I missed zenbowl's
diary yesterday critical of the canvassing event here in Maryland to reach drop off Democratic voters until today. Actually, I received a reference to it in an e-mail, and I went to look for it today to see what all the bru-ha-ha was about.
Some of the critique with regard to the canvass may have been valid, but I too was canvassing in my area, and I thought I would share my experience -- which on the whole was positive -- and also add some of my views on how we can canvass more intelligently in order to win in November.
Overall, my canvass experience went well. While many people were not home, those we did reach indicated they were voting Democractic come November. Many of those we spoke with wanted to help out even more. We have possible recruits for volunteers and precinct captains. This is what is desperately needed where I live, and to see such a positive response increased my optimism for November.
Partially in response to the criticism from yesterday, here's my advice to everyone who goes out and knocks a door:
1. Know you audience. Attempt to assess who you are talking to before you get to the door. Look at the sheet for age, sex, other demographic information. Take a look at the cars in the driveway. Look for bumper stickers, etc. Drive around the neighborhood a few times before starting the canvass. Be aware of the socio-economic and demographics of the area. All of this is critical for when you get to the door and do your "elevator speech". Which leads to point number two...
2. Ditch the script. That's right, just ditch it. Our organizer specifically said to us, "Look, you have a script in there, but I can't tell you what to say at the door. Do what works best for you." 90% of the critique I saw in response to the diary yesterday was due to what was perceived as a poor script. So, don't use it. Tailor your message to who you see at the door. For instance, many people bemoaned the lack of "Iraq" as an issue on the survey we were supposed to take yesterday. Well, news flash kids: this canvass was organized by the Maryland Democratic Party. As the state Central Committee meeting back in June when they rolled out their plans for the coordinated campaign, they gave us the issues they wanted to poll on. And because their primary goal is to get Martin O'Malley elected Governor, they aren't going to worry about Iraq as an issue, because the Governor has no influence over it. None. Granted, I'd like to see a few more issues in the poll -- the environment comes to mind -- but I didn't get to make that choice. So, when I get to the door, I assess who I'm talking to, and go from there. Where I was yesterday was a high military area. I spoke with a gentleman who recently retired from the Air Force. I shared with him that my father-in-law is an Air Force retiree as well. We made a connection . That's what counts -- anything to get them to the polls. We can sit here and bemoan the fact that the party message ignores Iraq, but what happens if we do nothing but Iraq all the time? Doesn't necessairly equate to votes. If Iraq works at the door, great. Assess that when you are there. Otherwise, connect with them on another level, even if it is personal. Remember, we are supposed to be conversing with our neighbors, not dictating politics from above.
3. Remember, this is canvass #1 in many, many to come. In MD, the specific target of the coordinated campaign is "drop off Dems" -- i.e., those Democrats who vote in presidential years, but not in off-Presidential years. The goal is to ID them and increase their turnout. Those seen as strong Ds are going to be contacted about three more times before Election Day. So I wouldn't despair that "we are going to lose" based on one poor canvass performance.
4. Half of this battle is just showing up. Many of the areas we are hitting with door knocking have been neglected by the party for some time. Many of the people I spoke to were just plain happy to see Democrats getting out and doing something. Many of your neighbors are Democrats and you may not even know it. It's all about connecting with them...and being proud Democrats.
5. Live near Maryland and discouraged with yesterday? Stay tuned. I'm planning a party building canvass in the near future, within the next couple of weeks. Come on down to where I live and knock some doors with me and our group of committed Dems...and then we'll feed you some BBQ at my place. Stay tuned for details...
That's all I really have to say. I certainly wouldn't judge the strength of the party after one bad canvassing experience. And believe me, I'm one who seeks improvement in everything we do. We've only just begun this fight...and we need to solider on.
But what bothers me is to see so many so-called "gate crashers" being dependent upon a party apparatus for the success or failure of what should be a localized canvass with your neighbors. Aren't we the ones that should be changing things? If so, do what you need to do to convince people to be Democrats. If you don't like what the party is giving you, don't use it...get people to the polls through the powers of persuasion.
We can't just say, "Well, the party doesn't know what they are doing...we're going to lose." The stakes are too high.
We need to make it happen. Otherwise, who will?