I canvassed in Cary, NC this afternoon. Cary is one of the most crucial swing areas in one of the most crucial swing states in America. I feel blessed to live in an area in which I can potentially have such a powerful impact on the outcome of this election.
This post from newyorknewyork echoed my sentiments after watching Gov. Palin's speech on Wednesday night. The anger and frustration that so many of us felt after watching that speech must be channeled into positive action. When the story of this campaign is written, that speech, specifically her derogatory insinuation about community organizers, will be noted as quite possibly its most significant moment. Obama raised $8 million in the 24 hours after that speech. McCain raised $1 million. Obama's campaign offices here in NC were flooded with inquiries from potential volunteers. Palin managed to get Obama supporters more fired up and ready to go than anyone in the four days of the DNC was able to do.
I am committed to volunteering every Saturday between now and the election. I will make calls to voters several nights per week. I will recruit volunteers and help to get them out into the streets. I am more determined than ever to defeat the Republicans and their ignorant, selfish, hateful ways. We are all community organizers. And we are going to organize Barack Obama and Joe Biden into the White House.
Today I convinced two voters, one an independent who voted for Bush in 2000, another lifelong Republican, to at least seriously consider voting for Barack Obama on November 4. It was only two voters. If 1000 other volunteers convinced two people to vote for Obama today, however, and that happens every Saturday between now and November 4, Barack Obama is going to win North Carolina. And if that happens in every state that's in play between now and November 4, Barack Obama will be the next President of the United States.
Think about how terrible the pain will be if John McCain wins on Nov. 4. Use that pain to fuel your efforts between now and then. Think about how joyful you will be if Barack Obama wins, and we increase Democratic majorities in the House and Senate, and we take even more governor's mansions and state houses. Use that joy to inspire you to act.
We have an incredible opportunity before us right now to advance our progressive vision for America. Let's all do all that we can. Let's make history.