Hope and expectations are different things. We can hope and work for victory in all of the Super Tuesday states, while expecting a different outcome. Despite all the narrowing polls, Clinton is still in the lead in most places and the heavy favorite. Obama is the underdog.
So, we need to keep that underdog mentality brimming with hope but tempered by the reality of Clinton's front-running status. And we do that by working our tails off today, tomorrow, and beyond.
This is an action diary, with action items and links in extended entry. One that I implore you all to recommend. And one that hopefully will be full of comments soon about other suggestions on how to give Obama a wind at his back.
And remember. Yes. We. Can.
Action items:
- Recommend this diary (please).
- Drop a comment on how you are helping Obama today.
- Send an individual email now (and follow-up Tuesday) to each of your Democratic family and friends in Super Tuesday states and independents and Republicans in open primary Super Tuesday states explaining why you support Obama, why he or she should support him, and asking them to vote for him on Tuesday. I recommend an individual email because blasting out one email to all your contacts is not as effective as sending one email tailored to each person's hopes and dreams and affiliations. That way, you can include the most relevant polling info (click here for a list of 2/5 state pages that each includes polling info at the top) as well as any video (like the Yes We Can song above) that you think would inspire that person. My other favorites are the Iowa speech and the South Carolina speech. You can further tailor your message depending on what issues are relevant to that person. I'll list your best suggestions on ways to tailor an email message in this box as you post them, starting with these:
Where this is true, I'd include in any email to independents or disaffected Republicans that McCain (in some cases Romney) is way ahead in that state, that they can vote in the Democratic primary, and that a vote for Obama would have much more impact given the proportional nature of the delegate awards and the narrow polls. Resources: TPM's GOP state of the race showing who leads where and individual state and national polls for both parties to show the disparity in competitiveness; A list of the open primaries and caucuses.
If you're emailing an LGBT voter, cutting and pasting the useful points in openly gay L.A. Councilman Bill Rosendahl's endorsement of Obama would be helpful depending on the person.
If you're emailing a Hispanic voter, the La Opinion endorsement is very good to pass along depending on the person.
From the comments: On Iraq, "Obama has a plan to bring the troops home by the end of 2009, in a safe and timely manner that reduces loss of life and protects American interests"
From the comments: On the Economy, "Obama will repair the economy by returning fairness to the tax code, protecting jobs here in the US, and supporting small businesses."
From the comments: On Health Care, "Obama has a great plan to provide every American with insurance. The key difference in his plan is an emphasis on access to care: he wants to make sure that providers accept the insurance so that you don't have to drive an hour to find someone who takes it."
(more)
- If you live in or near a Super Tuesday state -- here's the list again -- click that link to navigate to Obama's page for each Super Tuesday state. Each page includes information on finding nearby events and a way to sign up for volunteering. If you have additional state specific information (e.g., "We're meeting to canvas today at..."), please list in the comments with the location in the subject line. I'll try and list some in the box below unless I get overwhelmed (and I hope I do) with your suggestions.
(Waiting on your suggestions!)
- Even if you don't live in or near or a Super Tuesday state, you can help out Obama with phonebanking from your home to reach and turnout people in those states. What could be easier? Also, check for local events -- there may be nearby targeted phonebanking opportunities that you might be a fit for as well. If you have any useful persuasion points that you've been told, used, developed to use during these calls, please list them in the comments. I'll try to gather them up in this box:
If you reach a Republican or independent who supports Obama but doesn't think they can vote in the Democratic primary, check this A list of the open primaries and caucuses and let them know if they can.
(more coming ...)
- First update per comments: "Talk to your friends, neighbors, co-workers and families. Don't be heavy-handed but make sure you bring up Obama and why you support him. I've found that when I talk about how inspiring he is and how many people he brings into the process, that moves people. If you think they'd like the fabulous music video, send it to them. Going to a Super Bowl party? This is a great opportunity to talk politics."
- Second update per comments: Drop off food at a local HQ! "Volunteers need to eat & the campaign is not going to provide food. Certainly, many people are in the kitchen today - can you drop off one of those chips & dip to a campaign HQ?" Also helpful are drinks -- "People's throats get dry with all that phonebanking."
- Can you think of anything else? Have you done anything else? Let me know in the comments and I'll keep this diary updated with your great suggestions.
Yes We Can! Yes We Can! Yes We Can!
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