I just got a telemarketing phone call where I listened to a guy extoll Barack Obama's virtues and tell me that we need to get out the vote. I agreed of course. The guy then asked me if I could donate $250.00 tonight.
I said, "No. I just donated to the campaign through the Donate web page on Sunday night" (two nights ago).
He said, "That is not enough"...
I was then told that I needed to urgently contribute more money now to help Barack Obama.
I said, "I have been contributing to Barack Obama once or twice a month, since the primaries, and that adds up to a lot of money. I plan on donating more just as soon as I have it."
Then the guy said, "Can you make a pledge tonight that you will send Barack Obama $100.00? I'll send you the pledge materials and within 30 days you will be able send in your contribution."
I said, "That won't be necessary. I will have made another contribution before it even gets here."
Then the telemarketer said, "But Barack Obama needs the money now. He needs you to make a pledge."
I said, "Fine, I donated two nights ago, putting it on my MasterCard, from his Donation web page".
"You used your MasterCard?"
"Yes."
The telemarketer insisted, "We really need for you make a pledge tonight. You can put it on your MasterCard."
"I think you're missing my point. I *JUST* gave a donation two nights ago. There will be more coming, but not tonight."
"Well, if you know you are going to be donating anyway, why not just make a pledge and let us send you the materials in the mail."
"No, I'm not doing that. I will give when I feel it is appropriate for me to do so. Look, I am becoming offended by this call..."
"Hello, this is the floor supervisor. The guy you were talking to just started two nights ago, so you have to excuse him. But what I think he was getting at, is that you could make a pledge tonight, and then send the money later. Could I have your pledge tonight?"
"No. I will continue to make my donations through the Donate web page."
His voice became more forceful, "Look, Barack Obama has paid for this call!. You might as well make your pledge to us tonight."
I replied, "No. Barack Obama did not pay for this call. I paid for this call through my previous donations! Please put me on your 'do not call' list."
"Okay." Click.
It is a good thing I am such an ardent supporter of Barack Obama, because my initial feeling after such an unpleasant call was to not donate any more money. A few seconds later, I regained my composure, and chalked it up to telemarketer abuse.
Still, I had to ask myself, "Is Telefund, Inc., putting their interest in getting commissions for pledges ahead of the good will of the Obama supporters and potential contributors? Is this telemarketing company hurting Obama's relations with voters?"