| Each of Thursday and Friday, I spoke with an undecided voter. Both were 60-ish white women. They both had very real questions based on things they'd read, and the information presented at the debates. Initially, in the first conversation, I pulled out my phone and showed "truth". And what I rely on as "truth" is actually, verifiably, true. For example, the Ryan budget. "But", the question was, "how do I know that what you're showing me is any more true than what Mitt Romney said in the debate?" I didn't have a great answer to that, so I launched into a few quick reasons why I personally support Obama, and the whole Democratic ticket. And that seemed to resonate. I bring this up for two reasons: first, in both cases, I wasn't canvassing, I was just somewhere and had an opportunity to speak to someone I didn't know for a few moments. My question? "Are you all set for Election Day on November 6th?" That simple, and it led to conversations. Point is, talk to EVERYONE. Secondly, there are more undecided voters than I would have expected. These are people who thought they knew for whom they were going to vote, but are confused now. In some cases (and these are not the only undecided voters with whom I've spoken) they are lifelong Republicans who just can't get their heads and/or hearts around Mittens. In some cases, people have been so bombarded with information that they don't have a way to separate the wheat from the chaff. For political junkies, it's all very clear, but it is NOT for low-information voters. This is compounded this year by the sheer amount of lies being promulgated by the GOP - it creates a sense that some things "must" be true. It also presents a great opportunity to those of us who are armed with facts. It also pays to talk in terms of down ballot candidates and issues. Here in PA, bringing up the cuts to education resonates with a lot of people. In Joe Walsh's district, it pays to point out that he believes no pregnant women can die because of "medical science." Ever been pregnant? You know the risks. So that's my screed for today - I'm off to a GOTV practice. What about you? |
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