The Zen of Door Knocking
Submitted by Ed Ridpath on Sat, 11/17/2007 - 8:34pm
Today, we kicked off our door knocking campaign, and I could not be happier. I personally rang the doorbells to over 100 voters today. I talked to many folks who were home or working in the yard, and left my calling card if they were out.
The connection that is made when you approach a voter at their doorstep and submit to a “job interview” is priceless. I learn so much from each encounter, and that knowledge makes me better prepared to serve each voter as their Representative.
I have called door knocking the “heart and soul” of the campaign – it is both a winning strategy and the best way to serve these people I care about, because I know them and now they know me.
Trackback URL for this post:
http://bluenc.com/trackback/8222
- Ed Ridpath's blog
- Login or register to post comments
Right there with you
I have a feeling I was a little colder than you were today, and Im a few states away, but I was right there with you Ed.
In case anyone is curious, it hurts a little bit extra to knock on 100 doors when its cold out. I just hope that all of you get a chance to see the respect and admiration voters have when a candidate or a campaign worker knocs on their door in the cold, or rain or extreme heat.
"Keep the Faith"
Extreme Heat
In July/August it just gets disgusting - I would soak the walk list and clipboard with sweat, and people would offer me water or to come in and cool off. But it does show you are very serious.
I hope things are going well up north for you, and good luck!
---
Ed Ridpath
www.EdRidpath.com
Stay warm, Blue South
You're doing good, important work. I can't wait to read the book you write when this is over and we have a wonderful new Democratic era starting in the White House.
Be the change you wish to see in the world. --Gandhi
We know how you feel in Meck County!
1 Thessalonians 5:21: But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good.
Good luck with the knocking, Ed.
Proud of you!
Got back from my Sunday rounds..
And found my ditty front-paged. Thanks, BlueNC deities!
Today, I ran into an anti-immigrant R, literally spitting mad about "illegals and Latino gangs like M13[sic]". I redirected our conversation and may have salvaged his vote. I maybe got him to see a few things differently, too. I love a challenge!
It's obvious that the far-right is riling up anti-immigrant hate very successfully. Dole and many other R's are joining that band too. It's particularly frustrating running for a state office and getting beat up on what is basically a Federal issue. But there is a certain small bigoted minority that this issue really resonates with.
---
Ed Ridpath
www.EdRidpath.com
I know you're busy, but
I would love to hear how you handle that particular challenge, the logic that you use to get folks turned around to your way of thinking, or at least a little closer.
As for that particular man's vote - you walked up to his door and introduced yourself, and engaged him in conversation. I'd say that gives you the "he's a good guy" advantage. I've heard people say it here - "He's a Democrat, but I've met him, and he's a good guy." Actually - it's usually the other way around (Republican but a good guy.) I bet that's worth a few votes.
Be the change you wish to see in the world. --Gandhi
Immigration Common Ground
It's not too hard to find common ground:
1. Immigration in this country is broken, there are too many undocumented immigrants residing here (aka "illegal aliens")
2. Immigration is Federal issue.
3. Current laws need to be enforced, especially against employers who attract and exploit undocumented immigrants
4. Undocumented immigrants who are convicted of crimes should be deported.
5. Gangs are a serious crime problem that must be addressed.
Now it is one thing to point out a problem we agree on (too many undocumented immigrants) and another to address the spectrum of possible solutions - path to citizenship, guest worker program, "amnesty", mass deportation, increased/relaxed quotas, continued oppression/exploitation, etc.
Also, serious progressives may take exception to these statements, for example, should we deport someone for jaywalking and possibly break up a family? Or create law enforcement issues with suspicions of the police trying to pin anything on an immigrant to ship them off? Or close down a family farmer who relies on migrant workers to harvest the crop?
Again, we can find things to agree on, and in these conversations with voters I like to start and stop there. And I honestly feel that these folks who care about immigration will be well-served by someone like me who tries to address their real concerns without taking emotional shortcuts like "deport them all" or "build bigger fences"
That is why BlueNC is the "think tank" for discussion of these complex issues and policies.
---
Ed Ridpath
www.EdRidpath.com
fantastic.
I have a good feeling about your elect- ability. :)
Be the change you wish to see in the world. --Gandhi