After a successful campaign ended last week, I have thought a bit about writing about my (albeit minor) role in helping bring about that shocking victory.
A recent diary pushed me over the tipping point.
The most important and influential work we can do in politics is not, in fact, blogging, despite the successes we might see here at Daily Kos.
No, the biggest thing we can possibly do is talk to our neighbors fact to face. It is called canvassing. It comes down to changing hearts & minds, one voter at a time.
How do I know?
This item from Poblano, that's how:
For every twelve voters who you talk to at their doors, one voter goes and votes who would not otherwise have voted.
I was encouraged that I had to go to page 7 of the canvassing tag to find the most recent diary I posted on the subject.
CA-04 McMansionville: Canvassing Red America
Thu Oct 23, 2008 at 12:26:06 AM PDT
Lots of others seem to appreciate its value as well.
This is the kind of turf I too often end up walking:
Endless tract home exurban sprawl. Someday I might even have enough fodder for a small book: Adventures in McMansionville.
On my turf, one time I was at the confluence of Rand Avenue and Johngalt Court. Surely, you jest! you say? Nope.
These are some of the fundiest fundies you will come across anywhere, yet they live within an hour's drive of Berkeley and San Francisco. Shocking, I know.
The challenge of canvassing is not for everyone. There are many obstacles that might push some over the edge. The stuff that comes out of people's mouths can be shocking. I had to set aside the fact that many of these voters are disgusted with Obama, and not shy about saying it.
Focus. It's over 2 years from his re-election anyway.
When you are working on a single issue or campaign, it's best to not get distracted by the offensive remarks made at the door that are not directly related to the cause.
It was worth it.
Duran's victory is a major win for Democratic operatives in Placer County, many of whom backed Charlie Brown in his narrow loss to Republican Tom McClintock in the 4th Congressional District race in 2008. Placer County is one of the most heavily Republican counties in the state.
As I wrote the day after the election:
This basically means a 3-2 majority for left-leaning supes in one of the reddest areas of California. Our campaign manager said "it is the equivalent of turning Orange County blue."
The deft strategy by the campaign, tireless work by volunteers, and the brilliant motto "Taking Our Government Back" was enough to win nearly a 2 to 1 margin in a very Republican District (R +11).
I have had some great times out on turf and met lots of very supportive people. The good doors are the ones which help you move on, if not totally forget about the awful ones.
Getting involved at the most personal level is not only good for the campaign, it gets you out on the streets walking around. Better than sitting at a phone, if you ask me.
Give it a try next time you have a candidate or issue that needs some support. You'll be amazed how many minds you might just change.