Well, the kids are in bed. The kitchen is mostly clean. I have a pile of paperwork on my desk I need to deal with, but for the next hour my time belongs to Obama.
From my experiences in the primaries, I would judge myself only a middlin' caller. I don't think quickly and often can't come back with a quick response when someone challenges an Obama position. Give me a neutral person who is willing to listen, however, I think make a strong and friendly case why Obama is a great candidate and is this country's best choice in November.
So I am using the phonebank tool on the Obama website today for the first time since the primaries. I have two little boys and my heart aches anytime I think them growing up under a dominant Republican party. This is what I am doing tonight. What are you doing? Anyone want to join me?
I think I'll call New Mexico. I don't feel up for Ohio yet and I used to live next door in AZ, so it might be easier to make connections.
Phonebanking tool
A very nice FAQ if you have any questions:
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I get started calling?
Thanks for your interest in making calls! To get started, first choose a state to call. Once in the calling campaign select, Click here to get started. Next, log into your My.BarackObama account. If you’ve never logged in before, it will only take a moment to create an account.
After logging in, you'll see a list of people to call. If you do not immediately see your list just click, request more numbers. Calling lists are available from 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. in the time zone of the state you're calling into. Next to your list you'll see, preview call script, which you may want to read over before you begin.
When you're ready, click on the first person's name and the page will display their number along with the beginning of the script. When you click the button that corresponds with their response, you'll see the next part of the script. Just make sure to click Done at the end of the call. After you click Done the program will bring you to the next number. For more information on how to get started, you can listen in to a calling tutorial and calling tips.
- What are the most important calls for me to make?
You can always find the highest priority calls to make at My.BarackObama.com/call.
- How do I make calls offline?
You now have the option to print off the script and list of numbers, make calls offline, and then return to record your call results online.
To get started calling, go to My.BarackObama.com/call and select the state you'd like to call. After logging in, select, Call Contacts Offline under Your Action. This will bring you into Offline Calling Mode where you can Print Call Script and Print Call List.
Once you've printed off the script and call list, feel free to log off the internet and leave the computer to make your calls. While making the calls, mark down the responses on your paper list. After you have completed all of your calls, please be sure to log back into the calling campaign and record your results by going to My.BarackObama.com/call.
It is so important to report your call results. You can enter the call results by going to Enter Printed Call List Results.
- If I live abroad can I still make calls?
You may make calls from abroad. Just remember to check for the time difference. Each calling campaign is available from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the time zone of the state you’re calling into.
- How old do I have to be to call?
You must be at least 13 years of age to make calls using the online calling tool.
- Do I pay for the calls I make?
Volunteer callers using the online calling tool pay for their own calls. The campaign cannot reimburse you for the calls you make. Many callers take advantage of free cell phone minutes on evenings and/or weekends to make calls.
- The phone numbers seem to be running together or are too small to read.
To make the names and numbers easier to read, go to View at the top of your browser. Next select, Text Size or Increase Text Size. This should allow you to increase the text, which will make the names and numbers easier to distinguish from one another.
- What is the best response to mark if the person called is deceased?
If you call someone who has passed away, please mark Wrong Number so that they will not be called again.
- If I reach a disconnected number, what response should I mark?
If you reach a disconnected number, please mark Wrong Number so the number will not be called again.
- Why do some voters receive duplicate calls?
Many voters are not used to being in the spotlight during the primary election and may be surprised at the attention. It is possible that the same voter will be called for various reasons, such as to early vote and then to vote on election day. There is also a chance that a voter will receive a call from a local organizer as well as a national volunteer caller. If you speak with someone who is concerned about receiving numerous calls, please apologize and remind them that it is because the stakes are so high in this election and their role is so valuable in choosing the Democratic nominee.
If anyone else is phonebanking tonight, I'd love to see how you are doing!