It may be a bit early to start trying to find the ways 'our side' blew it, but I'm ready to stop crying and start doing something constructive. Rather than talk about all the things we could have done differently, I'd like to focus just on get out the vote efforts since it's pretty clear that's one area we were conclusively out-organized.
Also, I haven't heard one peep from MoveOn, ACT or the local democratic offices soliciting feedback. That's pretty understandable considering how shell-shocked we all feel, but we really need to get started.
One issue that concerns me is that we may never have these levels of funding again. I, on a grad-students stipend, contributed a lot of money I couldn't really afford. I don't regret it, but I might be more cautious next time in being sure my money is being well-used. I'm probably not the only one who'll have that reaction, either. I get the sense that some groups (MoveON Leave No Voter Behind) threw a bunch of money into a last-ditch, rushed and deeply flawed GOTV effort. Necessary? Yes. But how effective was it in dollars --> votes terms?
There's really no contact or feedback options on the MoveOnPAC site, and no indication that they'll be talking to their volunteers. I imagine that many people involved in MoveOn, ACT, etc., visit this site - so lets give them some feedback.
So -- What were your GOTV experiences like? I don't mean 'tell us your war stories'. I mean, what about your GOTV activities seemed to work? What was ineffective? Remember that The Cult reads this site, too, so don't post any state secrets. And be constructive. We've had all the recriminations we need - it's time to start working for 2006.