Another huge turnout for Bernie on Sunday in Des Moines, standing room only, baby! Bernie Standers! (heh) Below are my tips for finding and attending campaign events.
I'd love to see more overflow crowds for Bernie, especially in places conventional "wisdom" says he won't get support. The bigger the crowds, the harder it is for the MSM to say Bernie "doesn't have a chance."
Bernie's appearances are listed at:
BERNIE EVENT CENTRAL
Here are a few other places to track candidate appearances:
Governing Under the Influence, New Hampshire Events
Des Moines Register Iowa Candidate Tracker
NECN NH Candidate Tracker
Official Hillary Clinton Events
I couldn't find an events page for O'Malley, so please post it in the comments if you find one.
Tips for Events
1. Indoors? It will be hot
No matter how cold it is outside, or how good the AC is, it will be hot. Bring something to fan yourself with, like a piece of cardboard. Too many humans!
2. Outdoors? Sit down
Get there very early if it's outdoors, so you can sit down in the front while waiting. Doing this makes the whole event more comfortable for everyone, because the masses will copy you. People in the middle and back never sit down, even if it's an hour or two wait. It gets tedious and uncomfortable, plus, it wastes energy that could be used for cheering. Trust me, getting there an hour before "doors open" and sitting down up front is MUCH better than getting there on time ...and standing in line, then standing in the crowd, for hours!
3. Bring a Clear Trash Bag
Use it to sit on, protect yourself or your camera from the rain, and/or to clean up after the event. Trash bags are lightweight and big enough for 2/3 people to sit on. Clear is better simply because they look less goofy if you wear one, but white is better than black to sit on - black is hot and hides bugs crawling at your lunch.
4. Batteries and Memory Cards
Charge camera batteries and empty out your memory cards the day before, and bring extras. Don't forget to take photos of the crowd!
5. Getting Autographs - Bring a Sharpie
If you hope for an autograph, bring a Sharpie and something small but rigid to sign. The best place to get autographs is at the start of the handshake rope line, which typically starts on the opposite side of where the candidates exit the event. It's not always visible or obvious, so look for where staffers are congregating. Stake out a spot as early as possible.
IMPORTANT: Don't pull out a Sharpie until the candidate is right next to you. Security and/or handlers might tell you "no autographs" if they see Sharpies/pens in advance. It's their job to keep the candidate moving.
6. Beware of Giant Speakers!
Stay the hell away from them. They will likely start blaring shockingly loud music at you for HOURS, rendering you deaf for a week. Bring ear buds or ear plugs to night events, because the volume will make your brain rattle.
7. Bring snacks that won't crumble, stick, or melt
Raisins, nuts or fruit gummies and a small bottle of water all work well. Don't drink too much water, because bathrooms are rarely convenient. I always carry a few honey packets (stolen from KFC) in my Altoids tin, because I once stood next to a diabetic guy in a total panic, and a mom with a diabetic kid saved the day with a honey packet. I'm told raisins are good for this, too.
8. Security; Be Low Maintenance
Most early political events won't search you, but once Bernie has the nomination, expect to be searched. At that point, all your electronics must work or they'll be confiscated - so make sure you have enough battery power to turn them on for the security team. You can also expect to be searched at any event that a POTUS is attending, including former presidents and 1st families. (So, likely at Hillary events.)
9. Bring Paper Cards with Your Contact Info
You will find yourself chatting with others in the crowd, and you never know who you'll meet. You may take a photo that somebody in the crowd wants a copy of, or meet somebody organizing a Bernie group in your area. In a hot, loud crowd, it's much easier to hand over a card than deal with writing or typing into a phone. I have simple cards with only my first name and personal email address, which is more than enough to give to a stranger.
10. Be Noticeable, or Not!
I'm in the "not" category, personally. If you'd rather not make the news, carry a big camera and don't wear any words on your body.
If you like the idea of your photo plastered on the front page of your local newspaper, wear those neon green overalls and cover yourself in Bernie buttons. For the love of god, no obnoxious tie dyes or bongo drums. (I love hippie culture, but these images seem to be the media's cue to belittle progressives.) I posted information about becoming a bird dog and interacting with candidates on important issues below.
11. Expect it to Start Late
At least 30 minutes late, likely longer.
12. Don't Fill out Forms ... unless you mean it
Campaign volunteers will be handing out cards and/or clipboards asking people to sign up at the entrance. You don't have to fill them out, especially if you're already on the campaign list. They use these lists for robocalls, polling and fundraising. All important activities, but frankly, if you're already committed to Bernie, their efforts are wasted on you. If you want to volunteer and you're not already connected with the campaign, then sign up. Otherwise, don't bother.
13. Take pity on the little people.
If you notice a short person trapped in the shadows, be nice. You don't have to give up the spot you fought for, but why not offer take a picture for them? In fact, it's all digital now, take ten. :)
14. Just Go!
In my experience, you never have to RSVP/sign up to go to a political event, unless the listing says tickets are required. Chances are your local newspaper has the details about tickets. Google your local paper, the name/date of the event, and "tickets available" and you should find something. Typically they hand out tickets at field offices 3/4 days before the event, they're always free unless the event is billed as a fundraiser.
Las Vegas Town Hall Meeting with Bernie Sanders
Breakfast will be served at the event.
Time: Friday, June 19, 2015 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM PDT
Host: Bernie Sanders
Location:
Tam Alumni Center, University of Nevada, Las Vegas (Las Vegas, NV)
Tiberti Grand Hall
4505 South Maryland Parkway
Las Vegas, NV 89154
Charleston Town Meeting with Bernie Sanders
Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
Time: Sunday, June 21, 2015 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM EDT
Host: Bernie Sanders
Location:
ILA Union Hall (Charleston, SC)
1142 Morrison Drive
Charleston, SC 29403
Details available here.
Denver Town Meeting with Bernie Sanders
Time: Saturday, June 20, 2015 7:30 PM - 8:30 PM MDT
Host: Bernie Sanders
Location:
University of Denver (Denver, CO)
Hamilton Gymnasium at the Ritchie Center
2240 E. Buchtel Boulevard
Denver, CO 80208
Limited street parking is available in the surrounding area. On-site parking is available for $7 per vehicle.
Live in (or near) NH and want to become a news maker on the campaign trial? Become a bird dog!
Bird Dog Training
Thursday, June 18, 2015 - 5:30pm
Main Hall, 161 Londonderry Turnpike
Hooksett, NH
Sponsored by New Hampshire AFL-CIO
Sign up now on Facebook
As residents of the First-In-The-Nation Primary state, New Hampshire voters have unprecedented opportunities to interact with presidential candidates. "Bird dogging" is one tactic engaged citizens use to move important policy issues to the forefront of the public debate or influence a candidate's position. Effective bird dogs use tried-and-true techniques to improve the odds that they will get to ask questions at public forums - and to get the candidates to give a meaningful response.
Olivia Zink and Arnie Alpert of the New Hampshire Governing Under the Influence project will lead the fun, interactive workshop, where you will learn all the tips and tricks that bird dogging pros use to get a candidate's attention.
You can also sign up to attend with this secure, easy-to-use web form
All local union leaders, workers, and community allies who care about our rights at work and the future of working families are invited to participate. The training is free; light refreshments (pizza & soda) will be served.
Shout out to the nice Kossack somewhere in CA that bought this tshirt with my Bernie illustration on it - you're the only person with it! You're a true original, like Bernie. :)