<a href=”http://www.flickr.com/photos/59124558@N06/8120708384/” title=”nine swing states by dengre.bj, on Flickr”><img src=”http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8464/8120708384_5952ec0e52.jpg” width=”500″ height=”490″ alt=”nine swing states”></a>
I’ve been out knocking on doors in Columbus, OH and it has been great. Folks are serious and ready to go. And many have already taken advantage of early voting. As for the rest of President Obama’s supporters, it is all about getting them out to vote. What is true in Columbus is true everywhere else: the campaign that gets the most of their base and supporters out will win. From here on out, only GOTV matters.
What are your plans?
Here are the links where you can connect with the Obama Campaign in the swing States:
Iowa • New Hampshire • Colorado • Nevada • Ohio
Virginia • Florida • Wisconsin • North Carolina
And here is the GOTV link for the rest: vote.barackobama.com.
Also, too, Daily Kos and Worker’s Voice have a GOTV effort that you can plug into at this link.
In an hour or so, I’m off for another day of door knocking. The weather is fine and I’ll keep at it into the evening. I love GOTV. Things feel great on the ground–lots of energy and excitement. The Obama Campaign’s GOTV effort is amazing, but winning requires thousands of volunteers willing to GOTV everywhere, but especially in the swing states. Be one of them.
We have 60 hours left. Let’s get this done.
Cheers
greennotGreen
I usually volunteer to drive people to the polls on Election Day, but this year I’m in bed following my second round of chemo. So I need some Balloon Juicers to pick up my slack. Let’s win this thing!
greennotGreen
I’m awaiting moderation? Really?
Maude
I am in NJ. In some areas, there are no doors to knock on.
The NJ radio station is telling people about voting. Fax or email, early voting and any other information.
I am voting early today and I feel like I’m going to a party. So excited.
JenJen
Thanks so much for being here, Dennis! I canvassed yesterday, and today I’m stoked to be going to the final Obama rally in Cincinnati, with an appearance by Stevie Wonder. Woooohoooo!
We are so gonna win my beloved Buckeye state.
PsiFighter37
Heading out for a morning of knocking on doors in Dayton before we have to fly back.
I’ve forgotten how much I like doing GOTV. Doing this is like taking a hit if you’re a political junkie like yours truly…
Betty Cracker
I’m starting my canvassing shift here in FL at 10 AM. Fired up! Ready to go!
Maude
@Betty Cracker:
Make sure you have a chicken under each arm. They’ll pay attention.
amk
Keep up the fight Dennis, Psifighter et.al.
gene108
@Maude:
How bad is it in your end of Jersey?
Down in South Jersey we’re pretty much normal.
Surprised people don’t drive an hour down here to get gas, instead of waiting in line for 1 hour in parts north.
Hope OfA stays active, so the Democrats have a fighting chance for the mid-terms in 2014. Shuttering OfA after 2008 was a bad move.
A Ghost To Most
As a misanthrope who would only cause damage by knocking on doors, please accept my humble awe and thanks for what you all are doing.
My contribution is to keep quiet and send money.
the Reverend boy
In Key West, we have been greeted by a bunch of college aged folks canvassing for President Obama and house candidate Joe Garcia. And I have received a phone call from the local Democratic party from a guy with a young voice. Our state rep candidate, Ian Whitney has been out in full force, and he is also a young guy. They are nothing of not engaged down here.
Maude
@gene108:
We are lucky. In the county, a lot of people don’t have power. A health club that is huge offers free showers.
I don’t know about gas.
Places offer free cell phone charging.
I’ll know more when I take the bus Tuesday. The drivers know everything.
I couldn’t all the 800 Thursday. ATT was out. I’ll try tomorrow. It’s para transit and I have to arrange the ride to the store. The ride back is a local, no reservation needed.
We used to have 2 buses, but that got cut. It would take an hour to get to the store and I can’t do that because I now get queasy.
HRA
Thank you to all of you for doing GOTV. My admiration has no bounds.
I just had what I hope is the last round with a far R relative in Columbus. He’s been reduced to attacking FEMA. To me, this signals a floundering and hopefully a last minute desperation for his ticket.
JPL
@greennotGreen: You have an important job. Take care of yourself! There will be other elections for you to volunteer.
I can’t figure out why you were in moderation.. no ga.mb.in.g, no blue p.i.l.ls…. hmmm
kay
We have our final election protection lawyer meeting at 6 PM. I haven’t gotten any helpers yet, but last time they didn’t show up until the Monday prior and they were OH lawyers from urban areas, so I imagine we’ll get a couple here shortly.
JPL
@HRA: FEMA is only as good as its leader. Bush anointed Brownie so FEMA would fail. That policy did not work for the people of New Orleans.
Punchy
@HRA: In C-bus? Hes clearly a Buckeye fan, which means he’s pompous and dickish to begin with. Perfect teatard resumè.
geg6
Did GOTV yesterday and, when I found someone at home, it was a good conversation. A couple were not so sure about O, but I explained to them that if they were voting for other Dems (which they said they were) that those Dems needed the big guy at the top to get things done. I think I changed a couple of minds. One lady was so enthused that she dragged me over to her neighbor’s home (who wasn’t on the list) and made me make my pitch to them.
Can’t do GOTV today as I have to do some things for my real life, but I’m signed up on Tuesday to drive voters to the polls. That will be so much fun!
Schlemizel
@greennotGreen:
Hang tough, it has to get better for you. Are you in a state that allows ‘alternatives’ for standard anti-nausea meds? We are doing our part, you do yours & get through this.
Elizabelle
@greennotGreen:
Chemo up, and you be healthynotSick ASAP. Best to you.
@gene108:
Yes, yes, yes. Non-negotiable. We should have been out on the doors, setting the stage for healthcare/the Affordable Care Act (in broad terms) before the rightwing derailed that fight with nonsense about death panels and no one had read the bill.
We must insist on four more years for OFA too.
geg6
Completely OT from election news, I just finally changed my BJ calendar to November. And there is a picture of an adorable puppy named Tucker that looks like a miniature of my Otis. Too cute, whoever it is that owns Tucker!
Linda Featheringill
Interesting thread over on dkos about women who support obama in spite of their right wing hubbies.
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2012/11/04/1155225/-White-Woman-in-Pickup-Truck-Gave-Obama-Supporters-Clandestine-Thumbs-Up-Her-Husband-Couldn-t-See
A secret ballot is a wonderful thing.
The Ancient Randonneur
As the father of two young daughters (Fifth graders) I am very motivated to make sure Romney goes back to being a private citizen and disaf*ckingpears from my computer screen. Turned in my absentee ballot last week so I could go to another part of the state and help GOTV. Obama will probably carry NH and I hope that helps sweep in Carol Shea Porter and Annie Kuster to the House, Maggie Hassan to the Governorship, and me to much more comfortable nights of rest knowing we staunched the wingnut onslaught of 2010. OFANH has a very committed and organized bunch of paid and volunteer staff members here in the Granite State.
Tom Levenson said he would be helping out here in NH so if I bump into him (which is highly unlikely, but would be fun) I will make sure to introduce myself.
Humanities Grad
Going out to canvas for GOTV in my small Ohio town at 1:00 this afternoon. I think at this point we’re no longer working on convincing undecideds (if there are any of them left). It’s just making sure that all the good guys get out and vote.
Weather looks like it’ll be decent this afternoon. Going to need to check the forecast for Tuesday.
Maude
@The Ancient Randonneur:
Tom is a hottie.
kay
@Linda Featheringill:
We had an Obama 08 voter here who brought in her McCain 08 husband. He’s a contractor (he did my upstairs bathroom) and they bought health insurance thru the preexisting condition plan, with a federal subsidy. They went from paying 900 a month to 350. He’s an Obama voter this time.
Joel
I’m planning on making a minor (phonebanking) contribution today. Many thanks to those putting boots on the ground.
geg6
@Humanities Grad:
If you’re anywhere near the PA border, our weather forecast says partly sunny and high about 50. Should be a good day and no excuses due to weather.
SiubhanDuinne
@greennotGreen:
@greennotGreen:
Putting you in moderation seems like adding insult to injury. Is “chemo” on the list? (Guess I’ll find out when I press the submit button.)
Take care of yourself. Good wishes for a speedy recovery.
the Conster
@kay:
That’s exactly what Bill Kristol was afraid would happen and warned Republicans about back during Clinton’s administration. It’s happening! Bwaaaaahaaahaaahaa
SiubhanDuinne
@SiubhanDuinne:
Nope.
Ash Can
You know, as much as we trash the news reports that insist that Obama and Romney are neck-and-neck and the idiots in the media who keep pushing the horse-race narrative, if they keep lower-info voters from being complacent and spur every would-be Obama voter to get out and vote, I can’t feel too bad about them.
Elie
@greennotGreen:
Take care of you and we will take care of what is needed. May your spirit stay strong …
Humanities Grad
@geg6:
Nah, I’m on the other side of the state (near Dayton). But the forecast here looks to be about the same. Sunny and high 40s. Not bad for this time of year, shouldn’t be anything that’ll have a depressing impact on turnout.
kay
The NYT has a piece on how Ryan will be the Dick Cheney of domestic policy, which they’ve been planning since the moment he was selected.
So all that bullshit from pundits about Moderate Mitt was just that, bullshit that they pulled out of their ass based on absolutely nothing.
Is there ever going to be accountability on how millionaire media figures make stuff up? Do these liars ever get fired for misleading people?
gogol's wife
@kay:
No.
Why does Maureen Dowd still have a column?
Elizabelle
two comments in moderation. Frack you WordPress?
(second is reconstruction of the first. Thought I’d hit refresh instead of submit)
the Conster
@kay:
What do you think Dick Cheney polls at these days – under 10% favorability? I say let them all fly their freak flags together, and see how it works out for them long term.
Percysowner
I canvassed for 5 hours yesterday and I’m signed up to go in Monday and Tuesday and do whatever they need me to do. I’m in a fairly Democratic city, so for the most part I’ll just be making sure people actually vote and that they know where to vote, they moved precincts in my city and with Husted being well who he is, they need to know where they actually vote.
MomSense
Running phonebanks into NH. The results look good! We just have to keep working through Tues when the polls close!
Brother Shotgun of Sweet Reason
@geg6: I did it the other way around. Found a guy who wasn’t voting for president but convinced him to vote all the downticket Ds. Obama can spare one vote in PA, but House, state, and local races in this Pennsyltucky county need every one they can get.
Linda Featheringill
@greennotGreen:
As you are stuck in the house today, you might like playing with this map, which is an interactive predict-the-electoral-votes game, sort of.
http://www.270towin.com/
It’s kind of fun.
P.S. Get better!
gene108
@kay:
The genius of Mitt Romney in Presidential politics is he’s able to appear to be all things to all people.
He’s a conservative because he picked Ryan for V.P.
He’s a moderate because of what he said in his 1994 Senate campaign and as governor of Massachusetts.
The media just gave up trying to figure out what Mitt is and just gives him a platform to talk about whatever’s on his mind at the moment.
kay
@gene108:
Romney hasn’t given an interview since late September. He hasn’t answered a question since early October. They’re not “letting him talk”. They’re filling in blanks with their own voice.
I watched part of an interview Jake Tapper had with Susan Rice. Romney’s people refused an invite so Tapper SPOKE FOR THEM. He presented their argument. There is absolutely no incentive for these people to appear if media are going to play Mitt Romney. None. Why should Romney appear? He has Jake Tapper!
Have they not noticed that Mitt Romney says nothing? Where, then is his message coming from? It’s coming from media figures.
kay
@gene108:
CNN are the absolute masters at this. One side shows up. The other side doesn’t. So they show a clip of the person who didn’t show up and ask the person in the room to “respond”
WTF? The side who didn’t show up gets free play of their message with no risk of follow-up questions while the person sitting there gets grilled?
In what world is this fair? I wouldn’t show up under those terms.
TooManyJens
After an organizational clusterfuck yesterday, managed to walk a precinct dropping lit. Unfortunately, it didn’t have the polling place information. ::sigh:: Tomorrow and possibly v. v. early Tuesday morning, I’ll be dropping lit with polling place information. I might be making phone calls on Tuesday as well.
@geg6:
Nice!
CarolDuhart2
@Linda Featheringill: I played with the map and got 370. My reasoning is that Claire McCaskill and that guy in Indiana unexpectedly pulls their state over the finish line due to cross-over moderate Republicans. It would be by a very narrow margin-this may get into the provisionals and a possible recount to do it. Thankfully, Obama’s core states add up to at least 270.
I’m going to make a few phone calls today. Not much more than that this time around-I go to work very early in the morning so I have to go to bed early. I’ve already voted weeks ago, so Election Night when I get up to go to work, I hope to see an Obama victory on all the sites.
greennotGreen is why we are working so hard. Thanks to the ACA, he’s going to be able to get and keep his coverage without being penalized for his cancer.
I’m also a beneficiary of the ACA already. Had a mammogram and a pap with no copay (one hadn’t been done for 10 years, the other for 2 years). Both were fine, but it’s nice to know that instead of worrying and guessing. How many lives will that save? So I voted for Obama and hope to see more of the ACA implemented.
Baud
This thread is inspiring. Thank you.
PsiFighter37
Goddamn it’s cold out here. No warmer than 40, but I’ve already gotten 5 Obama supporters in this neighborhood. Back to pounding pavement here
TooManyJens
@PsiFighter37: We’ll keep a hot toddy ready for you!
ruemara
@greennotGreen: We get to cheer from the sidelines. You concentrate on getting better. I was hoping to help walk precincts, but I’m busy coughing up the old blood and thinking non-bleedy thoughts. Thanks you guys, for everything you’re doing. without the ACA, I would not be able to afford my medication.
Judas Escargot, Bringer of Loaves and Fish Sandwiches
No matter who wins on Tuesday, I will remember this as the year that so many in MSM finally stopped pretending not to prefer R over D.
As recently as 2008, professionalism required at least a thin veneer of the appearance of objectivity (though you could often find subtle bias if you were looking for it). Those days are likely gone.
Were Romney the one with an 80% chance of winning, CNN would already be contemplating who “President-Elect Romney” would be choosing for cabinet members. But nope, it’s too close to call. Neck and neck. Anybody’s guess.
fuddmain
I plan to knock on some doors tomorrow evening here in Orlando. Fortunately, the weather should be nice, so my slightly tubby self won’t be too sweaty when people open the door.
I’m currently looking for work, so I have all day off Tuesday to help out :-)
Hungry Joe
My precinct-walking has been and will be for the San Diego mayoral election: Rep. Bob Filner to defeat Tea Party libertarian loon/Gingrich spawn Carl DeMaio. Also in favor of Prop. 30 (schools) and against Prop. 32, a corporate-funded attack on unions. Will keep plugging away till Tuesday evening because it’s going to be close.
In ’08 I went to Nevada with some friends to canvass for Obama, but this year I’ve just sent $$.
CarolDuhart2
@Judas Escargot, Bringer of Loaves and Fish Sandwiches: So true, JE. The folks we see on TV are the 1% now, and hate the prospect of paying another nickel of tax. They hang out now with the 0.5 percent and want to join them. When was the last time the talking heads have talked to anyone who makes minimum wage that doesn’t work for them or serve them in some way?
Secondly, we are seeing the “Southern Strategy” backfire in a big way. The national polls are being padded by polls in states Romney will win easily. They have a lot of folks, but the Electoral College makes that irrelevant (we vote by states). So if Romney wins Alabama by another 10k votes it doesn’t matter. What does matter is that most of the pretty big states in the North have turned blue-so blue that Obama has at least 240 Electoral votes before a single vote has been cast. To win the Presidency you have to have a national reach, and the Republicans are increasingly placing their eggs in a Southern Basket that just isn’t wide enough to hold the Presidency.
a hip hop artist from Idaho (fka Bella Q)
@greennotGreen:
@ruemara: You both have the important job of getting better. Other folks are putting boots on the ground – which includes voices over the phone and election protection lawyer volunteers at the polls (::raises hand::) so that everyone will have the opportunity to get well.
Thinking thoughts of healing for you, and remember how you motivate us.
shortstop
Great long day in Milwaukee yesterday. Very positive neighborhood full of motivated Obama voters who just wanted assistance locating polling places, confirming that early voting had ended, finding out how to same-day register, double-checking what ID they needed, etc. Good, tangible progress in getting our people to the polls.
Very different from last Saturday and Sunday in Toledo, where lawns on our walk sheets were more or less evenly alternating between Romney and Obama signs, and voters of either stripe were vocally weary of canvassers. But that work was important, too, if not as immediately gratifying!
Another Halocene Human
@kay: I didn’t realize that was already available.
Susan K of the tech support
Here in CA, I phone banked into Colorado yesterday. Will do a shift today, and may do shifts Monday and Tuesday at my local OFA office.
Had a fun revelation yesterday n between calls to Colorado. I remembered this: My grandfather was born in a Colorado mining camp in 1900. (he died in 2001, having lived through the entire 20th century) He told me a story about how his dad told him to take the car — a model T — and drive out to outlying areas to bring people in to vote….. in the 1912 Presidential election.
100 years later, I am also helping to get out the vote in Colorado.
And have told this story to voters when it seems appropriate (it was great talking to the guy who said he was sick of all the calls, I said I will make it quick and then finished with this story, so he went from “grrrr” to “no kidding? Really?” another woman — an Obama supporter, said, “hey! I want to drive people to the polls!” So Colorado got another volunteer.
And, of course, this 100-year story keeps the smile on my face and in my voice when I call.
And yep, Colorado was swing back then. My Grandmother, an Irish Catholic democrat, was married to a nice Republican man who told his son to drive the car to take people to the polls.
Comrade Bukharin
Still worried. The “revenge” remark looks like it may be a game changer. Seems to be getting huge play in MN.
TooManyJens
@Comrade Bukharin:
No.
Sandia Blanca
Down here in sunny Austin, a huge group of enthusiastic Dems are calling into Broward County, Florida. The poor Floridians have wised up and are mostly not answering their phones, but of those who did answer, the vast majority support the President, and several had already voted (in spite of having to wait in line). Hey, Florida, answer your phone and tell us what we want to hear, and we’ll stop calling you!