Organizing for America | John W in OC: Wearing my Obama Gear

Post from John W in OC:

Wearing my Obama Gear

By John W. - Sep 7th, 2008 at 6:43 pm EDT

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Among many ways that the RNC convention affected me, I no longer go out without an Obama t-shirt or button on. It definitely stands out in this solidly red county. I'll admit that at first I was worried about being the target of the sort of hatred and bile that the GOP was slinging at their convention.

What I've experienced is quite different from what I expected. Hard line partisans simply ignore me, much as I'd probably ignore someone in a McCain shirt (although I do listen in so that I can call people on any outright lies). In crowds, I get glances but nothing much. But when someone has a chance to talk to me in private, I get praise, fist bumps, or even better yet honest questions.

At an agility trial yesterday I was wearing my Teckels for Obama shirt. Very low key, with a quote from Al Gore on the back ("After the last eight years, even our dogs and cats know that elections matter"). I didn't put it in anyone's face, I just went about my day. People would often ask me to stop so they could finish reading. And while walking the course for one of our runs, I had several people walk past and whisper things like "great shirt", "I love your politics", or "I love that man".

Today while making a few purchases, there was no comment on my Obama button inside the store, but when the salesperson brought my order to my car she had lots of good questions. She gave me her email address so I could send her some more information to share with her husband.

What I've learned is that the most valuable aspect of wearing an Obama button, hat, or shirt is that it invites people to share their support or to ask you questions. I won't be going out in public for the next 57 days without some sort of Obama symbol on me.

I invite you to wear your Obama pins and shirts as you go about your day. You will meet some of your fellow supporters, and hopefully have the chance to educate a low information voter or two.

-- John

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