat in my car in tears after some of the worst days, but vowed to continue on without hesitation and without once questioning my committment to this movement.
But there have been amazing moments along the way. I've spoken to neighbors who greeted me with such warmth and genuine gratitude for my volunteer efforts. I've cried with people on their doorsteps as we shared our struggles to get through the tough times and our hopes for a brighter tomorrow. I've been pleasantly surprised to find supporters in neighborhoods where I never thought they would exist. And today I can say that I have been a part of history and I've never been as proud.
So now we start with Get Out the Vote. If you haven't volunteered yet, now is the time. The supporters are identified and the work of persuading them is done. The fun part is getting them to the polls.
We can do this. It can happen. Yes We Can!