Just one week ago I wrote: "I think McCain will win Arizona, no matter what we do at this time. This conclusion is based on what I see here, and yet we are working hard to get more votes for Barack." We did just that, and now we are seeing Arizona as a swing state, with McCain's lead less than 6 points on the electoral maps, and even less elsewhere.
"Sometimes after work I stop at the Obama HQ to see if they need any help. My time is pretty limited- 30 to 60 minutes. That is enough for making some phone calls. I have been calling democrats to send their ballots in, or send their requests for early ballots. The HQ has become very busy since last week. It’s hard to find a parking space, which is a good sign. Everyone is really motivated to help Barack. Some are making phone calls to neighboring states.
This is what I wrote:
The Obama HQ in Phoenix is located in a small house, and another small house that is next door. Lots of activities are going on there. Whenever I am there, it’s like being with friends. I am lucky that the HQ is on my way home from work. There have been a few good experiences in Phoenix, and some bad ones. Arizona is not really very open minded. There are democrats who say "I am not interested in Obama" or just hang up. Some articles in the local newspapers just show how ignorant some people in this state are. I have heard of cars being scratched intentionally by some haters, just because they had Obama stickers on them. My own neighborhood is heavily republican, and it is not easy to find democrats, unless I go to the Obama HQ or rallies or parties to support Barack.
I admit to wondering at times why we are even investing resources in AZ when it’s clear that McCain will carry his home state. However, it is much better to be with people who are motivated, enthusiastic, hard working than those who will just throw in the towel. The good news is the HQ ran out of all the signs, stickers, t-shirts in no time, which just goes to show that for every Obama hater there are many Obama supporters. We will do what we can for the next 12 days and hope Barack wins the general election, even if he loses Arizona. The seeds are being sowed here, for future elections. I feel confident that by 2012 Arizona will be a blue state."
Now it looks like we may not have to wait until 2012. I plan to phone bank this weekend and get the voters out to vote. After hearing how small the margin in his home state was, McCain is going to run ads and he may even make a trip to Arizona before the elections, I am thrilled. Win or lose, we are making a difference. So Go out and Vote, if you have not done so already.