Experiences of a First-Time Canvasser

scanter

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Sunday September 28, 2008 · 7:29 AM PDT

2008/09/28 · 07:29

Until yesterday, I approached politics as a spectator sport. I watched every "game", yelled at the TV in support of my candidate, and complained bitterly when the best person didn't win.

But this election is too important to spend on the sidelines. If Obama doesn't win, I truly am afraid for this country. I'm not sure we can survive four more years of the last eight years. I'm not sure the world will ever forgive us for passing on our best hope.

So yesterday, I did what is practically inconceivable for someone like me who is essentially an introvert. I joined the ranks of Obama volunteers and went canvassing in northeast Philly - a swing area. I knocked on doors and talked to strangers. It was very scary at first, but that evaporated over time. I had fascinating conversations at house after house. I learned a lot about the electorate in this country, and I was able to convince some voters that Obama really can help get this country out of the hole it's in.

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