The first time I canvassed was in Las Vegas, in the last week of October 2004. While I certainly enjoyed the feeling of having done something politically active and positive I can't honestly say it was a particularly enjoyable experience. For every friendly and supportive person that answered the door there was usually at least one suspicious and sometimes contemptuous person to match them.
For this election I thought I'd give phone banking a shot for my volunteer-time. I used to work doing PC support over the telephone so I figured it wouldn't be totally unfamiliar territory... but I quickly came to know the difference in attitude between someone who called me to ask for help and someone who I called to ask for help. Maybe I picked the wrong stack of numbers to call... but I sure walked away feeling like I'd gotten a generally hostile response.
So instead of volunteering my time I've mostly been volunteering my money this year... but as the big day draws closer my inactivity is causing me too much guilt to bear. I've gotta do something! So... what is a fickle young Democrat (of questionably pure commitment) to do?
Well, it occurred to me that there might be a way to make canvassing a bit more fun. I enjoyed what at best could have been described as an awkward mutual esteem for my partner in 2004. What if it had been a pretty, single, Democratic lady walking with me instead? Inspiration struck and I knew what I could do to provide the incentive to get my canvassing shoes on this weekend. It was time to post a personal ad on Craigslist.
It is the perfect plan! I would post an ad to convince someone to go on a canvassing date with me. This could work out to everyone's benefit! I'd get a date out of it at, as would my companion, plus a great candidate would get two volunteers, and one of them might even be participating in the political process for the first time. Our date would contribute to Jerry winning the election, which in turn contributes to the Democrats taking control of the house, which in turn will help save the planet. I can't see a downside.
If you are on the fence about volunteering this year, and are single, maybe you should give this a shot. I'll post my ad below as a little example. Even if I don't get a response I'm still pounding the pavement this weekend for Jerry... and if I can get out there anybody can.
OK, if you are reading this there is a pretty good chance there are at least two situations in your life that you aren't totally satisfied with.
First, you are looking for something in the dating realm. Maybe a LTR, maybe a STR, maybe an acronym I've never heard of that involves paraplegic farm animals and adult diapers. If the idea of going on a date with a young, successful, ambitious, genuine man tickles your fancy then we've got something to talk about... at least we might. Read the next paragraph to find out.
Usually a personal ad involves someone running down a list of their qualifications and interests, something like a dating resume. I'm not terribly interested in that, I'd rather talk about it with you face to face. Instead of that let's discuss what our date this weekend is going to be. Saturday & Sunday I'll be going door to door for Democratic congressional candidate Jerry McNerney trying to convince cantankerous residents of Dublin & Tracy to vote for Jerry and not for their staggeringly corrupt Republican incumbent, Rich Pombo. This is one of the MOST important congressional contests this election, and if you haven't spent any time volunteering or going on dates with me this year, or ever, this is the time to do it!
Here is the plan: We meet Saturday or Sunday in the morning and go grab french toast & coffee at Rick & Ann's in Berkeley. From there we head over the hill to the central valley to spend a couple of hours canvassing for a great Democrat. I promise to regale you with jokes and stories the whole way. By the end of the day you'll feel great - you did something that will have a tangible effect on making the country a better place, and you'll know a great new guy who you might even go on a second date with.
See you this weekend...
Hopefully I'll see some of your Kossacks this weekend too.