I've been calling undecideds in my precinct, and it's surprising to me how many of them tell me they won't decide until they get in the voting booth. I mean, I've been a procrastinator many times, but usually about unimportant things, not my vote!
I like drawing people out, trying to get them to talk about their thought process, and thought I'd share with you some of what I'm hearing at the other end of these calls. I'm going to advocate for my candidate at the end, but I want to be as fair as I can before I get there:
Why people like Hillary:
- She's a woman. That's a really big deal to older women. I think that, unless you've been a victim of discrimination for years, it's hard to take on the mindset of these women. This is really important to them, in a very visceral way.
- She's smart as heck. There's no denying she's been great in the debates. She has details, policies, carefully thought out x-point plans.
- She's "ready on day one." Experience is frequently cited.
- She's vetted. That's another big one. People tell me they want someone who can withstand swiftboating, and figure she's been in the public eye for so many years that whatever might be there has already come to light.
- Her healthcare plan. The only male I found in my calls who supported Hillary said he was himself a healthcare worker, and felt she knew this issue inside and out, having started this battle in Bill's first term.
- She's beat Republicans before. When she ran for the Senate, she had to defeat Repubicans in open races. She knows how to 'get it done.'
What people like about Obama
- He opposed the Iraq war from the beginning. That's huge to people leaning towards or supporting Obama.
- They trust him. They think he means what he says, that he's not telling them a bunch of lies.
- They feel his run is historic, and important. They feel he'll be a new face for America that will raise our standing in the world.
- They like that he's reaching out to Republicans. They think this will stand him well in November if he gets the nod.
- They say he is smart, articuate, and inspiring. Many chose Obama after hearing him speak somewhere - on TV, in person, or vicariously through the report of a friend.
- He'll be "right" from day one. They trust him to bring the troops home the fastest, and not to get us into other unwarranted engagements.
What I say to undecideds
When I get someone who is undecided on the phone, I tell them why I joined the campaign, my key concern.
I'm all about November. I don't think this country will survive another four years of Republican rule without some sort of a breakdown. I chose my candidate because I believe this person has the best chance to win in the fall.
If we are facing Romney, either candidate will do.
If we are facing McCain, however, it really matters who we choose. We need to pick the candidate that will offer the best contrast to McCain's negative features, and similarities to his mosst appealing features.
Yes, McCain has appealing features (to his supporters). These include: Humor. Independence. (McCain has stood up to his own party before. He doesn't feel compelled to 'go with the flow' on some topics.) Self deprecation. And a willingness to work across the aisle when the issue warrants it. He's seen as an independent (which I'd take issue with, but perception trumps reality in such matters). He's experienced.
What don't people like about McCain? He is a big supporter of the war in Iraq. He has an ugly temper (so I've heard - I don't think I've ever seen it). He is, of course, a conservative, Rush Limbaugh's insanity to the contrary. He's old.
Which of our candidates matches McCain in his appealing traits and offers the most positive contrast to his negatives?
I don't feel the need to answer this. I think you're all smart enough to figure this out for yourselves. And yes, I'm looking forward to a victory in California tomorrow.