Having once again come in from the field, I thought it might be interesting to talk about what I’ve seen and heard while knocking on doors in a very red district of my native Michigan. Readers should understanding what an important task “canvassing” is to the get-out-the-vote effort. It’s fun, too!
First, a little bit about my mission for the party. My job is to visit personally with those folks on a list that headquarters has identified as probable Democratic voters. I’m not there to convince them that Hillary is the best candidate, but only to let them know that we Democrats need every vote we can get on Election Day, that this election is critical to the future of our nation, and that their vote will make a difference.
I am also there to provide them with voting information, supplemented with materials I carry with me and can leave with them, that will help make it easier when filling in the real ballot. I ask them if they know where their polling place is and, if not, I can inform them. I tell them I hope they have a “voting plan of action” to get to the polls on Election Day. I thank them for being great Democrats if they react positively to my message. If any want to volunteer their efforts for the party, I “make the connection” for them.
I have come away with many, many stories on my rounds, but I’m only going to cite a few select anecdotes rather than write a book here. I think these are representative of who I meet and what kind of reaction I get. Remember, those on the other side of the doors I knock on are “supposed to be” Democratic-leaning fellow citizens.
1) I sense the sea of “TRUMP” signs in any one venue are not in any way representative of his strength, as near as I can tell. Almost always, these are to be found around here either all on a single property — i.e., half-a-dozen or more in one person’s yard — or strategically placed on a vacant lot, an empty business grounds, or between two properties so no one is exactly sure who is responsible for them. Also, “TRUMP” signs are rarely to be found next to other Republican candidate signs, whether by design or accident. My sense is the word has gone out not to associate the two. “TRUMP” signs far outnumber “CLINTON/KAINE” signs, but here’s the thing: Since I know these neighborhoods really well, the “TRUMP” signs are exactly where I expect them. More interestingly, some places where I would have expected to see them aren’t sporting them this year — even this late into the campaign. Only the diehards have them — and not ALL the diehards at that! Conversely, while there are fewer Hillary signs, these have sprouted in yards that usually don’t “declare.”
2) Some Latino voters are very reluctant to even talk with a canvasser. I read into that that all of Trump’s deportation talk has spooked that community rather effectively. Even though I am adorned with Clinton/Kaine buttons and a clipboard that reads “DEMOCRAT” some still think (indeed, have told me!) they fear I might secretly put them on a future list for “action” against them. Only when I have reassured them to their satisfaction do they admit to being passionately pro-Clinton and even more passionately anti-Trump. (Hint: It helps to pronounce names correctly).
3) All too many young folks I have encountered between the ages of say 25-45 told me they aren’t voting or “don’t care about” the election. Mostly, these are other residents of the householder I have called on — i.e., partner, relative or friend. One guy patiently took the literature I gave him for his girlfriend but wouldn’t talk any more because the football game was on. I get it, but he wasn’t registered to vote and could care less who wins.
4) Only a tiny percentage of Clinton supporters and strong Democrats wanted to volunteer for the final days of the campaign. No surprise there. Too busy, or children were the excuses. Understandable.
5) About 10 percent of the time, the names on the list had moved and the new tenants were Trump supporters. These folks were almost all borderline violently nasty. “Get the f*ck out of here,” was the worst reaction from a 35-something blue collar type who slammed the door in my face. Red-faced angry and hostile.
6) Many Clintonites thanked me for showing up. They were happy to see other “friends” working for the candidate, showing the flag, so to speak. Never ran into any counterparts from the Trump team working the streets, if such exists.
7) Too many voters who said they were going to vote didn’t know where their polling place was. I had to write down the information for them. Only one so far didn't know when Election Day is.
8) Working today, no one — pro- or anti-Hillary — mentioned the e-mail fuss raised over the weekend. I think minds are made up.
9) Here in Michigan, Democrats are very organized. Hillary’s team has hired people to staff field offices, and the Obama people are helping out. I feel really optimistic about our state delivering on Nov. 8 for our next president — the awesome Hillary Clinton! — despite the recent tightening of polls.
10) Great to get out in the fresh air and am feeling energized by fighting for the good guys!
Thanks for reading. VICTORY!