Yesterday, at 9:30 at night in Oakland, my doorbell rang. "What the hell?" I thought. Turning on my porch light, I opened the door to see a lone college student with a clipboard. She had the brave yet fragile look of one who has mustered just enough courage to peel herself off the wall and ask someone to dance.
She immediately began marching through what was obviously her prepared talking points.
"Hi, I'm Allison, and I'm here on behalf of--"
"Yes, I can see that." I pointed at her nametag.
"Oh, right." She laughed nervously. "We just got those. Um, so I'm here on behalf of the Kerry campaign and we really really have to get George Bush out of the White House because..."
I let her reach the end of her canned speech, opening my door wide. I listened with a friendly smile, nodding in agreement as she went along. When she stopped for breath, I spoke up.
"I really appreciate what you're doing here tonight. I went door-to-door in Iowa and New Hampshire for Howard Dean, and I phone bank for Kerry every week. I know it's not easy. Thank you for doing this."
She looked stunned, then her shoulders relaxed and she laughed out loud. "Oh my God! It's so great to talk to someone who understands!!"
We talked for a little while, sharing war stories. She was very new to this; I was perhaps the 50th house she'd ever visited, and this was her first political capaign of any sort. I cautioned her not to stay out too late by herself, this being an urban environment and all, and apologized for some of my ruder neighbors.
I shared with her my canvassing mantra: "Remember, windshield flyers in parking lots have a 1% hit rate. If I can beat that, I'm doing good."
Since this visit was to ask for contributions, I gave her $20 (even though I'd just given $100 the day before online) to encourage her and her canvassing group.
But the most important thing I gave Allison that night was hope and renewed energy. Remember to encourage your fellow citizens and volunteers every chance you get.
I make a point of thanking the GOTV people at folding tables outside my local market. When I get a call or a visit, I smile and give the volunteer as much joy and gratitude as I can muster.
Talking to my friends and co-workers, I am my own little version of the Sunshine Kid, giving people hope for the future under Kerry. Many of them are despondent at the state of our nation and government, and some just don't know enough about Kerry to be hopeful. So I cheerfully tell them about this or that feature of Kerry's plans, and give them hope.
It's about hope, guys.
As people have been commenting in kid oakland's recent diaries, America is ready to fire George. Every day, in every conversation, is your chance to demonstrate why Kerry is the embodiment of hope. He's thoughtful. He's accountable. He actually has a plan. And he has the right priorities.
And, he's supported by the happiest, most hopeful goddamn people on the planet. You and me.