Canvassing for Obama today in a very conservative small city in this battleground state (Wisconsin), I came off the streets after 5 hours feeling . . . elated. That is not an exaggeration, and it's not because of finding lots of Obama supporters.
So what's to feel so good about? The campaign plan for this state is working. That plan emphasizes listening to people, especially undecided voters, talk about their issues and concerns. Many undecided voters on my route today in response to "have you decided who you're supporting for President?" looked deeply troubled, paused, and then started talking. They often expressed uncertainty about Obama (mostly because of perceived inexperience). Then, often, they would begin to talk about specific issues of concern: the war, gas prices (often), the economy, health care . . . you know the issues. The next comment, often, expressed the idea that the last eight years have not been good, and that maybe . . . it's time for a change. In many cases, these folks have usually voted for Republican candidates, but I could see them really thinking, and the longer they talked and I listened, the more they seemed to move toward Obama. When people start talking, they also take time to think more slowly, sometimes, and if they really take time to think, how could they not move toward Obama?
Another reason to feel good: Many people in this very pleasant, prosperous, nicely-kept newer neighborhood said something like: "I'm comfortable, doing well, but I'm really concerned for my adult (or very young) children, and I know lots of other people are really having trouble with job losses, the faltering economy, high gas prices . . ." If this is what's on people's minds, how can they not move toward Obama?
Have you felt grief and rage as our nation has sunk deeper and deeper into an abyss of constitutional violation, international thuggery, corporate rapaciousness, vicious economic injustice, suppression of science and logic, and celebration of of stupidity and ignorance? Then get your feet out on the street and walk the walk for Obama. Contact your local campaign office or search barackobama.com for "events" by zip code and sign up for canvassing. Listening to people talk about the issues, and occasionally providing information and encouragement, will make you feel better: more human, more hopeful, more alive.
And you might help get Barack Obama elected president.