During the run-up to the Minnesota gubernatorial election, Democratic candidates called regularly for support, reminders, and money. This was all on top of public radio and public television pleas for more and more support.
Out of the blue, one evening I was surprised to be on the other end of the phone with a woman from the NRA; that is-- I have to repeat it for myself to underline that I was dealing with (holy moley, Rocky) the National Rifle Association.
I thought, "Wow! How did this happen?"
She had a perky voice, but with an edge to it. Fired her pitch at me like a Gatling gun, during which I let slip that I didn't own a gun, and she logic treed down the total 2nd Amendment, finishing, "So, can we count on you for a five year membership for $168?"
I said, "No-o-o..." and before I could explain she was off and running with now screeching 2nd Amendment talk that concluded, "Can we count on you for a three year membership for $125?"
I told her there just wasn't any good reason for me to join the NRA and I thought I heard hand grenades go off in her brain. She made it sound like I was bringing an end to individual liberty in this country. "Now," she said, "can we expect a one year membership for $65?"
After my more elaborate explanation for why it wasn't it good fit for me, I could tell I was wearing her down, like she was a wounded deer in the forest being tracked and growing weaker.
"Would you consider a contribution of $10 to $25?" she asked.
I said, "Well, if you get to point where you start paying me, I'll think about it seriously."
She said, "We can't do that-- unless you're a candidate."
At this point, I nearly laughed. The whole conversation had been so delightfully bizarre. I refused her one last time. She thanked me for my time and then she was gone, my angel from the NRA.
I was left wondering how I'd ever got on their phone list. Hmmm... The state rep candidate I'm volunteering for is pretty much a blue dog and is a lifelong member of the NRA. Could he? Would he? Did he? Hmmm...